| Ohio Gubernatorial Hopefuls on 2nd Amendment |
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| Written by Daniel White | |
| Saturday, 09 September 2006 | |
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The Dayton Daily News recently ran the answers to a survey they presented to the two top contenders for the Ohio Governorship, OFCC endorsed candidate Ken Blackwell(R) and Ted Strickland(D). Both candidates are on record and being pro-gun and in support of concealed carry in Ohio. Their answers on many of the questions were very similar, and at times identical. One question in particular, though, gave cause for concern. When asked "what is your view of the Second Amendment?", the two men gave very different answers. Strickland's response was, "I think it is a part of our constitutional system that keeps us a free people. It is something I take seriously and have throughout my political career." While seemingly a very pro-gun statement, it does leave itself open to interpretation. It could, in fact, be seen as having underpinnings of some of the main arguments used by anti-gun forces. It is, possibly by design, a politically neutral statement that says a lot without really saying anything. Is it the right of the people? Or just the militia? Does the ability to personally defend ourselves against criminal attack what keeps us free, or is it the military and militia that accomplishes that task? How does he take it seriously? Does he believe in it personally, or know that being publicly against it will hurt his political career? Many politicians realize that while being anti-gun can no longer be counted on to win you elections, it certainly can cause you to lose them. Blackwell's answer had no such ambiguity, "I support the Second Amendment right of every law-abiding Ohioan to keep and own firearms for hunting, personal protection and any other lawful purpose." The statements in principle are right there, with no beating around the bush. "Right of every law-abiding Ohioan" and "hunting, personal protection and any other lawful purpose". That second part knocks out another tactic the anti-gunners take when they try to ban firearms by claiming they have no legitimate sporting purpose. The Second Amendment isn't about hunting, and Blackwell knows it. Since Strickland's statement truly is open to interpretation, it could go either way. Perhaps he really is on our side. Ohio gunowners might get a chance to find out on November 7th. Will Blackwell become Governor and leave Strickland's true feelings to remain a mystery? Or will we get a chance to see if Strickland is another Bob Taft, who claims to be in support of gun rights, only to double-speak himself out of that support once the election is over? |