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Follow Up: IVLP Roundtable Discussions Very Informative PDF Print E-mail
Written by Daniel White   
Tuesday, 03 June 2008

On Monday, June 2, OFCC's Dan White joined with Lorain County Deputy Sheriff Captain James Drozdowski and a Lorain County Prosecuting Attorney to speak with a group of visiting investigative journalists from Bulgaria, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Mexico, and Tanzania who were visiting the United States under the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program.

The topic for discussion was gun control and the issue of school shootings, and OFCC and friends were charged with presenting an opposing viewpoint to the anti-gun opinions heard by the group earlier in the day.

After a brief overview of Ohio's Concealed Handgun License program, we opened the floor to questions and let those questions lead to further discussion.

The questions asked covered many topics, such as:
  • How many guns are Americans allowed to own?
  • Why would anyone want to own multiple firearms?
  • Do you need a permit to buy a gun?
  • Are guns registered in the U.S.?
  • Can you buy machine guns here?
  • Do criminals have machine guns?
  • Could the visitors, as non-citizens buy guns?
  • Is there a black market for guns?
  • Has the Sheriff's Office ever found grenades?
  • How does law enforcement feel about CCW?
  • Does the easy access of guns contribute to school shootings?
  • What did we think were the causes of school shootings and what can be done to prevent them?

Overall, the discussions were very positive and seemed to go well. Capt. Drozdowski gave the visitors copies of Ohio's application for a concealed handgun license so they could see what is involved in applying, as well as a copy of the Attorney General's pamphlet that is required reading for applying for a CHL. The guests seemed very interested in both.

Afterwards, they toured the Gander Mountain store and several of them were intrigued by the firearms displays. They even did some shopping.

OFCC would like to thank the Cleveland Council on World Affairs for inviting us to present our position on the issues, Gander Mountain for use of their Gander Lodge meeting room, and our fellow presenters for making the day such a success for all.