On May 22, 2014, The Journal Gazette published a HEADLINE story titled "Guns a go for GOP Convention". A seemingly innocent story on it's face until one looks into the truth of it.
I would like to believe it was a case of bad reporting or perhaps the editorial staff trying out a cub reporter who does not understand a basic journalistic premise, "verify your sources."
I wrote a letter to the editor that will NOT be published at my request following their phone call to me to verify authorship. I requested my letter to be published ONLY if it remains intact without editing. The Journal Gazette declined.
I have written letters in the past to them and as always, they edit hard.
Editing for brevity is one thing; but when editing changes the tenor of the authors intended meaning; well..that is nothing more than censorship.
I made a simple request to see the edited version of my letter before going to press.
They declined I guess they are too busy seeking letters from stupid people who don't mind hard editing and coming off looking like idiots in the eyes of the reader.
Something I did not expound upon in my letter to the editor was their irresponsible use of the words
GUN FREE ZONE
Their use of these words leads the uninitiated reader to a false sense of security. Far worse is a announcement to the unthinking criminal element "hey, no guns at the Embassy or Parkview Field..might be some opportunity here."
These "so called" gun free zones are mythical in the state of Indiana. These signs empower criminals.
Consider where most violence is perpetrated by criminals? That's right; where they feel their odds of success are best; like schools and theaters.
Be sure to thank the Journal Gazette for announcing to the bad guys that here in Fort Wayne there are places they may perpetrate violence without fear of a legally armed good guy stopping them.
Keep in mind, this was the front page headline lead story...
Here is my letter to the editor in it's entirety:
_____________________________________________
Your headline story in the May 22 JG "Guns a go for GOP convention" is a glaring example of poor reporting; misleading facts and a lack of research coupled with a glaring anti gun position the Journal Gazette seems to embrace.
I suggest your reporters read Indiana Code 35-47-2 for factual Indiana gun laws rather than relying on unnamed sources and Mr. Bart Shaw.
Indiana law is clear where a licensed gun permit holder may and may not carry a gun. For those not inclined to read the law; a school, certain government buildings such as court houses, the jail and River Boat Casinos.
Further; you state The Embassy Theater and Parkview field are "Gun Free Zones", yet your story does nothing to define a "Gun Free Zone," leading readers to believe it is illegal to carry a gun at these locations.
Indiana has nothing in it's laws that mention gun free zones. They are a myth constructed by anti gun liberals.
While it is the right of any privately owned business to post signs indicating guns are not allowed, these signs carry absolutely no force of law.
Carrying a gun at these places is NOT a crime.
The owners of a private business may ask me to leave if I violate their "no guns" policy. Not complying with their request to leave could invite trespassing or disturbing the peace charges if one refused to vacate the premises.
Possessing a firearm would not be a included charge if one refused to vacate the premises.
I refer you to Indiana Code 35-47.11.1-3
The state of Indiana has a "Firearm Preemption Law" which states no political subdivision, city or municipality may enact or pass laws or ordinances that are more restrictive than current state law.
Lastly, I would enjoy hearing why this story made your headline?
It is evident the Journal Gazette has adopted a anti gun posture.
Should those of us who are Republicans steer clear of the convention for fear there might be guns there?
Was that your intent?
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