South Carolina Gets One Right on Concealed Carry

The South Carolina legislature passed a bill that keeps private the names of citizens in the state who hold concealed handgun licenses. This is of vital importance given that in other states, liberal journalists and newspapers have had a field-day with publishing the names.

We retaliated right here on The Liberty Sphere by publishing the names, addresses, and phone numbers of columnists, editors, and reporters who were responsible for such a blatantly irresponsible handling of such information--information that put some persons, particularly women who are victims of abusive spouses, at great risk.

The state of South Carolina, I am happy to say, decided to nip in the bud any such trend by making it illegal for a news organization to publish the names of persons who are licensed, legal carriers of concealed firearms.

We congratulate the state legislature for doing the right thing.

Second Amendment News Roundup for 6/28/07

Washington, DC (TLS). Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

Gun Law News has a crucial analysis of 'the Tiahrt Amendment,' which prevents the BATFE from releasing to the public gun trace data:
http://www.gunlawnews.org/Analysis/tiahrt062607-2.html


The Buckeye Firearms Association blasts Sandusky Register Editor Matt Westerhold:
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3821.html

A Keyboard and a .45 has some good news concerning a gun shop that received some positive words from the media:
http://akeyboardanda45.blogspot.com/2007/06/good-job-guys.html

The Jawa Report takes to the woodshed the Sandusky Register and Matt Westerhold:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/188477.php

The Jawa Report has an excellent opinion piece about the so-called 'Fairness Doctrine,' namely, that if this is brought back and applied to conservative talk radio, it should also apply to the mainstream news media:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/188478.php

The Captain's Quarters has some vitally important information on the Fairness Doctrine...apparently the move has been made this week to bring it back in order to shut down conservative talk radio (A MUST-READ!):
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010363.php

The Captain's Quarters also identifies the main players in the House and Senate who are intent on bringing back the Fairness Doctrine:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010361.php

Traction Control posts the infamous 'gang of 64'--the 64 Senators who are pro-amnesty (we do understand, however, that there are already some Republican defectors from this, probably due to pressure from their constituents):
http://tractioncontrol.well-regulatedmilitia.org/?p=484

Snow Flakes In Hell blogs on 'the poisoned well' concerning the bill HR 2640 (We realize some in the community, including the NRA, support the measure. Many others, however, including GOA, do not):
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=926

Armed and Safe provides an update on counties in Illinois that are passing pro-2nd Amendment resolutions:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/latest-county-pro-2a-resolution-update.html

Alphecca reports that the Bloomberg coalition of anti-gun mayors is continuing to fall apart:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=273

Westerhold Fights Back

Sandusky, Ohio (TLS). Sandusky Register's Managing Editor Matt Westerhold is fighting back in the face of a deluge of criticism concerning his decision to publish the names of registered concealed handgun owners in the area covered by the newspaper.

In an editorial in today's edition of the Register, Westerhold takes on the NRA and Ohioans for Concealed Carry in their concerted effort to target advertisers in the newspaper. An unrepentant Westerhold maintains that his decision is 'not about the gun owners, but about government secrecy.'

This makes perfect sense. Suppose he were to publish the Social Security Numbers of all of the citizens in Ohio...information that the government has on record. Would this be a prudent step, given that 'we don't want the government to keep secrets?'

The fact of the matter is that Westerhold as very little logical or legal ground to stand on. He should be fired, and the state of Ohio should pass a measure that makes it clear that such personal, private information should not be disclosed to the public, just as we don't publish everyone's Social Security Numbers.

Click here to read Westerhold's drivel:
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/06/27/viewpoints/register_viewpoints/doc46822c5de594e512678645.txt

And then, click here to read a detailed and delightful rebuttal to Westerhold, provided by Front Sight, Press:
http://www.snubnose.info/wordpress/rkba/westerhold-of-the-sandusky-register-responds-to-outrage-at-the-papers-decision-to-publish-list-of-ccw-permit-holders/

Second Amendment News Roundup for 6/27/07

Washington, DC (TLS). Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

The Buckeye Firearms Association has yet another example of a gun in a gun-free zone:
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3818.html

In case you missed it, The Liberty Sphere posted late yesterday evening the information on Sandusky Register Editor Matt Westerhold, as provided by the Buckeye Firearms Assoc.:
http://thelibertysphere.blogspot.com/2007/06/public-info-on-sandusky-register.html

Snow Flakes in Hell has an interesting take on the assertion by CNN criminal profiler Pat Brown that gun ownership is a 'red flag' to any woman that a guy she is dating is probably a violent psychopath:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=915

Armed and Safe blogs that the easiest and best way to pass gun control legislation is to ignore facts and logic:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/how-to-pass-gun-control-legislation.html

Armed and Safe also reports that a newspaper in Connecticut is pressuring municipalities and county governments to release the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who APPLIES FOR a permit for concealed carry! Read it here:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/update-on-ohio-newspaper-publishing.html

Alphecca weighs in on the shamelessness of the Sandusky Register:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=269

Alphecca also shows that when the tables are turned, the mainstream media suddenly turns against the 'freedom of information act' they hide behind:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=271

The Bitch Girls report that when ordinary citizens begin taking an interest in pending legislation, and holding their representatives in Washington accountable, the politicians can turn nasty:
http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7010

Traction Control has the list of turncoat pro-amnesty Republicans, as well as a few Dems that claim they are against amnesty but whose votes show otherwise:
http://tractioncontrol.well-regulatedmilitia.org/?p=483

Cap'n Bob and the Damsel has the demographics of citizens who oppose the immigration compromise bill, as well as info on a new website dedicated to the security our borders:
http://capnbob.us/blog/2007/06/25/secure-borders-blog/

Captain's Quarters has information on an underhanded scheme to slide in an amendment to the immigration bill that further benefits illegal aliens:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010348.php

The Volokh Conspiracy blogs on the latest ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the free speech rights of underage students:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2007_06_24-2007_06_30.shtml#1182830987

A Keyboard and a .45 has some great info on preparing to take a new shooter to the range:
http://akeyboardanda45.blogspot.com/2007/06/new-shooter-going-to-range-with-me-read.html

Say Uncle has a link to a neat looking 'stealth rifle case':
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/06/26/stealth_rifle_cases/

Public Info on Sandusky Register Managing Editor

Sandusky, Ohio (TLS). The Buckeye Firearms Association has posted the following information on its website concerning the public records of Sandusky Register Managing Editor Matt Westerhold.

Westerhold is the one who approved the plans to publish the names of concealed handgun owners in the area of Ohio covered by the newspaper.

In order that all parties involved have a level playing field, journalists as well as gun owners, we will publish Westerhold's address and property information, which can be found in county courthouse records, all of which are open to public inspection.

'According to Public Records: Editor Westerhold owns 322 Deepwood Lane, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Matt purchased this house on April 28, 2005 for $124,900 and borrowed $123,920 from Union National Mortgage Company to finance the purchase.

'It is not clear if Matt actually lives in this house, because he claims a residence in Sandusky, Ohio.

'Interestingly, this picture appears to show Matt’s blue 2003 Chevy Tracker in the garage, license plate # DA*3816 (*redacted for privacy concerns). Matt was operating this vehicle on September 1, 2006 in Oberlin when the Ohio State Highway Patrol pulled him over for speeding. Matt was cited for failure to wear a seat belt and was warned about his speed.

'It is unclear from the public records if his status as a member of the MSM played a role in the warning versus a citation for speed, and unlike concealed carry license holders, no quarterly reports are forwarded to the Attorney General on the number of MSMs who violate Ohio’s laws and/or have their driver’s license suspended or revoked.'

Read the complete story here:
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3819.html

LIBERTY ALERT! Update on Sandusky Register

Washington, DC (TLS). As reported on The Liberty Sphere yesterday, the Sandusky Register in Sandusky, Ohio has published the names of registered concealed carry gun owners. Not unexpectedly, the move has created a firestorm of controversy raging across not only Ohio but the entire country as citizens express their outrage at such a cavalier and unprofessional display of news reporting.

Word comes today that Ohioans for Concealed Carry, one of The Liberty Sphere's preferred sites, is organizing a massive campaign to contact the advertisers that utilize the Sandusky Register to urge them to withdraw their ads.

The Liberty Sphere has also received word that a group of legislators in the Ohio Legislature is considering amending the laws that allow these types of breaches of privacy to happen.

One legislator is openly calling for the Register to dismiss its managing editor, Matt Westerhold, for making the decision to publish the names. Westerhold has a history of doing this sort of thing, thus exhibiting an outright disdain for gun owners, at other newspapers where he has worked in the past.

Two important links are found below which will take you to Ohioans for Concealed Carry. These links will update you on what the organization is doing in light of the Sandusky Register debacle, as well as provide you with information on how to contact each business that advertises in that newspaper.

Here are the links:

http://www.ohioccw.org/content/view/3897/83/

http://www.ohioccw.org/content/view/3896/83/

Second Amendment News Roundup for 6/26/07

Washington, DC (TLS). Here is today's Second Amendment News Roundup:

The gun-rights blogs have been all over the story from Sandusky, Ohio about the Sandusky Register's publication of the names of registered concealed carry gun-owners. Front Sight, Press actually broke the story this morning. On that tip, The Liberty Sphere dug into the particulars and published the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of the publisher, the managing editor, and the newspaper itself.

Here is a sampling of what some fellow gun-rights bloggers had to say about this blatant attack on those who exercise the right to concealed carry:

From Front Sight, Press:
http://www.snubnose.info/wordpress/news/sandusky-register-publishes-lists-of-ccw-holders/

From Say Uncle:
http://www.saysuncle.com/archives/2007/06/25/another_paper_publishes_a_list_of_handgun_carry_permit_holders/

From the Jet Pilot:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/06/erie-county-concealed-carry-list-l.html

From Armed and Safe:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/ohio-newspaper-publishing-names-of.html

The Buckey Firearms Association has a complete analysis of the Register's publication of the story, and info on the fallout which has already started (this is a MUST-READ!):
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3816.html

In other news of interest to the firearms community:

Alphecca blogs on another useless gun control law in Connecticut:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=266

Alphecca also reports that Jessie Jackson was arrested at the gun shop protest on Saturday:
http://www.alphecca.com/?p=265

The Bitch Girls report on a proposal to allow professors to carry guns on campus in Nevada:
http://www.thebitchgirls.us/?p=7003

Snowflakesinhell publishes the text of the new gun control law in Connecticut, and says it's worse than what we thought:
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/?p=909

The Jet Pilot has an important FIRST amendment alert:
http://ajetpilot.blogspot.com/2007/06/first-amendment-alert.html

Armed and Safe reports that Great Britain may not be the safe haven from crime that people think, considering it is supposedly gun-free:
http://armedandsafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/yeah-thats-example-i-want-to-follow.html

Captain's Quarters has the results of a Rasmussen Poll on the immigration compromise bill:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010346.php

Captain's Quarters also has ample evidence that the Democrats are worried sick about a potential Fred Thompson candidacy:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010347.php

Traction Control has this VERY timely reminder from one of the Founding Fathers:
http://tractioncontrol.well-regulatedmilitia.org/?p=482

The Ninth Stage has a report and pictorial on a 'steel safari':
http://ninthstage.com/index.php/2007/06/25/steel-safari-with-photos/

LIBERTY ALERT! Paper Publishes Names of Gun Owners

Sandusky, Ohio (TLS). The Sandusky Register in this Ohio town has become the latest in a string of newspapers to publish the names of registered concealed carry gun owners (hat tip to Syd at Front Sight, Press for the news tip).

As we have stated repeatedly in the past, there is no doubt that such lists are, for the most part but not entirely, a matter of public record. Therefore, news outlets can legally publish the names, depending on how the laws are written in that particular state.

The problem is with the wisdom and prudence of doing so.

Lots of things are matters of public record, but prudence forbids their being published. This is a no-brainer when it comes to concealed weapons.

Most of the people who carry registered concealed weapons have good reason for doing so, such as those in dangerous occupations, and women who are hiding from abusive ex-spouses. Publishing these names can place such persons in mortal danger.

In the past, we have called for lawsuits against these newspapers for that reason alone.

In addition, we have urged readers to contact the advertisers in these newspapers to complain, and if necessary, to urge them to withdraw their ads from those publications.

We have also been known to publish the names, addresses and phone numbers of the publisher, editors, and reporters who have a hand in publishing the names of concealed carry gun owners.

Here are the address and phone numbers for the Sandusky Register:
314 West Market Street
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-625-5500
800-466-1243 (Toll Free)

Here is another interesting tidbit:

'EDITOR'S NOTE: The decision to make the lists available to readers was made by the Register's managing editor. All inquiries should be directed to 419-609-5866 or mailto:mattwesterhold@sanduskyregister.com

And this:

Doug Phares, Publisher
419-609-5860
dougphares@sanduskyregister.com

We also understand that an attorney has already begun contacting the names published on that list to begin initiating a class-action lawsuit against the Sandusky Register.

As always, The Liberty Sphere will keep you posted for further information.

Here is the story (which may become evidence in a court of law) of the published list of names:
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/06/25/front/319418.txt

ANOTHER NEWSPAPER PUBLISHES GUNOWNERS

Iowa City, Iowa (TLS). The Iowa City Press-Citizen has published the names of those holding permits for concealed carry in Johnson County, Iowa, one of the worst areas in the state for violent crime.

Press-Citizen reporter Mike McWilliams wrote a feature story on citizens who carry concealed weapons, which overall was fairly presented. However, that story contains a link to a list of every citizen in Johnson County who carries a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

As we have stated many times before on The Liberty Sphere, this is a most despicable practice that compromises the safety and security of law-abiding citizens who carry guns--particularly those who live in highly criminal-infested areas such as Johnson County, Iowa.

It is difficult if not impossible to ascertain any good reason to publish the names, other than the overt anti-gun mentality that exists among so many in the Press. There is no better way, in their view, to punish law-abiding citizens who believe in their 2nd Amendment rights than to attempt not only to shame them but place them in mortal danger by publishing their names, addresses, and phone numbers.

The Liberty Sphere has an ongoing policy of doing the same thing to rogue newspapers, editors, and reporters who display such obvious disdain for private citizens.

Mike McWilliams of the Iowa City Press-Citizen can be reached at phone number (319) 339-7360 and at email address mmcwilliams@press-citizen.com. Another number for Mr. McWilliams is (319) 337-3181, ext. 636.

The publisher of the Press-Citizen is Mike Beck, and he can be reached at (319) 337-3181, extension 340.

Jim Lewers is the Managing Editor, and he can be reached at (319) 337-3181, ext. 428.

Click here for the full staff directory:
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=contact

We are calling on the Iowa City Press-Citizen to take down the list. Also, information on the residences, phone numbers, and property dimensions from courthouse records on staff members of the Iowa City Press-Citizen will be forthcoming. Advertisers in the newspaper should also be contacted by subscribers to complain about the list and to inform the businesses that if they continue to advertise in the paper you will no longer do business with them.

Supporters of citizens' rights in this country MUST keep the pressure on newspapers who engage in this outrageous practice.

Roanoke Times Will Not Re-Post List

Charlotte, NC (TLS). In a statement released Wednesday, the Roanoke Times newspaper in Roanoke, Virginia stated that it would not re-post the list of owners of concealed handguns. The announcement came in response to word from government officials in Virginia that the list did not contain the names of protected persons.

Thus, while the Times is apparently in the clear with regard to running afoul of state law, the newspaper stated that it would not republish the list of gun owners, citing Christian Trejbal's initial story as 'merely an example of freedom of information.' Stating that it did not intend to target a group of private citizens maliciously, the Times contends the objective of Trejbal's article was met and there is therefore no need to re-post the information. The Times had removed the list under threats of legal action and questions concerning the legality of publishing some of the names.

However, when one reads Trejbal's editorial column, the nature, tone, and tenor of the rhetoric is clearly hostile to gun owners, in spite of the newspaper's claim that the list was merely published as an 'example of freedom of information.' Such a claim would be credible were it not for one major, central factor--Christian Trejbal's own words in his editorial column. The list must be viewed within the context of the writer's own words.

Within that column, which is a matter of public record, Trejbal makes several statements questioning the prudence of private ownership of handguns. In addition, he states that citizens in Virginia 'have a right to know if their neighbor is packing heat.'

Excuse me, Mr. Trejbal, but who says so? Law abiding citizens minding their own business have no legal obligation to disclose to anyone they are carrying a gun in the United States of America. It is called liberty, and it is protected in the U.S. Constitution under the provisions of the Second Amendment.

In refusing to condemn the practice of Christian Trejbal in attempting to shame and target gun owners, the Roanoke Times has continued to make itself vulnerable to multi-million-dollar lawsuits brought by those whose security and personal safety were compromised by the publication of that list. The lame excuse that Trejbal was merely giving an example of freedom of information, when he essentially compared gun owners to child molesters, is reason enough to totally dismiss their explanation.

Now that Trejbal has opened this can of worms, the 'freedom of information' to know which citizens are carrying concealed handguns may be very shortlived. Legislators in the state of Virginia have asked the state Attorney-General for an opinion, which many observers say is a signal that the next legislative session may pass a law protecting the privacy of such information.

In the long run, Trejbal and the Roanoke Times may have done gun owners a big favor.

In the meantime, the citizens should continue to cancel their subscriptions and talk to their attorneys about legal action against Trejbal and the Roanoke Times.

Update on Roanoke Times-Christian Trejbal

Charlotte, NC (TLS). The Roanoke Times newspaper and its editorial writer, Christian Trejbal, are apparently up to their eyeballs in an explosive controversy over the publication of the names and addresses of registered owners of concealed weapons in the state of Virginia.

Stating that the citizens of Virginia 'have a right to know if their neighbor is packing heat,' Trejbal proceeded to use his column in the Roanoke Times to list the names and addresses of gun owners.

In a late-breaking update to this story, authorities state that not all of the information Trejbal made public was authorized for public scrutiny. This means that whoever helped Trejbal gain access to the information he published may have broken state law. And in turn, this would also mean that Trejbal broke the law as did the newspaper that published the information.

As we reported Tuesday afternoon on The Liberty Sphere, the actions of Trejbal and his newspaper may place them wide-open to multi-million-dollar lawsuits. Publishing the names of persons who have a right, affirmed by the state of Virginia, to carry concealed weapons is a breach of personal security. Had I been one of the citizens named on that list, I would have made a bee-line to my attorney's office to sign the paperwork for such a massive lawsuit myself.
Since The Liberty Sphere published that story late Tuesday afternoon, reports indicate that the Roanoke Times has been inundated with an avalanche of phone calls, emails, and text messages from irate readers concerning the publishing of the names. There is also widespread talk of cancellations of subscriptions to the paper.

Apparently the outcry of the citizens is being heard. The Roanoke Times took down the posted list of gun owners from its website. But before it took this action, the damage had already been done. Hundreds, if not thousands, of readers had already seen who was on that list, including some powerful politicians in the area. One reader even found her own name on the list for all to see--a female who lives alone.

My friends, this is a call to action. As we have already advocated on The Liberty Sphere, gun owners should track down and publicize the personal information of news reporters and newspaper editors who engage in this despicable practice of attempting to target and shame gun owners. The property information of every single person in America is available to the public at the county courthouse of their residence. This should be made public and posted on the Internet. That way, whenever a hot-shot 'reporter' decides to conduct a vendetta against gun owners in the name of journalism, we will fight back by putting THEIR information online for all to see. Tit for tat.

In addition, readers of the Roanoke Times should immediately call the paper and cancel their subscriptions. Did I mention we can put newspapers out of business too?

I am also calling for persons whose names were published by The Roanoke Times and their rogue editorialist, Christian Trejbal, to consider taking legal action in the wake of having your personal security compromised by the tasteless, despicable, and deplorable actions of a newspaper and a columnist. You do not have to take this sitting down. You have legal rights.

And if someone in the government of the state of Virginia helped Christian Trejbal and the Roanoke Times to break the law by publicizing names that should not have been made public, then every single person involved in this scandal should face the full consequences of the law.

Shedding Light on Roanoke Times and Trejbal

Charlotte, NC (TLS). Yet another newspaper has decided to conduct an anti-gun campaign by publishing the names and addresses of registered owners of concealed weapons.

This time the culprit is the Roanoke Times and its editorial writer, Christian Trejbal.

Trejbal used the opportunity posed by so-called 'sunshine week,' which is supposed to highlight the fact that government activity should be open to the public, to publicize the complete names and addresses of private citizens who own guns.

He may well find himself in the midst of multi-million-dollar lawsuits, as gun owners pressed the Times to take down the information due to 'security concerns.'

The fact that publishing the names and addresses of gun owners compromises the security of private citizens should be a no-brainer. Apparently not when it comes to the Roanoke Times and its numbskull editorial writer, Mr. Trejbal. Did he actually think that he could get away with this breach of privacy? Sure, the records are available at the courthouse, but this does NOT mean it is advisable or prudent to publish them. If my name had been included in the database the Times published, I would be at my attorney's office TODAY doing the paperwork for a massive lawsuit against both the Times AND Mr. Trejbal.

The Liberty Sphere takes such attacks on our 2nd Amendment rights very seriously. The last time a news reporter engaged in such an attack we published that reporter's name, address, phone number, and gave a complete description of his property, including its complete dimensions--information that is ALSO available to the public at any county courthouse.

Perhaps someone should return the favor to Mr. Trejbal. If he has the unmitigated gall to do such a dastardly thing, then we can surely get all of his 'private' information and publish it all over the Internet. What's good for the goose is surely good for the gander.

And let the media beware. We are not playing. Continue with this sordid attempt to shame and harm gun owners, and you will find that YOUR information will be blasted all over every search engine online. Property information is PUBLIC information that is entered into courthouse records. Any citizen who asks can gain access to it.

So beware, my dear news writers. You could be next.

Read the original editorial by Trejbal here:
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/trejbal/wb/108160