Armed residents clean up
Effort aimed at promoting awareness of right to carry armsBy WARREN SCOTT, Staff writer
Article Photos
STEUBENVILLE - To participate in a cleanup on the streets of the Labelle neighborhood, about a dozen residents brought not only rubber gloves and plastic garbage bags.
They also brought handguns, which they kept in holsters worn around their waists - some in plain view and some not - in a move they said was aimed at promoting awareness of laws allowing Ohioans the right to carry firearms in public.
Wayne Johnson, a resident of Belleview Boulevard - one of the streets where the group worked - said under state law, anyone may carry any gun they have the right to legally own.
He said Ohioans may not carry a concealed weapon without a permit, which may be obtained after undergoing a 12-hour training program and criminal background check.
Asked why someone would want a permit to carry a concealed weapon if they could carry an unconcealed weapon without a permit, Johnson said laws establish that carrying a weapon in one's vehicle constitutes concealing it.
"If you have a loaded magazine in the car, it's considered a loaded weapon," Johnson said, adding that without the permit "it's a hassle."
He was asked if his desire to carry a weapon is spurred by safety concerns or the wish to express his Constitutional right to bear arms.
Johnson said the answer is both. He said he doesn't expect to use his weapons, but he carries them as a precaution.
"We have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. We don't plan to use that. We're not looking for trouble, but it could find us," he said.
Johnson said he doesn't believe an increase in people carrying concealed weapons could lead to more mishaps or acts of violence involving firearms.
He said those who have obtained concealed carry permits "are already disposed to obey the law. Where mass shootings have occurred, the individuals didn't have a license. It didn't stop them from shooting."
Johnson said the cleanup was announced through an Internet forum called Ohioans for Concealed Carry. He said other events, including a picnic at a Cleveland park, have been held through the informal group.
He said the purpose of the cleanup is to change perceptions on those who carry concealed weapons.
"We're normal, helpful citizens. Just because you carry a firearm doesn't make you any less the kind of person you'd meet in a Wal-Mart or on the street," Johnson said.
In an earlier interview he said the cleanup was spurred by an incident in which neighbors called the police because they had seen him carrying a weapon.
According to City Police, Johnson was walking with his wife, who had a concealed weapon, and children and was asked by a city patrolman to conceal his weapon also to avoid causing a disturbance.
Officers who reported on the matter said they were aware of Johnson's right to carry a firearm but advised him "the potential existed for an unneeded confrontation due to the area he was in."
Travis Hunt, a Wintersville resident participating in the cleanup, was asked if neighbors should report suspicious activity.
"I encourage everybody to report suspicious activity in this day and age," he said.
But Hunt said people shouldn't be concerned about those who have obtained concealed carry permits.
"You rarely hear of people with concealed permits committing gun crimes," he said.
Hunt said he carries a concealed weapon to protect his children, teaches them about gun safety and keeps his firearms locked up at home.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
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M1Gunr
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07-03-09 1:49 AM
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Washington State members of OpenCarry have adopted a section of I-5 near Tacoma. We pick up trash on a monthly basis. We even have a 4 foot orange sign that proclaims "Armed Litter Patrol Ahead" with a pic of a pistol at the bottom. Check us out at OpenCarry dot ORG in the Washington Forum section under adopt a highway.
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wjohnson
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06-29-09 10:16 PM
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Dottie: The purpose of this event was not posturing. Some people are genuinely unaware of their right to openly carry a firearm. The event was intended to help educate these people, not threaten you. If anyone was on your lawn, I apologize. We were not trying to invade your privacy. The event began in front of my house, a very reasonable place to meet and pick up litter in my neighborhood. I own and carry a firearm for two reasons. First, it is my right to do so as a free man. Second, I have a duty to protect my family. I choose to carry a firearm myself rather than surrender the safety of my wife and children to the police. I am sorry for the loss of your relative in the line of duty, and I am grateful for the service of the policemen in our neighborhood. God bless! Wayne
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pvtmoon
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06-29-09 5:53 PM
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The Johnsons are not allowed to invite people to their neighborhood?
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pvtmoon
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06-29-09 5:31 PM
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Dottie's comments seem to be racist as she refers to white men with guns. This is not about black or white it is about the constitutionally affirmed right to self defense which is shared by all citizens. I do not believe any of the people in the trash pickup have been involved in the shootings on La Belle or Pleasant Heights of the past decades. Anyone? And they will likely not be involved in any such thing because they are law abiding citizens. Their presence is not a reason for fear but more a reason for peace and relief.
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Cavanaugh
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06-28-09 11:46 PM
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Dottie What is being said here is a DEBATE not a fight. Stay safe R.T.C.
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Cavanaugh
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06-28-09 11:43 PM
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Well just to say I was at this event and also took some photos so I guess I am the scary white guy with the camera and I am from Winterville so I would not call that out of the area. and my wife once lived to the great city of Steubenville lol...Go Big Red I reviewed the photos and just wanted to point out that only one guy had mirrored sunglasses on. And again it was not me but like I pointed out I do drive a truck. So I guess I am only part scary..... stay safe all. R.T.C.
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skydivesue
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06-28-09 9:21 PM
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By the way, good story and kudos to the reporter. Hopefully, this story got picked up by other news services and gets national attention.....
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tcphs1
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06-28-09 9:12 PM
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We were there because the police officers were ignorant of the law. This "Bozo" grew up in Jefferson County and most of his family lives there. Why did you avoid my question about the book? Let me get this straight; we broke the spirit and the meaning of the right to bear arms by bearing arms? Wow!!!
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skydivesue
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06-28-09 9:11 PM
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Your community is not happy with the way things are. Have you missed the fact that shots are being fired near or in your neighborhood on a near weekly basis. Your neighborhood is a public area and the cameras and newspaper were called there for the purpose of making it known to everyone....to educate... There's no reasoning with you, Dottie. I guess I'll chalk it up to "everyone has a right to their own opinion. Speaking for myself: Give me a big ole white guy with mirrored sunglasses and a big ole pickup truck any day of the week. That's my kind of man!!!
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Lthrnck
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06-28-09 9:07 PM
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Well she has totally lost it.. she's ranting and not making any sense now.. You guys might as well not waste anymore time. Look at her post.. she doesn't think her street is public. What's being Catholic got to do with any of this. I have seen this many times no sense trying to reason with an unreasonable person.. she's reacting totally out of fear and emotition and will not respond to logic. The rest of you great job, wish I could have been but medical condition prevented me from come. Hopelfully the next time we can get 20 or 30 people. The movement is growing and no matter what Dottie38 thinks it will continue to grow. People are tired of being victims and they are starting to listen. There has been Open Carry events of all kinds all over the country. Dottie38 you might want to Google that and see we are not alone.. Good luck everyone.
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dottie38
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06-28-09 9:00 PM
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Out of respect for my husband who doesn't want me to fight with people like you all, I will not be coming here again or talking about this. I just think that you have made me feel less accepting of this right instead of more supportive. And I was supportive BEFORE you dd this. You failed. I'm done.
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dottie38
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06-28-09 8:55 PM
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And you may keep the law but you twist the law. You break the spirit and meaning of the law and of the right to bear arms. You make life for reasonable, people with common sense more difficult because you can and because you need to feel important.If the community is happy with things as they are, WHY are you here?
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dottie38
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06-28-09 8:52 PM
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Downtown is a public city street bozo. This is a quiet, peaceful Catholic Community. It's so obvious you didn't want to educate but intimidate or you would have asked us before you came here to "help" us. I swear it is like talking to Archie Bunkers!!!!
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tcphs1
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06-28-09 8:43 PM
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Dottie: This should have taken place in public. What is more public than a city street? So basically if I found a book you were reading on your porch offensive, and I took a poll of your neighbors, and they too found it offensive, then you shouldn't be permitted to read your book on the porch. Bottom line is you are complaining about law abiding citizens engaging in lawful behavior.
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dottie38
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06-28-09 8:27 PM
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who knew about this or supported it. I;ve talked to 7 families and 6 out of those were angry. The other didn't say yeah or nay. All support the right and at least 1/2 have guns in their home at this time. After reading the articles and watching the video, they didn't feel this was a good idea and did not want it to happen here. None of them (the 6 families) thought it was very responsible. So I am not alone. If you REALLY want to promote education and our rights, do it some place public, take off the glasses so we can see you, and show a little understanding. You have rights to feel safe, I do to and you walking around with a gun exposed does not make me feel safe. Oh, only 2 families of the 7 didn't know the Johnson's were carrying guns daily. Of those 5 all felt it was their right and fine for them to do so, but they didn't want the gun exposed if the Johnson's are walking with them. Since you say it was for educational purposes, I thought you'd like to know these things.
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dottie38
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06-28-09 8:14 PM
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That could lead others to feel intimidated and come after us. WE didn't do it, a bunch of people from out of the area did it. 4.So you are saying the police here don't do their jobs and are afraid of the bad guys? I don'tknow about the police here. I do know that 2 relatives of mine who were on the police force in Dayton were very good men who risked their lives, one of them losing it due to gang activity. He may not have had a legal obligation but he did his job. And I find it hard to believe that there are no good police officers in Steubenville. Maybe this doesn't bother me because I am not afraid to die or to lose all my stuff. It;s all just stuff. I would not want my children to be hurt.I think that is why I don't like this. I didn't know my children were playing around guns every day. They ddn't know it either. Even the teens thought they were just funny fanny packs. We feel betrayed. And one last note. I have talked to the neighbors and have yet found anyone who knew
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dottie38
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06-28-09 8:03 PM
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1. I was not afraid of them or the children but I was the men. Generally speaking the sunglasses they are wearing are worn so you can't communicate clearly.They intimidate. I just think the women are silly.Let me put dowm the diaper bag, switch baby to the other hip and then beware! I'm gonna shoot you. 2.Did I say I didn't have a gun???? Did I say I didn't know how to use one? I can't imagine killing someone but I did find rabbit quite tasty when I was younger. Honestly, I couldn't shoot them, my dad did. But I can shoot a gun. I just don't need to let the world know. 3. Well, when I was growing up and the ultra conservative sisters taught me, they told me I had rights but with rights come responsibility adn when you aren't responsible, you don't deserve to have the right.And you also are responsible if your actions lead someone to sin. People who don't even LIVE here, come up and start walking around with guns give the impression we on Belleview are doing this.
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Lthrnck
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06-28-09 6:45 PM
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4. The police have no legal obligation to protect you or any of your family.. Think about that before you put all your security into the Police.
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Lthrnck
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06-28-09 6:43 PM
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Dottie38, 1.You keep saying "those White men, with sunglasses. I watched the news, you know I bet the WOMEN who where at that walk, are not happy your calling them men. 2. The police response time across the state is about 5 minute I think.. What are you going to do for that 5 minutes while your waiting for the police to get to your house and the guy is wailing on you with a club... Oh wait.. your not going to have to worry about the police.. they won't show up... you won't be able to get to the phone.. you'll be knocked out or dead by then. Just remember the response time starts after you make the call to 911, that's if your able to make the call. 3. Your can yell "Fire" in a store.. If there is a fire. You can even yell "Fire" if theres not a fire..If your willing to suffer the consequences of your actions. But wait if you do that then lets just take away you 1st Amendment rights so you can't do that anymore. 4. The Police have no legal obligation to
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dottie38
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06-28-09 2:27 PM
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oeaceful and educational is usually done in a public place where more people can be educated. This was ignorant posturing and don't think for one minute I didnt "grasp" what was being said. I live here. IT wasn't about rights it was about insecure people trying to push their ideas on me. I have no trouble with people having guns and carrying them. But I don't want to see them.I don't want you coming to my neighborhood showing off so you can feel big and tough. I have the police to protect me, I don't need you. Go clean up some place else.
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ladywindrider
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06-28-09 12:43 PM
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Perhaps some of the confusion comes from the manner in which this event was discussed in the Herald Star. The caption reads 'while wearing holstered handguns in an effort to promote awareness of the right to carry a concealed weapon.' This was to make citizens aware of the right to open carry in Ohio and should not be confused with the right to conceal carry a handgun with proper training and licensure. Too many people are ignorant of their own rights, these people took time out of their busy lives in order to educate the community.
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ladywindrider
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06-28-09 12:35 PM
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Dottie, this isn't a race issue, this is an educational issue that you fail to grasp the meaning of. Yes, this is about responsibility and these people acted responsibily. They have completed safety classes and are far less likely to rob, injure, or intimidate you deliberately than those who do so with illegal weapons. I get that you were scared but it was by your own doing, not theirs. There was a notice regarding this issue in the paper, do not blame others if you failed to understand the meaning. Peaceful education about one's constitutional rights. If you were scared they were there to educate you to decrease your fear, did you take advantage or simply hide in your home?
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dottie38
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06-28-09 11:35 AM
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I went to your site, the OFCC and I read what you people wrote about over the rhine. You people were joking about going there and specifically said you want to go, "2 WHITE GUYS, CARRYING YOUR GUNS FOR ALL TO SEE AND A CAMERA." That has nothing to do with rights and everything to do with intimidation. You make me sick. You have free speech but you can't hollar fire in a crowded building. It;s called responsblity. And yes, those type of men DO scare me at the mall and if I knew they had a gun I would not go to the mall. As far as those who fight for my freedoms and safety, I grew up down the street from Wright Pat Airforce base adn my husband works for the Air force. I know they support me and I know THEY never carry to intimidate American citizens. They don't have to intimidate because they are sure of themsleves. The same with the police who protect me daily. I don't need wayne to protect me, I have the police. Thank you.
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skydivesue
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06-28-09 10:51 AM
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Also, Dottie, I don't mean to beat up on you, but your neighborhood is not peacefully happy. Shots are being fired up on the hilltops on a regular basis. Your neighbor, Mr. Johnson, is trying to keep you safe, peaceful and happy, so you can open your blinds and enjoy a beautiful day in your neighborhood. He and the others who participated in the community cleanup are trying to show you that your neighborhood can be a peaceful place to raise a family. Lord knows that Steubenville needs that reputation back again. You should be thanking those people profusely. The people firing those shots are using illegal weapons, carried in an illegal manner, because they are probably felons already. Law abiding citizens who want to carry a weapon, should take a course on how to use the weapon properly and when and if they should use it. There are legal ramifications to consider, should you have to use it.
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ladywindrider
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06-28-09 10:44 AM
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I find it interesting that an adult would be threatened by people in big trucks and mirrored sunglasses driving into their neighborhood but would not feel the same in a different situation. For example the same people parked next to you at the mall. Would you have felt less threatened had they arrived on 10 speed bikes or compact cars? I find it interesting that anyone in this day and age would want anyone to not excercise their rights when we have so many in the militray fighting, dying, or being severely wounded in order for us all to do so. This was an educational awareness event in order to enlighten people of their constitutional rights keeping in mind this all started from a misunderstanding of these same rights. Unfortunately education is only as good as those who will open their minds to the opportunity and actually learn the information. These people were not threatening others they were merely trying to create an educational opportunity for our community.
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