English 1105-24
Professor Baumgardner
7 April 2014
The Right to Conceal and Carry A young woman driving home from a friend’s house on a winter evening hits a large pot hole in the road. After she pulls over to the side of the road, she exits her vehicle and discovers that she has a flat tire. She now realizes she is stranded in an unfamiliar neighborhood at night. After calling for help she sits in her vehicle and waits for the tow truck to arrive. Suddenly, a strange man pounds on the glass and pulls at the door handle trying his best to make his way into her car. Without hesitation, the young woman quickly opens the glove compartment and grabs her Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm handgun and aims it directly at him. He immediately runs away, leaving the young woman without harming her. The young woman in the story above was not harmed because she had a conceal and carry license and was able to defend herself without actually harming anyone. A conceal and carry license allows an individual to carry and use a licensed handgun in many locations, including a vehicle. Conceal and carry has been and will continue to be a heated debated among many individuals. While there are many pros and cons, having the right to carry a concealed handgun is a great way to protect oneself and even save a life. In order to obtain a conceal and carry license one must complete many steps including the education and training requirements provided by the state in which they reside. In order to obtain a conceal and carry license in the state of Ohio, proof of competency certification must be provided (Ohio’s 8). This is done by presenting a certificate of completion of a firearms safety course that was offered or approved by the National Rifle Association (Ohio’s 8). One may also provide a certificate of completion provided by The Ohio Department of National Resources or a document that shows the applicant is or at one time was a member of the armed forces,