First, it’s good to be home. We did a 2600 mile trip through New England for our honeymoon and it was great.
Except for Ohio. I have a special, somewhat irrational, dislike of that state. Perhaps I just can’t let go of Toledo?
Nah, that’s not it. Seems like every time I stop in Ohio I see a “no firearms allowed” sign somewhere. In Michigan, and plenty of other states, it’s only a trespassing charge if you refuse to leave the area. I find this to be a nice balance between private property rights and my fundamental human rights.
For instance, if you pump some gas and go into the station to pay and see a “no firearms” sign when you go to pay, you can ignore it and just remember never to visit that place again. In Ohio you’re a damned criminal if you proceed* to pay for your gas. Heck, you might even be a criminal just for driving onto the property armed the way I read the official sign’s wording.
On this trip I discovered something new: The one state funded rest stop we stopped at was posted as a no firearms zone. I presume all the others are too. How the Hell does that work? I’m driving down a highway controlled by the DOT, pull off into another DOT controlled area, and BOOM: I’m a criminal if I’m still carrying.
What asshole came up with this idea? You want me to try and stow a firearm while driving down the fucking expressway or something?!
I did find it interesting that the privately owned rest areas on the tolls roads were not posted. You know, the areas where there are 7-8 businesses, a gas station, scads of people, etc. They don’t seem to see any reason for turn away CCWers there.
The yokels running the shitters and pissers? Well… can’t have any guns near that kinda high dollar stuff I guess.
*: The last time I was in Ohio was probably 2004 or 2005. I went to Cedar Point with some friends. On the way out I stopped at a gas station, pumped my gas, went to walk inside, and saw the dreaded “no firearms” sign. Wasn’t carrying, but it still irked me. Largely because I’d have drove by the damned place if I knew. What’s worse is there was a uniformed cop right in front of me in line with a pistol on his hip. So much for “no firearms.” Plus there was the fact that I had a Kalashnikov in my luggage at the time. I’m not exactly “Seal Team 6″ material but I’m pretty sure a sheet metal sign and Officer Sparky wouldn’t have kept me from knocking the place over.
Oh I agree with you in regards to Toledo. I had issues with them 3 years ago when I could only cary the pistol with a 10-round magazine. Speaking of laws.. Since packing.org is no more, is there a new site that states CCW laws for states? I’m travelling to Indiana next weekend and I’d like to bring my sidearm.
Home rule is now gone….they also have amended the government property law you can carry in a park or rest area but can’t enter any gov. building with it. Dumb I know but is better than before. Toledo is not allowed the 10 rnd ban any more now that home rule is gone…..