Utah Concealed Weapons Permits Debated

While the Supreme Court ruling is in the news again this week, another story making headlines is Utah’s permit process, which allows out of state residents to get concealed weapons permits. Of course, and as expected, not everyone is happy about this. So here is a recap of some coverage.

In writing for the Huffington Post Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign offers a slanted take on what this means. He offers a commentary that no doubt is meant to strike fear into other liberals who don’t understand all the facts. Among the most infamous statements:

“Utah is issuing concealed weapon licenses — by the thousands — to people willing to pay the mere $65.25 fee. You don’t have to live, or ever set foot, in Utah to get the license. These licenses are recognized as valid in more than 30 states, most of which, wisely, make it harder for dangerous people to legally carry a hidden gun.”

The logic on the surface makes sense, but then when we think about it… why does a dangerous person need a permit? This suggests that dangerous people actually think of such things. It is the same logic that suggests criminals will follow gun laws. Pure nonsense!

Of course we wouldn’t expect Helmke to actually talk to anyone about it. But fortunately National Public Radio did interview someone who probably knows a thing or two about the Utah law, Clark Aposhian, a former chairman of Utah’s Concealed Weapons Review Board. And regarding the law, it is interesting to note that Aposhian clearly describes the purpose of the aforementioned permit:

“We’re not giving them a permit to use the firearm, we’re giving them a permit to conceal a firearm and that is it.”

Again, for reasons that escape us, the anti-gun crowd seems to think a permit is some sort of James Bond “License to Kill,” and this isn’t the case. A permit doesn’t make an individual dangerous, anymore than keeping the permit from someone makes a dangerous person less so. Criminals will commit crimes and most of the time permits and such don’t matter to them. Plain and simple!