imported post
Sorry guys long reply, This is what I sent her in return.
Rebecca
Yes I am the one who cannot get a permit, not because of my criminal record (which doesn't exist) but because of my age.
As for the quick point, did you interview Steven Gunn? Yes I understand that you quoted someone from the Open carry side, but did you interview anyone from the Open carry side?
I do not believe that Open carry creates a quandary for police, as those who Open carry have taken it upon themselves to know the laws pertaining to their activity, and they know the applicable laws better than most law enforcement officers. Also, since Open carry is not an illegal activity, it is not grounds for the police to stop or even question a citizen. That is the thing that we are trying to change. We are not trying to force anything on anyone.
Concerning Open carry frightening people, I have had overwhelming positive experiences with the general public Openly carrying. And even if it did frighten people, then I would not stop Carrying. The fact is that I have a right to keep and bear arms, emphasis on Bear, but I do not have a right to not be offended or frightened, therefore my right trumps the privilege to not be frightened. Just as you and I both have the right of free speech. Which we are both excercising right now.
Personally, I disagree with your article, but I am glad that you are excercising your right to free speech. You have said that you like shooting Glocks, that is great, excercise your right to keep and bear that arm. Though I don't know if I would go as far as saying there was any euphoria attached to it.
I would just like to be able to arm myself as I might, without being unlawfully hassled. And I mean arm myself within reason. If I wanted to scare people I have a few rifles that might scare some people, though I would expect to get harassed then.
As far as why I feel that I need to arm myself, I think that a picture attatched to this e-mail may be more effective. The photo attatched was taken April 11, 2008 the day my daughter was born. When I first met my daughter, I was so worried about her getting hurt, worried that she would be okay. When we took her home three days later, I would go into her room and check her temperature quite often. And at one point, I started to think, she needs me, and she needs her mom. I need to do everything in my power to make sure we both come home every day. I have been through two very nasty divorces, and can only imagine how much worse it would be for a child to lose a parent. The divorces were hard enough.
When the time comes that I can get my concealed carry permit, I will then be carrying my weapon fully loaded as opposed to "Utah unloaded" as defined by U.C.A 76-10-502. I will also then have the option to conceal, and I will at appropriate times. I will continue to carry Openly the majority of the time, as it is more comfortable. Also at that point, I will not have to avoid school zones, as I have to right now. It's kind of a pain.
Sincerely
Jeramiah McDonald
