Armed to make point | The Salt Lake Tribune

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It is interesting to see people openly carrying their guns in public places. In Utah, a person with a concealed-carry permit may carry a loaded gun unconcealed in public.

Many people without permits only carry unloaded weapons.

That brings to mind the photograph a few years ago of former state Rep. Carl Wimmer, in the chamber of the Utah House of Representatives, with his pistol strapped to his waist.

Now comes a photo of a veteran of Afghanistan with his assault rifle on his back in a local department store ("Photos of man shopping with rifle at Utah J.C. Penney go viral," Tribune, Jan. 18).

Both said they did this because they have the constitutional right.

Is this the best way to make your views known?

It reminds me of members of a particular church group who openly demonstrate at funerals of veterans to voice their disapproval of war, or people who burn flags to make their views heard.

These activities are protected by the Constitution, but there are more appropriate and effective ways to voice one's concerns.

Tom Day

Salt Lake City