Back to Wild West | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Legislature is considering a bill by Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, that would allow open carry of firearms. HB268 "provides that … merely displaying a dangerous weapon in public without other behavior is not disorderly conduct." What on earth are they thinking?

I have a concealed-weapon permit, and I carry my weapon when I feel there may be a concern for safety. If I saw anyone openly carrying a weapon it would only signal that I may need to protect myself and my family.

I do not see any reason whatsoever for a law-abiding citizen to openly carry any firearm. This may cause a stressed-out concealed weapon permit holder to overreact with unintended and escalating consequences.

I hope the Legislature will not take us back to the Wild West.

Jerry B. Johnston

Sandy