Armed and dangerous | 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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

I agree with Jerry Johnson ("Back to the Wild West," Forum, Feb.21): "If I saw anyone openly carrying a weapon it would only signal that I may need to protect myself and my family" from "escalating consequences."

To assume that people will use common sense and behave themselves while "packing heat" is absolutely ludicrous. One only has to ride the bus (I'm sure legislators don't) to witness disorderly conduct on a daily basis.

My son, his wife and their 4-year-old were at the West Valley Harmon's. Directly in front of them in the checkout line was a large man with a cowboy hat and a gun on his hip. He was raising his voice to his wife, who was intoxicated. He was visibly angry and used expletives.

My son picked up his son, and he and his wife headed for the nearest exit.

Mary C. Barnes

Salt Lake City