According to the gun owners, “The issue [of carrying concealed weapons] serve(s) as a powerful microscope under which to examine other underlying philosophies.” That is absolutely correct.

Clearly, for Charles Hardy and other members of his organization, the only issue involved in any decision relates to guns. Could it be that Judge Hilder actually thought about anything else when he made his ruling? Little items like risks to student and faculty security, their right not to be threatened by the bearer of a concealed firearm, and, oh yes, the laws of the state of Utah come to mind.

I hope that Gov. Jon Huntsman will look carefully at the nominees to the Court of Appeals, and will appoint a judge who is capable of resisting the pressure of fringe organizations, one-issue pressure groups and wild-eyed ideologues, and of making thoughtful, common-sense judicial decisions.

That Judge Hilder has so visibly demonstrated that capability can only be a point in his favor.

Alan D. Eastman

Salt Lake City