It is alarming and embarrassing to learn that Utah has become a concealed-carry gun permit mill ("Utah weapons permits a hot commodity, but are adequate checks in place?" Tribune, Aug. 5).

Alarming — because Utah is authorizing unsupervised out-of-state instructors to issue Utah concealed-carry permits that are valid in more than 30 states, and some instructors rubber-stamp permit applications, thereby arming citizens nationwide who may be unprepared for the responsibility.

Embarrassing — because the policy is reckless. If we are unwilling or unable to regulate the permitting process, we shouldn't be doing it.

The lack of sensible permit reciprocity agreements among states is a problem asking for a national solution. It is an irony that those who feel the need to carry concealed weapons are generally the same people who are inclined to distrust our federal government. Go figure.

Allan Smart

Salt Lake City