This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Re "Senate OKs concealed-gun bill, sets showdown with Utah guv" (Tribune, March 14):
I am shocked and upset by the passage of HB76, which would allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.
As a citizen, I am frightened not only by the obvious safety issues but by the message this bill sends to the rest of the country (Welcome to the Wild West) and its effect on commerce and tourism.
Why foster an environment where people feel the need to carry a weapon in public, concealed or otherwise? Is Utah so dangerous that this is necessary?
Utah is not a dangerous place to live, which is why people choose to live and visit here, spending millions in tourism and recreation. We may lose some of that revenue because this bill suggests Utah is so dangerous and unfriendly its citizens need to carry weapons.
Utah's reputation for ridiculous legislation will skyrocket. Do we really want to suggest to the world that Utah believes watching someone prepare an alcoholic beverage is more dangerous to society than carrying a weapon with no permit?
Gov. Gary Herbert: Please do the right thing and veto this bill.
Jacqueline Pullos
Salt Lake City