Editor:

In his column, (“Gun love fueled by fear,” April 22), Jonathan Deesing commented on a quote from President Barack Obama: “When read in the proper context, his quote explains that when people mistrust or have become disillusioned with their government, they turn to guns and religion.” Obama’s and Deesing’s implication is that this is a bad thing. That’s why people are offended.

Those who receive a concealed carry permit have not been convicted of a felony, a crime of violence, an alcohol or narcotic related offense, an offense of moral turpitude, an offense of domestic violence or been adjudicated mentally incompetent by a Utah or U.S. court (unless that judgment was overturned).

People’s “asinine” fears are based on the fact that the vice president helped write the Assault Weapons Ban, the White House Web site says he would like to reinstate the ban and make it permanent, and statements that suggest the administration isn’t pursuing that goal only because they don’t think it would pass.

If you don’t want to carry a gun, fine8212;don’t. Just know that the people who go through the process to legally carry one are no threat to you.

Dave Sohm,
Senior, Mass Communication