May 17, 2008Discuss Saturday's editorialsShort takes |
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May 17, 2008
Discuss Saturday's editorials
Short takes
Quick views on some of the week's news.
Recreation in a recession
Bedford County supervisors figure it's about time they came up with a fresh master plan for parks and recreation. Maybe that's not worth the about $50,000 they plan to pay an outside consulting group, but the plan itself is overdue.
Read more.
Comments
[May 17, 2008 1:31 PM]
Ed S.So we have a short take on concealed carry reciprocity where the editor apparently has a basic lack of understanding of the subject.
Before I post factual information, with references, on why most people would say the Utah permit process is "more stringent" than Virgina, could the writer (or one of the editors) perhaps explain the reason they believe it is less stringent?
I'd like to believe that the article was written based on research and knowledge rather than "I heard it from a friend of a friend" type stuff.
[May 17, 2008 4:56 PM]
Dan RadmacherWell, where to begin, Ed?
Utah doesn't require you to be a resident of the state to get a concealed carry permit. All you need is a firearms instructor to sign off on your application - the standard of competence is completely up to them.
[May 17, 2008 9:54 PM]
Ed S.Dan, Virginia doesn't require residency, either. Non-residents apply through the state police (http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_NonresidentConcealed.shtm)
I'm not sure where the information that "the standard of competence is completely up to [the firearms instructor]" came from. According to the Utah BCI web site, concealed permit "Applicants must complete a firearms familiarity course certified by BCI." (http://bci.utah.gov/CFP/CFNewApp.html)
Utah training guidelines outline the minimum training required (http://bci.utah.gov/CFP/TRANGUIDELINES.pdf).
Note that the Utah training requires covering applicable Utah concealed carry laws.
In contrast, VA accepts any NRA training course (excellent courses, btw), hunter education/safety courses approved by DGIF, or honorable discharge from the armed forces.
Apparently Virginia believes the Utah requirements are up-to-snuff, as Virginia and Utah mutually recognize each other's permits.
Why allow the residents of other states into Virginia if we cannot trust them to defend themselves? (Perhaps a visa program is in order?) Until more states follow the Vermont and Alaska lead, I think recognition is a good step.