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Concealed weapons

The Feb. 21 story "Concealed-weapons bill moves ahead in Missouri House" (2/21, Metropolitan) was interesting and informative.

However, I'm not sure why there is so much concern about the number of hours of training that may be needed by someone who may receive a concealed firearms permit.

In Vermont, a resident may simply carry a concealed firearm provided it's not for a criminal purposes. There is no permit requirement.

And in fact, Vermont has for many years been consistently recognized as one of the safest states in which to reside as measured by crime statistics.

Apparently concealed firearms permits and hours of training for such are not a factor in making Vermont a safe place to reside.

Andy Ford
Portland, Maine