Relax laws for concealed weapons

I have always been opposed to most of the arguments of the National Rifle Association. A few days ago, robbers confronted an ATM user. He pulled out a weapon and shot one of them.

In old westerns, the sheriff deputized citizens to uphold the law. Why not relax laws for carrying concealed weapons after very carefully vetting all applicants? They should then pass a thorough training class. Ex-service personnel, retired law enforcement members and prison guards should be given preference.

Any would-be criminals would certainly have second thoughts before any felonious action. Sure, there might be more gun accidents, but over all, many more tragedies would be avoided.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 6:05 AM with the headline "Relax laws for concealed weapons."