Unveiling some reality on concealed weapons

I read an article in The Press some time back where Concealed Weapons Permits (CWPs) are on the rise in Kootenai County. Because of a recent encounter (not an incident), I hope to set the record straight just in case some of these "anti-gun" fanatics may try to twist everything around and claim that us Idahoans think we live back in the "Old Wild West" days.

On my way inside one of the local businesses, a person noticed I was carrying a firearm before I had the chance to conceal it and asked me if I planned on "packing" it inside. Since this person came across in a derogatory manner, I wanted to say "I'm a proud American and a native of North Idaho who enjoys my Second Amendment rights, and if anyone has a problem with it they can move to another state or to another country for that matter." Instead, I was a better person and politely replied that I have the necessary qualifications, and in the state of Idaho a person (with no serious convictions) is allowed to open-carry. In other words, I attempted to reassure this person that I was one of the "good guys."

I also mentioned (but did not elaborate) that a great responsibility comes with carrying a firearm and having a CWP. First of all, the State of Idaho and the Sheriff's Department doesn't just hand out CWPs on a silver platter. A person must have qualifying credentials, along with a background check by both the state and the Feds. It took about three months before my application was "finally" approved - no complaints, but talk about hurry up and wait.

Secondly, once the permit is issued, that's when the responsibility "really" begins. As a CWP holder, I can only use a firearm if I can prove I was in fear for my life or for someone else's - not as a means of threat or intimidation.

Third, Idaho may be a "Second Amendment-friendly" state, however it is NOT a "vigilante" state - the law frowns heavily on these morons who try to take the law into their own hands.

Finally, if I should ever get convicted of a felony or of a crime such as a DUI or domestic battery, I might as well kiss my CWP goodbye. Not to mention that I almost learned that lesson "the hard way" many years ago.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to recite or quote the law in any way. However, if I don't know enough to abide by it, then I have no business carrying a firearm or a CWP in the first place.

I am proud to be an American who served my country (4.5 years active duty), as well as I am proud to be an Idahoan. I know we don't live in a perfect country or state; however, I also know through my military experience there are much worse places in the world to live. And though I may be wrong, I'd like to believe there are fewer "gun-wielding wackos" here than there are in other states because at least these idiots are "smart enough" to know that here in Idaho, Idahoans RETURN fire.

Robert F. Mitcham is a Coeur d'Alene resident.