I’m sure I wasn’t the only one reading the two lead stories in the April 8 edition of The Salt Lake Tribune who found it ironic that one of the lead stories was about the increasing interest that women have in getting concealed carry permits while the other big story was questioning why Utah has such a high rate of youth suicide.
Firearms are used in almost 50 percent of youth suicides and are the most common method of suicide in the 10-to-17 age range, according to the Utah Department of Health. The vast majority of those youth who use a firearm to commit suicide get it from home.
Gun advocates vigorously defend a citizen’s right to possess a gun, but there needs to be an equally vigorous campaign highlighting the right that our children have to live in a safe environment. I applaud women who want to take control of their lives, but I hope they realize the gravity of their decision to bring a firearm into their home.
John Merryweather, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible