I have had my pistol permit for some time now. On one hand, Judge Richards was too strict on the restrictions; on the other hand, no course was required. Now that he is out of office, his sports restriction is destined to be removed but with a new restriction, a pistol safety course.

For new pistol owners, such a course would certainly not hurt. But for experienced pistol owners, I ask, why? In my case, I am a retired military office and federal agent. I carried a pistol for over twenty years for military and law enforcement matters.

My federal credentials state that I was authorized to carry a concealed weapon. I had more training than most every day pistol owners probably will ever have.

I have to take a safety course? How about I bring my retired federal credentials with me to the office? Will that do?

This seems to me to be a case of nerves in allowing pistol permits in general.

Dr. Steven Gilbert

Canton