I'm gonna say it and I don't care what gun nuts think...

[TeamsterDem]

13. In most states a CCW requires some training and a background check

It's obviously not as rigorous as the training the military or law enforcement receives, but it is more training than the average gun owner is required to have.

When I was younger I had a CCW. We had to show that we were at least proficient with the firearm we were licensed to conceal, firing from a multitude of stances and being required to achieve a minimum score in terms of shots on-target and also several written exams on the law and reasonable defense scenarios. I'm not suggesting it to be rigorous, all-inclusive training, but it does at least show proficiency with the gun.

I gave my CCW up because I realized I didn't need it. Actually I always felt more scared with it because I kept thinking "Oh God please don't put me in a situation where I need to use this thing." It didn't take tremendously long to figure out that I was putting myself in more jeopardy (at least mentally) by carrying it than without it. I've been without my CCW for 10 years now and I'm much more at peace than I ever was with it.

That said, there are people who are better served carrying a concealed weapon such as diamond brokers, undercover security agents, and people who live in dangerous areas. There's nothing inherently wrong with the idea of concealing a weapon if you're appropriately licensed to do so. As is always the case, the nutjobs who have no business near weapons - the Rambo types - are the ones who ruin it for the responsible folks. Zimmerman clearly did not possess the character to responsibly conceal a firearm (let alone own one), but he isn't the majority of gun owners or CCW holders.