Getting your permit in Iowa isn’t a political statement—it’s a practical one. It’s about saying, “I’m an adult, and I’d rather have the option and not need it, than need it and not have it.” Sure, you might feel like a total goober the first time you strap on that holster, and you’ll probably check your reflection in every store window for a week. But that’s okay. That’s part of the journey.
So, go take the class, get your fingerprints done, and fill out that form. Then, buy a good gun belt—because the cheap ones are like flimsy shoelaces—and join the millions of Iowans who just want to feel a little more ready for whatever life throws their way. Just remember: no drawing at the dinner table, even if your mother-in-law asks about your new job.