Apparently the sheriffs in the great state of Iowa have an inordinate amount of power.  Among other things, they can determine which blind person will be issued a gun permit.
Most of those applying for a gun permit as blind people say that it is for target shooting.  None of them say that it is for the purpose of suicide or murder, as far as can be determined.  In my own case, which I assume is generally reflective of other blind people; they probably cannot even see a target, much less whether they pierced it at the right level to earn them a point.  But in any case, it appears from news reports that in at least 50% of the cases in which blind people applied for gun permits in Iowa, they were granted.  And nearly all of them say that it was for target practice.  None of them, as I can recall from the article in the Des Moines Register, say that it was for self defense.  In this case, first the intruder would have to be identified and then there would be the torturous process of getting the gun from the holster in time to shoot the intruder.
Iowa is a nice state adjoining my traditional home in Missouri.  Iowa, up to this point, has been distinguished by the thought that the first primary in the presidential election season is held there.  It has been a state that every aspiring politician wants to be seen in.  There is another fact in that the name of Iowa is pronounced in many fashions.  In one case, there is the pronunciation of I-o-way.  For myself, I tend to call it Iowa.
This comes under the heading of things you ought to know.  If you go through Iowa, there is a possibility that you might find yourself shot by a blind man.  I can assure that a shot from a blind man hurts just as much as a shot from a sighted man.  At least that is the way it worked in World War II.  So add this to your list of restrictions and remember to always behave yourself while you are in the great state of Iowa or Ioway.
 
E. E. CARR
September 18, 2013
Essay 786
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Kevin’s commentary: Duly noted.  I guess maybe some people are legally blind but can see somewhat with aid. I’m not aware if there is a clinical distinction between full-out-nothing and just really, really bad vision.