Oh, I have my Washington CWP now, from when I was living in Kennewick before I shipped off to Baghdad. It is still good, but I doubt I will get back there soon enough to renew it. Yep, got my first Washington state CWP when I was 21. Had one ever since. Never a problem getting one. I always put down as my reason for wanting to have one "for personal safety" and was never challenged or rejected for it.

Now that I am a travelling man, I must resort to other means. You're right, though. Those otherwise law-abiding citizens across the country who conclude that packing illegally is better than the alternative are increasing in number.