West Virginia already allows open carry without a permit. A permit is only required for concealed carry. What Dew was referring to is the push in the state legislature to eliminate the permit requirement for concealed carry.
Personally, I think the permit requirement should stay, with some changes. Firstly, the $100 fee is outrageous and is nothing more than a money making scheme. On the flip side, I think the permit requirement should extend to those carrying open as well as those carrying concealed, and should require at least a safety training course.
If I had my way, any carry permit would require at least 40 hours of training and a marksmanship test. Unfortunately, that would lead to "training courses" popping up everywhere and charging exuberant prices for the course. In my "perfect world", the State would schedule courses in every county and charge a reasonable fee to attend. The course would be uniform across the State and only State certified instructors could teach. Also, annual training certifications should be met. For instance, at least 8 hours of annual training in handgun safety and marksmanship to keep safety at the forefront, or maybe classes on when or when not to pull your weapon could be offered.
Topics covered must include the ramifications, both legal and emotional, of using your weapon in self defense.
I strongly believe in an armed public, however it should be a well trained public. A permitted idiot with a gun is still an idiot with a gun.
By the time Dew is carrying, she will be well trained.