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Senators Pushing To Allow Concealed Weapons in National Parks

May 2nd - 20:40pm | Handyman

As a veteran in a wheelchair I always carry my concealed weapon because you just never know who wants to do you harm. This includes are national parks. I have very few options if me or my family were in danger. I wish I lived in Lone Hikers world but I dont I live in reality.

Congressman Calls for Full EIS of Proposal to Allow Concealed Carry in America's National Parks

May 2nd - 20:36pm | Anonymous

The entire 2nd amendment reads as follows: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." If you're going to quote it, quote all of it not just the parts you like.

May 2nd - 14:21pm | RangerTyler

"soceity that functions for the common good" Hmm. But the Bill of Rights was established not for the so-called "common good", but to protect individual rights from infringement by the federal government. "It one reads our Constitution carefully, without objectivity, you will discover that the intent and structure was based around a vision of socialistic government."

May 2nd - 10:26am | Lone Hiker

What people seem to very conveniently dismiss is that both the"rights" of the individual and of the group cease when they infringe in a dangerous, malicious and potentially harmful manner on the existence of society as a whole.

May 1st - 18:04pm | JoeSF

Mr. Grijalava is a proud former member of La MEChA and an open borders advocate. Given the dangers that exist along the Arizona Border including this congressman’s 7th district I feel it is safe to assert that law abiding citizens would be crazy not to be armed in the back country there. While I respect Mr.

May 1st - 16:40pm | RangerTyler

"geared toward pacification of special interests" I don't see defending civil rights and the Bill of Rights as a "special interest". Do the members of this site refer to the outcry at the NPS's proposed ban on assembly on the National Mall a "special interest"? Is the First Amendment--and its guarantees of freedom of the press and assembly--a special interest?

May 1st - 16:25pm | Fred Miller

Good point. Places like you mention are no places for guns. None needed. They all have metal detectors and security guards. The backcounrty I'm talking about does NOT. My point is that if you aren't taking EVERYONE'S gun, don't try to take MINE.

May 1st - 16:01pm | Rangertoo

Pro-gun advocates commenting on this issue seem to forget what national parks are. They are not all Yosemite. They include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ellis Island, the home of Frederick Douglas, the Washington Monument, Lincoln's home, and similar sites. Do you really want people carrying guns into Ellis Island or Independence Hall?

May 1st - 15:48pm | Fred Miller

I'm not sure I would use the term "backbone". A recent survey showed that 73% of the American people think the right to bear arms is an INDIVIDUAL right. To deny me my God-given right to defend myself is not "showing backbone" It is criminal and immoral.

May 1st - 15:42pm | Fred Miller

"Election-year pandering"? When is the Congressman up for re-election? Sounds like he's trying to get his name in the news if you ask me.

May 1st - 15:42pm | jsmacdonald

Got to speak out for my gang back in DC. Please stop confusing the politicians with the people of the city; they already don't have any representation from those bozos (whatever way the saw cuts).

May 1st - 15:10pm | Anonymous

Thank God someone in DC has some sort of backbone.

May 1st - 14:47pm | Fred Miller

Well said Kurt. I'm composing a slightly more intelligent response now. I'll post it later.

May 1st - 14:28pm | Lone Hiker

I don't believe my eyes. A member the ruling elite openingly identifying this pitiful maneuver of legistlative pandering as nothing short of electioneering geared toward pacification of special interests? From a Western state no less. And a LIBERAL to boot! What's this world coming to.......his term must not be up anytime soon!

May 1st - 14:25pm | Kurt Repanshek

That saw cuts at least two ways, Fred;-)

Another Park Study Approved

May 2nd - 14:19pm | William H Braunlich

Dear Editor Repenshek and National Parks Traveller Bloggers:

Groups Sue To Overturn Removal of Greater Yellowstone Wolves from Endangered Species List

May 2nd - 13:57pm | Lone Hiker

Nobody is suggesting the solution is simple, or even black and white. One side states that the lands were given to us by the governing body for this expressed purpose. The other side states that you knew better when you undertook you're money-making endeavor.

May 2nd - 12:51pm | Justin Forte

SAVE THE WOLVES, BOYCOTT BEEF!

May 2nd - 09:31am | Anonymous

Anonymous, your snide comments doesn't merit much sense. I have met a few like you, it's all about guns, bullets and booze with the slogan "a huge gut pile is a happy hunter". In Yosemite we have the decline of the mountain loin which enhances the deer population to explode...another words, the predator-prey ratio is all screwed up.

May 1st - 22:36pm | Anonymous

It is perfectly legal to kill wolves that leave the park and threaten livestock. After all, all you environuts were warned that this would happen, and now you're cryin...and you're probably eatin' a fat juicy steak while you're cryin.

Apr 30th - 15:20pm | Betty H

Bob, you seem to be an ethical hunter and I am so glad there are a few of you left out there ! Wish I could share a beer with you ! Hopefully before we kill most of the great predators AGAIN, mankind will wake up and appreciate what makes our great wilderness and wildlife so very special and precious.

Nevada Barr’s Next Park Novel: An Unauthorized Preview

May 2nd - 12:19pm | Rick Smith

Bob-- What I like about Anna and her ranger colleagues is that they talk like real rangers. The dialog rings true to my ear. Rick Smith

May 2nd - 11:06am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the info, Doug. Being with husband Paul implies that Anna will be at Natchez Trace Parkway in the next novel. Bingo! :o) The park visits answer is very interesting. Ms. Barr lives with her husband in New Orleans, so scheduling a visit to a park in that vicinity should be pretty convenient for her.

May 2nd - 10:33am | Doug Cook

I heard Nevada speak at a book signing of Winter Study in Washington, DC on April 7. While she graciously signed my book, I asked her two questions: 1. Was Anna going to be with her husband, Paul, in the next novel? She said Yes as Anna was getting tired of celibacy.

May 2nd - 08:48am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the feedback, Debbie. I agree that the Anna Pigeon books can be read in any order without undue confusion, though it's best to read them in chronological order if you can manage it. There's a classic rule of thumb that applies to reading materials that are published in series and contain dated or "perishable" content.

May 2nd - 08:13am | Debbie

I didn't have the benefit of reading her books first to last. I found her books by accident and have picked one up every time I run across it. I have skipped around, but still thoroughly enjoyed them. I think that Ms. Barr does a good of providing enough background and insight into Anna Pigeon's character in each book to allow you to enjoy them independently.

May 1st - 10:07am | Bob Janiskee

Since you're an experienced Nevada Barr reader, Debbie, maybe you could provide some advice for newcomers. Would you recommend that a newbie read the 14 books featuring ranger Anna Pigeon in chronological order, from first to last, or would it be OK for her/him to start with the most recent one (Winter Study) or perhaps any book in the series?

May 1st - 09:10am | Debbie

Thank you for this article. Love the Nevada Barr novels I have read and look forward to finding others. We listen to books on CD driving into the night to get to our vacation destination (usually a NP). No better company than Anna Pigeon when driving into the night! We really enjoy the insight she gives into the inner workings of the park system that the average tourist never sees.

Traveler's Top 10 Picks For Movies Involving National Parks

May 2nd - 11:07am | Tad Lyford

I suppose including TV shows opens another can of worms, but I'll go for it: "Nash Bridges", with Don Johnson and Cheech Marin had a couple of seasons filming at San Francisco Maritime NHP. I was a ranger there for those years, and it was rather odd to see the likes of Willie Nelson, Tommy Chong, and Tracy Lords wandering around on Hyde Street Pier. Charsimatic megafauna? Hmm.

Critics: Changing Gun Laws in National Parks Would Open a "Pandora's Box" of Problems

May 2nd - 10:48am | mike n

If a person wants to carry in a park for protection it should be legal. If i shoot an animal illegaly I should be punished. If I shoot an animal or criminal(one in the same) then justice is served I will always have the right to defend myself and loved ones no matter what the poloticians think.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Won't Ban ORV Use, But Will Restrict Travel

May 2nd - 09:44am | Anonymous

I guess, it means a little bit of oil leak on the beaches but not a whole lot...with less ORV's. Regardless how you look at this issue, wildlife still gets the short end of the stick. Wish we could resolve this issue the way Aldo Leopold would...with better "land ethics"!

May 2nd - 08:56am | Anonymous

Duh! Why not click on the links? Anyone following this issue knows exactly where CNHS is. Hint. It's in North Carolina.

May 2nd - 07:00am | Anonymous

Lets see, and Cape Hatteras is where? I believe it’s in Maine but I’m not sure. Neither does the writer of this article, as he doesn’t seem to want to tell us. Very poor, vague article, not very informative. Sorry.

Segways in the National Parks: Do We Really Need Them?

May 1st - 23:56pm | Bob

"It seems that you'd have to watch the trail constantly rather than lifting your head and eyes to view the sights around you on a bike trail. No?" No. Why don't you try it before forming an opinion? Do you constantly watch the ground when riding a bike? "What's the point of it?"

National Parks Traveler Launches User Forums

May 1st - 13:21pm | Rick Smith

Joe-- I was impressed by the many Australian rangers whom I met at the International Ranger Federation's World Ranger Congress held in Wilsons Promontory NP in Victoria, Austrailia. They seemed to have their heads screwed on right. It was an impressive group. You made a good choice.

May 1st - 12:21pm | Joesf

Rick

Interior Officials Want to Allow Concealed Carry in the National Parks

May 1st - 09:42am | NoGunsInParks

For those who argue that people who hold a permit for concealed carry are "well-trained in the use of a gun," check this article out: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20031009/ai_n10028946 I'd hate to meet any of those folks carrying a gun in the Everglades!

Apr 30th - 17:32pm | Random Walker

RonC I love ONP also. I see bear (up close even) about every backpack. Try the east side tree line meadows late summer during blueberry time. Could be early fall this year (?) I'll be out there for sure! IMHO carrying a weapon for fear of bear and other critters, into Our National Parks in the lower 48 is just silly. HYOH!

Apr 30th - 14:58pm | Fred Miller

The point has been made that a gun probably won't protect me from a bear. I don't carry because of the bears. I carry for the same reason John Steadham carries: to protect myself and my loved ones. My primary concern is to encounter a snake, either the kind that slither, or the kind on two legs.

Apr 30th - 14:54pm | RonC

A bit more reading... http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20031009/ai_n10028946

Apr 30th - 14:42pm | John Steadham

One carries a gun in a park for the same reason one carries it anywhere else . To protect yourself and loved ones. not just to kill something.......DUH

Apr 30th - 12:59pm | RonC

Eric, I will! It will be Olympic National Park this summer (err if the snow ever melts!). What an awesome place. I actually saw a black bear two years ago. I was disapointed in the picture (I prefer shooting wildlife with a camera for sure.) But he was just too far away.

Apr 30th - 12:48pm | Eric

Thanks RonC, It will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds, above all have fun and enjoy the wonders of our beautiful National Parks as I will continue to do no matter what happens!

Apr 30th - 12:48pm | RonC

Here is the original petition.... http://www.vcdl.org/pdf/VCDLPRM_010408.pdf

Apr 30th - 12:38pm | RonC

Eric, I was not trying to ge personal. My attempt at a little humor I guess did not come across well and for that I apologize (You have heard that bear joke right?).

Apr 30th - 12:09pm | Eric

RonC, Why get personal? I don't have an 8 year old daughter, I do have one on the way and I would not take her where I was, An 8 year old probably would not be able to. The picnic table remark was from another persons post, I used as an exagerated example. why am I curious about you carrying in a NP?

Apr 30th - 12:03pm | Anonymous

Bear spray says it all! If you miss your shot buddy with a hand gun against a full charging bear...you're mince-meat! At least with bear spray you don't shoot your buddy by mistake in a panic attack.

Apr 30th - 11:34am | RonC

Hey NoGunsInParks, I carry bear spray!

Apr 30th - 11:28am | NoGunsInParks

From the Brady Campaign web site:

Senators' Letter to Open National Parks to Concealed Weapons

Apr 30th - 14:07pm | Anonymous

My wife and I have camped at Acadia National Park in Maine, 12 of the past 15 years. We have never encountered a "derelict" nor any other campers strolling about, packing their weapons. Both facts make us feel happy and secure. Packing a weapon is a sign of insecurity. Think about it.

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