CCRKBA urges American gun owners, especially those licensed to carry concealed handguns, to comment on a proposed Interior Department rules change that would allow concealed carry in national parks and national wildlife refuges. CCRKBA supports the rule change.
Citizens do not leave their right of self-defense at the gates of a national park or the boundary of a wildlife refuge. Millions of Americans legally carry concealed for personal protection. Contrary to the rhetoric of gun grabbers, parks and refuges are not immune to crime. According to National Park Service data, between 2002 and 2007, there were 63 homicides in national parks, 240 rapes or attempted rapes, 309 robberies, 37 kidnappings and 1,277 aggravated assaults. Opponents of this rule change dismiss those numbers as insignificant, but the crimes are very significant to the victims.
To comment on line, simply visit www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for making public comment. Point Blank readers can also mail comments to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: 1024-AD70; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington VA 22203.
Opponents of this sensible rule change already are spreading hysteria with claims that it will lead to poaching and reckless target shooting, and make parks dangerous. That is simply not true. It is the same extremist nonsense that anti-gunners preach when they oppose state right to carry laws. None of their wild predictions have come true. Studies indicate that concealed carry actually reduces violent crime.
Changing the rules to recognize the progressive changes in state laws over the past 25 years is both reasonable and responsible. Legally armed citizens have just as much right to enjoy national parks as anyone.
