On Feb. 22, a new law went into effect requiring that loaded guns be permitted in our national parks and wildlife refuges. The powerful National Rifle Association has contributed to the campaign funds of many, if not most, of the senators in office today. Twenty-seven Democrats, 39 Republicans and one Independent voted to support Sen. Tom Coburn’s, R-Okla., amendment that permitted people to carry loaded firearms in our national parks and wildlife refugees.
Our national parks have been a peaceful safe haven for families and all people to camp, hike, and enjoy the beauty of our treasured lands. The former regulation stood the test of time and was appropriate to protect the park visitors. The old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” should have prevailed in this case. Apparently re-election is more important than preserving the peace and tranquility of our national parks.
I worked in Yosemite National Park for eight summers as a ranger naturalist and park ranger and not once did I feel park visitors were threatened to the end that they needed a gun for protection. The responsibilities of the park personnel are so vast that the burden of loaded guns in the park will only add to the problems they face. Their duties include maintaining a safe environment, patrolling the roads, patrolling the backcountry for poachers, fire safety, entrance station duty, interpreting natural beauty and history of these treasures and much more. The ranger image will change from interpreter, guide and protector to that of an armed law enforcement officer.
This appears to be one more symptom of a violent society. Some say the answer is to arm all citizens for self protection. All of the following shootings have occurred during the last year, therefore, should a pastor be armed at the pulpit, should students be armed at school, should a person be armed while shopping or jogging?
The senators have gone against the best judgment of the National Park Service, park rangers, the National Conservation Association, park visitors and the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.
Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus and Congressman Denny Rehberg all favored permitting loaded firearms in our national parks. The NRA contributed to all of their campaigns.
Jerry Reckin
Kalispell