Fault Lines - Packing pistols in parks a pesky problem

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Packing pistols in parks a pesky problem

POSTED May 1, 10:28 PM

If people in San Francisco thought they were far removed from the “values” embraced around the country, here’s something that ought to trigger outrage. This week Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced a plan that would allow people in some states to carry loaded firearms in U.S. national parks and wildlife refuges.

Presumably this wouldn’t affect visitors to the Presidio, the only national park located in a city, since it would be in violation of state law — yet it might affect some park areas that California shares with other states.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein said in a blistering rebuke of the proposed policy change: “Death Valley National Park is in California and Nevada. California prohibits loaded weapons in state parks. Nevada does not. So which state law would apply?

“This sort of inconsistency would be an open invitation to poachers, would be almost impossible to enforce and would seriously place public safety at risk.’’

Even sainted conservative Ronald Reagan was opposed to firearms in national parks and he had James Watt as his Interior Secretary — one of the worst cabinet appointments in modern history.

Expect a congressional standoff on this major policy misfire.

The Presidio will not be affected by a proposal that allows people to carry loaded firearms in national parks.
(AP file photo)