Coincidentally, a couple of weeks ago I had a woman in my car (a "slug"--for those familiar with NoVA/DC communting) who worked for one of the senior civilians at the NPS. Definite tree-hugger. We began discussing my summer plans and how I want to take my kids camping/hiking, etc in the National Parks.
She cautioned me to be careful where I go because there is a lot of crime in the parks that goes unreported in the press...but how (her rant /on) it's all of Bush's fault, they have to cut their budget...blah blah blah...cut personnel...cut resources...all to pay for an illegal war... (her rant /off) Mind you, I picked her up in front of the Pentagon and I was in uniform.
Anyway, I asked her about what kind of crime occurs (getting her on the hook). She talked about rapes, robberys, perverts (men exposing themselves), homeless/vagrants. So I played the whole, "Whoa, that's scary...I'm glad the rangers are armed!"...she said, yes, but they are not around all of the time (I got a live one!!)
Now I pulled hard on the line--"So why must I be disarmed when I go into a national forest? I have been licensed by the state of Virginia to carry a concealed firearm, and over the course of the last 12 years taken weeks of training, plus multiple deployments to Iraq responsible for the security of me and my men. Why should only the bad guys have weapons? Why can't I defend my family?"
Her: <silence>, then "More guns won't keep the park safe"
Me: You are right, but at the moment the bad guy or his friends are there, i don't care about the park, I care about my family
Her: (watch the deflection) Well, the parks are there to preserve cultural icons and natural resources...not for recreation (yes...she actually said this...I can't make this up)
Me: So who is supposed to go to these national parks that you need funding for?
Her: <silence> having guns in the national parks is illegal. People should go there to enjoy the scenery, not worry about getting shot.
Me: you are right again....that needs to be changed. However, you just said the parks are for preserving culture and natural resources, not recreation. Not to mention, I think it is negligent on the park service for not warning people of the threats you just mentioned. There is no e-mail, no cell phone...and by your statement, no park ranger right next to me. The only person that can defend me and my family is ME.
Her: <silence>
Then I turned on Bill O'Rielly and let her sit there and stew.
Mike in VA