Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bill to allow loaded guns in parks

The Democratic-controlled Congress is moving to restore a Bush administration policy that allowed loaded guns in national parks. The Senate voted Tuesday to allow guns in national parks and wildlife refuges, and the House could follow suit as soon as Wednesday.

Loaded guns in national parks. Democratic-controlled chambers passing such legislation gives lie to the right-wing charge of a monolithic government.

The measure is included in a popular bill imposing new restrictions on credit card companies. Democratic leaders have said they hope to send a final version to the White House for the president's signature by week's end.

Perfect example of tit-for-tat, horse trading.

The Senate vote is a stark reversal from what many gun-control advocates expected when a federal judge blocked the Bush policy in March. The decision reinstated restrictions that had been in place since the Reagan administration. The rules severely restrict guns in the national parks, generally requiring them to be locked or stored.

Another example of Bush not being a Reagan Republican.

The Obama administration accepted the March 19 ruling, saying that the Interior Department would review the policy over the next several months.

Political calculation: why take on the NRA now? It will have to wait.

Never mind that Harry Reid hides behind "second amendment rights" to cover his ass for the upcoming Senate election campaign where he will seek re-election, and is currently in a not-ver-strong position, and that the NRA dissimulates it influence. Get this next one.

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican, who inserted an amendment to the credit card bill that would allow concealed, loaded guns in parks and refuges, said the gun measure protects every American's Second Amendment rights and also protects the rights of states to pass laws that apply to their entire state, including public lands.

"Visitors to national parks should have the right to defend themselves in accordance with the laws of their states," Mr. Coburn said.

Huh? What threat is there that visitors need loaded, concealed weapons in national parks, and, if such threats exist,, isn't that a sad commentary on our parks and on the National Park Service?

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