World Examiner

Kids TRUST parents to keep them safe.

(photo courtesy http://olegvolk.net)

Kids trust parents to keep them safe.

At my free clinic you (and your whole family) can practice malfunction clearing and other drills, and have fun target shooting with a laser simulator, while getting a quick update on trust maintenance topics:

 

Nat’l park manhunt for killers

Escapees are safer when they escape to California's national parks which do not fully implement the new law.

Nat’l park manhunt for killers (Dave Workman) Excerpt:

An intense search in and around Yellowstone National Park for a pair of prison escapees and a woman – suspects in a New Mexico double slaying – underscores why self-defense advocates fought so hard for the ability of private citizens to carry defensive firearms inside national parks.

DYNASTIC FAMILY PROTECTION

The mission of GUNTRUST.ORG, Professional Law Corporation, is to provide planning options for DYNASTIC FAMILY PROTECTION with values-based incentives for multi-generational firearms training, in addition to conventional tax planning, estate planning and asset protection planning.  Read the full article - Our Mission: Dynastic Family Protection (LawNews.TV)

New Video Sums Up Law on Unloaded Open Carry in California

Video: Unloaded Open Carry

A 9-minute video on California law re Unloaded Open Carry.

NRA-ILA :: Right-to-Carry Takes Effect In National Parks

NRA-ILA :: Right-to-Carry Takes Effect In National Parks.

Right-to-Carry Takes Effect In National Parks

Friday, February 26, 2010

On February 22, a new law took effect that applied state firearms laws to national parks and wildlife refuges across America. The implementation of the new law, which the National Park Service (NPS) has planned for since passage of H.R. 627 last May, has so far been without major problems.  NPS management reports that it has worked with the 493 individual parks, promoting a consistent message on several key points: Under the new law, every park is subject to all the firearms laws of the state (or states) where the park is located. Park visitors must know and obey state laws, including knowing which state laws apply in parks (such as Yellowstone) that cross state boundaries.  (For information on state laws, go to www.nraila.org/gunlaws.) The new law affects firearms possession, not use.  Laws regarding hunting, poaching, target shooting or any unlawful discharge remain unchanged. It will remain unlawful to carry in certain locations, under a separate law that prohibits possession of any firearm in a "federal facility." This last point—and especially the definition of "federal facility"—may be the one most likely to cause confusion for visitors.  The National Park Service has indicated that, according to its apparently broad interpretation of the law, the law prohibits firearms not only in buildings (such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and administrative offices) but also in other areas that are regularly staffed by federal employees (such as developed caves and gated outdoor performance areas). However, NPS officials stress that all prohibited locations will be marked with signs. The ban on carry in "federal facilities" does not apply to buildings that are located in parks, but not staffed by the federal government—such as many restaurants, lodges and gift shops.  However, private operators of those places are free to make their own rules subject to state law. Needless to say, anti-gun activists and the media have redlined their hysteria meters, with one newspaper claiming that "there assuredly will be more gun violence" in parks, and another suggesting that park visitors "might want to toss a Kevlar vest into the SUV."  And the Brady Campaign is still looking for ways to use the courts to reverse the new law. Needless to say, media fears are unlikely to be realized, and NRA-ILA will fight any effort to reverse this hard-won victory.  As always, be sure to watch this alert and www.nraila.org for any new developments.

 

World Examiner endorses itself in race for Orange County 71st AD Republican Party Central Committee

I declared candidacy Monday. Now I've hit the fuel jettison button, firing booster rockets. Hopefully, every good conservative in OC will see the flare, act immediately to fan my facebook political page and **IMPORTANT** invite others to do the same:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-R-Duringer-for-OC-71st-District-Republican-Central-Committee/325049951710?ref=ts

Let's do our part to restore the political environment of ordered liberty, first inscribed by the Author of Liberty upon the hearts of patriots then writ large within our Constitution, the loss of which should be to our everlasting shame. Elect CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATIVES to grassroots positions.

Stay safe,

David R. Duringer

New Self-Defense Tool for Hikers (Recommended by OC Sheriff Hutchens)

Depicted at left is a new self-defense tool recommended by OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Hiking? Just spray this stuff on your kids to protect them from wild animals! (Use liberally.)

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From a new article by Prof. John Lott, published today by Fox: Why We Shouldn't Fear an End to the Ban on Guns In National Parks:

Police are extremely important in deterring crime — according to my research, the most important factor. But the police almost always arrive after the crime has been committed. In national parks, with vast land areas and few roads, this problem is exacerbated. Even if one can quickly reach park rangers by using a cell phone, it can be hours before they can arrive at the crime scene.

Wild animals also sometimes do attack humans, and guns can come in handy...

NRA-ILA :: New Rule on Guns in Parks Takes Effect February 22

NRA-ILA :: New Rule on Guns in Parks Takes Effect February 22.

On February 22, a new law on guns in national parks takes effect. The law repeals a National Park Service rule that has long prohibited Americans from lawfully possessing firearms in national parks for self-defense.

30-State Concealed Carry (CCW) Class at Laguna Hills office in South Orange County, CA

Visit www.worldexaminer.com for details. 

Arthur Frommer Should Get Out More Often: Travel (Away From Liberals) Broadens the Mind

Is New York safer?

Do Guns at Political Events Disturb You? Then Consider Skipping Arizona for Now on Arthur Frommer Online.

For myself, without yet suggesting that others follow me in an open boycott, I will not personally travel in a state where civilians carry loaded weapons onto the sidewalks and as a means of political protest. I not only believe such practices are a threat to the future of our democracy, but I am firmly convinced that they would also endanger my own personal safety there. And therefore I will cancel any plans to vacation or otherwise visit in Arizona until I learn more. And I will begin thinking about whether tourists should safeguard themselves by avoiding stays in Arizona.

Traveling with family different since SHEriff took away CCW

Most Californians Don't understand what its like to have the ability to defend your family then have it taken away arbitrarily and capriciously by a sheriff (hutchens) who interprets good cause as if its 1971. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

To The Point News - THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRUISE

[News updates at http://LawNews.TV]

To The Point News - THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRUISE.

That's because you are welcome to bring your own arsenal with you. If you don't have your own weapons, you can rent them from our onboard Master Gunsmith. Enjoy reloading parties every afternoon with skeet and marksmanship competitions every night! But the best fun of all, of course, is Pirate Target Practice.

NRA-ILA :: Bi-Partisan Congressional Majority Movesto Restore Second Amendment in National Parks

NRA-ILA :: Bi-Partisan Congressional Majority Moves<br>to Restore Second Amendment in National Parks.

On Wednesday, NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147. Today, the measure was signed into law and, as specified in the legislation, will take effect in nine months, on February 22, 2010. This was a major repudiation of the gun control community's anti self-defense agenda. The current Department of Interior (DOI) regulations were amended by the Bush Administration in 2008, allowing law-abiding citizens to defend themselves by carrying a concealed firearm in national parks and wildlife refuges. However, early this year, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. granted anti-gun plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against implementation of the new rule. NRA has been working for the past several years in the regulatory, legal, and legislative arenas to achieve this policy change.

Bill allowing loaded weapons in national parks sent to Obama - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com

Bill allowing loaded weapons in national parks sent to Obama - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com.

Thanks to a 279-147 vote Wednesday in the House of Representatives, visitors to the nation's parks and wildlife refuges will be able to carry weapons there if they abide by state weapons laws. The bill is on its way to President Barack Obama, who faces a dilemma: Gun rights advocates attached the provision to a sweeping overhaul of the credit card industry, an initiative Obama strongly supports, so he has little choice but to let the gun section become law.

MPs' Expenses: Tourism Minister Barbara Follett Claimed Over £25K For Security Patrols - Report | Politics | Sky News

MPs' Expenses: Tourism Minister Barbara Follett Claimed Over £25K For Security Patrols - Report | Politics | Sky News.

According to the latest allegations, Tourism minister Barbara Follett claimed more than £25,000 for security patrols outside her London home because she did not feel safe there.

Update on National Park Carry

Casper Star-Tribune Online - Wyoming.

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration said Friday it will not appeal a federal court ruling that prohibits carrying loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges. Instead, the Interior Department said it will conduct a full environmental review of an earlier policy that allowed concealed, loaded guns in parks and refuges.

Gun carry law shut down over environmental impact

Gun carry law shut down over <I>environmental</i> impact.

A federal judge ruled there must be a full review of the possible environmental impact of allowing citizens on national properties to carry concealed guns in holsters rather than locked cases.

NRA appeals ruling that blocked Bush guns-in-parks policy | www.azstarnet.com ®

NRA appeals ruling that blocked Bush guns-in-parks policy | www.azstarnet.com ®.

WASHINGTON — The National Rifle Association on Friday appealed a federal court ruling that blocked a Bush administration policy allowing people to carry concealed, loaded guns in national parks.

Judge Blocks Rule Permitting Concealed Guns In U.S. Parks - washingtonpost.com

Last minute? I remember they kept extending the public comment period--what revisionist BS!

Judge Blocks Rule Permitting Concealed Guns In U.S. Parks - washingtonpost.com.

A federal judge yesterday blocked a last-minute rule enacted by President George W. Bush allowing visitors to national parks to carry concealed weapons.

Obama Ending Pilot Carry

Washington Times - EDITORIAL: Guns on a plane.

After the September 11 attacks, commercial airline pilots were allowed to carry guns if they completed a federal-safety program. No longer would unarmed pilots be defenseless as remorseless hijackers seized control of aircraft and rammed them into buildings. Now President Obama is quietly ending the federal firearms program, risking public safety on airlines in the name of an anti-gun ideology.

Join nearly 40 nationwide tea parties across U.S.

Join nearly 40 nationwide tea parties across U.S..

The following are a few scheduled tea parties:

Armed Civilians to Keep Terrorists Out of Swat Valley

Washington Times - Citizens to get guns to battle militants.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan | Authorities in a Pakistani border province plan to arm villagers with 30,000 rifles and set up an elite police unit to protect a region increasingly besieged by Taliban and al Qaeda militants, an official said Sunday. Stiffer action in the North West Frontier Province could help offset American concern that a peace deal being negotiated in the Swat valley, a Taliban stronghold in the province, could create a haven for Islamist insurgents only 100 miles from the Pakistani capital.

ReviewJournal.com - Opinion - VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: 'The weapons ban has worked well all these years'

ReviewJournal.com - Opinion - VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: 'The weapons ban has worked well all these years'.

The statists at the Herald reply, "The weapons ban has worked well all these years. It has reduced poaching of endangered species and kept the level of violence between people to a minimum."

New national parks rule allowing loaded guns challenged by lawsuit - Metro - cleveland.com

New national parks rule allowing loaded guns challenged by lawsuit - Metro - cleveland.com.

The National Parks Conservation Association and the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees filed suit this week in U.S. District Court to stop enforcement of a new regulation allowing loaded, concealed firearms in national parks

For Middle-Class Pakistanis, a Gun Is a Must-Have Accessory - WSJ.com

For Middle-Class Pakistanis, a Gun Is a Must-Have Accessory - WSJ.com.

"Criminals don't have licenses, so why do we need to get a license?" asked Tariq Rana, who on a recent day was buying an illegal 12-gauge shotgun after he was robbed of his cellphone, watch and cash the night before. "I couldn't get an arms license because I don't know any politicians."

India Debates Arming Citizens

Pakistan: Now or Never? » Blog Archive » Time to relax India’s gun control laws, to fight militants? | Blogs |.

Should India ease up on its tight gun control laws to arm citizens so that they can put up a fight next time they are attacked in their hotels, train stations and even a hospital as it happened in Mumbai last month? Some people are arguing that if the people, or at least some of them such as hotel security staff and police at a railway terminal, had been properly armed there would have been some form of resistance to the Mumbai attackers instead of the spectacle of them moving around a city of 18 million as if they owned it.

Not Legal to Carry in National Parks Until January 9

PDF of final rule (effective Jan 9) here:

a person may "possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law." 

Keep in mind this change will not allow carry in National Parks located in CA because even CCW holders are not allowed to carry in California state parks.

NRA-ILA :: Important Information On Right-to-Carry in Our National Parks.

the Department of Interior has released their new regulation that will recognize Right-to-Carry in national parks in those states that allow Right-to-Carry. It is important to note, however, that the new regulations do not take effect until 30 days after their publication in the Federal Register. The new rules, which were announced on December 5, were published in the Register on December 10. That makes January 9 the first day it will be legal to carry a loaded firearm in National Parks or refuges. Until then, the old regulations that ban possession of loaded firearms are still in effect.

Palin Lauds New Rule Allowing Carry in National Parks

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

“The possession and use of firearms is especially critical to Alaskans,” Governor Palin said. “We will continue to protect gun rights. The ability to carry a firearm can define a life or death situation, especially for protection against surprise encounters with wildlife, mainly bears. I appreciate the Interior Department recognizing this is a step in the right direction.”

Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

Don't mean to quibble, but I doubt that "natural resources" ranked very high among concerns our founders had at Lexington and Philadelphia.  I think the founding founded by the founders had a lot more to do with taxation and gun confiscation.

U.S. Department of the Interior - News Release - Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update.

Existing regulations regarding the carrying of firearms remain otherwise unchanged, particularly limitations on poaching and target practice and prohibitions on carrying firearms in federal buildings. “America was founded on the idea that the federal and state governments work together to serve the public and preserve our natural resources,” ....“The Department’s final regulation respects this tradition by allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms in federal park units and refuges to the extent that they could lawfully do so under state law. This is the same basic approach adopted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), both of which allow visitors to carry weapons consistent with applicable federal and state laws.”

NRA-ILA :: National Parks to Allow Right-to-Carry

NRA-ILA :: National Parks to Allow Right-to-Carry.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), through the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has announced the final amended version of its changes to rules on carrying of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. DOI’s move will restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for lawful purposes on most DOI lands, and will make federal law consistent with the state law in which these public lands are located. NRA led the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms on these federal lands.

National Park Carry

Update on proposed reg allowing National Park carry:

Concealed weapons would continue to be banned in national parks in states with stricter gun laws like California. That means the new regulations would not apply in Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park. They would also not apply in most of Death Valley National Park, except potentially for a small triangle of that park that extends into Nevada.

Now it's Big Media's Turn...Second Chance for Anti's: After Comment by NRA Members, Government Extends Public Comment Period for National Park Carry to August 8

Department Of The Interior Extends Deadline For Comments On Right-To-Carry In National Parks

Friday, July 11, 2008

For more than two months, we have been asking NRA members and gun owners to submit comments in support of allowing law-abiding citizens to carry their legally-owned firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges -- and tens of thousand of you have done so.  The deadline to submit comments expired on June 30 -- or so we thought.  Unfortunately, rather than closing the prescribed comment period as scheduled and moving toward finalizing this federal regulation, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), succeeded in delaying the implementation of the final rule by bullying the Department of the Interior (their respective congressional subcommittees have oversight of national parks) to extend the deadline for comments an additional 30 days!  The goal of their strategy is clear.  Extending the public comment period amounts to a blatant and intentional stalling tactic; further pushing back resolution on this matter, possibly until after the election, into a new Administration.  This needless extension will also allow opponents of carrying firearms in national parks (like the Humane Society of the U.S. and the National Parks Conservation Association) to rally their troops to express their opposition to this commonsense proposal.  While we disagree with the decision to extend the comments period on this issue, it is now more important than ever that we give the anti-gunners what they profess to want-additional comments.  Gun owners, Right-to-Carry permit holders, and all Second Amendment supporters must deluge the Department of the Interior with comments in support of this proposal!  The new deadline for submitting comments is August 8, 2008.  Please submit your comments on-line at:  http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=090000648053d497 (Select the icon next to "Add Comments")  Or in writing to:  Public Comments Processing Attn: 1024-AD70 Division of Policy and Directives Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222 Arlington, VA 22203  Please act today and forward this message and request to your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners! Rules on carrying and transporting firearms should be consistent—across the board—with the laws of the state that includes the national park or wildlife refuge; Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges; The new rules should provide uniformity across all federal lands, eliminating the patchwork of laws that create confusion for gun owners; Current regulations fail to account for the significant change in state laws since 1984. 48 states now have laws that permit laws that permit carrying and 40 have strong Right-to-Carry laws. Federal regulations should recognize the change in state laws and follow their lead, and; The new regulations should restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for all lawful purposes on most DOI lands, just as they do now on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands It is critical that gun owners and sportsmen submit comments during this process.

4th of July Fireworks at Front Sight

Front Sight added a 4 day class series in lieu of party this year but still had a good patriotic talk, ceremony and fireworks that would be the envy of any municipality.

Low Light Training at Front Sight

Still new at mobile blogging...will try to do better on photos tonight...we will have professional fireworks here before just about everyone...after class ends at 115am...last night marked my first training at Front Sight in over a year and my daughter's first ever...she loves the childrens achievement camp...rope, rappelll, 22 rifle, astronomy (so many stars here), rock climbing, condition yellow mindset, etc..already has made a friend from san diego, another girl whose family also has membership at escondido fish n game assn...they can practice on their .22s together.
...classes held at nighttime because of intense july heat, good oppty for important low light training.
...even have my wife open carrying...around hotel, supermarket, etc...russian babushka probably thinks we are nuts...nye county is real america and it' s refreshing...open carry may be impeached on tactics but of course there are various retention designs and with permit you can have concealed backup and the educational value of open carry is at least as great as either the stigma attached to an honourable implement of freedom due to its forced concealment, or the inconvenience and discomfort of carrying it concealed whereever weather does not stay exactly the same all day.
...very pleased that saddle west hotel new owners ditched rule against guns in unit...my car was broken into last time I suspect because of that rule.

Speak Up Now On Right-To-Carry In National Parks

Speak Up Now On Right-To-Carry In National Parks (NRA-ILA)

Friday, May 23, 2008

As we've reported over the last few weeks, the U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a proposed rule to eliminate the prohibition on Right-to-Carry in national parks and wildlife refuges. The National Rifle Association led the effort to change this policy and we are very close to winning this important battle. However, the new rules cannot take effect until after a period of public comment. Our opponents will take advantage of this time to try to convince the Secretary of the Interior to reverse his decision.  NRA members must take action now so that the anti-gunners are not allowed to sway this process.  It is always best to write in your own words. Here are some talking points to assist you:      * Rules on carrying and transporting firearms should be consistent—across the board—with the laws of the state that includes the national park or wildlife refuge;      * Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges;      * The new rules should provide uniformity across all federal lands, eliminating the patchwork of laws that create confusion for gun owners;      * Current regulations fail to account for the significant change in state laws since 1984.  48 states now have laws that permit laws that permit carrying and 40 have strong Right-to-Carry laws.  Federal regulations should recognize the change in state laws and follow their lead, and;      * The new regulations should restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for all lawful purposes on most DOI lands, just as they do now on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands   It is critical that gun owners and sportsmen submit comments during this process.  Comments can submitted online by going to this web site: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=090000648053d497  Comments can also be mailed to the following address:  Public Comments Processing Attn: 1024-AD70 Division of Policy and Directives Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222 Arlington, VA 22203   Remember, all comments must be received by June 30.  Submit your comments today!

Link for Public Comment on Proposed National Park Carry

(scroll down for link to public comment site) Time For Public Comment On New Rules For Guns In National Parks

Friday, May 02, 2008

On April 30, the U.S. Department of Interior, through the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a proposed rule to amend the current strict regulations on firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges.  NRA-ILA led the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms on these federal lands.  The public has until June 30 to comment on the proposal, and NRA-ILA strongly urges members to file comments in support. “Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America's National Parks and wildlife refuges,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.  “Under this proposal, federal parks and wildlife refuges will mirror the state carry laws for state parks.  This is an important step in the right direction, and we applaud efforts to amend the out-of-date regulations.” These new regulations will provide uniformity across our nation’s federal lands and put an end to the patchwork of regulations that governed different lands managed by different federal agencies.  In the past, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands allowed the carrying of firearms, while Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service lands did not. The current regulations on possession, carry or transportation of loaded or uncased firearms in national parks were proposed in 1982 and finalized in 1983.  Similar restrictions apply in national wildlife refuges. The NRA has long held that amendments to those regulations were needed to reflect changes in state laws on carrying firearms. As of the end of 1982, only six states routinely allowed citizens to carry handguns for self-defense. Now, there are 40 states that respect the right to carry, via “shall issue” laws or otherwise. This proposed rule will restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to carry concealed firearms for self-protection on most Interior Department lands, and will make federal law consistent with the state carry law in which these lands are located. Fifty-one U.S. Senators sent a bipartisan letter to the Department of Interior supporting the move to make state firearms laws applicable to National Park lands and wildlife refuges. Anti-gun groups have already geared up a massive propaganda campaign, with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., calling the proposal “appalling” and others suggesting there will be carnage among both park visitors and wildlife if the proposal is adopted.  These predictions, of course, have not come true in any state that’s adopted a Right-to-Carry law, or on other federal lands where firearms possession is already allowed. The NRA will file comments, including suggestions that the final regulation should mirror state law in all respects (not just for concealed carry), and that the proposal’s reference to state laws on parks or “any similar unit of state land” is vague, and could lead in some states to the type of patchwork regulation the proposal was meant to do away with. Again, NRA members should take this opportunity to help write our nation’s laws, by submitting comments until June 30.  Members should submit comments online here, or mail comments to: Public Comments Processing Attn: 1024-AD70 Division of Policy and Directives Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222 Arlington, VA 22203

LaPierre: Making Parks Safer

Link: Making Parks Safer.

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of the Interior will announce proposed changes to the rules that bar the carrying and transporting of firearms in national parks. This comes after nearly five years of efforts by NRA-ILA and others to get rid of the rules that prevent law-abiding Right-to-Carry holders and gun owners from having to disarm and store their firearms in an inaccessible part of their vehicle. Some opponents of the change say that you don't need access to a firearm in a national park. But these people ignore the fact that park rangers are wearing protective vests and carry semi-automatic rifles for self-defense from predators of the two- and four-legged variety. Heck, back in 2003 the media quoted David Barma, the chief spokesman for the National Park System, as saying, "The most [visitors] used to worry about is running into a grizzly bear. Now there is the specter of violence by a masked alien toting an AK-47." But now the media ignores the recent up-tick in violent crime in our national parks. And they ignore the fact that many parts of the national park system are, by their very nature, remote and rugged wilderness areas, where help isn't just a phone call away.

Easing gun ban could reduce crime in National Parks

Link: The Voice of the Times : A conservative voice for Alaskans - Self-defense 3/11/08.

“The National Park Service says there were 116,588 reported offenses in national parks in 2006, the most recent year for which data are available, including 11 killings, 35 rapes or attempted rapes, 61 robberies, 16 kidnappings and 261 aggravated assaults,” the Los Angeles Times reported in a story about the possible rule change.

Victory at Hand: Bush Admin Finally Proposes Rule Change Allowing National Park Carry to Mirror State Carry

Link: NRA-ILA :: News Releases.

Bush Administration to Propose New Rule Regarding Right-to-Carry in National Parks

Friday, February 22, 2008

Fairfax, Va. - At the request of the Bush Administration and 51 members of the United States Senate led by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibition of firearms on agency land will be revised in the following weeks. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is leading the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms in National Parks and wildlife refuges.

“Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America’s National Parks and wildlife refuges,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “Under this proposal, federal parks and wildlife refuges will mirror the state firearm laws for state parks. This is an important step in the right direction.”

NRA-ILA and Congressional Efforts to Change Outdated National Park Rules Outlined

A Congress that cannot rectify this old problem is worthless.  A rational reason cannot be articulated for these outdated park rules.  I took my wife and daughter to Joshua Tree yesterday to (briefly) walk among the wildflowers.  No way I would have them stay overnight there, defenseless against two- and four-legged predators. 

Link: NRA-ILA :: Legislation.

Update On Right-To-Carry In National Parks And Wildlife Refuges

Friday, February 15, 2008

The current regulations on possession of firearms in national parks--which generally prohibit possession, carry or transportation of loaded or uncased firearms--were proposed in 1982 and finalized in 1983.  Similar restrictions apply in national wildlife refuges.  It is now time to amend those regulations to reflect the changed legal situation with respect to state laws on carrying firearms. The effect of these now-outdated regulations on people who carry firearms for self-protection was far from the forefront at the time these regulations were adopted.  As of the end of 1982, only six states routinely allowed average citizens to carry handguns for self-defense.  Now, 48 states have a process for issuance of licenses or permits to carry firearms, and 40 of those states provide the opportunity for average citizens to legally carry firearms for self-defense. Starting in 2003, NRA staff began meeting with officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior to change this regulation and allow state law to govern the carrying and transportation of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges -- as it does in national forests and on BLM lands.  There was little resistance to such a policy change but also little action to make this change.  Bureaucrats involved in this issue

UK: Rules of engagement against burglars considered

Link: Rules of engagement for have-a-go householders - Times Online.

Householders will get the right to use force to defend their homes against burglars. MPs will debate an amendment tomorrow that seeks to clarify the law so that people can use “reasonable” force without fear of being prosecuted.

Senators: Lift gun ban in parks

Link: Senators: Lift gun ban in parks.

Forty-seven senators signed a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on Friday asking him to lift restrictions that prevent citizens from carrying their readily accessible firearms onto lands managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Gun Crime in Gun-Free UK Forcing Churches to Cancel Midnight Mass

Link: Drunks force churches to cancel midnight mass | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited.

The move is reported by the Roman Catholic magazine, the Tablet. It said: "Gun crime, rowdy crowds leaving pubs and dangerous drivers have forced many churches to celebrate their first Mass of Christmas Day in the early evening of Christmas Eve.

OpenCarry.org Travel Maps

For your travel plans, this site has maps depicting status of open carry laws throughout the US.  Link: OpenCarry.org - The Internet's Premiere Open Carry Resource.

Edwardian London was rather like the Old West (i.e., low crime)

Great article from UK--recalls how common concealed carry was in Britain, how banning handguns has increased violence in UK, how crime has dropped in US states adopting right-to-carry.

Link: Wouldn’t you feel safer with a gun? | Richard Munday - Times Online.

We now are shocked that so many ordinary people should have been carrying guns in the street; the Edwardians were shocked rather by the idea of an armed robbery.

Deer gores, kills man

About 150 Americans are killed each year by deer--mostly in car accidents, not like this.

Link: Deer kills Ball Ground man | ajc.com.

Latest Trip to Front Sight; Open Carry at the Supermarket; Attempted Vehicle Break-in at Hotel

Last weekend I took another defensive handgun course out at Front Sight, where I'm a "Bronze First Family" lifetime member.  It's been awhile since I've been out there, so I took the basic two-day course and re-visited some fundamentals.  I noted a lot of good changes since my last visit: FS has implemented a type of student coaching system, where all students get some instructor-type experience, basically as line coaches (mine was a pastor at a large Calvary Chapel congregation, so it wasn't that harsh); the large classroom at FS was almost completely full, and there has been a marked increase in the number of kids attending the various youth camp classes; the firearm training is still top-notch, as are the required lectures on the various moral, ethical and legal implications.

For the first time on this trip, I open carried in Pahrump.  Previously, I'd used my NV CCW but this expired and I don't favor the gun listed on it, anyway.  (Rather than reapplying, I'm hoping for reciprocity to be passed.)  I had heard from FS that open carry was legal and welcomed in Nye County (absent posting), and specifically that it was OK at the Albertson's supermarket in town.  When I drove into town, there happened to be, right there in the Albertson's parking lot, about a dozen sheriff deputies running a child car seat safety check event, so I pulled up and double checked with the deputies about open carry.  They affirmed it was OK, and pointed out to me that the holster must be OWB, not IWB.  Properly rigged with OWB and a couple spare mags on support side, after getting one of the deputies to take my picture in front of the Albertson's sign I ventured forth to savor the experience of open carry.  It was really cool for awhile to walk around in a supermarket like that without anybody reacting negatively, but Nye County is an atavistic remnant of an America that has disappeared and I would not want to try this elsewhere until America is revived.

Even in Pahrump, there is a criminal element.  I had personal experience with it on this trip when someone tried to break in to my vehicle, doing over $1000 in damage.  I believe the break-in was because of Saddle West Hotel's new policy telling folks to keep their guns in their cars rather than allowing them to bring them up to their rooms. (Despite the policy, I did not leave mine in my vehicle.)

U.S. Tourist in Costa Rica Kills Mugger

Link: BREITBART.COM - U.S. Tourist in Costa Rica Kills Mugger.

A tour bus of U.S. senior citizens defended themselves against a group of alleged muggers, sending two of them fleeing and killing a third in the Atlantic coast city of Limon, police said on Thursday.

Gun held to girl's head in robbery | NEWS.com.au

Link: Gun held to girl's head in robbery | NEWS.com.au.

In Australia, little girl put at risk by robber seeking her mother's laptop.  (Similar to recent story from Britain, where carjackers did the same to little boy.)

Clip of My Wife on Hedgecock Show

Here is an audio clip of a 9/10/97 interview by Roger Hedgecock of my wife, Helen Duringer, when his show was on location at McP's in Coronado:

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Helen learned to parachute and to assemble, fire, disassemble and clean the AK-47 when she attended high school in Ukraine.  The interview took place in 1997, only a couple years after she came to this country.  She did quite well making her point, that the feminist push for women in the military manifests itself primarily in socialist countries.  (Capitalism, on the other hand, requires strong families.)  Not that women shouldn't shoot--that's a separate issue.  Since then she's taken a number of classes with me at Front Sight, where I'm a Bronze member.