World Examiner

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.

Ayn Duringer Age 7 Firing Uzi Submachine Gun

Video of Ayn shooting an Uzi subgun at Front Sight, July 4, 2008:

4th of July Recap

Quick recap of 4th of July 2008 for the Duringer family:

• wife Helen's first time at open carry in Nevada
• daughter Ayn's (age 7) first time shooting Uzi, at Front Sight, NV
• Russian babushka's first time seeing family members walking around in public while openly carrying loaded firearms 
• first-class fireworks 1am July 4 at Front Sight, NV
• back in Ladera Ranch by July 4 afternoon, very tired from desert heat so during Ladera fireworks opted to stay indoors, watching Russian-dubbed version of "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson

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.

Childrens Achievement Camp at Front Sight

I highly recommend Front Sight's child classes.
Ayn shot not just 22 but many other weapons including uzi machine gun. Ayn is only 7 and there were several kids as young as 4. will post video l8r.

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.)

Sun.Star Cebu - Guntoting outside home without permit a crime

Link: Sun.Star Cebu - Guntoting outside home without permit a crime.

Discussion of carry permits in Phillipines.

WAVY.COM - Allen proposes lifting national parks gun ban

Link: WAVY.COM - Allen proposes lifting national parks gun ban.  Excerpt:

"It's unlikely that such a controversial measure would pass in the current session, with Democrats about to take over Congress in January."

Allowing people to carry in national parks when they can already carry the minute before they enter a national park is controversial?  And doesn't controversy require at least some public discussion?  Is it really true that there is no data showing a need for concealed weapons, with the horrendous crimes reported in places like Yosemite?  And what about open carry?

Of Arms and the Law: Legislation to allow carry in Nat'l Parks

Link: Of Arms and the Law: Legislation to allow carry in Nat'l Parks.

Taken your kids to the maul lately?  Wildlife aside, visitors at our national parks have been victims of some of the most violent criminals.  This is possibly the last chance for National Park carry, the blanket prohibition of which makes absolutely no sense.