Regarding the article [“Coming Soon to a National Park Near You: Loaded Guns?”, March 5] on the proposed federal-park gun-law changes: Mr. Millard’s editorial sizzles with a hysteria that is reminiscent of when North Carolina proposed its concealed-carry laws. Back in 1995, it was written that the streets [would] run red with blood if the average citizen were to be allowed to carry a concealed gun. More than a decade later, the streets are not red—nor are they red in the 47 other states that have concealed carry. In 1983, when the current National Park System gun laws were amended, no state had right-to-carry laws. That changed in 1987, and the lack of mayhem shows that Americans as a whole are responsible citizens. It is my guess that our parks will not run red either if citizens are allowed the same right to carry there as in their cities and towns.
A gun is a tool for just-in-case, like a fire extinguisher or spare tire and jack. Owning a gun does not predispose you to be violent or criminally inclined any more than having that tire iron in your trunk does.
I trust that you, dear citizen, are a responsible member of society. I am 99 percent sure you are not part of that small percentage of evil that has existed since time began. If you wish to have a spare tire in case of a flat, or a gun to protect yourself when you camp or hike, I trust you will still be that same, responsible person.
Oh, and if you are out on the trail and hear me call for help, I will not mind if you have a gun when you come to my aid.
— John Tycer Lewis
Asheville
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