Bustin' a Capps

From Gerhard Paul:

July 21, 2008

Mr. Gerhard G. Paul

[ADDRESS SUPPRESSED]

Dear Mr. Paul :

Thank you for writing me to express your support for new firearm regulations in our national parks. As your Representative, I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

As you know, current firearm regulations permit visitors to have unloaded and safely stored firearms in our national parks. The Department of the Interior recently proposed a change to the firearms regulations to allow visitors to carry loaded, concealed firearms in national parks that lie within states whose laws allow visitors to carry concealed, loaded firearms in their State parks.

This new regulation would allow people to move freely between State and national parks with their loaded and concealed firearms. I believe this is problematic for several reasons. To implement this new regulation, the Department of the Interior must pay special attention to national parks whose boundaries lie within multiple states, such as Yellowstone and Death Valley , as this may cause confusion with which state's laws are to be enforced. Also, the Department would have to establish a reliable system to preclude all concealed weapons from visitor's centers and administrative buildings, since concealed weapons are banned from federal buildings.

Like you, I believe our national parks are recognized for their extraordinary beauty and allow Americans and visitors from around the world a glimpse of our county's heritage. I believe the park service's mission should remain focused on preserving these precious resources.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,
LOIS CAPPS
Member of Congress

In other words, "precious resources" do not include your life or the lives of your loved ones.