Guns, freedom and common sense

Pretty much everyone agrees that people shouldn’t have guns in planes and bars. Guns don’t mix well with alcohol. But what about other places?

Pretty much everyone agrees that people shouldn’t have guns in planes and bars. Guns don’t mix well with alcohol. But what about other places?

For more than 30 years Washington, D.C. has outlawed gun ownership in your own home. Interestingly, DC has also had one of America’s highest homicide rates for 30 years. Hmmmmm.

I have talked to people here who support the DC gun ban. But when I ask if they would put a sticker on their front door announcing, “This House is Gun-Free: no firearms inside”, they all say no. Why let criminals know you’re defenseless, they say. Exactly. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of the D.C. gun ban, and will likely strike it down.

What about guns in National Parks? Fifty-one U.S. senators recently wrote the US Interior Secretary, asking him to lift the restrictions on law-abiding people carrying a gun into a National park. Immediately a chorus of opposition arose, singing the same stanza: “Why would anyone need a gun in a National Park?”

Well, I can think of two good reasons.

First, consistency. I went hiking in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest three years ago while visiting Sitka. While checking in at the local ranger station, the ranger asked if I had protection “in case you encounter a bear.”

“Huh?”

“We recommend that hikers carry some kind of protection, whether it’s bear spray or a gun.”

“A gun?”

“Yes,” she said. She went on to say that they advise hikers how to deter chance meetings with bears (make noise when hiking, especially when rounding corners, wear bells, or blow occasionally on a whistle), but if you’re attacked, you have to be able to defend yourself. The alternative is … well, not to defend yourself.

I opted for the spray. But while firearms are allowed in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, they are banned in Alaska’s Denali National Park. Does that make any sense? A bear is a bear and both places have them.

Two years ago while hiking with the family in the northern uplands of Yellowstone National Park, we thought we saw an elk in the distance. When the “elk” was about 250 feet away, it became clear that it was a grizzly and was headed in our direction. Nothing happened, but if it charged

and all deterrence failed, what is a husband and father to do? According to park rules, anything except using lethal force against it. What dad wouldn’t use lethal force to protect his children?

The second reason that guns should be permitted in National Parks is reasonableness. Washington state law regulates responsible gun ownership, including a provision to allow law-abiding citizens who pass a background check to carry a concealed firearm. But upon entering a National Park in this state, you have to remove, unload and store it. Why? If I can be trusted to carry a firearm in a busy city or a small town, what suddenly changes when I approach the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park?

The National Park proposal simply extends state law to the National Parks inside that state. The only reason not to do that is blind opposition to guns, period. The reason for the 80-year-old regulation in the first place wasn’t safety, it was poaching. Not many people poach big game with pistols.

John Carlson hosts a daily radio program with KOMO 4’s Ken Schram each weekday from 3-6 p.m. on AM 570 KVI. He also broadcasts daily radio commentary on KOMO 1000 news. E-mail him at johncarlson@komoradio.com.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, WSDOT
SR 167 in Kent to close overnight on May 1-2 and May 4-5

Sections of freeway to be closed for SR 167 Corridor Improvement Project with a toll upgrade

Elvis Anolin Duran-Reyes. COURTESY PHOTO, GoFundMe
Kent auto mechanic dies 11 months after shop beating

Elvis Anolin Duran-Reyes, 56, never recovered after reported assault over payment dispute

City of Kent Corrections Facility. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Investigators not yet releasing details in Kent city jail death

‘Right now. …cannot speak on this case,’ according to Auburn Police spokesperson

Kent Reporter Photo
Kent Police seek public’s help in reported sexual assault

Allegedly occurred Tuesday, April 22 along a trail near the water at Lake Fenwick Park

File Photo, Sound Publishing
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire offers town hall about wildfires

Residents can learn how to prepare for fast-moving wildfires near homes during May 14 event

Chase Jones and his attorney Brad Barshis reading Jones’ statement to the judge. Photo by Joshua Solorzano/Sound Publishing
Man who killed four in Renton crash sentenced to over 17 years in prison

The prosecutor reported that Chase Jones was traveling at 112 mph when he crashed into the victims.

t
Three Kent men honored by state during fallen worker ceremony

One died falling from Seattle bridge; two others were fatally shot

City of Kent Corrections Facility, 1230 Central Ave. S. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Medical examiner identifies woman found dead in city of Kent jail

Cause and manner of death are pending for 45-year-old woman

File Photo, Kent Reporter
Large Kent Police response finds no weapon threats on Central Avenue

About a dozen police vehicles arrived in 700 block of Central Ave. S. Thursday, April 24

U.S. District Courthouse in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, USDOJ
Kent man pleads guilty to federal drug trafficking charges

Part of international drug ring that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine

Kent School Board members Tim Clark and Meghin Margel. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Kent School Board recall group files for reconsideration

Petitioners take next step after judge dismissed petitions to recall Meghin Margel, Tim Clark

t
Future female firefighters learn key skills at workshop

32 women participate in firefighting, emergency medical services training