MASTEROFMALICE
member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2007
- Messages
- 711
Some time ago when it was posted here that there was an attempt to lift the National Park gun ban I checked the lost of co-sponsers and saw that my Senator was not on it, so I kicked him out a letter basically telling him the flaws of the law and why I thought it should be repealed. Here is his (seemingly noncommital) response.
February 1, 2008
Mr. MASTEROFMALICE
1313 MOCKINGBIRD LN.
WHOSYODADDY, Virginia 12345
Dear Mr. MALICE:
Thank you for expressing to me your thoughts on gun laws and our National Parks. I always appreciate hearing the concerns of those I am elected to represent.
Throughout my service in the United States Senate, I have made the protection and conservation of Virginia's natural and historic resources a legislative priority. I am determined to preserve Virginia's open space by creating and expanding our national parks and national wildlife refuge system in Virginia. I have worked to complete the wildlife refuges at Mason Neck, Chincoteague, Eastern Shore and Back Bay. Furthermore I have helped with the establishment of new refuges on the James and Rappahannock rivers. I believe that keeping Virginia’s natural treasures beautiful and undisturbed for future generations is always a worthwhile cause.
Thankfully, enjoying our national parks is an easy and inexpensive experience that can be fun and memorable for the whole family. I understand your concern for safety and security within our Parks and I can assure you that the Park System’s rangers, police, and other employees are top-notch. Helpful, vigilant, knowledgeable, and accessible, Park Rangers and Park Police are a key reason our National Park System garners consistent acclaim.
As you noted, however, National Park Service regulations generally ban the use of handguns within park boundaries. Please be assured that I have noted your opposition to this regulation and will keep it in mind should any legislation come before Congress seeking to alter or revoke it.
Lastly, it may interest you to know that not all federal lands operate under the same regulations as our National Parks. National Forests, for example, differ from National Parks in that they usually follow state law to determine the legality of guns within their boundaries.
Again, thank you for contacting my office with your views. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
With kind regards, I am
Sincerely,
John W. Warner
United States Senator