You can make a difference! The National Park Service is considering easing restrictions on carrying firearms in national parks to mirror existing state concealed carry laws. Under the proposed rule, if you possess a concealed carry weapons permit and your state allows you to carry your firearm in state parks, you would then also be allowed to carry in federal parks in your state. Of course, CCW reciprocity would also apply.

You can help get this rule passed by expressing your support to the National Park Service. But you must hurry because they are only accepting comments on the proposed rule until June 30, 2008. You can click here to submit your comments online. Please be advised that the information you provide online may be made publicly available at any time.

You can also 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. Reference Docket ID: FWS-R9-NSR-2008-0062-0001.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when expressing your support. Remember to be respectful. Be brief and to the point.

You might say something like:

I urge the National Park Service to allow concealed carry in national parks as proposed under Docket ID FWS-R9-NSR-2008-0062-0001.

It has been statistically proven that crime is reduced when law abiding citizens are allowed to carry concealed firearms. The presence and unpredictability of natural wildlife also increases my concern for self protection.

Millions of Americans lawfully carry concealed firearms, without incident, every day. Extending the ability for self protection in national parks would make me more likely to visit them.

You can read the proposed rule by clicking here.

Don't miss your chance to legalize firearms in national parks! Express your support today! Stand up and make a difference.

Jennifer Freeman is Executive Director and co-founder of Liberty Belles, a grass-roots organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the Second Amendment.
http://www.libertybelles.org
jennifer@libertybelles.org