Our view: Guns in parks

A majority of Alaskans stoutly defend the right to bear arms: In 1994, 73 percent approved a state constitutional amendment protecting the individual right to bear arms. Our congressional delegation unanimously supported the parks provision, which passed last year.

An organization of retired National Park Service professionals took a dim view of the new law, suggesting that a visitor to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia is now free to carry a gun, or that anyone riding a Denali shuttle bus could find herself sitting next to a well-armed fellow visitor. The implication was that this is scary.

At Wolf Trap, maybe. On a Denali shuttle, less so.

It could be disconcerting to see firearms where there were none before, whether in a theater or on a bus. But Alaskans have a long tradition of taking firearms into the wilderness for protection even when they're not hunting. It's not unusual to see people out in the woods carrying sidearms, shotguns or rifles. Even those who don't carry guns generally take the sight in stride.

Besides that, 10 of Alaska's national parks where hunting is allowed already allow firearms. The changes will take place at three of the most visited parks -- Denali, Glacier Bay and Katmai.

Some park service officials worry less about Alaskans than about visitors from the Lower 48 or abroad who aren't schooled in the ethic that you don't shoot just because you're nervous about a bear nearby or because the bear took your fish. Education will help there.

And rules will still apply -- no guns in visitors centers, no shooting except in self-defense. Further, concessionaires have the same rights as other businesses to ban firearms. So that image of a cowboy riding shotgun on the way to Polychrome Pass may never become reality.

May the new, more liberal firearms law make no difference to the peaceful enjoyment of our national parks. Park officials in Alaska will keep watch, but don't seem too worried. May we notice no changes at all.

That will be fine testimony that we're equal to the freedom and responsibility that comes with that individual right to bear arms.

BOTTOM LINE: Armed or not, may we all enjoy peace in the national parks of Alaska.