As ought to be reasonable to assume given my pseudonym, I support widening the ability of law-abiding, noncriminal Americans (actually Britons and Canadians as well) to own and possess arms for both self-defense and recreation. I didn't write much about Heller, because as a non-lawyer there wasn't much I could usefully add to the dialog.
But post-Heller, we're seeing interesting regulatory and legal challenges to the prevailing "no-guns no-way" stance, and there are useful things that folks like us can do.
The National Parks Service has extended their comment period on a proposed rule change that would make bringing guns into national parks legal; that's a good idea on so many levels, I'm not sure where to begin - between predatory animals and predatory humans, and a thin-stretched population of park rangers I think it's highly responsible to be prepared to protect yourself and your family and friends.
Note that the firmly anti-gun National Parks Conservation Association has set up a form where you can send a comment directly to the regulators. You may want to edit their default message just a bit, however - mine was edited to read:
"America's national parks are some of the most peaceful places in our country. While they offer solitude and an opportunity for reflection, they also present risks from natural and human predators. That's why I am so pleased to learn that the administration is considering allowing loaded guns in our national parks.Our park rangers cannot keep up with the activity already happening in our parks, and opening up the parks to allow guns even where hunting is not allowed will allow responsible, armed citizens to defend themselves and their loved ones when the Park Service cannot be available to defend them from threatening wildlife and criminals.
Please do open up our parks to loaded guns. This administration would be setting a truly decent and honorable precedent by allowing loaded weapons in our parks, and respecting the trustworthiness and basic rights of the millions of law-abiding respectful American citizens.
Sincerely,
Marc Danziger"
There's also the opportunity to send a message to your friends about the importance of this - I sent a message to Kim DuToit and Glenn Reynolds. I'm sure you can think of a few friends who would like to participate!
If you'd prefer to submit your comments directly (you never know if NCPA vets comments before sending them on) you can do so directly on the US Department of the Interior website.