Dear Board,

I sincerely defend the right of the Citizens of Virginia to Carry Openly or concealed in public parks, National or State. Because the average citizen should have the right to defend him or herself when alone in a National or State park, or with family members or friends.

While strict gun laws apply to the law biding citizen they do not apply to the criminal element that is at lodge throughout the commonwealth. We read of many misdeeds committed by armed criminals on unsuspecting unarmed citizens everyday. I submit that this would not be a daily occurrence if law biding citizens could carry for their own safety and the safety of their fellow Virginians.It would not lead to the return of the Wild West, nor would it lead to daily shoot outs in traffic or in malls.

Unfortunately, armed felons target places where they know the people are unarmed. It is less of a risk for them if it is against the law or posted that the law abiding citizen cannot carry. Because most law abiding citizens would not carry in obedience to the law. Except for the Criminal type that are there to commit a crime or to have a little fun at our expense.

No Law abiding citizen in the Country, no less the Commonwealth should have to fear for their safety in a public park, if they can have the means to protect themselves against the criminal that would make their visit unsafe by doing harm to them. Let's face it, police officers and park rangers cannot be everywhere all the time in our parks. It is just an impossible task to ask. so citizens have a choice to be a vidtim or not be a victim. We have a choice whether to allow our citizens to protect themselves.

The data speaks for itself, Law abiding citizens do not run wild shooting up the town, city, or parks they enjoy on a daily basis. There are less incidents among well trained law biding citizens and concealed weapons permit holders than in some of our Law enforcement agencies. Citizens don't want to use that firearm they carry unless they are forced to protect themselves, their loved ones or another citizen in fear for his life or grievous injury. Please permit them to carry either openly or concealed with a concealed weapons permit in our parks.

Sincerely,

John J. Wilson-Retired Chief of Police, Commonwealth of Virginia