Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Forestry
 
Board
Department of Forestry
 
chapter
Virginia State Forest Regulations [4 VAC 10 ‑ 30]
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11/30/08  11:20 pm
Commenter: Benjamin McLeod

Yes, please make the change.
 

Yes, please make the change. There is no reason to restrict firearms carry in public parks any differently than other public places in general.

Although public parks are indeed "generally safe", so are most other places, yet crime happens. There is less crime where criminals are restricted, compared to otherwise identical places where they are not restricted. And the least expensive way for government to restrict criminals is to let those citizens who responsibly volunteer, assist with their own protection. This helps not only those who are armed, but also those around them, and even those elsewhere when the criminals do not know who is armed or not.

This is not something that should be left entirely to government.

Restricting responsible citizens from personal defense does nothing to improve safety, as "responsible citizens" by definition are not out poaching game or robbing other park visitors; but does much to clear the way for whatever criminals may arrive.

 

CommentID: 6013