Reader Tim expressed his disappointment with Lamar Alexander’s recent anti-gun rights vote. The senior senator responded:
Thanks for getting in touch and letting me know what’s on your mind regarding guns in national parks.
I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. So was President Reagan, who established rules allowing guns in national parks as long as they were unloaded. And so was President George W. Bush, who determined that gun owners with conceal-and-carry permits could carry guns in national parks – although this regulation was put on hold by a federal court. I supported these rules of both President Reagan and President Bush.
On May 12, 2009, the Senate approved an amendment to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act that would allow individuals to bring loaded firearms into national parks and wildlife refuges – including, for the first time, individuals without conceal-and-carry permits. I voted against this amendment because it goes too far – further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law. I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but I also support the Tenth Amendment respecting the powers of the states.
I am grateful that you took the time to let me know where you stand. I’ll be sure to keep your comments in mind as this important issue is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.
The law would not allow those without permits to carry unless the states say so. And to imply Bush (either one) is some sort of stalwart defender of gun rights that we should compare ourselves to is laughable.
Update: A non-response to my post has been posted here and here:
Senator Alexander’s letter is correct where it states that the Coburn Amendment goes further than state law.
The new Tennessee state law allows ONLY those with conceal-and-carry permits to carry in a STATE park. The amendment that Senator Alexander opposed allows anyone who can carry a firearm generally in Tennessee (conceal-and-carry permit or not) to carry a loaded firearm openly in a national park in Tennessee.
I did not say that he was incorrect regarding the bill going further than state law, because at the time TN prohibited park carry. So, he’s not addressing what I stated. And the only folks in Tennessee who can carry a firearm are those with permits. And those who carry into National Parks must comply with state law. So, his original assertion was wrong and his follow up is also wrong.