Why not guns?

Thank you for your recent stance on allowing loaded weapons in National Parks. I am glad to see that my elected officials are thinking of the safety and welfare of all Americans while traveling through and staying in our National Parks, some of our finest federal real estate.

It is nice to know that you two are not like those other elected officials in Washington, D.C., who use scare-tactics or fear-mongering to cower the electorate into believing a fear of harm or death exists where it rarely does. I am glad neither of you are using such a stance as election-year grandstanding in order to gain voter appeal.

I do have some questions though. Why limit this effort to just National Parks? Why not allow the carrying of loaded weapons on all federally owned lands and structures? Being the freedom-loving, God-fearing, real American men that you are, surely you can agree that if our need for guns in National parks is imperative, so, too, on and in all federal property.

You know, like being able to carry a double-barreled shotgun on the Washington Mall, at the Jefferson Memorial or the Lincoln Memorial, just to name a few. If you think the threat of harm is bad in our National Parks, try strolling along any of the above, unarmed and alone at 2 a.m. and you'll see they need inclusion to the plan you've signed onto. Last year, after visiting the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., I can say with confidence that the idea of having a loaded AK-47 by my side would greatly enhance my art-viewing experience. Somehow, the viewing of the Dutch Masters seems limp without the power of gunpowder by my side.

The economics of the idea are undeniable, as all that expensive security equipment and personnel would be rendered useless, and saving taxpayers millions, with all the freedom-lovin', gun-totin' art lovers ready to blow a hole the size of the Mona Lisa's smile into any would be art thief.

And let's not stop there. Any freedom-loving, God-fearing, real American who has ever heard the phrase "going postal" knows all too well the fear of entering a federal postal facility unarmed. Being able to carry a loaded weapon into a post office is our God-given constitutional right, is it not?

The Second Amendment doesn't put restrictions on where we have the right to bear arms, so why should you and your senatorial brethren? Best of all, think how we could expand this plan you both have signed onto beyond the federal level and into the private sector. You show your concern for our safety in National Parks, what about all parks, America's favorite parks, ball parks? Isn't it about time we were able to really honor our national pastime in a real American way by allowing loaded weapons in all major league and minor league ballparks?

Instead of all those sappy liberal celebrations like Fan Appreciation Day, Bat Day, or Seniors Day, we could have the mother of all celebrations, Lock and Load Day, with the first 2,000 ticket holders receiving a free box of ammo.

Knowing that your hearts are focused on the feelings of our safety, that your minds are focused on thoughts of making Americans secure on all federal lands, and anywhere else for that matter, I look for your full support in promoting a real American dream come true.

John Marshall lives in Hot Springs.This letter was sent to Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester.