The story on the front page of the Sun Journal, Dec. 28, from Florida’s Sun-Sentinel concerning guns in federal parks, was alarmist to say the least. Statistically, those who hold state permits for concealed firearms are less likely to commit a gun crime than members of the general public.

My understanding is the concealed carrier in a national park must meet the same requirements as if they were on non-federal land in the state in which the park is located.

If I were a law enforcement park ranger, I’d be a bit concerned, too, as it adds more uncertainty to the job. But I suspect the rangers will find that permit holders are more likely to help them than hurt them.

I have a permit, and if I came upon a police officer in a bad situation I would either help or mind my own business, whichever in the long run would be most helpful to the officer.

I feel the Sun Journal could have found a story much less in tune with the Brady Bunch and giving a bit more of the National Rifle Association’s side.

I know some retired park service rangers and I respect them highly. In fact one of them was talking guns with me a few days ago. I guess she’s going to carry now, although I didn’t ask her outright, so I won’t quote her by name, except to say she favored a .357 magnum revolver over a 9mm semi-automatic.

The Rev. Daniel Beegan, Rumford