Open Forum

I feel that I must respond to a recent news brief in the Brainerd Dispatch. On Dec.31, you ran a short brief titled Group sues to reinstate firearms ban. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is suing the Bush administration over a new policy that would allow people to carry concealed, loaded firearms in most national parks and wildlife refuges. The group's president, Paul Helmke said We should not be making it easier for dangerous people to carry firearms in our Parks.

What he doesn't say is that a law abiding citizen has to have a valid conceal carry permit in order to legally carry in a national park. If a Minnesota resident doesn't have a concealed carry permit, he cannot carry in any national parks in Minnesota. I am licensed to carry a concealed firearm in 37 states. That makes it legal for me to carry a concealed firearm in such places as Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, and Glacier Park in Montana, for example. Mr Helmke gives the reader the impression that anyone and everyone is now allowed to carry in a national park. Not so! But then Mr. Helmke and his organization have never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

By the way, The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence was originally organized as Handgun Control whose sole purpose was to ban and confiscate all privately owned handguns. That is still their purpose but renamed themselves to hide their real agenda.

James E. Walden

Bloomington

Just like 'Mayberry R.F.D.'

Did you hear the latest? After the Brainerd City Council elected a new president I think I heard some sour grapes. Alderwoman Anne Fisher put forth a motion that the council president be a rotating position. Just like in Mayberry with Andy Griffith every year one of the girls took her turn being queen of something.

And this right after they were challenged on leadership the kindergarteners come out to play. They don't want any winners or losers; they want everyone to be a winner. Here's the gavel now Tommy, it's your turn to play president. Pathetic, in my opinion.

Instead of rotating why not carve it in stone in the city charter that every two years a new council president is elected, just as it has been. To me, the action to change how a president is selected smells of sour grapes from sore losers.

On a different note Mary Koep appeared to start out well. Mrs. Koep, I truly do hope you remember and keep your campaign promises. I hope to see more conservative action from you especially when it comes to spending. I encourage you to work with Alderman Olson as I do all council members in reducing our budget.

Mary, you said it and it's prophetic and I expect it; you are there to serve the people who elected you and you will work towards cutting spending.

Steven Wolff

Brainerd