I am shocked by The Associated Press article in which Bill Wade, a former National Park superintendent, claims that the shooting of Park Service Ranger Margaret Anderson could have been prevented if loaded weapons were not allowed in national parks.

The shooter is suspected of shooting four people near Seattle, then fleeing to Mount Ranier National Park to hide out. He did not stop at the roadblock where rangers check that vehicles are prepared for winter driving conditions; he would not have stopped to have his vehicle checked for weapons.

This type of knee-jerk reaction is what has our country in so much trouble. It is deemed more important to react quickly -- have the first word -- than to act responsibly or with information.

Laws are enacted "for our safety," when in reality they just give more power to the government. Stop being willing to be coddled by your government. It is not the government's responsibility to take all risk out of your life or to protect you from the effects of your decisions.

Emily Allen, Richland