First of all I love state parks. I love my family, and I love to bring them out to see all that nature has to offer here in Virginia. Its truly a special place. What I don't love, is feeling vulnerable and unprotected, at the mercy of criminals, when on hikes, going picnicing, etc. with my family, and cell phones may be in and out, and we are in a secluded area. Such places, while they are beautiful, also invite danger and perversity by people with bad motives. We have had close encounters on the appalachian trail, where we found ourselves in the unexpected company of a band of rough-looking shady men. Nothing happened, but it was frightening enough that we haven't been back hiking since, because of that experience which I believe was certianly a "close call." This is the reason why law-abiding citizens who prosess the training, certifications and background approvals necessary to carry firearms, should have the right to carry them in parks. ESPECIALLY in parks! Firarms are the best method of self-defense, because thats what criminals carry. Law-abiding citizens are dedicated, ABOVE ALL, to the preservation of life. This is why we have the second amendment. Virginia should uphold that, because its simply the right thing, and it always has been the right thing.