I have just read this morning’s Missoulian article about Rep. Rehberg’s proposal to allow guns aboard Amtrak trains. He must have thought about this during his long ride back to DC after his night of mayhem of August 27th; when the now infamous (Wayfarer’s) boat wreck left him with a badly injured ankle and he was not fit to fly back by plane.
Montanan’s have a strong tradition and take their 2nd. Amendment rights seriously, however, I believe this proposal is not in alignment with the national security interests of our nation. As Amtrak officials point out; there is no way to ensure the baggage compartments are secure at all times. This dangerous proposal will seriously undermine our national security and it will create a serious public safety gap in the security of our national transportation. The rail service had earlier opposed efforts to allow firearms on trains.
Had the Bush adminstration taken national security seriously; it would have been less difficult for the unfortunate events of 9/11 to have occurred. The threats were there, and the Bush administration’s intelligence were aware of it. While there is no way to undo past ineffectiveness; we cannot roll back security now.