-Caveat Lector- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"> </A> -Cui Bono?- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! http://www.landrightsletter.com/1299goodbye_old_smokey.htm Goodbye Old Smokey; you've been replaced by Rambo. J. Zane Walley, The Paragon Foundation On a recent family vacation to Big Bend National Park in Southwest Texas, my wife, son, and I were on private property that borders the park and belongs to retired Texas rancher, Rex Ivey. I set my cameras on tripods and was waiting to photograph the sunset on the Chisos Mountains when I spied a white and green Park Service vehicle rapidly driving toward me. A U.S. Department of the Interior Park Ranger, David Yim, climbed out and began interrogating my son Martin and I on what we were doing, where we were from, what I did for a living, and how many in my party. As I was replying to Officer Yim, he kept his hand on his sidearm and circled me like a gunfighter every time I shifted position. After he completed questioning us; he went to my pickup truck and camper, peered through the windows and back door. Finishing with my vehicle, he proceeded to inspect all other vehicles in the parking area as well as interrogate locals and other tourists who had arrived to watch the sunset. Ranger Yim was certainly well armed. He was literally ready for war. On his hip was a nine millimeter pistol, and his duty belt carried several thirteen round capacity magazines, Mace, handcuffs, and a large assortment of other black leather clad devices. A 12 Gauge riot shotgun and a Colt assault rifle were between the bucket seats of his official vehicle. I took exception to Ranger Yim's SWAT team attire, interrogation, and arguable actions on private property. After returning home to New Mexico, I conducted a telephone interview with his supervisor, Chief Ranger Bill Wright. It was unpleasantly enlightening. Ranger Wright informed me that U.S. Department of the Interior Park Rangers have jurisdiction anywhere in the U.S., if they feel a crime has been committed on federal land. "For instance," he said, "if we believe someone from Maine took an archeological treasure from Big Bend. We could conduct an investigation there although it is not on U.S. land. We are federal officers!" he proudly concluded. The Ranger also stated that his officers are engaged in drug and illegal alien interdiction and would and could purse any law violators off public property if the crime was committed in the park. "The rule of hot pursuit applies here." White noted. For these reasons, White contended that Yim had the right to be questioning citizens and investigating their vehicles on private land. He also defended his officers' heavy weaponry. "We had a rape and a murder in our Park. Outside Magazine says it is one of the five most dangerous National Parks in America. I want to make sure my officers are armed to respond to any situation." White also admitted that they had not solved the rape or murder cases but had arrested a few thieves. White stated that all U.S. Park Rangers in America are armed with, or have riot guns and assault rifles in their armory. It is depressing that the familiar, friendly park ranger has become a paramilitary soldier. In speaking with Yim and White, it seems that the "federal officer" status has infused their thinking to the point that making big arrests and drug busts are of greater importance than merely informing and protecting the public. A sad Goodbye old Smokey. You have been replaced by Rambo. **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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