Carrying one on Earth, however, is an entirely different matter. I plan to pack whenever I visit a national park whether it's legal or not. "Better to be judged by twelve..."
As for our parks being safe havens from crime (is the author really that stupid?), Berger should try a Google search for "national parks crystal meth." This brings up the USDOJ: Meth Awareness Homepage and a National Park Service page on Mohave National Preserve.
According to the Department of Justice "Small Toxic Labs produce smaller quantities of meth. These labs can be set up in homes, motel rooms, inside automobiles, and in PARKS or rural areas -- really almost anywhere."
The National Park Service tells us that "One of the most dangerous consequences of Mojave's nearness to urban areas is the use of the park by illegal narcotics manufacturers and drug dealers. Manufacture of illegal methamphetamine, often referred to as 'crystal meth,' has posed a considerable problem to the park."
If Berger and his Alaskan friend want to smooth their gun barrels, or other cylindrical objects, to facilitate their own rectal violation, that is their choice.
As for myself, I plan to keep my front site in working order so as to increase my hit probability when I am threatened by a Hell's Angel or other meth-producing outlaw.
USDOJ Page: http://www.usdoj.gov/methawareness/
NPS Page: http://www.nps.gov/archive/moja/adminhist/adhi7.htm
If you’re polite to them and spell their name correctly you probably won’t be threatened by a Hells Angel.