Gowdy to National Park Service: Why block out vets and not ‘Occupy’ protestors?
South Carolina Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy is reviving the National Park Service’s limited enforcement of regulations during last year’s “Occupy” protest in McPherson Square to press the agency on its shutdown protocols.

In a letter to NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis, Friday Gowdy called on the agency to provide a legal justification for closing the World War II Memorial to veterans in light of he government shut down while still allowing an immigration rally on the National Mall.

“I am concerned about recent reports of the National Park Service’s (NPS) selective enforcement of policy and regulations in the name of the First Amendment,” Gowdy wrote. “Reminiscent of last year’s lack of enforcement of camping in McPherson Square, the NPS justified special accommodations for a rally on the National Mall attended by Democratic Members of Congress based on First Amendment interpretations.”

“However, World War II veterans faced government barriers when attempting to visit a memorial commemorating their service,” he wrote....