Friday, January 20, 2023
Monday, March 4, 2019
2A Town Hall, March 4, Enfield
We will NOT comply!
That was the tone of tonight's town hall meeting in tiny Enfield, IL.
The meeting was well attended, with reports of 400 + folks signing in. Several were from surrounding counties including Edwards, Wayne, and Gallatin. There may have been other counties represented but I had confirmed contact with folks from those three. There were also several law enforcement officials from other counties as well as at least one officer from District 19 ISP (I'm assuming in an unofficial capacity as I know the officer lives in White county and wasn't in uniform).
Speaking this evening were Representative Darren Bailey (R, 109th), Senator Dale Righter (R, 55th), White County State's Attorney Denton Aud, White County Sheriff Doug Maier, as well as Mike and Valinda Rowe (Illinois Carry and ISRA).
After a brief welcome and introductions, Rep. Bailey opened the meeting with prayer followed by Valinda leading us in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. (That's how we do things down here in the parts of IL that are still America)
Valinda spoke about past lawsuits that were important to Concealed Carry and gun ownership in IL and the importance of being informed. She gave excellent instructions on signing up for alerts from Illinoiscarry.com and how to log in for the discussion forums to help coordinate with like minded folks.
Rep. Bailey had the stage at this point and mentioned that he has three Chicago Reps that have committed to spending some time in the area this summer in order to learn about the vast differences between their home and ours. I thought this was a great plan and I hope they hold to that commitment, it's much better than simply arguing with them and lets them see what culture outside of the city is like, as well as the poor state of our infrastructure. He went on to mention the effectiveness of phone calls and emails to other Reps that introduce bills and/or sit on different committees. The "per-mile" tax and the "No guns in Churches" bills being two examples that have been pulled due to large amounts of negative feedback.
Rep. Bailey ended his segment by assuring everyone in attendance that if SB107 ("Assault Weapons" ban) were to pass, that he will not register his own firearms. This resulted in a large applause as you might expect.
Senator Righter took the podium next and expressed the need to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in order to pass along our opposition to SB107. He stressed that respect was key in this as being rude would just cause them to ignore the pleas. I agree with this but would add that one can be firm and respectful at the same time. The folks that push these bills don't expect a coordinated resistance and we need to show them just that.
Sen. Righter did go on to say that he feels SB107 is an Unconstitutional and inappropriate bill and that he would fight it as such. He reminded everyone that a basic distrust in government is exactly what led to the Bill of Rights in the first place and bills like this are a perfect example of government overreach.
Next up was White County State's Attorney, Denton Aud. Mr. Aud spent some time discussing the discretion that is afforded to the State's Attorney's office and that his job is to pursue justice rather than simply prosecute crimes. His oath states that he is to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to protect the people that have elected him. He feels that these proposed laws are at odds with the U.S. Constitution and, after discussion with the Sheriff and Police Chiefs in White, he will not prosecute a person in White County for simple violation of a law like SB107, if they are an otherwise law-abiding citizen. Mr. Aud received a standing ovation.
Sheriff Doug Maier took the stage briefly and reinforced that he and other LEO in White will not arrest for a violation of SB107, given that the citizen is otherwise law-abiding. (Note: he is referring to his Deputies and other local PDs, not the ISP, as he can't speak for them)
At this point the floor was opened for questions, which were general in nature and answered fairly concisely. One attendee asked about the new regulations for gun shops, SA Aud stated that IL State Regulation of a business was not Unconstitutional as far as he could tell. Mike and Valinda Rowe mentioned that the law is being examined in detail for any cracks that can be exploited with a lawsuit but that none have yet been found.
I felt that the meeting was informative and thought that the speakers all did a very good job and were reassuring, particularly for those living in White County. Of course, Sen. Righter said it best...we need to stop SB107 from ever becoming law, rather than discussing how to avoid prosecution if it does become law.
You'll forgive me for the blandness, I'm much more accustomed to tossing out my own thoughts rather than reporting things (if you can call this reporting).
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Illinois doubles down on stupid
Illinois...there's something in the water.
For those readers not familiar with Illinois, it's really two states: one that is basically Chicago/Cook County and its collar counties (mostly "left leaning"), the other is roughly everything south of I-80 (mostly "right leaning") which is typically labeled as "downstate". Of course, this is a generalization as we know there are pockets of liberalism in "downstate" (Champaign County, for instance) and vice-versa. Further, there are some "liberals" who own firearm as well....so lets not get too wrapped up in the labels.
Sadly, the population of Cook County, etc. is enough that the entire remainder of the state can think one way and get overruled in an election. The last Gubernatorial race found a few more pockets in support of the democratic candidate as people were rightfully fed up with Gov. Rauner's ineffectiveness.
Those of us in "downstate" IL knew that the relatively stable, though not ideal, situation for firearms ownership would take a negative turn when Gov. J.B. Pritzker was elected. As it turns out, we underestimated the slope of that downward curve and how quickly the Chicago pols would act.
Yeah, they're swinging for the fences.
First, they held a bill that they knew Gov. Rauner would veto and passed it off to new Gov. Pritsker shortly after being seated. Seems like dirty pool to me but I'm no expert on that stuff, I expect it to be challenged in court.
This bill was signed and has now become Public Act 100-1178, it requires state level licensing of firearms dealers and includes licensing fees, video camera requirements (video of all doors, all inventory, as well as all transactions....), video storage requirements (90 days minimum), inspection requirements, and so on. Video storage can get expensive in a hurry, just ask any number of small police departments that can't afford to store body cam footage.
Besides all that, the BATFE already controls firearms dealers at the federal level and we know that criminals with records don't go to gun shops to buy their firearms. According to the DOJ stats published on the same day this bill was signed, only 1.9% of criminals in possession of a gun claim to have purchased it in a retail location.
Next they dropped SB 0107 in our laps. This is the typical "assault weapons" ban and includes your choice of registration or confiscation of existing firearms that fit their language. No surprises here except for not having a grandfather clause.
A day or two later, we see HB0888 arrive. This is a bill that requires you to turn over info for your social media accounts when you apply for a new FOID or attempt to renew it. I can understand how some people might think this is a good thing, but folks....due process. If someone is doing things on one of the social media networks that makes you raise an eyebrow, I get it. But until they're prosecuted of a crime I don't see how the state could use this against them but they'll certainly try using it for Red Flag purposes.
My personal favorite (so far) is the newly released HB1467. Wondering what's in this gem? Read on.
A retailer will be required to do the following for an AMMUNITION sale.
Record the following info:
1. Date of transaction
2. Purchaser's name, address, DOB
3. Purchaser's FOID information
4. Amount of ammunition, caliber, manufacturer's name and serial number or other identifying info
5. Requires the retailer to send all of this to the IL State Police within 7 days of the sale of ammunition.
6. Retailer must keep a log book of ammunition sales, available for inspection by law enforcement
The bill also requires the IL State Police to establish and maintain a searchable database which contains these ammunition records.
Sooo, since that pesky U.S. Constitution makes it unlawful for the state to have a database of firearm sales...they'll just record ammunition sales and then deduce who-owns-what to some degree. To be clear, they do know when a firearm is sold at retail but only that it is a handgun or long gun.
None of this is going to stop crime of any type and they know it. My opinion is that they're hoping to drive gun shops out of business and scare a handful of people into turning in a few firearms. Meanwhile, gangbangers will still be bangin and it's business as usual with them.
Those of us closer to Kentucky than Chicago tend to be of the mindset that these things won't affect us much but you need to wake up and realize that this will affect you. They aren't playing around. There is a Democratic super-majority in both houses and a new leftist sitting in the Governor's chair, it's going to be tough and you need to get involved. In my opinion, complacency is consent and those who roll over are just as much to blame as those who bring this mess to the table.
How can you help? Stay with me....
Get off of your rear, get on the phone, send a letter, or an email, file witness slips for these bills, wear these elected officials out with communication. You can find the contact info for your elected officials here, just click on Members and follow your nose.
If you've never filed Witness slips before, see IllinoisCarry.com (link on the right) for instructions. Lots of good folks there to help you out.
Attend IGOLD on March 27 (there's time to plan) and get to Springfield any other time you can. Yes, even if you don't agree with everything that the ISRA does, now is no time to divide ourselves
If you're a Sheriff reading this by some strange luck, I ask that you tell the ILGA that you won't assist with enforcing this attack on honest folks if it does manage to become law.
County boards? Pass a line in your budget barring county funds from being spent on enforcement of this tripe. Help us find a way.
If you're one of the legislators that have brought these bills forward or support them, please reconsider. These actions will do nothing more than hurt the people that already follow laws, not those who are actually doing harm.
For those readers not familiar with Illinois, it's really two states: one that is basically Chicago/Cook County and its collar counties (mostly "left leaning"), the other is roughly everything south of I-80 (mostly "right leaning") which is typically labeled as "downstate". Of course, this is a generalization as we know there are pockets of liberalism in "downstate" (Champaign County, for instance) and vice-versa. Further, there are some "liberals" who own firearm as well....so lets not get too wrapped up in the labels.
Sadly, the population of Cook County, etc. is enough that the entire remainder of the state can think one way and get overruled in an election. The last Gubernatorial race found a few more pockets in support of the democratic candidate as people were rightfully fed up with Gov. Rauner's ineffectiveness.
Those of us in "downstate" IL knew that the relatively stable, though not ideal, situation for firearms ownership would take a negative turn when Gov. J.B. Pritzker was elected. As it turns out, we underestimated the slope of that downward curve and how quickly the Chicago pols would act.
Yeah, they're swinging for the fences.
First, they held a bill that they knew Gov. Rauner would veto and passed it off to new Gov. Pritsker shortly after being seated. Seems like dirty pool to me but I'm no expert on that stuff, I expect it to be challenged in court.
This bill was signed and has now become Public Act 100-1178, it requires state level licensing of firearms dealers and includes licensing fees, video camera requirements (video of all doors, all inventory, as well as all transactions....), video storage requirements (90 days minimum), inspection requirements, and so on. Video storage can get expensive in a hurry, just ask any number of small police departments that can't afford to store body cam footage.
Besides all that, the BATFE already controls firearms dealers at the federal level and we know that criminals with records don't go to gun shops to buy their firearms. According to the DOJ stats published on the same day this bill was signed, only 1.9% of criminals in possession of a gun claim to have purchased it in a retail location.
Next they dropped SB 0107 in our laps. This is the typical "assault weapons" ban and includes your choice of registration or confiscation of existing firearms that fit their language. No surprises here except for not having a grandfather clause.
A day or two later, we see HB0888 arrive. This is a bill that requires you to turn over info for your social media accounts when you apply for a new FOID or attempt to renew it. I can understand how some people might think this is a good thing, but folks....due process. If someone is doing things on one of the social media networks that makes you raise an eyebrow, I get it. But until they're prosecuted of a crime I don't see how the state could use this against them but they'll certainly try using it for Red Flag purposes.
My personal favorite (so far) is the newly released HB1467. Wondering what's in this gem? Read on.
A retailer will be required to do the following for an AMMUNITION sale.
Record the following info:
1. Date of transaction
2. Purchaser's name, address, DOB
3. Purchaser's FOID information
4. Amount of ammunition, caliber, manufacturer's name and serial number or other identifying info
5. Requires the retailer to send all of this to the IL State Police within 7 days of the sale of ammunition.
6. Retailer must keep a log book of ammunition sales, available for inspection by law enforcement
The bill also requires the IL State Police to establish and maintain a searchable database which contains these ammunition records.
Sooo, since that pesky U.S. Constitution makes it unlawful for the state to have a database of firearm sales...they'll just record ammunition sales and then deduce who-owns-what to some degree. To be clear, they do know when a firearm is sold at retail but only that it is a handgun or long gun.
Edit 1/31/19 to add a new bill introduced late yesterday:
HB1586 may be tied for my favorite now....this atrocity will require all handgun ammunition to be serialized. If you possess un-serialized ammunition that was previously owned or was purchased from a sane state...too bad. Also creates a registry of serial numbers from an ammunition sale, so obviously this goes along with HB1467 above.
Those of us closer to Kentucky than Chicago tend to be of the mindset that these things won't affect us much but you need to wake up and realize that this will affect you. They aren't playing around. There is a Democratic super-majority in both houses and a new leftist sitting in the Governor's chair, it's going to be tough and you need to get involved. In my opinion, complacency is consent and those who roll over are just as much to blame as those who bring this mess to the table.
How can you help? Stay with me....
Get off of your rear, get on the phone, send a letter, or an email, file witness slips for these bills, wear these elected officials out with communication. You can find the contact info for your elected officials here, just click on Members and follow your nose.
If you've never filed Witness slips before, see IllinoisCarry.com (link on the right) for instructions. Lots of good folks there to help you out.
Attend IGOLD on March 27 (there's time to plan) and get to Springfield any other time you can. Yes, even if you don't agree with everything that the ISRA does, now is no time to divide ourselves
If you're a Sheriff reading this by some strange luck, I ask that you tell the ILGA that you won't assist with enforcing this attack on honest folks if it does manage to become law.
County boards? Pass a line in your budget barring county funds from being spent on enforcement of this tripe. Help us find a way.
If you're one of the legislators that have brought these bills forward or support them, please reconsider. These actions will do nothing more than hurt the people that already follow laws, not those who are actually doing harm.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Seriously. What's wrong with people?
You may have heard that our new Miss U.S.A. is an advocate of self defense.
But what you may not know, is that some folks (idiots) are losing their bloody minds over that statement.
"Feminists" are screaming that a woman shouldn't have to defend herself from rape. Instead, men should learn to not rape......
Do these folks not know that rape is a crime already? Do they really think that if they simply educate the potential rapists that rape is wrong, then the act will just disappear overnight? Are some people really so stupid?
I'd challenge anyone to find an example of an existing, civilized culture in which rape is considered "OK". Here is the U.S. it is certainly a crime and everybody KNOWS that...no amount of education will change the fact that the rapist already KNOWS that what he is doing is wrong. (Of course, we should continue to teach that rape is wrong, I'm not suggesting that we stop...just that those bent on doing rape won't be swayed)
Why would anyone discourage women from learning how to defend themselves? What possible bad result could come from that? An attempted rapist who gets his ass beat or worse? I fail to see the down side of that outcome.
Yes, in a perfect world, women should not have to worry about being raped (or mugged, stabbed, beaten, etc). On this, we can all agree. But here's a clue: We don't live in a perfect world! and until we do (never), then discouraging anyone from learning to defend themselves just perpetuates a nation of victims and empowers the rapist.
But what you may not know, is that some folks (idiots) are losing their bloody minds over that statement.
"Feminists" are screaming that a woman shouldn't have to defend herself from rape. Instead, men should learn to not rape......
Do these folks not know that rape is a crime already? Do they really think that if they simply educate the potential rapists that rape is wrong, then the act will just disappear overnight? Are some people really so stupid?
I'd challenge anyone to find an example of an existing, civilized culture in which rape is considered "OK". Here is the U.S. it is certainly a crime and everybody KNOWS that...no amount of education will change the fact that the rapist already KNOWS that what he is doing is wrong. (Of course, we should continue to teach that rape is wrong, I'm not suggesting that we stop...just that those bent on doing rape won't be swayed)
Why would anyone discourage women from learning how to defend themselves? What possible bad result could come from that? An attempted rapist who gets his ass beat or worse? I fail to see the down side of that outcome.
Yes, in a perfect world, women should not have to worry about being raped (or mugged, stabbed, beaten, etc). On this, we can all agree. But here's a clue: We don't live in a perfect world! and until we do (never), then discouraging anyone from learning to defend themselves just perpetuates a nation of victims and empowers the rapist.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
One of our best, gone
Last night I learned of the passing of Otis McDonald.
Mr. McDonald's name is very familiar to most folks involved in the fight to keep our Second Amendment rights. Otis, joined by David & Colleen Lawson and Adam Orlov went to the courts in order to strike down Chicago's ban on handguns. McDonald v. Chicago determined that the Second Amendment applies to the states and forced Chicago to recognize those rights.
But Otis was more than that of course. He was a much loved family man and friend to many, I believe he was really one of those men that never met a stranger.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Otis in 2011 by a mutual friend (thanks JD) and was able to visit with him again in 2012. Sadly, I won't get that opportunity again.
Otis McDonald, loved and respected by many, now gone from this life April 4, 2014.
Fair winds and following seas, sir.
Mr. McDonald's name is very familiar to most folks involved in the fight to keep our Second Amendment rights. Otis, joined by David & Colleen Lawson and Adam Orlov went to the courts in order to strike down Chicago's ban on handguns. McDonald v. Chicago determined that the Second Amendment applies to the states and forced Chicago to recognize those rights.
But Otis was more than that of course. He was a much loved family man and friend to many, I believe he was really one of those men that never met a stranger.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Otis in 2011 by a mutual friend (thanks JD) and was able to visit with him again in 2012. Sadly, I won't get that opportunity again.
Otis McDonald, loved and respected by many, now gone from this life April 4, 2014.
Fair winds and following seas, sir.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Aaaaand, we're off!
I'm sure it's much to the dismay of ICHV and others, but some folks have already received their IL concealed carry licenses in the mail today! I have seen the photographic proof over at IllinoisCarry.com and it's a beautiful thing.
Much anticipated and long overdue, it looks like this is really happening. Congrats to those that have received theirs already, the rest of us will just wait a bit longer.
If anyone can, please run by and check on Lee Goodman. He's likely huddled in a corner shivering in fear.
Much anticipated and long overdue, it looks like this is really happening. Congrats to those that have received theirs already, the rest of us will just wait a bit longer.
If anyone can, please run by and check on Lee Goodman. He's likely huddled in a corner shivering in fear.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
YOUR help is needed!
Let me spin you a brief tale...
A young lady of 20 lives by herself somewhere in Illinois and wishes to own a shotgun for home defense, which requires that she apply for a FOID card. However, her parents have both passed away...
This young lady now has a legal problem here in The Land of Lincoln. For anyone under the age of 21, the FOID application requires that a parent also signs the form to "give permission" for the applicant to own a firearm. Without this signature, her permit will be denied.
She can vote (let's hope she does!) and she can enlist in any branch of our military on her 18th birthday, she would be tried as an adult if she were a criminal but she can't get a FOID card. Seem a bit screwed up? Yeah, I think so too.
Other situations can also cause the FOID of a person under age 21 to be revoked...if a parent's FOID is revoked, then a child under 21 can also have their existing FOID revoked due to the actions of the parent. Sins of the father and all that. If that child is considered a legal adult (18 and above) this seems like quite a travesty.
With these and similar situations in mind, HB3762 has been introduced. This bill would remove the parental consent for a FOID applicant that is 18 years or older (currently 21 as previously discussed).
How can YOU help? Just click on the following links and fill out a Witness slip to show your support of the the bill, these slips are counted during the committee meeting that all bills must go through before reaching the House floor.
Don't know how to fill out a witness slip? No problem! There's also a link below that will lead you directly to instructions for doing so.
Direct link to HB3762 Witness slip.
Link to instructions for filling out a witness slip over at IllinoisCarry.
Hey, while you're at IllinoisCarry.com getting those instructions, stop by the forums, join in the conversation and stay up to date!
A young lady of 20 lives by herself somewhere in Illinois and wishes to own a shotgun for home defense, which requires that she apply for a FOID card. However, her parents have both passed away...
This young lady now has a legal problem here in The Land of Lincoln. For anyone under the age of 21, the FOID application requires that a parent also signs the form to "give permission" for the applicant to own a firearm. Without this signature, her permit will be denied.
She can vote (let's hope she does!) and she can enlist in any branch of our military on her 18th birthday, she would be tried as an adult if she were a criminal but she can't get a FOID card. Seem a bit screwed up? Yeah, I think so too.
Other situations can also cause the FOID of a person under age 21 to be revoked...if a parent's FOID is revoked, then a child under 21 can also have their existing FOID revoked due to the actions of the parent. Sins of the father and all that. If that child is considered a legal adult (18 and above) this seems like quite a travesty.
With these and similar situations in mind, HB3762 has been introduced. This bill would remove the parental consent for a FOID applicant that is 18 years or older (currently 21 as previously discussed).
How can YOU help? Just click on the following links and fill out a Witness slip to show your support of the the bill, these slips are counted during the committee meeting that all bills must go through before reaching the House floor.
Don't know how to fill out a witness slip? No problem! There's also a link below that will lead you directly to instructions for doing so.
Direct link to HB3762 Witness slip.
Link to instructions for filling out a witness slip over at IllinoisCarry.
Hey, while you're at IllinoisCarry.com getting those instructions, stop by the forums, join in the conversation and stay up to date!
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