If you keep up with IL gun Rights at all, then you've likely heard of an effort in Pike County to get a public vote on concealed carry. It was on the ballot yesterday and passed at ~ 85%, which means.... well, I'm not sure what it means. Read more here.
Please note, the following couple of bits are reliant on a weapons carrier that is not otherwise barred from owning a firearm and is of age, etc.
The Sheriff says he won't be arresting anyone for carrying a weapon and the State's Attorney says he won't be willing to prosecute anyone (provided they were arrested in the first place, possibly they expect the ISP won't be so friendly).
I'm no lawyer, but I'm betting that the IL AG's office is going to have something to say. I'm also betting that it won't be favorable. As far as I'm concerned that office can pound sand, but sadly they are the law.
So that leads to the question of whether Pike can do this or not, it isn't uncommon for Home Rule communities to make state laws tougher (see Chicago's gun laws) but to make the laws lighter is certainly not common and I'm not sure if it's legal.
For the record, I hope it is legal as it's a sharp stick in the eye of the Chicago Machine, I also hope that it finally brings RTC issues in IL into the mainstream. There are so many people out there that still aren't aware that EVERY state but IL has some form of carry for self defense. (That's why I bother with these ramblings, to spread the word)
Some are worried that this will work against efforts for a statewide/pre-emptive RTC law, others are saying that this is the kick in the pants that the legislature needs (particularly those reps in the NE part of the state). I have to admit that I'm still undecided, it is certainly a small victory and sends a message that people do want the legal ability to protect themselves.
Either way, it's bound to be an exciting topic for some time to come. You can check out more opinions and thoughts over at IllinoisCarry.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
IGOLD 2012
Another IGOLD has wrapped up and there was a strong turnout in my opinion. I'm only basing that statement on my experience last year, there were clearly more folks at the convention center this morning.
The good folks of the ISRA were there to keep us up to date and guide folks in the right directions. As always, their efforts are much appreciated. Dan Rutherford dropped in to offer encouragement to all as well.
As the morning continued, Dr. Suzanna Hupp (of Texas) shared her story and helped to get the crowd fired up, as did Valinda Rowe and some great ladies from Chicago.
My favorite statement of the entire day came from IllinoisCarry's own Valinda when she told us that the ladies would NOT be stopping by Gov. Quinn's office this year, as he has become irrelevant in the fight for RTC.
Several pro-RTC legislators spoke at the Capital and reassured us that they will continue the push to restore our fundamental right of self defense.
Sadly, I wasn't able to stay for a post-IGOLD grip-n-grin as I have a family member in the hospital with pneumonia. I'm sure all that are able to attend will have an enlightening time.
Hopefully, you were able to get to Springfield today. If not....I hope you'll make it a point next year. If we get RTC this year, we will still be watching our law makers, so plan on being there next time around!
- Posted on the move.
The good folks of the ISRA were there to keep us up to date and guide folks in the right directions. As always, their efforts are much appreciated. Dan Rutherford dropped in to offer encouragement to all as well.
As the morning continued, Dr. Suzanna Hupp (of Texas) shared her story and helped to get the crowd fired up, as did Valinda Rowe and some great ladies from Chicago.
My favorite statement of the entire day came from IllinoisCarry's own Valinda when she told us that the ladies would NOT be stopping by Gov. Quinn's office this year, as he has become irrelevant in the fight for RTC.
Several pro-RTC legislators spoke at the Capital and reassured us that they will continue the push to restore our fundamental right of self defense.
Sadly, I wasn't able to stay for a post-IGOLD grip-n-grin as I have a family member in the hospital with pneumonia. I'm sure all that are able to attend will have an enlightening time.
Hopefully, you were able to get to Springfield today. If not....I hope you'll make it a point next year. If we get RTC this year, we will still be watching our law makers, so plan on being there next time around!
- Posted on the move.
Monday, March 5, 2012
IGOLD: March 7, 2012 - be there!
Just a quick reminder to everyone that Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD) is nearly upon us. Come march on the IL Capital with us this week and show legislators that self defense is in everyone's best interest.
A new way to contact legislators has come to my attention, thanks to some folks at IllinoisCarry.com.
Basically, it allows us all to send our opinion of a bill while it's in committee and hopefully get a bad bill stopped there (or push a good bill through, of course). They are called Witness Slips and some excellent directions for filling these out are available here: Call to Action! (instructions are in the first post)
Sadly, the legislators are apparently not bound to use these for direction. Last week in committee the Executive Committee Chair commented that the slips resembled the Springfield phone book on one anti-gun bill in particular....but the bad bill still sped through the (heavily Chicago based) committee handily. At any rate, it provides a record of IL residents feelings on the bill and might make a legislator think twice before hanging his/her constituents out to dry.
I also wanted to share a link with the random readers here, it's a police officer's blog and he recommends that everyone own and learn to use a weapon for their own defense. He even provides a breakdown of the process/time involved in a 911 call. I think it's an excellent piece to share with friends that say "Well, I'd just call 911, the police will protect me".
Thoughts from behind the badge
Hope to see you at IGOLD on Wednesday!
A new way to contact legislators has come to my attention, thanks to some folks at IllinoisCarry.com.
Basically, it allows us all to send our opinion of a bill while it's in committee and hopefully get a bad bill stopped there (or push a good bill through, of course). They are called Witness Slips and some excellent directions for filling these out are available here: Call to Action! (instructions are in the first post)
Sadly, the legislators are apparently not bound to use these for direction. Last week in committee the Executive Committee Chair commented that the slips resembled the Springfield phone book on one anti-gun bill in particular....but the bad bill still sped through the (heavily Chicago based) committee handily. At any rate, it provides a record of IL residents feelings on the bill and might make a legislator think twice before hanging his/her constituents out to dry.
I also wanted to share a link with the random readers here, it's a police officer's blog and he recommends that everyone own and learn to use a weapon for their own defense. He even provides a breakdown of the process/time involved in a 911 call. I think it's an excellent piece to share with friends that say "Well, I'd just call 911, the police will protect me".
Thoughts from behind the badge
Hope to see you at IGOLD on Wednesday!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
More great images!
IllinoisCarry.com forum member "chicago" has whipped up some more images that really make an impact. They reference the Illinois State Police Dept's advice to women on avoiding rape....yes, they really recommend these ridiculous measures. Check it out for yourself: ISP Official Advice
They must be crazy!
They must be crazy!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Just in case you haven't heard.
Chicago has managed to cough up a payment for legal fees resulting from McDonald v Chicago, fees that would have easily been avoided if the city would simply respect the Constitutional Rights of its citizens.
(If you can't read the check, it's made out to the Second Amendment Foundation in the amount of $399,950.00)
I wonder how the tax payers of Chicago feel about footing the bill for messing with a RIGHT?
My other burning question is: Where's the check from Oak Park? They were on the losing end of this as well.
Some Oak Park-ers have made a point out of trying to rid their village of guns and restricting legal gun shops, seems maybe they would think twice when they see the cost of trampling on the Constitution. Maybe Oak Park has the revenue to allow stupidity like this to continue...if they do, the village must be the only one in IL that has those sorts of funds.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
This graphic says it all!
IllinoisCarry.com forum member "chicago" created this graphic and I asked if I could post it for others to see. "chicago" was gracious enough to grant me the privilege of doing just that, so here it is! Much appreciated!
Enjoy and don't forget to drop by IllinoisCarry.com for info and chat about the battle for RTC in Illinois.
Here we go again...
Looks like Rep. Acevedo (2nd District) wants to put firearm owners on the defensive right out of the gate. He's introduced some new bills aiming to remove firearms from the hands of the law abiding. The links below will open the synopsis of each bill at the ILGA web site.
HB1294 is your basic wide-ranging "assault weapons" ban....it has potential to affect semi-auto handguns, so be certain that this affects a LOT of Illinoisans.
The original Federal AWB has been proven to have had ZERO effect on crime, why do they continue to believe this will somehow help things?
HB1599 increases the penalties of any crime if the offender is in possession of a semi-auto firearm...
It never says what "in possession of" means though. Just imagine if the police are called due to a noise problem at your house and you have a semi-auto shotgun in the safe....I'm not saying that this is the intent, but is it possible that this could happen?
HB1855 Authorities may revoke and seize a FOID card if the FOID holder fails to report a lost or stolen firearm within 72 hours of knowledge that it is missing. There is little assumption that any other firearms owned by the FOID holder will be seized as well.
Yet another instance of blaming and punishing the victim. Hey, I'm all about responsible firearms ownership, but punishing me if a criminal busts into my home/safe just isn't a deterrent to theft and other crime.
The bright-ish side of things: We hope that some legislators will not have a state funded office after the elections this year! Some of the "No" voters on HB148 are being challenged and we wish the new opponents well in those respective races. At least one other "No" voter is retiring and not seeking reelection, so that's something to be happy about.
Court cases asking for injunctions of UUW and AUUW as pertaining to concealed (or ANY) carry are still active and I hope we see some progress very soon. Hopefully these will put some needed pressure on those HB148 "No" voters also.
Since I've mentioned HB148 twice now, let me remind everyone that it is still an active bill! It can be brought up at any time, however I don't expect any movement until after primary elections happen and we see who is willing to change to a "Yes" vote in order to keep their job.
Finally (and not the least of things to be aware of) let's remember to all travel to Springfield on March 7, 2012 for IGOLD! This year Dr. Suzanna Hupp is the special guest. Dr. Hupp was instrumental in getting the TX legislature to pass CCW laws after her parents were killed at the Luby's Cafeteria massacre back in 1991.
For more info on any of these items and some good conversation, please visit both ISRA and IllinoisCarry.com
HB1294 is your basic wide-ranging "assault weapons" ban....it has potential to affect semi-auto handguns, so be certain that this affects a LOT of Illinoisans.
The original Federal AWB has been proven to have had ZERO effect on crime, why do they continue to believe this will somehow help things?
HB1599 increases the penalties of any crime if the offender is in possession of a semi-auto firearm...
It never says what "in possession of" means though. Just imagine if the police are called due to a noise problem at your house and you have a semi-auto shotgun in the safe....I'm not saying that this is the intent, but is it possible that this could happen?
HB1855 Authorities may revoke and seize a FOID card if the FOID holder fails to report a lost or stolen firearm within 72 hours of knowledge that it is missing. There is little assumption that any other firearms owned by the FOID holder will be seized as well.
Yet another instance of blaming and punishing the victim. Hey, I'm all about responsible firearms ownership, but punishing me if a criminal busts into my home/safe just isn't a deterrent to theft and other crime.
The bright-ish side of things: We hope that some legislators will not have a state funded office after the elections this year! Some of the "No" voters on HB148 are being challenged and we wish the new opponents well in those respective races. At least one other "No" voter is retiring and not seeking reelection, so that's something to be happy about.
Court cases asking for injunctions of UUW and AUUW as pertaining to concealed (or ANY) carry are still active and I hope we see some progress very soon. Hopefully these will put some needed pressure on those HB148 "No" voters also.
Since I've mentioned HB148 twice now, let me remind everyone that it is still an active bill! It can be brought up at any time, however I don't expect any movement until after primary elections happen and we see who is willing to change to a "Yes" vote in order to keep their job.
Finally (and not the least of things to be aware of) let's remember to all travel to Springfield on March 7, 2012 for IGOLD! This year Dr. Suzanna Hupp is the special guest. Dr. Hupp was instrumental in getting the TX legislature to pass CCW laws after her parents were killed at the Luby's Cafeteria massacre back in 1991.
For more info on any of these items and some good conversation, please visit both ISRA and IllinoisCarry.com
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