Chicago Dems attempt all out Illinois gun ban

ILLINOIS SENATE MOVES TOWARD TOTAL GUN BAN

The NRA-ILA is asking all Illinois Second Amendment supporters to take immediate action and call their state senators at (217) 782-2000 and urge them to vote against House Bills 815 and 1263.

Thanks, Chicago!

This is one of those rare times that the City of Chicago really does something FOR downstate.  Thank-you, Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It really IS for the children.
This is a great story about how the Chicago gun buyback program money sponsors an NRA youth shooting camp.

Rahm's Autograph

Rahm Emanuel's autograph for the Second Amendment Foundation. There will be more. Rahm is bitter about this and now wants all of Illinois to begin a gun registration program, purportedly to fight crime in Chicago. Will he ever realize that going after the legal gun owners doesn't fight crime, but going after the criminals will work every time it's tried? $400,000. paid out by Chicago tax payers should be a reminder, or even a wake up call.

Free Chicago!

I didn't figure it would ever happen, but the Free Chicago concept has been officially introduced in the State House of Representatives.

Synopsis As Introduced, HJR0052
Urges Congress to enact legislation dividing Illinois and Cook County into separate states.
Bill Status of HJR0052 97th General Assembly

Thank-you, Bill Mitchell, Adam Brown, and Mike Bost. I know it is more than a longshot, but if it will give downstate Illinois any leverage, then it will be well worth it.
Rather than the relatively easy task of describing how this would improve every facet of life in downstate Illinois, we should convince Chicago that it is in Chicago's best interests to be free of the rest of the State of Illinois.

Evacuation of Illinois continues

Illinois metals company moving operations to Indiana

Last one out, turn off the lights. If there are any lights left.

Illinois citizens: Disarmed, overtaxed and tightly ruled by incompetent and dishonest politicians north of I-80 and their helpless accomplices to the south/downstate. It is not surprising that more and more companies are abandoning this state. Indiana will gain nearly 100 jobs, Illinois loses more, continuing its destructive cycle.

HB148 - Family and Personal Protection Act 2011

Illinois lawmakers debate Right-to-Carry

Illinois lawmakers are taking aim at some new legislation that would make it legal for gun owners to carry concealed weapons. House Bill 148, named the Family and Personal Protection Act, is seen as giving gun rights advocates their best chance at getting the legislation passed.

Fox Chicago story

Family and Personal Protection Act 2010

Here are two Illinois House Bills to watch for concealed carry permits in Illinois. HB462 and HB6249.

Bill Status of HB0462 96th General Assembly
Hearing scheduled:
Agriculture & Conservation Committee Hearing Mar 9 2010 2:00PM Capitol Building Room 122B Springfield, IL - House Floor Amendment 1

Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Permits the county sheriff to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements. Requires an applicant for a permit to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises. Preempts home rule. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act and the Criminal Code of 1961 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
House Sponsors
Rep. Brandon W. Phelps - David Reis - Patrick J. Verschoore - John D. Cavaletto, Shane Cultra, Bill Mitchell, Mike Bost, Ron Stephens, Robert F. Flider, Paul D. Froehlich and Daniel V. Beiser

And the following similar bill, with issuance of permits by ISP rather than County Sheriffs.

Bill Status of HB6249 96th General Assembly

Short Description: FIREARMS-CONCEALED-PERMITS

Synopsis As Introduced

Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the Department of State Police the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants. Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund administered by the Department. The moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts, from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation, persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

House Sponsors

Rep. John E. Bradley - Paul D. Froehlich

Indiana newspaper targets gun owners

Indiana newspaper prints handgun carry permit database

More from Caleb about the interview.

Making something illegal, more illegal.
Why is that Reasonable?

Nugent on 2nd

Ted Nugent discusses the 2nd Amendment with Evan Smith, host of the KLRU program TEXAS MONTHLY TALKS and editor of TEXAS MONTHLY magazine.

"...I don't like repeat offenders. I like dead offenders."

Well said, Ted.

Ignore Disease, Blame the Symptoms

Some hope hot dog stand is a washout

Owner says establishment will add jobs, opponents say it would attract trouble.

Their concern is that it will attract gang members and neighborhood thugs, joining an array of nearby fast-food restaurants that have devolved into hot spots for violence.

"We, as regular citizens, would not be able to go to that hot dog stand," said Jeannie Wainwright, who lives nearby and has stood with dozens of others in opposition to the business. "It would just be another hangout, another place for narcotics exchanges. Any place where they can loiter, they just seem to take over."

"It has nothing to do with him, it has to do with the type of business he wants to open," Wainwright said. "If he wanted to sell clothes or shoes or something like that, it'd be fine. But we know these kids around here and we know what they gravitate toward...."

***

The disease is ignored and the symptoms are blamed. The problem in this neighborhood isn't the potential hot dog stand, but illegal gang activity. Ms. Wainwright's comments show a blindness to the problem, much like the Chicago ban on effective self defense. Punishing or restricting the innocent and productive to empower the criminal element, or to cause the public to cower in fear of criminals is wrong. The agreement with the neighborhood group by the Police Chief shows he knows it is out of control and seems to be a surrender.

Free Rifles and Ammo from Uncle Sam?

The anti-2nd ammendment Coalition To Stop Gun Violence and the unintended consequences.

Wherein We All Get Free Rifles And Ammunition

"Over at the Coalition To Stop Gun Violence website, there is a post up on recasting the Second Amendment as a mandate for militia service. If executed faithfully, this would be a great idea, since every able-bodied male (probably females too, given sex-discrimination jurisprudence) would get a militia-compatible rifle, possibly a pistol, and a bunch of ammunition out of the deal. This new twist on gun control would actually increase the availability of guns and call into question the validity of any “assault weapon” legislation, since those are exactly the arms required for militia service..."

Second Amendment Restored in National Parks

On Wednesday, NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147. Today, the measure was signed into law and, as specified in the legislation, will take effect in nine months, on February 22, 2010. This was a major repudiation of the gun control community's anti self-defense agenda.
story here.

Illinois politicians do things differently, promoting only what Daley/Madigan/Cullerton want, the voters and constituency be damned. We are still waiting for our 2nd ammendment rights to be recognized in Illinois. 48 other states allow some form of legal carry of firearms. Let's not finish last in the country in allowing our citizens to utilize effective personal protection, allowing our rights in Illinois to be blocked by Chicago political patronage

Family and Personal Protection Act - 2009

Well, it's another session, the 96th General Assembly, and we have to try again. As far as I can tell, there are three similar "conceal carry" bills introduced in the Illinois House, each being called the "Family and Personal Protection Act".

I will note all three, and try to sort out the basic differences as I see them.

HB 245, introduced by John E. Bradley (D) 117th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 1/20/2009.

HB 367, introduced by Bill Mitchell (R) 87th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 1/30/2009.

HB 462, introduced by Brandon Phelps (D) 118th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 2/4/2009.

Here are some of the main differences I see so far.
Rep. Bradley's bill vests in the Department of State Police the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants.

Rep. Mitchell's bill vests that authority in each county's Sheriff, and creates the funding to reimburse the County Sheriff and administer the act.

Rep. Phelps' bill, like Mitchell's, vests the authority of administration with the County Sheriff, with different training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. I'm not sure about the funding on this bill yet.

I spoke with a well informed person in Rep. Mitchell's office today to ask about the bills and got good information and a call back from Rep. Mitchell with more details.

I personally prefer HB 367 and HB 462 over HB245, with the administration of the act being done by local County Sheriffs rather than the Illinois State Police. The Sheriffs are closer and more responsive to the citizens than a state bureaucracy can be. That said, any one of these, if passed, would finally allow Illinois citizens to be safer, becoming state number 49 to allow conceal carry. Let Wisconsin be the last state to recognize the safety of their citizens.

Any suggestions?

more to come on this...

related...
Illinois Sheriffs Association supports concealed-carry handgun law

Obama, DNC assault on 1st and 2nd amendments

'Truth Squad' using sheriffs, DAs to police bias against candidate
Obama Campaign and DNC Launch Assault On First Amendment!
"...Obama and the DNC have been using strong-arm tactics reminiscent of Chicago machine politics to try and cover up the truth and silence NRA by forcing the stations to assist them in hiding Obama's radical anti-gun record..."
More details on Obama's gun banning positions... GunbaNObama.com
"Just like fellow Democrats Edward Kennedy, Charles Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, Biden has voted for, and actively pushed, major anti-gun bills, including those:
Banning semi-automatic firearms; Banning hunting, sporting and self-defense ammunition; Banning magazines holding more than 10 rounds; and Imposing a waiting period on handgun sales..."
"...During a debate with Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and other contenders for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, Biden said, "I'm the guy who originally wrote the assault weapons ban."
While the Obama campaign wants voters to think that Joe Biden complements him, bringing a different perspective to the Democrat ticket, the reality is that both candidates have long records throughout their careers of not merely of going along with gun control, but originating and pushing the anti-gun agenda aggressively. It is fair to say that if Barack Obama is elected president, Joe Biden will be the most anti-gun vice president in American history."

Feel Good Programs

Webliography: Gun buy-back programs

Useless against crime, but makes Mayor Daley feel safer.

Illinois Family and Personal Protection Act - Update

Bill Status of HB4544 95th General Assembly

I want to publicly thank our local State Representatives, Bob Flider and Bill Mitchell, who have signed on as co-sponsors to House Bill 4544, the Family and Personal Protection Act.
This bill has now been moved from the Rules Committee to the Agriculture & Conservation Committee, which holds hearings this afternoon at 1:00PM in Springfield, Capitol Building Room 122B.

HB4544 was introduced by Rep. Aaron Schock
Co-sponsors: Michael K. Smith - John E. Bradley - Brandon W. Phelps - Bill Mitchell, Robert F. Flider, Roger L. Eddy, Daniel V. Beiser and Patrick J Verschoore.

previous post - January, 2008

Gun Control Myths

Myth: Gun control reduces crime

Cheney urges SCOTUS to strike down DC gun ban

from the SCOTUS blog:
Cheney disagrees in D.C. gun case
"Vice President Richard Cheney, parting company with the official Bush Administration position on the test case before the Supreme Court on the Second Amendment, signed onto a brief Friday urging the Justices to strike down the District of Columbia handgun ban without ordering any further proceedings...
...The congressional brief [co-authored by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Jon Tester] represents the views of 55 senators — 46 Republicans, nine Democrats — and 250 representatives — 182 Republicans, 68 Democrats, along with the Vice President."
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Heller's Friends in Congress, And One More
NRA statement on congressional amicus curiae brief

Illinois Family and Personal Protection Act

the following post is from the 95th session,
the conceal carry law has several versions in the 96th session, 2009-10 as noted in this update.

There is new legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that would allow Illinois citizens to carry concealed firearms.
It is named "The Family and Personal Protection Act" and is a bill that would establish statewide standards for issuing concealed carry permits. At this time, Illinois is one of only 2 states that do not allow concealed carry for its own law abiding citizens.
A big question is whether Mike Madigan would ever let it come close to a vote after it makes it through the sausage machine. One way you can help is to contact your local representative and ask that he or she co-sponsor or otherwise support the bill.
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee on January 18. I wonder how long it will languish in a committee weighted by two Cook County Democrats? The members of the Rules Committee are listed at the end of this post.

New Illinois Firearm Legislation
Schock proposes concealed-carry bill
Schock says overall interest in concealed-carry laws is increasing among his central Illinois constituency, as well as statewide.
Full Text of HB4544
(The Family and Personal Protection Act)
Bill Status of HB4544
Synopsis As Introduced: HB4544
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act.
Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the county sheriff
the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants.
Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Requires an applicant to be at least 21 years of age. Prohibits an applicant who has been convicted of a felony or has a history of mental illness, addiction, or habitual alcohol use from obtaining a permit. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund in each county, to be administered by the sheriff. Provides that the moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

Rules Committee members:
Chairperson Representative: Barbara Flynn Currie (D) Cook County 25th District
Republican Spokesperson: Representative William B. Black (R) Vermilion County 104th District
Member - Representative Gary Hannig (D) Montgomery County 98th District
Member - Representative Brent Hassert (R) Will County 85th District
Member - Representative Arthur L. Turner (D) Cook County 9th District

Calling 911 Doesn't Always Work

Armed Citizens: Calling 911 Doesn't Always Work.
Hammond, Indiana - The following is a recording of a 911 emergency call about a serial stalker breaking into the Indiana woman's home.


This newspaper article has more information about this case.
No charges in shooting of accused stalker
I found this at Laurel Zimmer's Politics, Guns & Beer blog

Remember, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.