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.

Reagan warned us in 1964

A great speech from 1964 has many relevant points, even today. Obama isn't Johnson, although the Chicago way of politics is much like Johnson's was, and O isn't Jimmy Carter although they have much in common, like knowing what is best for you whether you like it or not and increasing the nations "misery factor."

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.

Illinois State Fair - Bills and Prizes

Illinois has money to pay for the State Fair, but not to pay its bills.  Hmmm. Scott Reeder, in his story at The Southern Illinoisan brings up good points about prize money doled out for "flower arranging" and other vastly important activities and contests. He differentiates between the prizes given to adults and those given to children, their lambs and 4H and other such educational venues.  Since the 944 dollars in prizes at the first State Fair in 1853, prizes awarded have had a growth rate of 36 times the rate of inflation and now top out at over $883,500.
"Separate line items exist in the budget for youth programs like 4-H  and FFA..." ($786,400 for 4-H) and ($325,000 for FFA).

The 4H and FFA prizes make some sense. The other 3/4 of a million plus do not make much fiscal sense in a state that can't make ends meet.

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.

The Keyes to Obama's Rise

Ran across some old bumper stickers and the Keyes for U.S. Senate made me remember the conditions that helped create the rise of the Obamanation.

Sorry, America. It was our fault for not nominating Mike Ditka instead of going to Maryland to recruit a carpetbagger named Keyes, after a scandal with the original primary winning candidate named Ryan, who bore the misfortune of having the same name as the most recent Illinois Governor, who had just been convicted of corruption.

In Mr. Keyes defense, when asked about not congratulating Obama on the 70-27 win, he saw what many did not yet see.

"...Keyes explained that his refusal to congratulate Obama was "not anything personal," but was meant to make a statement against "extend[ing] false congratulations to the triumph of what we have declared to be across the line." He said that Obama's position on moral issues regarding life and the family had crossed that line. "I'm supposed to make a call that represents the congratulations toward the triumph of that which I believe ultimately stands for... a culture evil enough to destroy the very soul and heart of my country? I can't do this. And I will not make a false gesture," Keyes said..."

Thomas, Scott (2004-11-04). "Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show, WYLL". Allan Keyes Archives. Retrieved 2007-08-12.

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.

Ban Chicago Politicians, not trans fat

The “Artificial Trans Fat Restriction Act,” an amendment to House Bill 1600, would bar the sale at restaurants or school vending machines of items containing more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving or that contain vegetable shortening, margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Restaurant News
The bills sponsor, Rep. LaShawn Ford (D)of Chicago, told the Chicago Tribune the legislation was “a step in the right direction.”
I call B.S., Mr. Ford. This is yet another intrusion into the the lives of the citizens by the state. This is NOT what our government is for. State government has more than its share of things to get figured out in Illinois. And besides, food manufacturers are eliminating it as an ingredient already. (Private sector is already at work on this)
Quit screwing around, wasting valuable time making laws about food ingredients and other methods of intruding on personal decisions of your constituents, and instead, balance the budget, pay your bills, and make Illinois a place that someone wants to set up shop and hire people, not a nanny state closely following the lead of the failed state of California.
Let the people think for themselves, or do you not trust your constituents to do that? Considering that they voted for you, Mr. Ford, maybe you are right, they may be ignorant sheep that really need some herding, unable to figure out what to eat until you tell them it is safe.

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

Illinois - Destination of Choice for Dems on the Lam

Wisconsin, and now even Indiana Democrat lawmakers are hiding out in Illinois to avoid their duties. Welcome to Illinois, you constitutional cowards! Like you, Illinois Democrats have been avoiding their fiscal public duty for years. You'll no doubt be made welcome by our Chicago governor, Mr. Quinn, who won't have you arrested and returned to your own state. He may just borrow some more money and pay for your stay.

Chicago Tribune endorses Brady

Chicago Tribune endorses Brady

Illinois Debt

Make Illinois work for the people, not the politicians.
Brady doesn't want Illinois democrats to dig a deeper hole.

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

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.

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

Bipartisanship, Democrat Style

Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) postponed action today on a series of ethics proposals, with aides saying he wanted to spend more time working with members of Gov. Pat Quinn's reform panel.
story here...

GOP wanted more ethics and good government, but Dems voted in committee 3-2 on a party-line vote to block the Republican plan from getting consideration.

Real bipartisanship, Democrat thug style.

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

His reign has ended

Hello Governor Quinn
"I haven't done anything wrong. I look forward to proving my innocence, clearing my name and that's what's gonna happen."
Blagojevich, speaking after the state Senate's vote to convict him of abuse of power.
Good luck with that, Mr. Blagojevich.

As he drove "down there" to Springfield today, the Governor said this to a NYT reporter doing a feature article, “I come out of the alleys of Chicago politics. That’s a tough place. The politics there is not motivated by idealism or high purpose. It’s nuts and bolts, and you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. I came up that way.”

This was part of the response from Andy McKenna, the Illinois Republican Party's chairman.
"Change for the people of Illinois will come when elected officials actually impose ethical reform, fiscal reform, create jobs and bring greater transparency and accountability to our government."
My only contention with Mr. McKenna is that I don't want the government creating jobs, I prefer that government make the business conditions favorable for private enterprise to create jobs.

Driving to the hanging

It is reported that the Governor is driving to Springfield today to offer the closing comments during the impeachment trial he has been boycotting. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that he'd have to hitchhike back to his hideout in Chicago tonight if he did his usual commute in the taxpayer owned plane used in all of his occasional visits "down there" to the hinterlands.