220 replies to this topic

[Slappy]

Traken, on Jun 10 2008, 09:42 AM, said:

Hi all,

I stumbled across the site in my periodic perusing of the web for info on how much further IL was moving constitutionally, when lo and behold, I read the article about Winnebago County's proposal.  Talk about terrific news.

I live in Elgin, but conveniently, I work a whopping mile and a half from where the meeting in Rockford will be taking place, so I definitely plan to be there to offer support as well.

Oh, and since I'm no public speaker, I'll throw this out there for you guys that are. If someone brings up how "It's going to turn into the Wild West with shootouts in the street," which they invariably will bring up (oh how I loathe that comment), aside from the fact that it's never happened in any of the CCW states, they should really read history, because it didn't happen in the supposedly 'wild' west, either. The grandiose shootouts at high noon and whatnot are a Hollywood creation.

Anyways, glad to see a bunch of people trying to support our rights, and I look forward to seeing some of you tonight.

-Jordan

Welcome to the site! You should definitely show up with us tonight! We have a real chance at creating a precedence across the state and need all the help we can get!!!



Great bunch of people on this site! Welcome!

[amelio5501]

ill be there tonight

[amelio5501]

[Traken]

Slappy, on Jun 10 2008, 09:47 AM, said:

Traken, on Jun 10 2008, 09:42 AM, said:

Hi all,

I stumbled across the site in my periodic perusing of the web for info on how much further IL was moving constitutionally, when lo and behold, I read the article about Winnebago County's proposal.  Talk about terrific news.

I live in Elgin, but conveniently, I work a whopping mile and a half from where the meeting in Rockford will be taking place, so I definitely plan to be there to offer support as well.

Oh, and since I'm no public speaker, I'll throw this out there for you guys that are. If someone brings up how "It's going to turn into the Wild West with shootouts in the street," which they invariably will bring up (oh how I loathe that comment), aside from the fact that it's never happened in any of the CCW states, they should really read history, because it didn't happen in the supposedly 'wild' west, either. The grandiose shootouts at high noon and whatnot are a Hollywood creation.

Anyways, glad to see a bunch of people trying to support our rights, and I look forward to seeing some of you tonight.

-Jordan

Welcome to the site! You should definitely show up with us tonight! We have a real chance at creating a precedence across the state and need all the help we can get!!!



Great bunch of people on this site! Welcome!

Thanks, and yeah, I'm really hoping that Winnebago will pass it, and it'll catch like wildfire across the state. Living in Elgin, which is half in Kane, half in Cook, I'm not too hopeful for us just yet, but who knows.

[Board9]

polhms1, on Jun 10 2008, 09:11 AM, said:

Today is the day boys!!!!! I hope I have enough buttons I think I have about 100 or so & I will make more for the next meeting if I need to.

I will also have about 50 CAP (Conceal And Protect) buttons to share.

[Buzzard]

Welcome Traken!

Welcome to the site and we look forward to seeing you tonight!

[jfsweeney]

Hello all,
  I'm anxious for our Sub-Committee meeting tonight.  We are anticipating a good discussion.  I was wondering if anyone could give an estimate on how many people they believe will be showing up?  For those coming from out of town, drive safely.  You are more likely to be in a car wreck than to be hit by a gunman's bullet!  Don't forget to smile big for those cameras.

John F Sweeney
Winn Co Bd District 14

[Ashdump]

I can't get the MP3 of the show to play. Don't know if it's my end that's having trouble, or something wrong with the link.

[SAK]

I don't think there's anyway any of us could estimate.  This is all grassroots.  I would expect to see at least 200, and perhaps closer to 400 (that would be great!).  But you never know...

I would have to disagree with the "no gun garb" sentiment.  This seems like an attempt to be politically correct.  I would say that the only way to be politically correct these days would be to turn in your guns.  Anti-rights people control the media, the entertainment, the news, just about everything.  So it is anti-rights people that control the perception of political correctness.

It bothers me when gun owners think that the we should try to shelter people from the sight, smell, touch, etc of a gun.  I think the opposite is true.  While we shouldn't go out purposely trying to scare people -- because this is morally wrong -- we should go out to try to educate people and expose them to what they don't understand, know, and therefore what they are afraid of.  People are afraid of that which they don't understand or know.  Hiding your guns in your house or even under your shirt/pants (should we pass CCW) doesn't do much to fight this fear.  It is for this reason that OPEN CARRY is the BEST way to educate people.  Nothing is more powerful than seeing your neighbor, your friend, your family member packing openly and realizing that indeed it's not the gun that causes problems.

Through media and entertainment, people have come to associate guns with criminals and violence.  If you want to change that perception, you can't simply talk it out of a person.  You have to replace that false negative association with a true positive one.

Another great way to change this perception is to take someone who is afraid of guns shooting for the first time.  This does WONDERS.  If there are any antis at the meeting tonight, I'm going to personally invite them to go shooting with me.

[gravyboy77]

I think i can sneak out of work a little early today. Are we meeting at the village hall or are we meeting at Kenny's house? If so what time do i need to be out in rockford at?

[Buzzard]

I will venture a guess of no more than 100 people, other than the committee.

I think if we all just show up and discuss the issue like calm, adult people the public forum tonight will be great. I'm not saying don't wear your Smith and Wesson belt buckle. But please don't proudly wear your  ten year old "Kill 'em all" T-shirt with the rotted out armpits. I'm not trying to be politically correct, just respectful, that's all.

See ya all there.

[TTIN]

Traken, on Jun 10 2008, 09:42 AM, said:

Hi all,

I stumbled across the site in my periodic perusing of the web for info on how much further IL was moving constitutionally, when lo and behold, I read the article about Winnebago County's proposal.  Talk about terrific news.

I live in Elgin, but conveniently, I work a whopping mile and a half from where the meeting in Rockford will be taking place, so I definitely plan to be there to offer support as well.

Oh, and since I'm no public speaker, I'll throw this out there for you guys that are. If someone brings up how "It's going to turn into the Wild West with shootouts in the street," which they invariably will bring up (oh how I loathe that comment), aside from the fact that it's never happened in any of the CCW states, they should really read history, because it didn't happen in the supposedly 'wild' west, either. The grandiose shootouts at high noon and whatnot are a Hollywood creation.

Anyways, glad to see a bunch of people trying to support our rights, and I look forward to seeing some of you tonight.

-Jordan

Welcome to the fight,Jorden.

[Kenny]

gravyboy77, on Jun 10 2008, 12:26 PM, said:

I think i can sneak out of work a little early today. Are we meeting at the village hall or are we meeting at Kenny's house? If so what time do i need to be out in rockford at?

If you are coming to my house be there by 4:00 or 4:15 at the latest I am going to get down town early to hand out buttons

[TTIN]

SAK, on Jun 10 2008, 11:58 AM, said:

I don't think there's anyway any of us could estimate.  This is all grassroots.  I would expect to see at least 200, and perhaps closer to 400 (that would be great!).  But you never know...

I would have to disagree with the "no gun garb" sentiment.  This seems like an attempt to be politically correct.  I would say that the only way to be politically correct these days would be to turn in your guns.  Anti-rights people control the media, the entertainment, the news, just about everything.  So it is anti-rights people that control the perception of political correctness.

It bothers me when gun owners think that the we should try to shelter people from the sight, smell, touch, etc of a gun.  I think the opposite is true.  While we shouldn't go out purposely trying to scare people -- because this is morally wrong -- we should go out to try to educate people and expose them to what they don't understand, know, and therefore what they are afraid of.  People are afraid of that which they don't understand or know.  Hiding your guns in your house or even under your shirt/pants (should we pass CCW) doesn't do much to fight this fear.  It is for this reason that OPEN CARRY is the BEST way to educate people.  Nothing is more powerful than seeing your neighbor, your friend, your family member packing openly and realizing that indeed it's not the gun that causes problems.

Through media and entertainment, people have come to associate guns with criminals and violence.  If you want to change that perception, you can't simply talk it out of a person.  You have to replace that false negative association with a true positive one.

Another great way to change this perception is to take someone who is afraid of guns shooting for the first time.  This does WONDERS.  If there are any antis at the meeting tonight, I'm going to personally invite them to go shooting with me.

SAK,I tend to agree with you,but for a different reason;although I do aree to everything you said.But to me,I'm tired of ALL the politically correct bull shiz.I mean,what about the 1st Amendment? I'd rather deal with someone shootin' straight with me than someone telling me just what I want to hear.
But on the other side of it,unfortunatly I won't be able to attend tonights meeting,and in no way am I trying to tell people what to wear there.
Hope the meeting goes well!

[SAK]

I'm going to try to be down there at 5:00.  I'll gladly help hand out buttons if there is any need.  I've got a bag of Fred's "CAP" buttons that I will hand out.  Hopefully we will run out of buttons!!

[Board9]

Don Gwinn, on Jun 9 2008, 03:55 PM, said:

I'll be glad to bring a digicam and tripod up with me, but we should make sure it's permitted to videotape the proceedings.  Mr. Wescott can probably tell us that.

I'll probably need to hand off the DV tape to someone who can get it onto Youtube--any volunteers?  My PC is not up to video editing and I'm halfway through building my video-capable machine.

Yes, Photography and Video will be allowed. I know of no reason why not, The news media will have theirs. I would definently want a copy for my web site. I am creating a page devoted just to this issue.

Fred

[Kenny]

Update on board members and their position on the resolution as of 6-10-08 After the Meeting we brought 2 more people to our side Dorothy Redd & Bob Hastings.



R-9       AIELLO, MARY ANN                    Signed on as sponsor
2010 521 Renrose Avenue
Loves Park, IL 61111
(H) 877-6833

D-3 AURAND, DOUGLAS R.                      Signed on as sponsor      
2010 P.O. Box 16026
Loves Park, IL 61132-6026
( 633-9382
(Voice Mail) 319-4243

D-12 DUCKETT, GEORGE ANNE     ???????????? Make calls
2010 429 Orchard Park 61101-6401
(H) 963-4720

R-10 EKBERG, JOHN                                  Signed on as sponsor
2010 1804 Colorado Ave 61108
(H) 395-1955
( 398-4150, ext. 222

D-11 ELYEA, KAREN                             YES she is with us
2008 1302 Broadway 61104
(H) 316-0258

R-4 FIDUCCIA, DAVE                              YES he is with us
2010 1055 Castlehill Dr 61107
(H) 332-3416

R-14 GAMBINO, FRANK M.                    ???????????? Make calls
2010 5691 Rainsford Way 61107
(H) 282-1957
( 637-0113

D-7 GORAL, ANGIE                        AGAINST CC Make calls Lets change her mind
2010 1108 N. Rockton Ave 61103
(H) 964-0686

D-5 GORSKI, PAUL                                     YES he is with us
2010 4583 Scenic Dr 61109
(H) 874-2916

R-4 HARMON, JOHN H.                                Signed on as sponsor
2008 806 Phelps Ave. 61108
(H) 397-5166

D-13 HASTINGS,  BOB              He is now with us thanks to the public forum
2010 1728 Constitution Place 61103
(H) 633-4254

D-6 HAWKS, PEARL                            AGAINST CC Make calls Lets change her mind
2010 713 Lexington Ave 61102
(H) 963-2670

D-11 HOFFMAN, KAREN                                   AGAINST CC Make calls Lets change her mind
2010 3323 Carolina Ave 61108
(H) 399-5026

D-8 JOHNSON, PHILLIP                      ???????????? Make calls
2008 4665 Terrang Trl
Machesney Park, IL 61115
(H) 633-7312

R-10 KINNISON, BOB                                   Signed on as sponsor
2008 1620 S Trainer Rd 61108
(H) 395-1654

R-3 LOGAN, KYLE                                      Signed on as sponsor
2008 7069 Mullinshire Way
Machesney Park, IL 61115
© 979-6673

R-5 MACKAY, PETER                                     Signed on as sponsor  
2008 7030 Horizon Drive 61109
(H) 962-7031
( 962-7313

R-1 OLSON, RANDAL                             Signed on as sponsor
2010 6423 Thedorff Rd
Pecatonica, IL   61063
(H) 239-2716
( 262-1662

R-1 OWENS, TOM                                     Signed on as sponsor
2008 3811 Westlake Village Drive
Winnebago, IL 61088
(H) 335-7591

D-8 PARIS, MELVIN                             ???????????? Make calls
2010 8220 Scott Lane 61115
(H) 654-1124

R-13 POLLACK, RICK                                        Yes he is with us
2008 112 Lawn Place 61103
(H) 963-1047

D-6 REDD, DOROTHY                                  She is now with us thanks to the public forum
2008 431 Homestead Ln 61102
(H) 964-8920
( 966-3251

R-14 SWEENEY, JOHN F.                           Signed on as sponsor
2008 3811 Burrmont Rd 61107
© 262-5769

R-7 VECCHIO, KELLY                            Signed on as sponsor
2008 321 West State St, Suite 1204 61101
( 962-4019

R- 2 WEBSTER, JIM                           Signed on as sponsor
2008 16205 Boswell Rd
Rockton, IL 61072
(H) 629-2014

R-9 WESCOTT, FRED                            Signed on as sponsor
2008 4102 Martina Dr 61114
(815) 708-6006

D-12 WILSON, L.C.                                    ???????????? Make calls
2008 2615 Arthur Ave
Rockford, IL 61101
(H) 962-6108
( 633-7460 ex 515

R-2 YESKE, DAVE                                            Probably YES make calls
2010 11554 Cedar Brook Rd
Roscoe, IL 61073
(hm) 623-8167

[GarandFan]

If they were to have voted last night, it would have been 19-9 in favor, which is better than 2/3 majority.

And it appears the majority stands to grow some more.

Great job, people.  This is sending a strong message.  One that can not be denied.

[Kenny]

Please everyone get this petition out to everyone you know & please post it on other forums you hang out on We would love to see 1000's of signatures on this so post it anywhere you can to get it signed.Link to petition topic

[Kenny]

The next sub-committee meeting will be June 24th at 5:30 at the county building the same place as the first one. There will be no public input but I am still going. There will be news crews & media there as well. We need about 25 to 30 people to pack that room (all wearing green buttons) I will keep everyone posted if things change.

[Kenny]

I added a page to my website dedicated to the Winnebago County CC issue with links & resources so anyone can find facts & info I am not done with it yet but it is started. Link I am no web guru so it takes me ahwile between doing this & making the last 35 buttons I am wore out. I would rather be up & moving around. I can't take this office chair this long.

[Slappy]

polhms1, on Jun 11 2008, 03:19 PM, said:

I can't take this office chair this long.

As someone who reports to their couch everyday for work, I can tell you that you do get used to it...  

[cberan]

Slappy, on Jun 11 2008, 05:01 PM, said:

polhms1, on Jun 11 2008, 03:19 PM, said:

I can't take this office chair this long.

As someone who reports to their couch everyday for work, I can tell you that you do get used to it...  

Have you seen this guys couch???  Its like 60 feet long.

[Kenny]

Stop embelishing it is only 30 feet long.

[Kenny]

Rockford Register Star Article from Yesterday. Link


By Mike Wiser
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jun 11, 2008 @ 12:04 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Sheriff Dick Meyers lent his considerable support to the county’s concealed carry debate.

Meyers was the last of 30 speakers to take the podium, and he received a standing ovation for his efforts.

“Let me get it out of the way,” he told the crowd. “I do not have a problem with concealed carry.”

He said that “20 years ago, I would have told you different,” but “we’re at a point where we don’t have a choice.”

The County Board is drafting a resolution that will authorize the sheriff to issue gun permits to qualified citizens. Although the resolution is still in draft form, at least 13 of the 28 board members have already signed on.

Although he supports the idea of concealed carry for the county, Meyers said he would not issue permits, even if the board passes the resolution, if he is told by the state’s attorney’s office or the Illinois attorney general’s office that doing so would be a violation of state law.

“If our attorneys say we can issue a permit, that’s what I’ll do,” Meyers said. “If they say I can’t, then I won’t, and that’s probably when the courts will get involved.”

Shortly after the meeting broke up, Meyers elaborated a bit, saying that while he doesn’t think all the supporters of the resolution can legally do what they want and that some of the facts they are citing might not be accurate, he understands the need for citizens to be able to arm themselves.

“Wisconsin almost passed it; if they did, we’d be the only state without some sort of concealed carry,” he said.

“I just think that this is what’s coming, and from a public safety standpoint, it’s the right thing to do.”

Although the sheriff was the most well-known of the pro-resolution crowd, several others took the podium in support of the resolution. Of the 30 speakers, only two came out against the proposal.

A number mentioned the shootings at Northern Illinois University as to why citizens should be armed, and some referred to the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Second Amendment, as a basis for their beliefs.

A few came from out of county, drawn to the Memorial Hall meeting to show their support for what was happening in Winnebago County.

“There’s nothing worth dying for in my wallet,” said Mark McGee. “My family, that’s a different story.”

Another man, Robert Stoner of Rockford, told a story about how he was almost carjacked in the early 1980s and only got out of the jam when he stuck a gun in his assailant’s face.

“Back then, it was only a misdemeanor (to carry a concealed firearm),” Stoner said. “Nowadays, it’s a felony and I’d be locked up for it.”

Kirby Miracle, also of Rockford, said enacting a concealed carry system would help the city and the county attract visitors.

Tom Owens, the County Board member who presided over the meeting, said the turnout at the public hearing proved the people of Winnebago County were embracing some form of concealed carry.

Staff writer Mike Wiser can be reached at 815-987-1377 or mwiser@rrstar.com.

[Traken]

Do we know exactly how many speakers there were? it seems like every single news report states a different number.

[Board9]

Traken, on Jun 12 2008, 08:45 AM, said:

Do we know exactly how many speakers there were? it seems like every single news report states a different number.

For once the RRSTAR was the most accurate, the count was closer to or right at 30 including the Sheriff.

[Buzzard]

I would like to raise a point here. We (or the moderators will) have to rein this Winnebago Concealed Carry topic in and keep it orderly!! Why do I say that? Because look at the Pro2A resolution here on this board. Two threads. There is the Pro2A resources thread and the Pro2A Resolution thread itself. JUST TWO. We accomplished all that progress with TWO threads. And if someone needs to find something there's just two threads to look in.

As for the Winnebago Concealed Carry topic we now have:

IllinoisCarry.com > Concealed Carry > Illinois Concealed Carry > Winnebago County CCW

* New Winnebago county Concealed Carry thread  
* Winnebago Board Meeting 6/10/08  
* Winnebago Co. movement, as of 6/10/08  
* Winnebago county online Petition  
* Winnebago County weighs legality of gun resolution  

IllinoisCarry.com > Concealed Carry > Illinois Concealed Carry

*Serious (and limited) discussion about CCW in Winn. Cty

That's six threads (in TWO areas) on ONE TOPIC!! How can we POSSIBLY keep any order to what we are trying to achieve, if we can't even hold the discussion to one or two threads?! I don't have the time in my day to comb through six threads to figure out what's going on. I realize everyone is excited about this, but PLEASE let's control our emotions and especially our POSTS!

LET'S KEEP IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!!

[Slappy]

Buzzard is right...

Started a Consolidated Thread...

Everyone go here now:

Link

[Kenny]

We now have a Winnebago county sub-forum lets keep all the discussion in there & let old threads die then when somthing new pops up we start a new thread. The reason Blaster did this for us is to have an outlet for Winnebago county residents that are not on this site to be able to chech 1 spot for all the info. I would like to keep it all here. Then I can start a new thread about the upcoming meeting and people don't miss it because there are a million posts after it.