IGOLD - Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day 2011

[Molly B.]

Mark your calendars!

Schedule the day off from work!

 

You won't want to miss the largest turn out

of Second Amendment supporters

Illinois has ever seen!

 

IGOLD - Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day



Thurday March 10, 2011

Prairie Capitol Convention Center, Springfield, IL

 

10:30 a.m. Doors open at Prairie Capitol Convention Center (concessions available)

11:45 a.m. Registration/Rally, Prairie Capitol Convention Ctr, 1 Convention Center Plaza

1:00 p.m. March to the State Capitol to lobby legislators

4:00 p.m. Return to PCCC for wrap up

5:00 p.m. Buses depart for home (due to the later hour of the reception buses will not be staying)

6-8:00 p.m Reception with Legislators, State House Inn, 101 East Adams Street , Springfield, IL

 

 

 

Watch for details as they develop at IGOLD.isra.org. and reserve a seat on one of the many charter buses headed to Springfield.

[Lou]

Here is a good reason why IGOLD is important. This is about Federal legislators but I can't help but think the state ones are no different:

 

Staffers: Activists outweigh lobbyists

A new study says constituent visits, letters and calls do sway Congress.

By Ambreen Ali

 

Citizens wield more power over lawmakers than lobbyists, according to a new study.

 

Members of Congress are more likely to be swayed by voters who visit, write or call than the efforts of paid lobbyists, according to Capitol Hill staffers surveyed by the Congressional Management Foundation.

 

The nonprofit group commissioned the "Communicating with Congress" report, released today, as part of its mission to improve interactions between Congress and citizens. The study was funded in part by CQ Roll Call, corporate parent of Congress.org.

 

While the data did not delve into the reasons behind the finding, lead author Tim Hysom said the answer is obvious.

 

"There's an electoral incentive," he said. "What most members of Congress want to hear from staff is what their constituents' views are on issues."

 

While that may be true, congressional staff also have an incentive to represent their bosses in a favorable light and to make voters feel like their opinions matter.

 

It should be no surprise then that 90 percent of the 260 staff members surveyed said that responding to constituent communications was a high priority in their offices.

 

Still, the survey could offer valuable insight on which grassroots tactics work.

 

Almost all the respondents, 97 percent, agreed that in-person visits from constituents influenced their lawmakers. Visits from constituent representatives, such as union leaders, came in second.

But the staffers said even personalized letters, e-mails, phone calls and telephone town hall comments were more likely to change a member's mind than a lobbyist's efforts.

 

That's not to say the Washington insiders who get paid to change lawmaker's minds are ineffective: In the survey, 81 percent said lobbyists have some influence in the decision making process.

 

The findings are based on submissions from mostly House staff. The survey pool roughly matched the party divide in Congress when the survey was conducted last fall, with more Democrats responding than Republicans.

 

The study also explored the type of advocacy that staffers believe is most effective.

 

Content matters more than medium, they said, noting that personalized notes — even when they are fewer in number —matter more than form letters.

 

"Personal stories really are what make a difference for members," Brad Fitch, who heads the survey firm, said. "Members know it's far easier to send a form campaign to Capitol Hill."

 

Lawmakers also want to hear activists make their case: How would this bill help constituents? Why does the citizen lobbyist believe it should pass?

 

"They are most interested in information about the bill or reasons," Fitch said.

 

What do the staffers who answer constituents' letters and phone calls day in, day out, think of all the citizen advocacy?

 

Just 35 percent said they believed advocacy campaigns directed at Congress are good for democracy.

 

And while Facebook and other online tools have made it easier for members to communicate with voters, only 41 percent of staffers thought those interactions have helped constituents understand how Washington works.

 

Ambreen Ali writes for Congress.org.

 

My linky thingy

[Druid]

Just purchased some IGOLD bus tickets... Looking forward to attending again this year!

[LeeG]

I have been attending the gun shows at Wheaton and Kane County for the last several months helping at both the Joliet Friends of NRA raffle table and IGOLD table. The encouraging information is that we communicated the IGOLD information to many, many people that had never heard anything about IGOLD. The discouraging news is that there are still many, many gun owners that don't know what IGOLD is. As many years as we have put this event on, you would think that pretty much everyone has at least heard of it. This obvious lack of effective advertising for our most important pro gun rally in the state of Illinois needs to be improved. I would like to see if our members have any good ideas and/or suggestions on how we can better get the information out on our event. I myself, am handing out IOGLD flyers at the gun shows. I also go to Gander Mountain in Joliet on the weekends and provide flyers and talk with the customers about our event. I serve as the bus captain for the Joliet IGOLD bus and encourage people to join me for the trip to Springfield. I have posted our event on the calendar of www.usacarry.com for the Illinois gun owners that visit that web site. We are very close to seeing Illinois becoming a CCW state and need all gun owners to attend IGOLD and bring a friend. I'm interested in hearing how we can better advertise our event from our members and what they might be doing to pass on IGOLD information.

[Lou]

I have been attending the gun shows at Wheaton and Kane County for the last several months helping at both the Joliet Friends of NRA raffle table and IGOLD table. The encouraging information is that we communicated the IGOLD information to many, many people that had never heard anything about IGOLD. The discouraging news is that there are still many, many gun owners that don't know what IGOLD is. As many years as we have put this event on, you would think that pretty much everyone has at least heard of it. This obvious lack of effective advertising for our most important pro gun rally in the state of Illinois needs to be improved. I would like to see if our members have any good ideas and/or suggestions on how we can better get the information out on our event. I myself, am handing out IOGLD flyers at the gun shows. I also go to Gander Mountain in Joliet on the weekends and provide flyers and talk with the customers about our event. I serve as the bus captain for the Joliet IGOLD bus and encourage people to join me for the trip to Springfield. I have posted our event on the calendar of www.usacarry.com for the Illinois gun owners that visit that web site. We are very close to seeing Illinois becoming a CCW state and need all gun owners to attend IGOLD and bring a friend. I'm interested in hearing how we can better advertise our event from our members and what they might be doing to pass on IGOLD information.

 

 

I dropped off fliers at Gander Mountain, Megasports, Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas. I noticed when I was at Gander the other day that someone had added to the pile I left. THANKS!

I wondered who else left them.

[MichaelG]

Why I won't be attending IGOLD this year...

The message hasn't changed, the focus hasn't changed, and I don't agree with the priorities expressed in the news leading up to this IGOLD.

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago. More importantly I believe that if there were even any chance of either concealed carry, or even open carry, that the same effort should instead be used to rid us of the unconstitutional FOID card and all the little gotcha's for cases and ammo that are in IL law and conservation code. Some of which can even be used against archers for goodness sake. Especially with Madigan's announcement that she wants to release every FOID card holders personal info to the AP!

 

Let me see that on the IGOLD pages, even better on the front page of isra.org that the priority THIS week will be to rally against the FOID card and I'll change my mind about the importance of being there. Let me see statements in the Belleville News Democrat that the support from elected officials outside of Cook County support the elimination of the IL FOID card and the DESTRUCTION of all records pertaining to individual FOID cards and I'll finally pay to belong to the ISRA even if most of thier activities are hours north of me and I'm unlikely to ever attend them.

 

Michael D. Gale

[Buzzard]

Why I won't be attending IGOLD this year...

The message hasn't changed, the focus hasn't changed, and I don't agree with the priorities expressed in the news leading up to this IGOLD.

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago. More importantly I believe that if there were even any chance of either concealed carry, or even open carry, that the same effort should instead be used to rid us of the unconstitutional FOID card and all the little gotcha's for cases and ammo that are in IL law and conservation code. Some of which can even be used against archers for goodness sake. Especially with Madigan's announcement that she wants to release every FOID card holders personal info to the AP!

 

Let me see that on the IGOLD pages, even better on the front page of isra.org that the priority THIS week will be to rally against the FOID card and I'll change my mind about the importance of being there. Let me see statements in the Belleville News Democrat that the support from elected officials outside of Cook County support the elimination of the IL FOID card and the DESTRUCTION of all records pertaining to individual FOID cards and I'll finally pay to belong to the ISRA even if most of thier activities are hours north of me and I'm unlikely to ever attend them.

 

Michael D. Gale

 

Well gee, Michael....

 

The whole concept of Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) is to invite individuals to travel to Springfield and meet with their legislators and discuss what issues are important to them. Sure, there will be position papers handed out to participants, but no one will be forcing you to discuss ONLY those issues. And I'm sure that RTC won't be the ONLY issues listed on those position papers. It's not like IGOLD is JUST about RTC.

 

But setting that all aside - welcome to the forum.

 

Buzz

[pyre400]

Why I won't be attending IGOLD this year...

The message hasn't changed, the focus hasn't changed, and I don't agree with the priorities expressed in the news leading up to this IGOLD.

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago. More importantly I believe that if there were even any chance of either concealed carry, or even open carry, that the same effort should instead be used to rid us of the unconstitutional FOID card and all the little gotcha's for cases and ammo that are in IL law and conservation code. Some of which can even be used against archers for goodness sake. Especially with Madigan's announcement that she wants to release every FOID card holders personal info to the AP!

 

Let me see that on the IGOLD pages, even better on the front page of isra.org that the priority THIS week will be to rally against the FOID card and I'll change my mind about the importance of being there. Let me see statements in the Belleville News Democrat that the support from elected officials outside of Cook County support the elimination of the IL FOID card and the DESTRUCTION of all records pertaining to individual FOID cards and I'll finally pay to belong to the ISRA even if most of thier activities are hours north of me and I'm unlikely to ever attend them.

 

Michael D. Gale

 

I share your anger and frustration over the FOID, but what's your plan going to be now? I cant move out of IL, so I'm stuck with fighting for common interests. I cant be as effective if I fight alone...

 

There are a lot of people on the front of stopping the FOID FOIA request. You could take advantage of the day to talk about the FOID issue with your legislator, and other individuals that share your frustration.

 

...Sorry to hear that you will not be making it, but I hope you'll reconsider.

[LeeG]

Why I won't be attending IGOLD this year...

The message hasn't changed, the focus hasn't changed, and I don't agree with the priorities expressed in the news leading up to this IGOLD.

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago. More importantly I believe that if there were even any chance of either concealed carry, or even open carry, that the same effort should instead be used to rid us of the unconstitutional FOID card and all the little gotcha's for cases and ammo that are in IL law and conservation code. Some of which can even be used against archers for goodness sake. Especially with Madigan's announcement that she wants to release every FOID card holders personal info to the AP!

 

Let me see that on the IGOLD pages, even better on the front page of isra.org that the priority THIS week will be to rally against the FOID card and I'll change my mind about the importance of being there. Let me see statements in the Belleville News Democrat that the support from elected officials outside of Cook County support the elimination of the IL FOID card and the DESTRUCTION of all records pertaining to individual FOID cards and I'll finally pay to belong to the ISRA even if most of thier activities are hours north of me and I'm unlikely to ever attend them.

 

Michael D. Gale

[LeeG]

Michael,

I have attended IGOLD from the beginning and I don't believe anyone ever stated that we would have CCW in Illinois by a specified time. We all knew this was a long war we would be fighting against the Chicago Democrats. I don't know who told you otherwise but if they did they were mistaken to say it and you were nieve to believe what they told you. Everyone who has been involved in what we are fighting against knows that either changing the minds of the anti CCW legislators, or removing them through the election process won't happen over night.

 

This is a war for our rights and liberties. I don't understand a person who has shown support for years as you said, retreating because everything they want is not being addressed this year! Remember what has been accomplished in the last few years that have brought us to this point in time. First it was the Heller vs. Washington D.C., then it was the vitory in McDonald vs. Chigago. The ISRA that you now won't support was the organization that initiated and helped finance the litigation for Mr. McDonald and the other plaintiffs. The ISRA has 4 lobbiests working in Springfield when the legislature is in session keeping our members up to date on current and proposed pro and anti gun legislation. They also work hard to gain the support of legislators who may be on the fence or even against our pro gun movement in an effort to change their mindset.

 

Michael, you should reconsider your decision and stay in the fight for your rights. I'm a veteran and I still believe in the oath I took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and for me IGOLD, elections and contacting my legislators, are the three ways I can legally make a difference in getting my rights to defend myself by CCW realized in Illinois. You might give up and let someone else fight your battle and I'm proud to do that for you. The anti gun proponents salute you for your stance and hope there are more that give up so easily. They will never see me going anywhere but straight into this battle.

 

We are the going to pass HB148 out of the AG committee this week. This is the first time a piece of CCW legislation has passed out of committee and gone to the floor of the House in almost two decades! That is progress! There is still time for you to join back up with us. I certainly hope you do. We are going to win this war and I hope you are with us when we do.

[Don Gwinn]

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago.

 

With all due respect, Michael, I don't see how you could believe that if you're paying attention to the issue. Momentum is building daily. The current climate for RTC is like nothing I've ever seen. We are YEARS closer to RTC and even have a shot at passing it this year. If it doesn't pass this year, it is no longer decades away as I once believed. There WILL be a vote on RTC this year, and if it fails, it may even be by veto.

If it passes this year, we celebrate and get on with business.

If it fails because we don't get a super-majority in the House, we already have more town-hall meetings scheduled for next month. We will publicize the names of those who voted against RTC (including those who didn't vote.)

If it passes there, but fails because the Senate is not allowed to vote on it, we will spend the next year hammering President Cullerton relentlessly.

If it passes both and Governor Quinn follows through on his promise to veto, we will hound him from the office the same way Wisconsin hounded out Doyle, along with pounding on anyone who voted to sustain his veto.

 

 

Lastly, if you think other issues are more important than RTC, or if you think just think they should be in the mix, come to IGOLD and see. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've never been to an IGOLD where RTC was the only issue and others were quashed, and as pointed out above already, the whole point of the day is to get into the capitol and talk to people face to face. If you want to talk to them about the FOID database, just do it. I know I'm going to!

 

I'm not sure you intended it this way, but your post seems to imply that what you'd really like to see is for IllinoisCarry, ISRA, GunsSaveLife and the NRA to give up and cut our losses on RTC in Illinois. I don't think that's going to happen. And I'll say this much for sure: IllinoisCarry is not going to be changing focus in the foreseeable future. This fight is why we exist.

[LeeG]

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago.

 

With all due respect, Michael, I don't see how you could believe that if you're paying attention to the issue. Momentum is building daily. The current climate for RTC is like nothing I've ever seen. We are YEARS closer to RTC and even have a shot at passing it this year. If it doesn't pass this year, it is no longer decades away as I once believed. There WILL be a vote on RTC this year, and if it fails, it may even be by veto.

If it passes this year, we celebrate and get on with business.

If it fails because we don't get a super-majority in the House, we already have more town-hall meetings scheduled for next month. We will publicize the names of those who voted against RTC (including those who didn't vote.)

If it passes there, but fails because the Senate is not allowed to vote on it, we will spend the next year hammering President Cullerton relentlessly.

If it passes both and Governor Quinn follows through on his promise to veto, we will hound him from the office the same way Wisconsin hounded out Doyle, along with pounding on anyone who voted to sustain his veto.

 

 

Lastly, if you think other issues are more important than RTC, or if you think just think they should be in the mix, come to IGOLD and see. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've never been to an IGOLD where RTC was the only issue and others were quashed, and as pointed out above already, the whole point of the day is to get into the capitol and talk to people face to face. If you want to talk to them about the FOID database, just do it. I know I'm going to!

 

I'm not sure you intended it this way, but your post seems to imply that what you'd really like to see is for IllinoisCarry, ISRA, GunsSaveLife and the NRA to give up and cut our losses on RTC in Illinois. I don't think that's going to happen. And I'll say this much for sure: IllinoisCarry is not going to be changing focus in the foreseeable future. This fight is why we exist.

[LeeG]

I don't believe, with the current makeup of the IL legislature and our current governor that we are any closer to a concealed carry permit than we were when I first attended IGOLD years ago.

 

With all due respect, Michael, I don't see how you could believe that if you're paying attention to the issue. Momentum is building daily. The current climate for RTC is like nothing I've ever seen. We are YEARS closer to RTC and even have a shot at passing it this year. If it doesn't pass this year, it is no longer decades away as I once believed. There WILL be a vote on RTC this year, and if it fails, it may even be by veto.

If it passes this year, we celebrate and get on with business.

If it fails because we don't get a super-majority in the House, we already have more town-hall meetings scheduled for next month. We will publicize the names of those who voted against RTC (including those who didn't vote.)

If it passes there, but fails because the Senate is not allowed to vote on it, we will spend the next year hammering President Cullerton relentlessly.

If it passes both and Governor Quinn follows through on his promise to veto, we will hound him from the office the same way Wisconsin hounded out Doyle, along with pounding on anyone who voted to sustain his veto.

 

 

Lastly, if you think other issues are more important than RTC, or if you think just think they should be in the mix, come to IGOLD and see. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've never been to an IGOLD where RTC was the only issue and others were quashed, and as pointed out above already, the whole point of the day is to get into the capitol and talk to people face to face. If you want to talk to them about the FOID database, just do it. I know I'm going to!

 

I'm not sure you intended it this way, but your post seems to imply that what you'd really like to see is for IllinoisCarry, ISRA, GunsSaveLife and the NRA to give up and cut our losses on RTC in Illinois. I don't think that's going to happen. And I'll say this much for sure: IllinoisCarry is not going to be changing focus in the foreseeable future. This fight is why we exist.

[abolt243]

More importantly I believe that if there were even any chance of either concealed carry, or even open carry, that the same effort should instead be used to rid us of the unconstitutional FOID card and all the little gotcha's for cases and ammo that are in IL law and conservation code. Some of which can even be used against archers for goodness sake. Especially with Madigan's announcement that she wants to release every FOID card holders personal info to the AP!

 

Michael D. Gale

 

 

Michael,

 

Perhaps you need to go to this thread and see the bills that have been introduced and are being supported/opposed by the ISRA, the NRA, Illinois Carry, Guns Save Lives and the people that are actively involved in lobbying on this board. Looks like quite a few more topics than just RTC. We're fighting on many fronts, it so happens that RTC is on the front burner this week. Oh, did you happen to notice that HB 1162 has passed the House already, 86-26 and has been sent to the Senate. A carry bill??? Not hardly, it actually as to do with ATV's, the Wildlife Code, and cleaning it up a little. One of the very "gotcha's" that you talk about.

 

And, if you think pre-emptive RTC won't help get other state wide pre-emption passed, you aren't paying attention.

 

Oh, and if you're not on the floor of the Statehouse everyday, then you don't have the foggiest idea of what the current status of the legislature is OR what the status of the Governor's office is concerning any gun bill, much less RTC. Those that are there, get surprises every day.

 

But then you're no longer listening anyway.

 

AB

[MichaelG]

@Buzzard: thank you for the welcome, I’ve actually been reading for some time off and on, depending on work load and the current config of the firewalls.

1-Until recently I’ve lived in St. Clair Co. On gun & self defense rights my legislators just haven’t seemed to be available on IGOLD day.

2-The messages given in the speeches and on the handouts have been about RTC. How many times have we heard the mantra about “48 other states” during IGOLD?

Which by the way is VERY misleading. I lived for most of the 80s and 90s in NJ. Which makes IL seem like a gun lovers paradise. Even OWNERSHIP is “may issue”. Forget about carrying.

 

@pyre400: my plan? Well I voted for Ed Green for Gov last time around, I advocate self defense and 2A rights with pretty much all I meet. I guided a LEO to Oathkeepers just this past weekend.

And when I see an ISRA rep at either the BelleClair gun shows or at IGOLD I tell them that FOID should be our first issue, not asking the IL gov for permission to defend ourselves.

I don’t intend to change that plan. When a candidate for office can clearly show their support for our rights I will continue to support them. And I will continue to explain why the ISRA and NRA do not meet my needs.

 

@LeeG: pls reread my message. I also wrote nothing about when, only on placement of effort & resources. Long war? I lived for 20 years in NJ before working for a living brought me out here.

At least out here I can have permission to purchase ammo and target shoot as long as I keep my government permission card in my possession. I have paid close attention to the lawsuits. And I note that both Supreme Court decisions were about ownership and possession within the home. The Constitutional Protection of the Individual Right to Keep has been established. Eliminating the FOID card can be built on that. Trying to establish Right to Carry from those decisions in IL is jumping ahead of the situation.

 

Now consider Don Bekeleski’s “Looking Back” 1/3/11 commentary. concealed carry, concealed carry, 2A & CIFTA, AWB, IGOLD, IGOLD… You see the trend?

No mention of lawsuits to stop the FOID card. Please don’t think I’m picking on Don by the way. It was an easy to find example specific to the ISRA & IGOLD.

You’re right that ISRA is deserving of my financial support for supporting McDonald’s lawsuit. And even I’d argue that the NRA education programs are deserving of my financial support. Decisions have to be made and I feel that the little I have to give will not give me the influence to change the ISRA from inside and will act as an implicit support for the current policies and activities.

You make my point talking about HB148. A great victory. If only the effort went to reducing government infringement instead of possibly (doubtful, but possible) giving us something else to ask IL government to do what we should already be able to do without fear of arrest.

 

@Don Gwinn: Yeah, I’m so sure that Cullerton cares. BTW: ISRA’s political side refusing to endorse Mark Kirk almost got my membership dollars. Except that they stopped short of supporting the candidate that was clear and straightforward on their support for 2A rights.

IGOLD and issues – see above. I’ve been. I even convinced my then girlfriend, now wife, to go, to change her historically left leaning mind and 2 years ago she was one of the ladies right up front at times helping to haul the banner.

On implying. Nope. In composing this response I went back and reread my statements several times. I agree with the goal of Illinois Carry. I have thought and continue to think that going for Permission To Carry before establishing Right To Own is trying to get to step 3 before steps 1 & 2. If we currently have to have IL gov’s permission to buy or even hold in our hand a single round of .22 ammo you think they are going to let us walk around with multiple rounds of center fire in a loaded handgun? Ready to use at our discretion? Don, I have respect for the time and effort you have put into the efforts. Frankly I’m honored and surprised to have your attention and response to my message. But on this I really think that one of us is bouncing their reality checks. Would like it to turn out to be me. But I’m doubtful.

 

@abolt243: the value of your judgment & judgmentalism is clear. And your ability to read what I’ve written. See above if you’re not clear on how carefully I am listening. And how seriously I take responses.

 

Thank you everyone for the time and thought put into the responses.

Michael

p.s. Lee: If I haven’t responsed to some of your responses it is because on my screen I see a message that seems like a response, with prior messages embedded, but not your actual writing. Perhaps my browser is not displaying them correctly. Sorry.