abolt243, on 20 April 2012 - 12:36 PM, said:
TomKoz, on 19 April 2012 - 10:18 PM, said:
Molly B., on 19 April 2012 - 09:38 PM, said:
Don't know yet, but if he does I will be reminding everyone how important it is that we welcome him to hear
our side of the issue.
To attack or be rude to him will not work in our favor. I hope he will come and we can show him the people in
his new district support this issue!
No worry. I have been practicing holding my tongue. If he doesn't see the light and come to our side though we need to find an independent to challenge him in the general election!!!
And that's the way to take care of it. It's entirely possible that any of the reps that voted no on 148 a year ago are now having second thoughts. Lots of changes in the landscape and public perception of carry, not to mention that we are the very last state without. And WI just issued their 100,000th license, less than six months after going live with them!! Most people don't like to be pressured.
Mr. Durkin may well be one of those people that simply dig in their heels the harder they are pushed. I'm thinking that treating him with respect and dignity while quietly explaining our position would be the way to go. "More flies with honey" approach.
If that doesn't work, then we'll talk about the election this fall if there's still time to get someone on the ballot.
AB
I think that's the best approach to take. I get the distinct impression that he feels
he knows what's best for his constituents. We have to be firm but polite as I wouldn't put it past him to vote "no" out of spite or stubbornness if we don't play our cards right.
On the positive side, I do think we are closer to getting a yes vote from him than we have ever been. First, his district now contains more of Will County than it had previously. Second, there are increased concerns about crime and violence in the area, particularly following the murder of Kelli O'Loughlin in Indian Head Park (in his district). When talking to Representative Durkin shortly after the O'Loughlin tragedy, I mentioned that my wife has to come home to an empty house fairly often. She deserves the ability to be able to choose how to protect herself. This argument seemed to gain the most traction with him, and he was clearly sympathetic to the concerns of women. I think our best strategy, if he is present, is to encourage the women in our lives to attend and participate in this discussion. It's a lot easier to, in effect, tell a 6'2" 250lb man that he doesn't need a gun to protect himself than it is to do the same to a woman, especially in front of a crowd.
I'm looking forward to this meeting. As for fliers, I've only been able to post at Bass Pro in Bolingbrook near the exit (management won't allow any other areas, I wanted the gun counter!!!), The Indian Prairie Library, Jewel on 75th and Cass. If anyone has ideas, please let me know. It seems several places (Caribou Coffee, Dominicks) have removed their bulletin boards and no longer have areas for public posting. Still have to check Starbucks, my gym, etc.
Edited by Ilannoyed, 20 April 2012 - 02:09 PM.
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