The Message Is Clear - It's Time For Illinois to Adopt Concealed Carry

[mikew]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

 

Every day, hundreds of Illinois citizens are raped, robbed, murdered, bullied and brutalized by lawless criminals who, thanks to Illinois' ineffective justice system, roam our streets with near impunity. This unfortunate situation is made all the worse by the fact that the Illinois General Assembly refuses to allow law-abiding citizens to carry defensive firearms. In fact, under current Illinois law, citizens who use a defensive firearm to protect self and family from violent crime could spend more time in jail than the thug that attacked them.

 

The good people of Illinois are sick and tired of having to make the daily choice between becoming a victim of violent crime, or becoming a felon for exercising preparedness. On November 4th, voters in 14 Illinois counties went to the polls to vote on referenda advising the general assembly to pass a concealed carry law. When the votes were counted, 10 of 14 counties had voted in favor of allowing law-abiding citizens to carry defensive firearms.

 

"The message is clear," commented ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "Illinoisans are weary of living in one of only two states that deny citizens the right to protect themselves and family with the most effective means available - the defensive firearm. We've all heard over and over again this morning that Americans have voted for change. Well, yesterday's referenda votes were all about change as well. It's time for the General Assembly to abandon its mistrust of average citizens and allow them to provide for their own defense."

 

"The lack of a concealed carry law in Illinois is not for lack of trying," continued Pearson. "Year in and year out, the ISRA and its supporters in the General Assembly have introduced bills to authorize concealed carry. And, year in and year out, House Speaker Michael Madigan has seen to it that those bills never get out of committee. Denying the General Assembly the opportunity to debate the issue does a great disservice to the citizens of Illinois."

 

"When the next legislative session convenes, yet another concealed carry bill will be introduced," said Pearson. "Hopefully, the success of this week's referenda will prod the Speaker to allow this issue to get the attention it deserves. No government should force citizens to choose between a hospital room and a prison cell."

 

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Founded in 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

[GWBH]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

 

"The lack of a concealed carry law in Illinois is not for lack of trying," continued Pearson. "Year in and year out, the ISRA and its supporters in the General Assembly have introduced bills to authorize concealed carry. And, year in and year out, House Speaker Michael Madigan has seen to it that those bills never get out of committee. Denying the General Assembly the opportunity to debate the issue does a great disservice to the citizens of Illinois."

 

I know this is a stretch but it's what I would call taxation without representation...

[Ol'Coach]

Too bad Sen Rutherford's Opinion Poll wasn't mentioned. 86% of those responding are in favor of a LTC bill (CC bill)...that's 86% of app 26,000 responses! (Click on the link.)

 

I believe we need to couple these facts!

[papamorgan01]

"The good people of Illinois are sick and tired of having to make the daily choice between becoming a victim of violent crime, or becoming a felon for exercising preparedness."

 

I moved up here without checking the gun laws out. I never thought there could be a state like this. It hurts my heart to even let the thought in my head. I quess I am just venting. It will be alright.

[Lou]

Just sent to my state rep and senator.

[45superman]

Some folks here have criticized ISRA for being too focused on hunting, and not enough on self-defense/RKBA issues (I was, at one time, among the folks doing the criticizing). ISRA has, I think, come a long way since then, and this press release helps to prove that.

[Ol'Coach]

Some folks here have criticized ISRA for being too focused on hunting, and not enough on self-defense/RKBA issues (I was, at one time, among the folks doing the criticizing). ISRA has, I think, come a long way since then, and this press release helps to prove that.

[ishmo]

Some folks here have criticized ISRA for being too focused on hunting, and not enough on self-defense/RKBA issues (I was, at one time, among the folks doing the criticizing). ISRA has, I think, come a long way since then, and this press release helps to prove that.

+1 on that guys.

[Mac]

Some folks here have criticized ISRA for being too focused on hunting, and not enough on self-defense/RKBA issues (I was, at one time, among the folks doing the criticizing). ISRA has, I think, come a long way since then, and this press release helps to prove that.

+1 on that guys.

 

That makes three.

 

Mac

[GWBH]

Some folks here have criticized ISRA for being too focused on hunting, and not enough on self-defense/RKBA issues (I was, at one time, among the folks doing the criticizing). ISRA has, I think, come a long way since then, and this press release helps to prove that.

+1 on that guys.

 

That makes three.

 

Mac

 

Well - Since we're all confessing... now my concience is clear!

[jagco]

Glad to hear they have improved, because I didn't know there was ever I problem. I am new here, and just recently joined the ISRA. Don't even have my paperwork yet.

[GarandFan]

Excellent press release!

[abolt243]

Good to see this from the ISRA.

 

I know it may be seen as just a point of semantics, but it would be nice to see them move away from the term "CCW" and adopt the term "LTC". I truly don't believe it's just words, as pointed out in other places on this board. I think it can have an effect on how the concept is looked on by those that don't really understand it.

 

AB

[ishmo]

Good to see this from the ISRA.

 

I know it may be seen as just a point of semantics, but it would be nice to see them move away from the term "CCW" and adopt the term "LTC". I truly don't believe it's just words, as pointed out in other places on this board. I think it can have an effect on how the concept is looked on by those that don't really understand it.

 

AB

I think that's a good point about LTC AB. The idea of a license usually makes people think people have training and are considered qualified to do whatever they do by the state. It might make for an easier argument with the GA or with local people when we get a chance to talk to them.

[Lou]

LTC - RTC - whatever. Read the title "THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR"

 

Everyone here needs to forward this press release to their elected representatives on the county level as well as the state level.

 

The more times they get it the better. They need to know how many reasonable people there are out here.

 

If you need help in contacting your state senator or representative, I'd be more than happy to help you find them for you.

 

The time to act is NOW.

[mikew]

Glad to hear they have improved, because I didn't know there was ever I problem. I am new here, and just recently joined the ISRA. Don't even have my paperwork yet.

Jagco:

Glad to have you as a fellow member. The ISRA is growing every year and becoming more powerful in Springfield.

[mikew]

Good to see this from the ISRA.

 

I know it may be seen as just a point of semantics, but it would be nice to see them move away from the term "CCW" and adopt the term "LTC". I truly don't believe it's just words, as pointed out in other places on this board. I think it can have an effect on how the concept is looked on by those that don't really understand it.

 

AB

Abolt, this is a good point. I'll pass it around.

[45superman]

Glad to hear they have improved, because I didn't know there was ever I problem. I am new here, and just recently joined the ISRA. Don't even have my paperwork yet.

 

I don't want to give the wrong impression. ISRA was never anti-RKBA/self-defense (the American Hunters and Shooters Association, on the other hand, is), and they never worked against our interests. It's just that some of us thought they weren't as active for our cause as we would have liked--that sport shooters' interests were getting the highest priority, at the expense of our interests (in our opinion).

 

Speaking personally, I no longer have that concern.

 

I also don't want to give the impression that I think ISRA should divorce itself from the sport shooters. On the contrary, I think we need to work hard to unite our two camps (which have a fair amount of overlap, anyway) into one, united voice for Illinois gun rights.

[ewellnitz]

Just got the family membership 10 minutes ago. I am happy to see the ISRA steping up and playing offense.

[45superman]

Just got the family membership 10 minutes ago. I am happy to see the ISRA steping up and playing offense.

 

Way to go--definitely what I like to see .

[abolt243]

Good to see this from the ISRA.

 

I know it may be seen as just a point of semantics, but it would be nice to see them move away from the term "CCW" and adopt the term "LTC". I truly don't believe it's just words, as pointed out in other places on this board. I think it can have an effect on how the concept is looked on by those that don't really understand it.

 

AB

Abolt, this is a good point. I'll pass it around.

 

Thanks Mike, I was hoping you'd pass it on.

 

Ewellnitz,

 

Congratulations!! And, thanks!!

 

BTW - You gotta explain that "handle" some day!!

 

AB

[Buzzard]

Good to see this from the ISRA.

 

I know it may be seen as just a point of semantics, but it would be nice to see them move away from the term "CCW" and adopt the term "LTC". I truly don't believe it's just words, as pointed out in other places on this board. I think it can have an effect on how the concept is looked on by those that don't really understand it.

 

AB

Abolt, this is a good point. I'll pass it around.

 

As with anything, it will take time. But I feel that by adopting LTC as our stated goal, it will prove to be beneficial.

[Ol'Coach]

LTC...I'm in contact with Senator Rutherford regarding that.

 

Also, it will be brought up at the GSL meeting Tuesday. Eat at 6 P.M., 7 P.M. opens the business meeting.

 

If you're in driving range stop on by. Some very interesting things beginning to happen in GSL!

 

Park Inn, Rt. 45 North (Cunningham Ave), Urbana...just off I-74 interchange.

[Medula Oblongata]

I have to disagree on the topic of what the ISRA has lobbied for in the past; and what they continue to lobby for. Meeting with them at the NRA National Convention this last May, I was dumbfounded by their open and blatant position of defending 'the right to hunt using normal hunting arms...' One gentleman that I spoke to sounded just like Jim "Dumbo" Zumbo, nearly quoting that quack with the 'terrorist rifle' garbage.

 

When the ISRA proves to me that they support the right to keep and bear ALL arms, no matter what they look like on the outside, they'll get some of my money. Until then, I'll keep my cash and donate it to this site instead.

 

I can't stand 'fudds,' or more easily said, those who think if you're rifle isn't a bolt-action, didn't cost $5,000 or more, and isn't in a Weatherby cartridge, there's no place for it and shouldn't be allowed for 'civilian' posession. In my estimation, the ISRA is full of 'fudds' with little representation of 'sporting' firearms owners.

 

This press release, in my estimation, is a carefully calculated piece designed to 'reinvent' the ISRA to appeal to those of us who have been alienated by their steadfast refusal to fight the RKBA fight. And I for one can't stand 'spinning', ala Klinton or Comrade Bushsky.

[45superman]

I have to disagree on the topic of what the ISRA has lobbied for in the past; and what they continue to lobby for. Meeting with them at the NRA National Convention this last May, I was dumbfounded by their open and blatant position of defending 'the right to hunt using normal hunting arms...' One gentleman that I spoke to sounded just like Jim "Dumbo" Zumbo, nearly quoting that quack with the 'terrorist rifle' garbage.

 

When the ISRA proves to me that they support the right to keep and bear ALL arms, no matter what they look like on the outside, they'll get some of my money. Until then, I'll keep my cash and donate it to this site instead.

 

I can't stand 'fudds,' or more easily said, those who think if you're rifle isn't a bolt-action, didn't cost $5,000 or more, and isn't in a Weatherby cartridge, there's no place for it and shouldn't be allowed for 'civilian' posession. In my estimation, the ISRA is full of 'fudds' with little representation of 'sporting' firearms owners.

 

This press release, in my estimation, is a carefully calculated piece designed to 'reinvent' the ISRA to appeal to those of us who have been alienated by their steadfast refusal to fight the RKBA fight. And I for one can't stand 'spinning', ala Klinton or Comrade Bushsky.

 

ISRA put a great deal of money and effort into CGOLD, and has always been essential for the success of IGOLD. A look at the way they rank candidates will show that self-defense and RKBA issues play a very large role in their ranking system.

 

Those are just a couple examples I can think of right at the moment that lead me to an entirely different view of the organization than what you have described.

[Medula Oblongata]

Tis the perfect example of how gentlemen can disagree without digressing into histrionics or name calling.

 

My experience with them is based solely upon talking to members of their board of directors; interactions that left me with a very bad taste in my mouth each time.

 

Until I see a solid change in their attitude, as presented by their board, I'll continue to boycott their activities.

[ewellnitz]

I have to disagree on the topic of what the ISRA has lobbied for in the past; and what they continue to lobby for. Meeting with them at the NRA National Convention this last May, I was dumbfounded by their open and blatant position of defending 'the right to hunt using normal hunting arms...' One gentleman that I spoke to sounded just like Jim "Dumbo" Zumbo, nearly quoting that quack with the 'terrorist rifle' garbage.

 

When the ISRA proves to me that they support the right to keep and bear ALL arms, no matter what they look like on the outside, they'll get some of my money. Until then, I'll keep my cash and donate it to this site instead.

 

I can't stand 'fudds,' or more easily said, those who think if you're rifle isn't a bolt-action, didn't cost $5,000 or more, and isn't in a Weatherby cartridge, there's no place for it and shouldn't be allowed for 'civilian' posession. In my estimation, the ISRA is full of 'fudds' with little representation of 'sporting' firearms owners.

 

This press release, in my estimation, is a carefully calculated piece designed to 'reinvent' the ISRA to appeal to those of us who have been alienated by their steadfast refusal to fight the RKBA fight. And I for one can't stand 'spinning', ala Klinton or Comrade Bushsky.

You can do a lot more good from the inside than from outside looking in. Nothing will ever change if there are never any new members.

 

I'll make someone's life a living heck inside ISRA if they dodge one interview, fumble one press release or do ANYTHING to undermine any gun owner. Everyone else here that is a member should do the same. I also don't buy the 'they never tried to contact us' BS either. The ISRA directors need to grow up or move over and let some real leaders take over.

[45superman]

Tis the perfect example of how gentlemen can disagree without digressing into histrionics or name calling.

 

Well, you just happened to catch me at a sober moment .

 

Seriously, though, I'm the sort who has no more patience for the kind of "throw the 'scary' gun owners under the bus" attitude from an ostensibly pro-gun group than you clearly do, and if I saw anything like that in ISRA, I would condemn it long and loudly.

 

Our experiences are obviously rather different.

 

I'd like you to look at this, if you would.

[Medula Oblongata]

Good points; however I have noticed that any organization tends to completely ignore the new members who try and buck the existing system.

 

Tell y'all what, I'll join the ISRA and report back on my interactions with their board of directors. I'll make all my communications with them public, so you can judge for yourself their attitudes and opinions.

 

Deal?

[mikew]

I have to disagree on the topic of what the ISRA has lobbied for in the past; and what they continue to lobby for. Meeting with them at the NRA National Convention this last May, I was dumbfounded by their open and blatant position of defending 'the right to hunt using normal hunting arms...' One gentleman that I spoke to sounded just like Jim "Dumbo" Zumbo, nearly quoting that quack with the 'terrorist rifle' garbage.

 

When the ISRA proves to me that they support the right to keep and bear ALL arms, no matter what they look like on the outside, they'll get some of my money. Until then, I'll keep my cash and donate it to this site instead.

 

I can't stand 'fudds,' or more easily said, those who think if you're rifle isn't a bolt-action, didn't cost $5,000 or more, and isn't in a Weatherby cartridge, there's no place for it and shouldn't be allowed for 'civilian' posession. In my estimation, the ISRA is full of 'fudds' with little representation of 'sporting' firearms owners.

 

This press release, in my estimation, is a carefully calculated piece designed to 'reinvent' the ISRA to appeal to those of us who have been alienated by their steadfast refusal to fight the RKBA fight. And I for one can't stand 'spinning', ala Klinton or Comrade Bushsky.

You couldn't be more wrong.

 

Well, Ryan, I don't know who it was that you talked to at the NRA convention, I'd love to know.

But I don't know about the context of the conversation about hunting.

 

I DO know that ISRA leadership has a large contingent of current or former competitive shooters, across many disciplines. There are no Zumbos on the board of directors. However, in addition to the love of shooting, many in the ISRA leadership like to hunt, too. You might find the latest racing gas gun as well as a weathered Weatherby in the same collection.

 

As hunters as well as marksmen, the ISRA leadership recognizes that hunters can be tough to get to join the ISRA. there's always outreach going on.

 

The ISRA and the NRA have been trying to get CCW here in Illinois for more than a few years. It's not easy, we've got the liberal majority in Chicago. The ISRA is not giving up. And CCW is not the only concern of ISRA or its members, who are located all over the state.