Now You See It...
From tragedy springs renewed controversy. In the aftermath of Friday's law firm shooting, the Illinois State Rifle Association has announced that it is renewing efforts to legalize concealed carry in our state.Executive Director Richard Pearson (who is actually a very nice guy) issued a statement which said in part:
One has to wonder how the outcome may have differed had any of the law office staff been trained and licensed to carry a defensive firearm. Unfortunately, the answer to that question will remain unknown as Illinois is one of only 2 states in the nation that prohibit law abiding citizens from carrying firearms as a means of self defense. Indeed, the outcome would be hard to predict, but at least the people in that office would have been given a fighting chance to survive.In response to Friday's tragedy, the Illinois State Rifle Association will be drafting legislation that will provide well trained, law-abiding citizens the opportunity to carry defensive firearms. That legislation will be introduced into both chambers of the General Assembly early next year.
Whereas those lobbying against concealed carry laws can muster only invective and hyperbole to support their opposition, the facts undeniably demonstrate that reduction in violent crime accompanies the implementation of laws allowing citizens to carry defensive firearms. It is time for the Illinois General Assembly to recognize that citizens can be trusted with the awesome responsibility of defending themselves, their homes, and their families.
I understand the arguments, I have read John Lott's work, yet I remain unpersuaded. While I acknoweldge that the gun control pendulum may have overswung in certain instances, I simply cannot fathom a net societal gain stemming from the allowance of concealed carry, especially in urban areas such as the one I represent.
I will try to monitor this post, but I have a hectic couple of days ahead, so feel free to debate this amongst yourselves if you're so inclined.
posted by Rep. John Fritchey @ 12/11/2006
4 comments
4 Comments:
Michigan enacted such a law in 2001. The sheriff in Detroit's Wayne County had the same misgivings you have.
Ask the Legislative Research Unit to tell you how many "horribles" resulted since then.
My quess is that there are very few.
How can the people of 48 states that have concealed carry be more trustworthy than Illinoisans?
According to statistics released by Michigan, Texas and Ohio, people that have been granted a permit to carry a firearm, as a demographic group, have a lower instance of violent crime than law enforcement officers. In Illinois we have roughly 7,000 people licensed to carry a firearm (non-law enforcement) and we do not see any of those people running around like lunatics killing people.
Putting your personal emotions aside, the facts show that people that have been vetted by the State Police, background checked by the FBI and trained on firearms handling, self-defense and the law, only help society.
In 48 states (49 if you count open carry in Wisconsin) people are welcomed and trusted by the state to carry a weapon when criteria are met. In Illinois it is a felony and you are considered not fit for society... how is this equal treatment under the law?
John, in the past you have said that your constituents are not in favor of concealed carry. And in fact when I ask people "Is it ok for people just to grab a gun and go carry it around" People look at me if I was crazy. But then I ask "If people are properly trained, background checked by the FBI and then issued a permit by our own Illinois State Police, should they be able to take a gun with them if they need to?" Something like 90% people respond yes.
According to statistics released by Michigan, Texas and Ohio, people that have been granted a permit to carry a firearm, as a demographic group, have a lower instance of violent crime than law enforcement officers. In Illinois we have roughly 7,000 people licensed to carry a firearm (non-law enforcement) and we do not see any of those people running around like lunatics killing people.
Putting your personal emotions aside, the facts show that people that have been vetted by the State Police, background checked by the FBI and trained on firearms handling, self-defense and the law, only help society.
In 48 states (49 if you count open carry in Wisconsin) people are welcomed and trusted by the state to carry a weapon when criteria are met. In Illinois it is a felony and you are considered not fit for society... how is this equal treatment under the law?
John, in the past you have said that your constituents are not in favor of concealed carry. And in fact when I ask people "Is it ok for people just to grab a gun and go carry it around" People look at me if I was crazy. But then I ask "If people are properly trained, background checked by the FBI and then issued a permit by our own Illinois State Police, should they be able to take a gun with them if they need to?" Something like 90% people respond yes.
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