Gun owners - gangbangers?

I guess we can be glad that we don't live in Oak Park, Illinois.

National Public Radio apparently quoted Oak Park Village Manager Tom Barwin, an ex-police officer, observing, "It's just completely befuddling that our Supreme Court would be in alliance with the gangbangers."

I've got news for Village Manager Barwin. Heller is not about gangbangers. Out of what hat did he pull that one? He may not like the Heller decision but, like it or not, he is going to get to live with it. Or, of course, he could move to Canada or England or Australia or New Zealand, where he might find gun laws more to his liking.

Last time I checked Oak Park was still squarely within the continental boundary of the United States of America, where the Supreme Court gets the last word.

If Manager Barwin took the time to understand Heller and not just spout off with a knee-jerk reaction to that case, he'd realize that Oak Park will be a safer community when more law-abiding citizens are armed, within their homes or without. He should read More Guns, Less Crime, by Professor John Lott.

Many in Illinois think that you cannot carry a concealed weapon, because the State does not have a specific concealed-carry law. When you read the current laws closely, I believe you will find that you can lawfully conceal and carry. Even in Oak Park.

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT