Do/Will GFZs work?

As Illinois drags its feet slowly toward a concealed carry law that must be voted on, approved and signed in law by June 8 (180 days after December 11, 2012), wise people need to be "educating" their legislators about the amendments that have been tossed into the mix in Illinois House Bills 1155, 1156 and 1157.

To learn whether legislators are seriously considering the wording in the amendments, you'll have to read, study and understand the amendments.

And then you'll have to ask yourself if the legislator has done the same. If you ask him (or her), he will say, "Yes, of course".

Then ask them why they voted for the amendments as proposed. To give you an example, one amendment would prohibit a concealed carry licensee from patronizing a restaurant that has a license to serve alcholic for consumption on the premises.

Sure, nobody wants a drunk carrying a loaded gun in a tavern or restaurant.

But, how about if the armed, concealed-licensed customer is not consuming alcohol? Why shouldn't he be able to dine in this establishment?

If Suzanna Gratia Hupp lived in Illinois, instead of in Texas, what do you think she'd say? She's the author of From Luby's to the Legislature. If you haven't read her book, buy it and read it. Then pass it along to your gun-grabber friends. If they won't read it, ask them to read at least the last 2-3 pages.

Let's say that your family and you are dining at Olive Garden, Chili's, TGIF or at Coleman's or the Red Mill or the Public House or 3 Brothers. Maybe you're even having breakfast, lunch or dinner with your favorite local elected State Rep and his family. Somebody with a grudge against the legislator comes in and starts shooting.

Think that State Rep might be a little happier if you can draw and take out the gunman?

Where are you going to park, if you want to eat at 3 Brothers? The proposed amendment reads that you can't even park your car in the parking lot, if you are carrying.

Then think of all the cars that will be broken in and guns that will be stolen, because the criminals will know that the law-abiding citizen is not going to wear his firearm into the restaurant and risk arrest.

Then think about the mass-transit ban on concealed carry that the legislators are pitching. Where are you going to leave your gun? In the trunk of your car at the Metra lot? The police will have to set up a sub-station there to take all the reports of vehicle break-ins and gun thefts!

And the same around government buildings, hospitals, schools, stadiums, churches...

Get some face-time with your legislator. He'll be in town next week. Ask him to read more than the fist few words in each of the amendments.