Where does Jack stand on Right-to-Carry?

This afternoon I called the office of Illinois State Representative Jack Franks (D-63rd) to inquire about his position on right-to-carry. It should have been a simple, easy, friendly, non-confrontational call. After all, I am a resident of the 63rd District, and Jack is the elected State representatative from my District.

The phone was answered by a woman who identified herself as Lori, and I identified myself by my full name and asked how she was. When I told her I was calling to ask what Jack's position is on concealed carry, she hesitated and then said she was not going to answer my question. She told me that I knew where he stood and that his position had not changed.

She said she had seen my website and that I knew where he stood.

I was hoping that he had educated himself more on concealed carry since 2005, when I loaned one of legislative aides a book by Professor John Lott, called More Guns, Less Crime. I hoped Jack had learned in the past four years that crime has gone down all over the United States, as the number of states embracing concealed carry has increased.

But she refused to answer even my simplest question, which was, "Is Jack in favor or opposed to concealed carry?"

When I asked her last name, she refused to give it. And she told me not to put her name on my website. She told me that I do not have her permission to put her name on my website so, beyond the name she used when she answered the phone, I shall comply with her request and not use her name.

I'm a pretty polite guy, so I shall not write my opinion of her refusal to provide even the simplest answer about the position of the elected representative on a question of widespread interest to people of McHenry County, of the State of Illinois and of the constituents in his own State District.

How much better it would have been to be friendly and just say that he is still opposed to right-to-carry. The call would have been over, and he might even have retained my vote based on overall representation.

I urge every concerned citizen to call Jack's office in Woodstock at 815/334-0063 and ask, "Is Jack Franks in favor of or opposed to the right of a law-abiding, trained, qualified resident of Illinois to carry a concealed, loaded firearm?" Ask the reasons for his position and what it would take for him to change his mind.

You may wish to call his Springfield office, instead, at 217/782-1717.

Last night Lou Rofrano, organizer of McHenry County Right to Carry Association, told an audience of 500 that politicians need three things: 1. your vote; 2. your money; 3. your active support through letter-writing, making phone calls to stir up the vote, and putting out signs.

Jack's opponent, Republican candidate John O'Neill, will get all three from me. Looking for campaign contact information now.

State Sheriffs support right-to-carry

At tonight's kick-off of the McHenry County Right to Carry Association, McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren, incumbent and Republican candidate for Sheriff in the February 2, 2010, Primary Election, told the estimated 500 in attendance that on February 3, 2009, the Illinois Sheriffs Association (www.ilsheriffs.org) passed a resolution to support the right to carry concealed, loaded handguns in Illinois.

His statement was carefully worded, and at no time did he say that he favored concealed carry. Several years ago the executive director of the Association told me that the sheriffs in northern Illinois in the Chicago suburban area did not favor concealed carry.

What Keith said was that the Resolution was passed by 90% of those (sheriffs) who were present.

There were several things he did not say.

He did not say that he voted for it. He did not say how many sheriffs of the 102 sheriffs in Illinois voted for it. He did not say how large the group of sheriffs present at the time of the vote was.

Keith said the Resolution contained several Conditions that the sheriffs felt were important.

Comment: some of these conditions are BRIGHT RED FLAGS that demand the close attention of gun owners. Attendees were polite tonight, and no one jeered, hissed or booed.

The conditions include, in part:

1. The permit to carry concealed would be issued by the State, rather than by local sheriffs or police chiefs. (This is good; it eliminates favoritism and prevents a sheriff or police chief from denying a permit on personal grounds.)
2. The permitholder would have to receive adequate training, including live fire at a range.
3. A sheriff or police chief would provide input on an applicant. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
4. An Illinois driver's license would indicate that the licensee was qualified for a concealed weapons permit. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
5. Guns would have to be stored properly in the home.
6. A "flash" law to penalize anyone who abused his right-to-carry privilege, allowing the privilege to be taken away forever if he abused the privilege. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

The dangers?

The local sheriff or police chief could stall or prevent a permit's being issued to an otherwise qualified applicant, just because he didn't like him. Can you just imagine my application passing across Keith's desk? What would he write on it - that I was stalking him?

Police officers and deputies do not face harm from law-abiding, gun-toting drivers or citizens. One attendee challenged Keith tonight; wish I had gotten his name and spoken with him.

Keith referred to concealed carry as a privilege. NO. It's not a privilege; it's a right! That';s what tonight's meeting was all about. Again, no jeers or catcalls. What a polite group!

When the microphone opened up for audience remarks, I mentioned that, when I moved to Illinois in 1996, I had telephoned the sheriff's department to ask where to get an application for a concealed carry permit. At this point I could have sandbagged Keith, but I didn't. I told the truth. That year was the year before he took office. A deputy laughed at me and said, "You will never get a concealed carry permit in Illinois."

I added that, after Jack Franks was elected, I had asked him several times to support a concealed carry law, and every time Jack answered with, "Well, I'm a member of the NRA, aren't I?" And I fell for it.

After I loaned Professor John Lott's book, More Guns, Less Crime, to one of Jack's legislative aides in 2005, hoping to influence her with facts, I was told that "Jack will never support concealed carry."

I urge every voter to call Rep. Jack Franks (815/334-0063) and ask, specifically, "Will Jack support a concealed carry bill?" Let me know what you find out. Get an answer: Yes? No? Post it right here. You may need to catch him in person and ask him face-to-face. Do not accept, "Well, I'm a member of the NRA, you know."

500 at Right-to-Carry event

The McHenry County Right-to-Carry Association kicked off its formation tonight with a large meeting in Lakemoor at Lakemoor Banquets. The parking lot was crammed with cars and trucks, and an estimated 500 were gathered to hear Lou Rofrano introduce the organization.

Lou started off with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of veterans, past and present. He gave his story about the reasons for forming the group, and he stressed the importance of the individual efforts to change the culture that exists here in Illinois. Lou mentioned other important groups in the right-to-carry movement: the NRA, the Illinois State Rifle Association, IllinoisCarry.com, and the McHenry County Sportsman's Club.

Lou introduced Sheriff Nygren, who told the group about a resolution passed by the Illinois Sheriff's Association that supports right-to-carry. In a separate article I will address that resolution, how it passed, and the Conditions that the Sheriffs' Association believes are important.

Lee Lexow, of the McHenry County Sportsman's Club (Richmond, Ill.), reported that Wisconsin allows "open carry" of loaded handguns but prohibits concealed carry. Before strapping on the Buntline Special when you get to Lake Geneva, be sure to find out what the exact law is and whether non-residents are entitled to carry in the open. Lee was at Fort Hood, Texas, in 1991 and had friends in the Luby's Restaurant for a chamber of commerce meeting, when a gunman drove a pick-up truck through a window into a restaurant and executed more than 20 diners in the restaurant.

A woman, whose name I did not clearly understand, gave a good presentation about concealed carry and stressed the importance of being empowered, smart and in control with regard to self-defense.

Valinda Rowe, of IllinoisCarry.com, is an avid proponent of concealed carry. She mentioned the Illinois State Police website and its encouragement for women to carry car keys and hair combs for self-defense. She said that website also encourages women to be "imaginative" and that she imagines a 9mm or a .45 for self-defense. She added that "the purpose of right-to-carry is to stay alive until the police arrive."

Mike Weisman, 1st VP of the Illinois State Rifle Assn., said the ISRA is in it 107th year. He mentioned that oral arguments in the Chicago gun case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 2, 2010.

Nick Provenzano, candidate for County Board District 3, recommends right-to-carry right here and right now!

Joe Walsh, Republican candidate for Congress 8th District (Melissa Bean's seat) said, "The most important Amendment in the Constitution is the Second Amendment. It's the one that protects all the others."

To join the McHenry County Right to Carry Association, send $20 to them at P.O. Box 24, Spring Grove, IL 60081.

Email questions, concerns or comments to MCR2CA@gmail.com

Watch for its website coming soon at http://www.mcr2c.com/

NRA recognizes ISRA

The following is a Press Release from the Illinois State Rifle Association. ISRA represents owners of all types of firearms, not just rifles. ISRA is working hard to change Illinois law to permit concealed-carry. Complete information at www.isra.org

ISRA RECEIVES ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

CHICAGO - - The following is the text of a statement delivered today by Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) to the association's membership:

“I am very proud to announce to the officers, directors and members that your Illinois State Rifle Association has been named Outstanding State Association for 2009 by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). The granting of this prestigious award spells volumes of your hard work and dedication to the protection and preservation of Illinois' heritage of safe and lawful firearm ownership. This award confirms what I've known all along – law-abiding Illinois gun owners will not back down, even in the face of extreme adversity. You have proven to the Nation that you will not be deterred by the likes of Richie Daley or Jim Ryan or Mark Kirk. You will stand, you will fight, you will win”

“This award also pays homage to the many dozens of volunteers who make ISRA's shooting sports programs some of the best in the Nation, and even the world. Your dedication to the sport has opened up countless shooting opportunities to a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Your continued service will ensure that both competitive and recreational shooting remain one of the safest and most rewarding of America's pastimes.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the other great NRA state affiliates out there that work tirelessly day in and day out to preserve our shooting traditions. Your strength served as a tremendous inspiration to the ISRA when times got really rough for Illinois gun owners. For that, we thank you.”

“In closing, I would like to once again thank the NRA for its consideration. I'd also like to remind the membership that 2010 promises to be a year of destiny for our Second Amendment and the bounty of liberty it has delivered. Our continued prosperity will require that we tap once again into the strength and dedication of the shooting sports community. I have every confidence that you will face the challenges ahead with every bit of grit and determination that you have exhibited in the past.”
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"The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners."

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Note from Gus: The McHenry County Right to Carry Association will hold a meeting this Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7:00PM at Lakemoor Banquets, 28874 W. Rand Rd. (Route 120), Lakemoor, Ill. To read information posted here previously about this organization, search on this blog (upper left search box) for "Rofrano".

Concealed Carry?

Spring Grove resident Lou Rofrano, 56, is taking action on the Illinois concealed-carry issue. Thanks, Lou!

Lou has organized the McHenry County Right to Carry Association, and he intends to show legislators that there are plenty of people in northern Illinois who want the right to carry. Count me in!

The new Association will hold an open house on Thursday, January 21, from 7:00-9:00PM at Lakemoor Banquets, 28874 West Rand Road, Lakemoor. For those wondering where West Rand Road is, that's Route 120.

Vote in today's poll on the Northwest Herald website on the question: "Should Illinois have a concealed carry gun law?" Go to http://www.nwherald.com/ and then scroll to the bottom of the homepage. (I've suggested to the Northwest Herald that they'll get higher participation if they put the poll at the top right where viewers will see it. Sometimes they do.)

By 8:49AM 72% of 166 voters had voted "Yes."

Shortly after I moved to Woodstock in 1996, I called the Woodstock Police Department to ask how to get an application for a concealed-carry permit. An officer there suggested I call the McHenry County Sheriff's Department.

When I called MCSD in March or April 1996 and asked the same question, a deputy laughed and said, "You will never get a concealed-carry permit in Illinois." Sure wish I had saved his name!

After Jack Franks was elected, I called his office to ask Jack to support concealed-carry legislation. His answer was always, "Well, I'm a member of the NRA". I naively accepted that and believed that he supported concealed-carry. Then, when I pressed one of his legislative aides about two-three years ago, I was told that Jack would never support concealed carry.

If you wonder where Jack stands today, catch him in person and ask him directly, "Will you vote for concealed-carry by law-abiding citizens in Illinois?" Look him right in the eye. Get a Yes or No answer from him. Let me know if he says, "Yes."

Sen. Pam Althoff has told me that she supports concealed carry.

For information on the McHenry County Right to Carry Association, attend the meeting on January 21 or write to Lou at P.O. Box 24, Spring Grove, IL 60081.

Might need a gun one day?

Watch this video of testimony by Dr. Suzanna Hupp in 2003, when she addressed legislators about the value of guns in defending yourself. In a remark directed at "assault" weapons, she reminded them that a man in L.A. defended his property and his life from his rooftop with such a weapon.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4069761537893819675&hl=en

I've written here previously about her. Her parents were killed in a restaurant in Texas by a madman who drove his truck through the plate glass window and then began shooting as many people as he could, killing over 20, including both her parents.

Every legislator in Illinois should be required to watch this video and then be asked to vote and approve concealed carry in Illinois. And if he or she won't, make a public statement as to exactly why not.

If you need a gun, it won't do you any good locked in a gun box or in the trunk of your car or in a gun safe. If you need it, you'll want it on your hip, loaded with one in the chamber, if it's a semi-automatic pistol. In other words, ready to use. There may not be time to load it; there may not be time to slide the action to chamber a round. Or you may have just one hand free, as you fend off some criminal.

Let each of us that we will never need it. And also let us hope that, if we need it, we have it where we can get at it.

Please call, write or email your legislator today. Ask him (her) where he stands on right-to-carry. If he's against it, let's replace him at the next election!

Doctor Watches Parents Murdered

Today was the first Second Amendment Freedom Rally in Chicago. It was held at 11:00AM at the James R. Thompson Center at Randolph and Clark Streets. I estimate there were 500-600 men, women and children there. Shown at the right is the keynote speaker, Dr. Suzanna Hupp, as she autographs a poster for a boy who attended the rally today.

The most compelling speaker of the day was Dr. Hupp, a chiropractor who watched helplessly as her parents were murdered in a restaurant in 1991 in Killeen, Texas. The killer drove a truck through a floor-to-ceiling plate glass window and then methodically began killing customers in the restaurant. She was right there, 15 feet away from him.

At that time Texas did not have a concealed-carry law, and she had left her pistol in her car in the parking lot in order to avoid breaking Texas law. She said it all happened in about 45 seconds. The killer would approach a customer, draw a bead on the customer's head and then fire a single shot. And then move on to the next victim.

Her father waited for an opportunity to rush the killer. When the killer turned away from her father, he ran toward him; but the killer turned, fired and mortally wounded him. Other customers dashed for safety after a customer broke out another window. She said she pulled her mother to her feet and said they had to run to safety. As soon as she was outside, she realized her mother had not followed her. She turned to see the killer approach her mother, who was kneeling by her wounded husband. She said her mother looked up; the gunman aimed at her and fired, killing her. The gunman killed 23 customers that day!

Dr. Hupp said people have told her that, had she had her gun in her purse, she might have missed; the gun might have jammed; and other reasons for not shooting. She has told them that she was only 15 feet from the gunman and that she has hit smaller targets at longer distances and that revolvers don't jam. And she said that, had she been armed, she at least would have improved the odds (of safety) that day.

Why should Illinois have a concealed-carry law and allow law-abiding residents to carry loaded guns, if they wish to?

Just imagine yourself in this situation. What if a gunman began shooting near you and stepped up to shoot you or one of your children? Would you wish you were armed and trained to shoot carefully, accurately and legally? Or would you at least hope the person behind you was?

There were other excellent speakers today. Let's hope that the media cover the event well and that the politicians of Chicago, of Cook County, of the State of Illinois understand that now, following the U.S. Supreme Court Heller case, the constitutional right to have guns has been affirmed. It is an individual right.

One speaker mentioned the "Yes, but" politicians, who say that they believe that the Second Amendment gives us the right to own and have guns, "but"... The "but" is then followed by a litany of excuses and qualifications.

Yes, certain people should not have guns: minors, the mentally-ill, felons. But the rest of us? The law-abiding citizens?

Maybe I'll begin carrying, so that I'll be ready to defend myself and you in a situation like the one Dr. Hupp lived through in Killeen, Texas. Would I rather be in jail and have a loved one alive? That's not a hard choice to make!

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT