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March 19, 2010

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Gun Owners Rally Against Weapon Legislation

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By Tom McIntyre

Story Published: Mar 12, 2008 at 4:57 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2008 at 4:57 PM CDT

Thousands of gun owners marched on the state Capitol Tuesday for Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day.

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They're opposed to the proposed assault weapons ban and in favor of conceal and carry legislation.

Illinois is one of only two states that do not allow citizens to carry firearms on them or in their vehicles.

Chicago lawmakers sponsor much of the gun legislation and most of the gun rights group says they're just not familiar with the process.

Eric Bowyer of Shelbyville said, "I'm not going to say it's unfair - they are just uneducated," "They look at the way things are up there and it's a lot different down here. There's 300 miles from there to here. It's not the same as it is in Chicago, in Cook County."

The Illinois State Rifle Association, which sponsored the rally, held sessions instructing their members on lobbying their state senators and representatives.

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View Oldest Comments First

Wednesday, Mar 18 at 3:59 PM Matt From WIsconsin wrote ...

We can openly carry in Wisconsin, no permit or training required.

Friday, Mar 13 at 11:56 AM RAY WILLIAMS wrote ...

what I can never understand is how people against guns belive that ccw is worse than criminals and guns,they don't realize that they will benifit from ccw and not have to change their views,but instead they are ok with criminals being armed,Chicago being the murder capital, It's time to wake up and see 48 other states are not wrong,and the anti gun laws in this state kill people.ARMED OR VICTIM,my choice,not the government.what we have be doing isn't working ,so let's try something that works

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 12:10 PM Zach from Lakewood wrote ...

Tom, no offense but you missed the point too. People often dillute this issue (as liberals commonly do) this is about the right to bear arms as guaranteed by the 2nd ammendment. True Americans need the right to defend themselves, even from the crooked cops. And besides, WHEN the next attack happens on American soil, I want to be ready. Don't come crying to me when you have no way to protect your family.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 6:34 AM Mark from NJ wrote ...

^^Why do most antis always think it's about hunting??!!??^^ Read the Constitution and educate yourself.

Friday, Mar 14 at 2:52 AM Tory wrote ...

"...It's not the same down here as it is in Chicago..." I'll say it's not; it's worse. We need our guns, in Chicago, more than you need your guns "downstate". Speak for yourself. Don't even ration gun control to anyone, anywhere. Downstate, the fear is being mounted by a deer; upstate, the women fear being mounted by human sociopaths, mostly in Crook County.

Thursday, Mar 13 at 10:44 PM Paul wrote ...

I used to live in Illinois. I left about 10 years ago. I was a member of the Illinois State Rifle Association, and the NRA. A couple of ladies from the school came to visit one afternoon, because they heard our boys talking about guns. They saw that they were locked in the gun cabinet and went on their way. I am glad to say that I now live in the gun friendly state of Nevada. I have a permit to carry my weapon concealed.

Thursday, Mar 13 at 5:25 PM Vince (US Navy Retired) wrote ...

Scare tactics? That is what Chicago democrats use. Nobody was scared into attending IGOLD, we're all shooters. Even the retirees! This is about individual rights. You don't want a gun? Fine you don't have to have one and probably shouldn't. But it is your choice to make. I didn't do 20 years in the military to have Mayor Daley and his ilk tell me I cannot protect myself if I have to. Texas? LOL! There are only 2 states that law abiding citizens cannot carry. Illinois and Wisconsin.

Thursday, Mar 13 at 12:08 PM Tom from Peoria wrote ...

Yes, I never comment on news articles but when I see a bunch of scare tactics being used on a group of retirees like this it makes me mad. If you want to use an assault rifle or carry and conceal a loaded weapon, move to Texas! No one is trying to take your hunting rifles away, just make your streets safer, have fewer suicides and accidental homicides, reduce car jacking, and protect our Policemen. The argument that "things are different down here" than in Chicago has zero to do with this law.

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