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* Late last week, the governor considered halting a big gun show/sale at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. He didn’t end up doing anything.
I went to the show on Saturday. The place was packed. Some booths were so crowded that I couldn’t even see the guns that vendors had for sale. I ran into a Chicago state legislator at the show, his first such event. He marveled at the crowd. It’s quite possible that all Quinn did last week was drive turnout even higher. Who knew that Pat Quinn could be such a friend to gun dealers?
* Quinn is now looking at other options…
Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday said he is looking into a possible ban on gun shows held on publicly owned property
“We are talking to the lawyers about that,” Quinn said in response to a reporter’s question after a four-hour summit on school safety at the Springfield office of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Last week, Quinn and other Illinois Democrats called for a statewide ban on assault weapons. Yet, some of these very guns were on sale Saturday at a gun show at the state-owned Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
There were some mean looking weapons at that show, but most of the stuff looked pretty ordinary to my relatively untrained eye. The most sought-after weapons appeared to be pistols, perhaps in anticipation of the federal order requiring Illinois to come up with a concealed carry permit system.
The governor doesn’t like guns. So, it would not be surprising if he went through with this sales ban idea. But maybe he ought to go see one of these shows for himself and talk to some of the average folks who attend them before making up his mind.
* Meanwhile, the pro-gunners held a rally last weekend at the Statehouse…
Among the many speakers Saturday was state Sen. Sam McCann, R-Carlinville.
McCann said owning a gun was a right and not a privilege that could be revoked. McCann told the crowd he planned to propose a constitutional amendment to appear on the ballot that would make Illinois the strongest gun rights state in the nation.
McCann was just posing for the crowd and his proposal is going nowhere. And he really wouldn’t want gang members convicted of violent crimes to lose the right to own a gun? Really?
* The SJ-R posted some video from the event. One quote from a speaker…
“I am a gun-toting, God-fearing, Bible-reading Christian, let’s make that clear.”
Um, what would Jesus shoot?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:24 pm
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Well is he going to terminate the leases of the gun shops in Sparta? The state owns that land? Basically anything that produces revenue the Governor is against.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:28 pm
=Um, what would Jesus shoot?=
Romans?
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:31 pm
===“I am a gun-toting, God-fearing, Bible-reading Christian, let’s make that clear.”===
Can we stop confounding every issue with your religion?
The repubs might gain a lot of new votes should they ever distance themselves from the science-hating, bible-thumping evangelicals.
Comment by iThink Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:33 pm
He didn’t end up doing anything.
How typical Quinn. No matter what the issue.
Comment by Hank Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:35 pm
I don’t see the point of not producing revenue at the state fair grounds.
And I’m a liberal.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:35 pm
I imagine this will come up again in a less than favorable way for PQ. My friends that show animals at the State Fair still rant about the “gosh darn Chicago Democrats” (That’s the censored version, of course) parking their buses in lots that used to be for animal trailers. That actually hasn’t happened since RRB, but they still carry that grudge. I imagine we’ll be hearing about this one for a while, too.
By the way, if “What would Jesus shoot?” isn’t on a T-shirt by the end of the day I am going to be supremely disappointed.
Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:38 pm
Would this just be state property or all public property?
Gonna jerk over some fairgrounds if it is all public property.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:44 pm
===But maybe he ought to go see one of these shows for himself and talk to some of the average folks who attend them before making up his mind===
My impression of Quinn is someone who makes up his mind without benefit of input from outside sources. He is the great wise father of Illinos - the benevolent ruler. He knows all and sees all.
Who could get him to start seeking opinions, advice or commentary now?
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:47 pm
There’s a joint that will adapt an “assault” rifle to make it conform to NYC gun laws. $35 grip replacement.
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:53 pm
There appears to be a real role reversal going on here…
On guns, the Republicans are coming across as strongly ‘Pro Choice’ (advocating fewer restrictions), while the Democratic leadership is taking a strongly ‘Pro Life’ (advocating substantial restrictions) position.
Could lead to some interesting political dynamics, there.
For example, could see how this could assist Pat Brady in his dealings with the conservative wing of the Republican party.
Comment by Judgment Day Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 12:55 pm
maybe he will lose the 3×5 card that says “cancel gun shows at Fairgrounds”!!!!
Comment by PQ's Primary Opponent Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:00 pm
It’s amazing how this guy tries to parlay every crisis into a major reform and fails miserably before moving to the next crisis. I’m shocked there wasn’t video of him somewhere dancing “Gangnam Style” to bring in the new year. Anymore I’m not worried what he says, it won’t matter.
Comment by c'mon Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:02 pm
Cincy,
3D printers have been shown to be able to “print” fully functioning high capacity magazines. The technology is ahead of the legislation.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:14 pm
I wonder how many other MSM folks have taken the initiative to become more informed as Rich has done. ( Sorry Rich didn’t mean to insinuate you were MSM) This is what makes this the best site for these types of discussion. The host tries to see every side of an argument and is usually knowledgeable about both sides. Thank you Rich for that.
I find myself flabbergasted at things that this Governor does. I would think that by this time he would have learned to take the time to get input and/or knowledge about a subject before he goes off half-cocked. One of the above posters mentioned the World Shooting Complex at Sparta. Does the governor even know that place exists? Does he know how many millions of dollars were pumped into that site for the sole purpose of shooting guns? Does he know that many of the big gun manufacturing companies have leases/contracts that they had to committ to before they were given a building at that complex? (I would think he would know that about the site since several appointees have positions at that site and several have gone through there on their way to other things.) So now he will make it illegal for those manufacturers to sell guns at that site. I would think that those manufacturers would have something to say about that.
Those pesky contract things they keep getting in the way, don’t they?
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:24 pm
“what would Jesus shoot?”
That’s hilarious, we need to make bracelets for people to wear.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:32 pm
Even when the Gov is measured, he gets criticized. Unbelievable.
Comment by Geez Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:49 pm
Shouldn’t the question be “Who would Jesus shoot?”. After all guns are not designed to shoot inanimate objects, they are designed to shoot people and animals.
Comment by Kubrick Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:50 pm
===Even when the Gov is measured, he gets criticized. Unbelievable.===
Yeah. Isn’t it just terrible?
I assume that since you’re using an IP blocker from Russia that you are not a disinterested party. Do that again and you’re gonna be deleted.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:52 pm
I’m all in favor of guns shows. I think their policies on loaded weapons should be adopted in all public events and venues.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:53 pm
===After all guns are not designed to shoot inanimate objects, they are designed to shoot people and animals.===
Not necessarily. They’re designed to propel a projectile at very high speeds.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:54 pm
Truthfully, Rich, I’m using an iPhone right here in Sfld. Not sure what the Russian thing is about.
Comment by Geez Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 1:56 pm
Perhaps, Rich, but their economic benefit is not derived by shooting cans out in a field. My point being change that ‘what’ to a ‘who’ and it makes a pretty big difference, doesn’t it?
Comment by Kubrick Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:00 pm
===but their economic benefit is not derived by shooting cans out in a field.===
Tell that to people who own target shooting ranges.
Look, you make a point. I hear you. Get your own blog if you want to ask that question.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:05 pm
What would Jesus shoot?
Duh…a Colt Peacemaker.
Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:11 pm
I have probably shot more rounds plinking than I ever did hunting. Our town used to be surrounded by acres and acres of clay hills left from mining. The city dump was on several acres of this property. My cousin and I would spend weekends out there with our .22s plinking at cans, and shooting rats. Shot way more cans than rats. The rounds I wasted on cans was probably the reason I didn’t waste rounds when we hunted.
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:13 pm
Hey Rich, Jesus didn’t have to shoot. He had other means with which to work His will.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:23 pm
=== I’m all in favor of guns shows. I think their policies on loaded weapons should be adopted in all public events and venues ===
Could you define “public venues”?
I’m wonder if the public events/venues you refer to would have the heavy presence of firearms right next to ammunition and magazines that are present at a gun show. The comparison is curious.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:25 pm
What would Jesus shoot? The Judge
At? False idols.
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:30 pm
It is good to see that Rich attended the gun show and I suspect other journalists were there too. I hope Rich noticed at this show a book titled “Build Your Own AR-15 Rifle.” It should be noted that all the parts for building a copy of the AR-15 from a semi-auto .223 that is not considered to be an assault rifle more than likely could have been purchased at the show or as always on the internet.
Regardless of one’s perspective on an assault weapons ban one should realize the validity of the NRA’s point on the ban which is the difference between a .223 assault rifle and a .223 semi-auto hunting rifle is just a few parts and a book. As to the point on 3d printing of larger capacity clips made by dupage dan, the AR-15 magazine design is available on the internet right now. While there are durability issues related to using plastic magazines clearly they will work for a while.
The Governor’s proposed ban on gun shows on state owned public property is really playing to the gun control crowd which he believes to be part of his base of support. It is normal politics. No point in getting aggravated over Governor Quinn in relation to this issue.
By the way Rich did you see any exploding Squeezy the pension Python targets at the show I sure would like to get one. Yes I had to get Squeezy into the gun debate, he seems to show up everywhere.
Comment by Rod Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:31 pm
–I’m wonder if the public events/venues you refer to would have the heavy presence of firearms right next to ammunition and magazines that are present at a gun show. The comparison is curious. –
You tell me.
I’ve been reading for years that many of these gun massacres in public venues would not have occurred if everyone had loaded weapons.
Yet at gun shows, no one has a loaded weapon. For safety reasons.
Curious, indeed.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:45 pm
===Yet at gun shows, no one has a loaded weapon. For safety reasons.===
Not always: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/five-accidental-shootings-at-gun-shows-mark-gun?ref=fpa
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 2:46 pm
I agree with How Ironic on the Colt Peacemaker.
For a rifle, He would us an AK-47, the preferred long arm of young men from the Middle East.
Comment by Enemy of the State Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:04 pm
I think the Gov and his lawyers should check out the Nordyke case in the 9th circuit and how after years in court they eventually had to settle. They knew which way the wind was blowing.
Wordslinger–
Your little cute, snarky remarks dont answer the question. Then you get snarky about “gun safety” rules at a gun show. That has been answered for you several times, yet you repeat it here over and over just to seem superior. It weakens your argument and shows that you ignore any logic or explanation for a safety rule THAT WE GUN PEOPLE PUT IN PLACE…
BUT since you dont understand or choose to ignore the responses before. I will respond to your silly, snarky remark again. Why are there rules for unloaded guns at a gun show?
***
Often this is also done because the county/state property the event is held on is deemed “public” like a government building and it is LAW. So the show posts it at the doors and in the website and flyers to make sure they comply.
Sometimes, it is a private property held event and its in the contract (the property owner requires it). This is often negotiated during the contract phase and is something they asked for not always the gun show mgmt.
If a show determines that it wants to say “no loaded weapons” its because you are now in an area where casual handling is taken place. This is VERY common at shooting ranges. Your weapons (when not on the “line”) need to be unloaded. Everyone around you expects that. You only load the weapon at the line.
Finally, lots of times this has to do with insurance for the show. The shows are commercial entities and insurance providers (not to mention the people you rent the facility from) will ask for this.
Comment by USMCJanitor Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:13 pm
Since most gun shows are on public property, how long after the govenor’s ban would company’s like Rock River Arms in Colona Illinois move out and take there AR-15 factory with them?
Comment by What is to be done? Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:18 pm
word,
You are still dodging the question. And comparing apples to oranges. While that might be amusing to you, it is boring. I will have to assume you don’t want to discuss the matter but would rather throw out drive by lines and bumper sticker slogans. That is not typical of you so I remain curious.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:19 pm
–Could you define “public venues”?–
DD, is this the question I’m allegedly dodging?
Off the top of my head, I’d define public venues as common areas outside the home where people congregate for any number of purposes.
Apples and oranges? How so?
I’m sorry that I bore you, but I assure you I have no problem discussing the issue.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:36 pm
Many of our County Fairgrounds receive State funding. They are also popular venues during the winter months for hunting, sport and gun shows. Are County fairgrounds considered public or private properties? They typically are not under County government jurisdiction.
Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 3:58 pm
Word, you made your point the last time on tis topic. Many, including me disagreed with you.
We get your sarcasm. Now move along.
Comment by Leave a Light on George Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 4:14 pm
–Word, you made your point the last time on tis topic. Many, including me disagreed with you.
We get your sarcasm. Now move along.–
No one can bring a loaded gun into a public gun show, for safety reasons.
But the same folks who run those shows think the world is safer if everyone can pack a loaded gun in the public square.
Where’s the sarcasm?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 4:42 pm
Quinn’s new revenue proposal: Ban gun shows from public property and start selling marijuana on public property.
Comment by WazUp Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 4:54 pm
–Quinn’s new revenue proposal: Ban gun shows from public property and start selling marijuana on public property.–
I don’t think Quinn has said anything about marijuana, but I think your idea is great.
Can you imagine, in Illinois, how much money could be generated by growing weed? Getting farmers off the federal corn and bean dole?
Might put the gangster armies on our southern border out of business, too.
They, legally, brew bourbon in Kentucky and whiskey in Tennessee — but the biggest cash crops are still weed.
Who’s holding back legalization of marijuana? Whatever opposition there is could be knocked over with a feather.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 5:04 pm
I saw some proposed legislation earlier this week that would ban firearms on “public” property or on property funded or partly funded by “public funds”. That can’t go anywhere. Public is rather too much a reach, as it would include, for instance, federal forest land over which the state has obviously no jurisdiction, and county and local properties. More foolish stuff from very foolish persons.
That gun show was a whopping big success, thanks largely to the efforts of Mr. Quinn and Mr. Obama.
Comment by Skirmisher Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 5:12 pm
=But the same folks who run those shows think the world is safer if everyone can pack a loaded gun in the public square.=
No they don’t. They don’t support felons having weapons. They don’t support mentally ill people having weapons. They don’t support criminals having weapons. They don’t support untrained people having weapons.
They do support law abiding citizens exercising their second amendments rights. And before you get off on the” well regulated militia… “Our courts have pretty much decided what that means.
Comment by Leave a Light on George Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 5:39 pm
George, you folks don’t want legally armed folks at gun shows.
But you want anyone who is legally armed at the movies, the mall, on the street, etc.
You deal with the hypocrisy. I know the difference between s– and Shinola.
And believe me, I won’t talk about the history of the 2nd Amendment, because you don’t want to hear it.
But, for just a taste: Justice Burger, appointed by Pres. Nixon, called the NRAs position “a fraud, I repeat, fraud…”
These Minnesota Republicans……
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 5:56 pm
=George, you folks don’t want legally armed folks at gun shows.=
My God you are thick headed on this one.
US FOLKs don’t want accidental discharges to take place at gun shows. An event where guns will be CASUALLY handled in a crowded area - that’s all.
And yes I know there were accidental discharges at other gun shows this past weekend.
I sincerely hope you never need a gun to defend yourself or a loved one. But if you do find yourself in a bad spot throw your dictionary at them. If you hit them it’s probably heavy enough to hurt them bad!
Comment by Leave a Light on George Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 6:14 pm
wordslinger, you know better than this. It has been explained to you before that at any place where firearms are handled and passed between people that basic safety rules apply. Number one is to only handle an unloaded weapon. And the weapon should be checked by more than one person to be sure it is safe.
And do you really want to talk about the history of the 2nd Ammendment? The fact that the NRA was founded in 1871 by retired Union Generals? The fact that one of their main goals was to make sure freed blacks could own firearms while Democrats tried to keep them from owning firearms? Do you really want to talk about the real history of who has supported gun rights for ALL law abiding Citizens, and who has attempted to disarm citizens? Is that the history you speak of?
Comment by SO IL M Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 6:25 pm
–And do you really want to talk about the history of the 2nd Ammendment? –
Yes.
–The fact that the NRA was founded in 1871 by retired Union Generals?–
True, but the NRA changed after the Cinccinati Coup of 1977. Todd, am I right? You wouldn’t bust your hump for the boys before then, am I right?
– The fact that one of their main goals was to make sure freed blacks could own firearms while Democrats tried to keep them from owning firearms? –
True, the Radical Republican vision. It has no relevance in 2013.
–Do you really want to talk about the real history of who has supported gun rights for ALL law abiding Citizens, and who has attempted to disarm citizens? Is that the history you speak of?–
Yes.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 7:04 pm
I was 13 in 1977. learing to shoot at a boy scout camp. . .
Comment by Todd Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 9:05 pm
Todd, lol.
But you know what I’m talking about.
Hope you enjoyed Vegas, brother.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 9:22 pm
- An event where guns will be CASUALLY handled in a crowded area - that’s all. -
Here’s what I don’t get, if you’re carrying a gun for personal protection, why would you be getting it out and casually handling it?
If it’s so important to carry in public places, couldn’t you restrain yourself from passing it around and just enjoy the guns at the show?
Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, Jan 23, 13 @ 10:41 pm
It’s easy to talk about the gun show example but it hardly generalizes to the public square, does it? In the gun show arena, if no one has a loaded weapon, everyone is safer. The idea that you can then extrapolate that to the outside world is illogical. Remember folks, bad guys don’t follow the rules in the outside world. You can control that in an enclosed subset but not in the wide open world. That is a major point of the idea of CC laws.
So, unless you have a realistic plan to remove from reality all firearms from every corner of the country, your comparison of the gun show to the world is just plain silly.
Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:48 am