Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2012 » December
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      About     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here.
Question of the day - Golden Horseshoe Awards

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Mark Beaubien Lifetime Achievement Award is a tie. Rep. Joe Lyons

Joe Lyons is respected by colleagues, staff, lobbyists, and just about anyone who spends any time with him. He gives everyone a fair shake and always tries to do his best. Who can forget his amazing display of rebellion and class last year during debate on his ultrasound bill. Regardless of your feelings on the issue, you have to respect that he walked from the podium to his chair and chastised the manner in which he and his bill had been treated. Hostile amendments were sent to various committees and called individually, but he handled the situation with class. His presence will be greatly missed.

* And Rep. Skip Saviano

There comes a time, and it doesn’t come too often, that a member of the General Assembly grows from Freshman to Institution. Then again, even as a Freshman, it seemed as though this Member was on his third term, working on projects and legislation, while his classmates were reading from the “Freshman Binder” about how the Committees worked. It never felt odd to say he was a “throwback” legislator even before he was sworn in, and continued to be someone who practiced the best ideals of a time gone by - bi-partisanship.

It would be quite lazy for any of us to say, “He is someone you want to have a meal with, have a drink with, tell stories with …” There is so much more to a 20 year legislative career for us to use that crutch to nominate.

Angelo “Skip” Saviano might be the last of a “Thompson era” type of legislators that understood that if we don’t get along, don’t find common ground, and refuse to get out of our comfort zones, then what do we expect to get done? Saviano could have just been the seat holder. He could have voted his District and his Politcal Operation’s wishes, been a “blue chip” Mushroom in games for others. We are all better off that Angelo “Skip” Saviano… was “Skip”. Saviano was able to parlay his positions to move important issues for himself and countless others.

You would be hard-pressed to find any House or Senate member, or House or Senate staff member for that matter, that Saviano, at one point or another, personally helped. A true testament of Saviano’s impact on the people of the General Assembly is that no matter what Caucus you are in, no matter what Staff you work for, Saviano’s phone numbers were in your Rolodexes. Same with the “traffic stop” others call a “legislative office”. Everyone that may stop by, has been on Saviano’s radar for one thing or another, and Saviano did his best to resolve even the smallest of issues… if it can help you.

Saviano is one of the few members that can pull off cooking dinner at the Mansion for members of the General Assembly, AND be the de facto “host” of the “End of Session” party and not have it seem forced. It is in his DNA to be collegial, to make things fun, and to show the appreciation of the hard work done.

Saviano was someone that others turned to when counting “noses” to see if they can count on his help, with the “and do you think you can get a couple others, I’m a few short”, would sometimes follow. Angelo “Skip” Saviano was the work horse that would win “Best in Show”, all the while working on many other things behind the scenes. A rarity that the Illinois House will greatly miss.

I would have thought this would be a nomination someone would make farther down the road. Politics is a strange business, suprises and change are part and parcel. This should be an easy choice for all.

Ask yourself, “Has Angelo ‘Skip’ Saviano impacted the Caucus, the House, his district, the State?”

“How often did I look for Saviano’s input, assistance, counsel?”

And … how often, did you have to say, “Hey, Skip, thanks.”

Here is that chance, to say “Thank you” … one more time.

Both men are outstanding legislators. And they’ll both be missed.

* The clear people’s choice for the John Millner Lifetime Achievement Award is Sen. Susan Garrett

Susan Garrett’s impact on the state of Illinois and on the Illinois Senate can be seen how her district sees her, and how, with their support, Susan Garrett has been able to impact all of Illinois.

Garrett has been true to herself, allowing her district to judge her on the votes she takes and the stands she makes, all the while being as engaging and impactful a seantor as those with less to worry about “back home”. Garrett has always been fair to the issues and process, and never was afraid to take on the controversial issues of the day. Garrett made the art of political Compromise, not “Compromising” to her and her views. Garrett was a rare legislator that could work to find solutions, and get a fair shake from beginning to end, looking for resloution, not style points.

Engaging back in her District, Garrett was not one to have office hours for a desk and chair. Garrett was out front, with Town Halls and Public Forums to give her constituents the opportunity be have an impact on the process, while educating them on why their state senator is on a side of an issue, and why it was important for her to be there.

Susan Garrett will be missed in the Illinois Senate, and I hope that the Freshman coming in will look at Susan Garrett as someone who “did it right”. Illinois can only hope that her model of excellence is copied by these new Freshman, because Illinois needs more than 1 of them to fill her shoes in the Illinois Senate.

Well said.

* Runner-up is Sen. Tom Johnson

He could actually qualify for either award, but he finished in the Senate so let’s go with the John Millner award. Rep and then Sen. Johnson always managed to both rage against the machine and work within it. In an era of wingnuts, Tea Partiers and loudmouths, more lawmakers could learn from Tom Johnson. Go ahead and try to describe him. Fiscally conservative but a social libertarian? A social liberal with a depression-era checkbook mentality? In my experience ranging from the House to the Prisoner Review Board to the Senate, he was wise and kind and outspoken and an individual.

I’ll take more of him on either side of the aisle.

Me too.

* OK, campers, we’re running out of time, so let’s move on to today’s categories…

* Best Illinois Congresscritter

* Best State Agency Director

Remember, intensity is what matters here. Make extra sure to explain your votes and please nominate in both categories. Thanks much.

  32 Comments      


Today’s Number: $13,680 a year

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* One of the things I talked about in my City Club speech yesterday was the fact that the pension reform debate has been far too heavily dominated by people who blame the scammers for all the problems. All the major media outlets have run stories about how this or that person was able to scam a really sweet pension deal.

Lost in this debate, though, is the very hardcore fact that in many ways we’re talking about giving the shaft to little old ladies who depend on their monthly pension checks.

* So, I called the State Employees’ Retirement System today to ask a question: What’s the average pension of female state retirees age 80 and above?

The answer: $1,140 per month, which works out to an average annual retirement pension of $13,680.

Keep in mind that the General Assembly has also passed a law which allows the state to slash its subsidy of retiree health insurance premiums.

Also keep in mind that, according to SERS, quite a few, if not most of those women probably didn’t enroll in Social Security when they were working for the state. So, their pension check is all they have.

According to SERS, there are 4,790 such women currently drawing retirement pensions.

* Meanwhile, a coalition of labor unions has said its members will put more money into the pension systems in order to help preserve benefits for retirees

The group said it would be willing to put in 2 percent of their salaries, which equals about $350 million, toward their retirements - a percentage point higher than one proposal before legislators - and warned lawmakers to end borrowing to pay pension obligations.

“Public employees have said time and again that we are willing to do our part to aid in the stabilization of pension funding,” the report said. “We will only do so, however, if there is an ironclad guarantee that the state will fulfill its funding responsibilities.” […]

The group’s proposals for bringing in more revenue include closing tax loopholes, like reforming corporate tax expenditures and getting rid of some tax credits and incentives. The group cites several including repealing corporate tax breaks Quinn offered to CME Group Inc. and CBOE Holdings Inc. last year after they threatened to leave the state.

The coalition also called for a summit in January with lawmakers where unions could participate.

* Related…

* The Ghosts of Illinois Pensions Past

* Lawmakers making pension pitch - Rank-and-file members frustrated with process offer a bipartisan approach

* VIDEO: Lessons from Rhode Island: Gina Raimondo Talks Pension Reform

  40 Comments      


McCarthy: Require reporting of sale, loss or transfer of guns

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Among other items to combat gun violence, Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy wants a new state law

McCarthy also came out in favor of… a state law requiring gun owners to report the sale, loss or transfer of firearms.

“This isn’t about denying people guns,” McCarthy said. “It’s about the fact that they have to be accountable for where they are. I don’t think that’s overwhelming.”

He said the bulk of guns used in crimes in the city are “legally purchased, illegally transferred,” and that gun transfers should be registered the same way auto sales and transfers are.

“This is not brain surgery. It’s really simple. Fact is, too many guns leads to more violence,” McCarthy said. “We have to wake an American consciousness to this. And I don’t know how some people sleep at night thinking they can defend this.”

Thoughts?

  86 Comments      


Quoting myself

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Matt Dietrich was at my City Club speech and filed this report

“It’s very possible that nothing is gonna get done [on pension reform in the lame duck session],” Miller told members of the City Club of Chicago.

But isn’t this THE big issue right now? And isn’t the lame duck session THE perfect time to take on this kind of controversial issue? This year, 35 lame duck lawmakers leave office on Jan. 9. They can make unpopular votes without worry of voter backlash. That’s how Gov. Pat Quinn passed his income tax increase two years ago.

Yes and no, Miller said. There’s still no consensus among majority Democrats on pension reform in the General Assembly. By comparison, raising the income tax in January 2011 was easy, Miller said.

“Raising taxes was a Democratic issue,” Miller explained. “It’s hard to keep Democrats from voting for a tax increase.” […]

Miller also offered a history lesson to those who believe the super majorities the Democrats will have beginning Jan. 9 will allow the party to pass legislation at will then freely override any opposition from the governor. Because of House Speaker Mike Madigan’s longevity and reputation for tight control of his members, there’s been speculation that the House, especially, will benefit from its veto-proof majority.

Not so, said Miller.

“He’s often said that other than the two years he spent in the minority under (House Speaker) Lee Daniels, the worst two years in his career was when he had a super majority in ’91 and ’92,” Miller said. “Because leading a chamber is like herding cats. And leading a chamber with a super majority is like herding insane cats.”

When a party’s votes are plentiful, Miller explained, members don’t want to vote on bills that might stir trouble for them in the next election.

“People don’t want to do anything, man,” Miller said. “It’s like, ‘We’ve got all these members. Why do I have to vote on this stupid bill? Why don’t you get the guys who are going to lose next year to vote on this stupid bill?’”

Discuss.

  33 Comments      


Our broken mental health system

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* An Illinois Auditor General’s report from April of this year had some disturbing news about the state’s Firearm Owners Identification Card laws. Almost all circuit court clerks weren’t forwarding any info about mentally ill people to the State Police

The audit reviewed the state’s 44-year-old FOID program between 2008 and 2010 and found circuit court clerks in 99 of Illinois’ 102 counties weren’t forwarding names of potentially ineligible card holders to the Illinois State Police, which oversees the FOID program.

The failure to forward the information was the result of a state law that says a judge “shall direct” a circuit clerk to forward information about a mental illness ruling to the state police.

Without a specific order from a judge, the clerks were not passing along the decision.

In response, state police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the agency has opened the lines of communication with circuit clerks and the state court system in hopes of better coordinating the flow of information.

In August, Quinn signed legislation requiring clerks to ensure state police are receiving up-to-date information about mental health findings.

But that just covers those who are found mentally incompetent or judged not guilty by reason of insanity. That’s basic stuff. It’s enraging that the circuit clerks weren’t providing this information, and that nobody appeared to know about it, but at least that part is taken care of.

* More needs to be done, however. Much more. We need lots more public education in this country to help destigmatize mental illness issues. People need to be encouraged to seek help before it’s too late, and their families need to know about trouble signs and be warned that ignoring problems won’t make them go away. And maybe we need to talk about whether it should be so difficult to institutionalize some folks.

Whatever the case, the mental health infrastructure this country has in place right now is clearly not working.

* And there’s a very real danger that the mind-boggling Connecticut slaughter will make things worse on this front instead of better. The national media is all about ginning up the most fear it possibly can. This has to end. We need a grown-up discussion about mental health, about guns and about our society in general. And we can’t do that unless the media abandons its infantilism and grows the heck up, myself included.

  62 Comments      


Morning Video: City Club address

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Many, many thanks to all of you who bought tickets for my City Club of Chicago speech. Yesterday’s address was a sold out event and I’m told it was the year’s top seller. They had to find room to add seats. Also, lots of thanks to the City Club for inviting me. It was a privilege and a high honor and I had a whole lot of fun.

In case you didn’t get a chance to attend, here’s the video

  21 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


STOP THE SATELLITE TV TAX!

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

HB 5440 calls for a new tax increase on the 1.3 million Illinois families and businesses who subscribe to satellite TV. A recent statewide poll conducted by We Ask America confirms there is universal opposition to the cable industry’s push to place this NEW 5% tax on satellite TV service. The poll was conducted on November 14, 2012 yielding 1,288 responses with a margin of error of +/- 3%.

Key findings:

* 84% of all respondents oppose a new satellite tax
* 81% of cable subscribers even oppose this concept
* Opposition is strong among both Democrats & Republicans – 83% (D) and 87% (R)
* Regional Opposition

    o Chicago 81%
    o Suburban Cook 77%
    o Collar Counties 84%
    o Downstate 89%

Cable pays rent in the form of franchise fees. Satellite companies don’t pay franchise fees for one simple reason: our technology orbits the earth. Why should satellite customers pay for a service they do not utilize?

With family budgets already stretched to their limits, this is one new tax Illinois consumers and families cannot afford.



Tell Your Lawmakers to Stop The Satellite TV Tax
Vote NO on HB 5440

  Comments Off      


Question of the day - Golden Horseshoe Awards

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Golden Horseshoe for Best Democratic State Senator goes to Sen. Don Harmon

There are a lot of legislators that can’t find time to squeeze someone in, and Sen. Harmon is not one of them. With so much on his plate, he still manages to find time to meet with people and genuinely cares. Even if he only has a couple of minutes, you never feel rushed and he makes you feel like your one issue is all he is concentrating on at that time.

He’s also super intelligent, it’s likely that you only need to go over an issue with it once for him to get it.

Even more important, if he’s not with you on an issue he’s straight forward with you as to why, and he’ll try to find common ground that you can agree on.

He is a true statesman, and Springfield would be better off with more Senators like Don Harmon.

I couldn’t agree more. Harmon is one of the most respected, hardest working legislators under the dome. We could use several dozen more like him.

* Runner-up is Sen. Dan Kotowski

He is a hard charger who wins tough elections. He advocates for budgetary common sense, and passed the Budgeting For Results law. He has also taken impassioned positions on guns and mental health. In light of recent events, I look to Senator Kotowski to be a leader in the Senate working with colleagues from across the political spectrum to move the state in the right direction. He has a bright future, and I’m proud to call him a friend.

And for a guy who came out of the gun control movement, he has been a sober voice on this issue. Gov. Quinn ought to start listening to him.

* Best Republican is Sen. Matt Murphy

Best Republican state Senator - Matt Murphy has emerged as someone who is intellegent on the issues but evenly intellegent to the political aspects of the business at hand, and still … Murphy understands that relationships with other members, on both sides of the aisle, is the best way to see progress.

It is quite easy, especially in the Minority, to take everything so personal. Matt Murphy does not forget that to get something you want done, you will need to work with those who disagree with you on different issues. Common Ground leads to some good solutions.

It’s about working for good bills, and working together, and Matt Murphy understands the adage, you can disagree, and still not going to be disagreeable.

Matt Murphy has done a tremendous job working in his Caucus and in the State Senate. I wish him well, next session. I feel better knowing Matt Murphy is in the Republican Caucus.

Agreed. Murph can disagree without making permanent enemies. He is principled, yet is often willing to look for compromise.

* Runner-up is Sen. Pam Althoff

Another straight shooter, Pam will listen to reason and be honest about whether or not she’s with you. In a time where a lot of legislators take the easy way out and say “let me think about it” or “I really need to look at this more” Pam will tell you yes or no, and more importantly why. She’s not a strict partisan legislator and is always willing to listen to your argument. Yet another type of legislator that we need more of in Springfield.

We’d be better off with 58 more Althoff’s in the Illinois Senate.

* Let’s expand today’s category, which was created last year…

* Mark Beaubien Lifetime Achievement Award - House

* John Millner Lifetime Achievement Award - Senate

I created the Millner designation for two reasons: 1) He most certainly deserves it; and 2) We have so many retiring members this year that we really needed separate categories for each chamber.

As always, make sure to fully explain your nominations. Just writing in a name won’t count. Also, do your very best to nominate winners in both chambers. Thanks.

  23 Comments      


ISRA wants to arm teachers, janitors

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Sun-Times

One of Illinois’ leading gun-rights advocates urged state lawmakers Monday to pass legislation that would give school districts authority to arm school principals, teachers and even custodial staff with concealed weapons.

“The problem we have is a gun-free zone. We have a gun-free zone around a school. Every crazy person knows that. And so, the gun-free zone is like a magnet for the lunatics. He or she knows there won’t be any resistance there,” said Richard Pearson, executive of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson told the Chicago Sun-Times that lawmakers should pass a school-safety bill next spring, including the concealed carry authority for educators, as a response to last Friday’s Connecticut school shootings.

“There are a couple of issues. The first issue, of course, is had there been a security guard there who was armed, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said, referring to the Newtown shootings.

“Had there been a teacher who was armed, this wouldn’t have happened.

* But the Tribune points out an important fact

Among the statistically safest places in this country: the 132,000 schools where we send 55 million of our children. And in the two decades since school violence peaked, those schools have been getting safer. Hurt a school, we wrote Sunday, and you hurt us all. But like commercial airline crashes, school assaults dominate our consciousness in part because they are so rare.

* From the Poynter Institute

The Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice points out: “A 2010 report on school safety found that during the school year 2008/2009 there were 38 school-associated violent deaths — in a population of about 55.6 million students in grades prekindergarten through 12.”

The same report said, “This report also noted that 83% of public schools reported no serious violent crime; 13% of public schools reported at least one violent incident to the police. The rate of serious violent crime at school was 4 (per 1,000 students) compared to a rate of 8 away from school.”

NPR reported, “School violence in the U.S. reached a peak in 1993, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That year, there were 42 [total] homicides by students and 13 ‘serious violent crimes’ — rape, sexual assault, robbery and aggravated assault — per 1,000 students at primary and secondary schools. By 2010, the latest figures available, those numbers had decreased to two homicides and four violent crimes per 1,000 students.” Update: After a commenter pointed out the implausibility of 42 homicides per 1,000 students, we checked the NCES data. The total number of homicides during the 1992-1993 school year peaked at 34. NPR is updating and correcting its story as well.

* Other stuff…

* Gun company’s shares are in line of fire - California Treasurer Bill Lockyer may order pension funds to pull investments, and Wall Street sells off stock.

* ‘Django Unchained’ premiere canceled after Newtown shooting

  163 Comments      


Black Caucus chair has a new concealed carry trade idea

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* An interesting proposal

Rep. Will Davis, a Homewood Democrat and leader of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, said Phelps has a good opportunity to negotiate legislation with common-sense restrictions.

Many caucus members traditionally favor gun control, but Davis is willing to talk about a deal: He’ll offer Chicago-area support for concealed-carry in exchange for downstate agreement on a process to clear some criminal records, an issue that black lawmakers have pushed because youthful convictions often keep law-abiding adult constituents from getting jobs.

But [Rep. Frank Mautino] agreed with Phelps that given the court ruling, gun advocates no longer need to bother with deal-making.

Rep. Davis had earlier proposed putting Black Caucus votes on concealed carry if Cook County was exempted from the bill That idea was flat-out rejected.

* The mental health issue is important because there are some huge holes in tracking people with mental issues. We’ll have to see if that problem can be worked out

At the same time, Mautino wants a measure that ensures people carrying weapons are trained and do not have mental health problems.

And such restrictions, according to Rep. Al Riley, are what lawmakers should take from the Connecticut tragedy.

“What’s clear is that any bill that we have, have some safeguards along the lines of mental health … and training,” said the Olympia Fields Democrat, who voted against Phelps’ last concealed-carry bill. “At minimum, if someone is going to carry a deadly weapon, loaded, on their person, no matter what comes up, you would think that they should have the bare minimum of training to be able to use the weapons that they propose to carry.”

  36 Comments      


Bar Association backs gay marriage, medical marijuana, campaign reform

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The state bar has come out in favor of a few quite big legislative proposals. From a press release

The Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) 203-member policy-making Assembly, today adopted a proposal rule governing recusal of judges in cases in which a party has made a campaign contribution to the judge.

The ISBA will recommend the proposed rule to the Illinois Supreme Court as an amendment to the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The proposed rule provides that a judge shall disqualify himself or herself when, after considering all relevant circumstances, there exists a probability of bias. Relevant circumstances include items such as the amount of campaign support, both monetary and non-monetary, and the timing and impact of the support.

The Assembly also voted to support the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act pending in the Illinois state Legislature. The bill provides same-sex and different-sex couples and their children equal access to the status, benefits, protections, rights, and responsibilities of civil marriage.

The Assembly also endorsed Illinois legislation that would allow patients who suffer from a debilitating medical condition to use and possess small amounts of marijuana if certified to do so by their regular physician.

According to the proponents, AFSCME Council 31 has also endorsed the gay marriage proposal.

  7 Comments      


Quinn wants assault weapons ban passed in January

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Well, you knew this would be coming

Gov. Pat Quinn says the time for an assault weapons ban in Illinois is now.

The Chicago Democrat says the shooting in Connecticut, particularly the loss of so many children, should appeal to people’s consciences. A gunman left 20 children and six adults dead at an elementary school.

He said Monday at an unrelated event in Chicago that he has reached out to top lawmakers and sponsors of a proposed assault weapons ban. The governor says lawmakers should consider the ban when they reconvene for the lame duck session in January.

* Listen to the governor speak about what he believes is the urgency of a ban on assault weapons and on high capacity ammunition clips…

* Gov. Quinn will, of course, have opposition from within his own party

“What happened in Connecticut was not a concealed-carry issue, it was an evil person,” said Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Harrisburg Democrat who is the General Assembly’s chief sponsor of conceal-and-carry legislation. “How do you stop that?” […]

Democratic Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, contended that when Quinn used amendatory veto powers to rewrite a somewhat innocuous ammunition bill to ban assault weapons, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly against him in a tally that was “predominantly a vote on the issue” of assault weapons.

I disagree with Mautino. I think a lot of people voted to override because they wanted to send a message to Quinn about rewriting bills the way he did. However, it’s been clear for some time now that a majority does not exist - without a whole lot of luck and work - on an assault weapons ban. If it did, it would’ve probably passed a while ago.

* The Illinois State Rifle Association issued a press release on Sunday anticipating this move by Quinn

In this case, it may be said that gun control “worked.” Denied legal access to firearms, the deranged killer murdered a legal firearm owner, stole several of the victim’s guns, and exacted his idea of revenge against nearly 30 innocent people. The pieces of the equation that did not work were the social institutions that are supposed to prevent mentally ill individuals from becoming a menace to themselves and others.

Of course, the gun control movement is trying to sell the notion that the Newtown crimes somehow share a direct link to the free exercise of 2nd Amendment rights. The gun controllers would have the public believe that the killer was just a typical “gun guy” and that every gun owner represents a spree killing just waiting to happen.

Such is the logic that will fuel the gun control movement’s latest onslaught against your gun rights. As you read this message, gun-grabbers like Pat Quinn, Rahm Emanuel, and Michael Bloomberg are formulating legislation that would result in the banning and confiscation of nearly every firearm you own.

In the days and weeks ahead, you will hear a lot of talk about the need for a dialog on so called “gun violence” as well as a need for compromise to seek common ground on gun ownership. Don’t be confused. Such talk is just meant to soften you up for a serious curtailment of your right to keep and bear arms.

You, the law-abiding Illinois firearm owner, may rest assured that the Illinois State Rifle Association will be standing firm to preserve and protect your gun rights. We absolutely will not allow you to be lumped in with psychopathic murderers. The ISRA will not allow you to take it on the chin because liberal social engineers have created a climate where we are expected to learn to live with sociopaths rather than forcing the sociopaths to live by our rules.

Likewise, the ISRA will not engage in any “dialog” in which lawful firearm owners are expected to accept blame for what happened last week in Connecticut. We will not be party to any sort of “compromise” that limits free exercise of your 2nd Amendment rights nor limits the types or numbers of firearms that you may own. At this time, the only thing we’re really interested in discussing is the immediate passage of concealed carry in Illinois as per the recent court order.

Discuss, but try to take a deep breath before you comment today. Like yesterday, I don’t have a lot of time to monitor comments today because I’m giving a speech to the City Club. But I will check in and I will only have time to delete you and ban you if you get out of line.

  68 Comments      


« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* Reader comments closed for the holidays
* And the winners are…
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to previous editions
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Report: Far-right Illinois billionaires may have skirted immigration rules
* Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards (Updated)
* Energy Storage Brings Cheaper Electricity, Greater Reliability
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Live coverage
* Selected press releases (Live updates)
* Yesterday's stories

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Loading


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

Archives
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0




Hosted by MCS SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax Advertise Here Mobile Version Contact Rich Miller