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“Straight up fear”

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Gun dealers say they are selling more firearms than ever in the Chicago area since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol — and they predict sales will shatter the records set during last year’s civil unrest and in the early days of the coronavirus panic. […]

Greg Tannehill of GT Transfer gun shop in south suburban Merrionette Park traced the gun sales to “straight up fear.”

He blames the news media for not covering the “stolen election,” accusing the Chicago Sun-Times specifically of being a “liberal” outlet.

“This stolen election and the increase of gun sales in the last two weeks alone go hand in hand. They’re spawned by the theft of an election,” he said.

“We’re back not trusting our government. The media really painted the best president in history as a really bad guy. You shouldn’t have done that because a lot of people have had enough of that crap. And you’re gonna see a big backlash coming soon if you haven’t already.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:16 pm

Comments

This should end well

Comment by Anon E Moose Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:17 pm
Maybe guns are being bought out of fear of so many delusional people like. Greg.

Comment by illinifan Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:19 pm
Seems like no matter who wins gun sales are always up. Where do the 2A whack job put all this stuff

Comment by Annoin' Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:21 pm
That escalated quickly from “Wow people are buying a whole lotta guns” to “It must be because of the belligerently stupid things I believe.”

Comment by BilboSwaggins Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:23 pm
Well, he knows what his most effective sales pitch is.

Comment by Roadrager Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:23 pm
=== He blames the news media for not covering the “stolen election,” accusing the Chicago Sun-Times specifically of being a “liberal” outlet.===

If you think the election was stolen… you’re the one ruining the county.

Purchasing guns due to lies folks believe, that’s on the insurrectionists and those inciting them, like the former President.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:24 pm
It is amazing how the truly lunatics among us always get interviewed. How come normal people aren’t interviewed?

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:25 pm
You would not believe how many Trumpers I hear from in the suburbs who fear Antifa violently taking over their quiet little neighborhoods…

Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:25 pm
One reason Trump got 75 millions votes. The massive red advantage on social media and some TV outlets that fills the precincts full of misinformation and fear. This is all part of the deep challenges facing America. If Democrats are smart, they’ll figure out a way to reach these voters with policies and a message of economic opportunity to help break through.

Comment by west wing Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:27 pm
Pretty much all gun sales that aren’t for game hunting or for historical significance are out of “straight up fear.” The NRA has made gun shops and gun makers millions and millions of dollars out of fearmongering. So while this dude ain’t wrong necessarily, buying guns out of fear has been going on forever. It’s just “straight up” delusional instead of somewhat delusional.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:28 pm
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

And crazy people arming themselves against the government.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:32 pm
The sickening part if all this us that a good number if those right wing news outlets know what this truth is and are abandoning it in favor of the cash grab.

Comment by The Way I See It Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:32 pm
* Where do the 2A whack job put all this stuff *

Same place you put your Birkenstocks, in the closet.

Comment by Data Dealer Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:33 pm
Agreed with @Annonin’ at 2:21 pm.

Mass shooting = high gun sales
Impotent talks of gun reforms = higher gun sales
Republicans winning office = higher gun sales
Republicans losing office = higher gun sales.

These fear mongers found a greater scam than those GME redditors, except it’s everyday people who get hurt by their graft.

Comment by Too cute by half Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:34 pm
This sounds like something right out of the Center Square.

Comment by Club J Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:36 pm
As a conservative and a gun owner, I assure you we aren’t all this way.

Comment by Token Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:38 pm
When I was a kid, we had a word for people who were this driven by fear — we called them “cowards.”

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:39 pm
I think the carjackings in Chicago and the suburbs and the smash and grabs might have more to do with recent increased gun sales than the incursion at the far away U.S. Capitol.

Comment by Responsa Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:44 pm
With a shooting every 3 hours in Chicago, and Jussie Smollet’s attackers still running loose, I can hardly blame them.

Comment by Private Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:50 pm
On Wednesday, Homeland Security issued a national terrorism bulletin because “[i]nformation suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence.”

https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-january-27-2021

And how does federal law enforcement say you can help ?

“Your choice can make a difference. Choose non-violent ways to make your voice heard and support friends and family in doing the same.

Communities are strongest when they are not divided: Strengthen your community by standing together against violence.”

Nothing in this national terrorism alert about going out to buy more and more and bigger and bigger guns.

Everything about standing together against violence and supporting all voices.

We can do this, folks. Everyone. Together.

Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:51 pm
“You shouldn’t have done that because a lot of people have had enough of that crap. And you’re gonna see a big backlash coming soon if you haven’t already.” Threats are a typical aspect of the lower class loudmouths who work/hang out at most gun shops. Usually they sport the unshaven stubble, beard, Larry the Cable Guy look, like former NRA lobbyist Todd Vandermyde at the hearings for Brandon Phelps’ concealed carry bill.

Luckily gun owners who actually care about civil rights and the Constitution are a bit safer nowdays in Illinois. Todd Vandermyde can’t sell them out, because NRA fired him, and NRA is going bankrupt. Good riddance.

Comment by Elmer Keith Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:52 pm
==We’re back not trusting our government.==

…and rather than join local or state politics to be part of the solution, I’ll just brandish my gun and spout right wing talking points.

Comment by Jocko Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:52 pm
With “Defund the police” my neighbors now want a social worker to interact with the drug addict trying to break into my house. If given the choice between the social worker’s efforts and some self-protection, I’ll opt for the latter.

Comment by Private Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 2:56 pm
=== the drug addict trying to break into my house.===

Were you held hostage? Was there a need to talk to
the offender? Was there a standoff I hadn’t heard, a domestic conflict, anything like that?

No?

Yeah, simple silly stuff isn’t making a point, mouth breathing notwithstanding.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:01 pm
== Same place you put your Birkenstocks, in the closet. ==

Hopefully, they will be responsible and put in a gun safe or equivalent storage.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:02 pm
This is why we are so divided. How on earth do you even find a starting point with these people? We have to agree on simple facts to have any foundation of debate.

Comment by TheUpperRoom Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:03 pm
== and NRA is going bankrupt. ==

The NRA filed for bankruptcy but they aren’t bankrupt or even ose. Their reorganization filing clearly stated they have adequate resources to pay 100% of current debts.

It’s more like when corporate America used bankruptcy to protect themselves from potential future issues, dump liabilities they could have paid, or just to improve profits.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:07 pm
* find a starting point with these people *

I think both sides could say this and be correct.

Comment by I’m your huckleberry Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:08 pm
=== both sides===

Facts don’t have “both sides”

That’s why Kellyanne Conway created “alternative facts”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:09 pm
Private, many local police departments had social workers on staff but many of these positions were eliminated due to budget cuts. The SW often helped to handle suicide attempts, mental health crisis, community conflict etc. If an armed robbery etc. the police would handle. I think our police department dispatchers are smart enough to know the difference. If in doubt (such as domestic violence) a social worker would ride along with police and assist when appropriate. This is what “defund” is about. Not defunding, but rather ensuring the funds are effectively used to hire people who are skilled in defusing situations.

Comment by illinifan Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:09 pm
Haven’t felt the need to rush out and buy another firearm.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:10 pm
Gun dealers and manufacturers love when Dems are President. Sales peaked under Barack they slumped under Trump now spiking again under Biden. All with the fear factor of the Dems are going to take your guns so stock up.

Comment by Frank talks Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:11 pm
Dwelling on fear makes one fearful.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:12 pm
-The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

And crazy people coming after the rest of us. Fixed it.
These folks have failed to persuade the majority of us that their ideology and practices work. They can’t prevail without guns/violence.

Comment by Froganon Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:15 pm
I’m going out to patrol my neighborhood for those who oppose fascism because…why is it again?

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:20 pm
=Private, many local police departments had social workers on staff but many of these positions were eliminated due to budget cuts=

I see just the opposite - there have been dozens of “708 mental health boards” - established and given tax levy authority over the past few years. In DuPage/Kane counties many of them pay for on-call 24-hour social workers that can be dispatched along with police in mental health situations.

“708” boards governed by the Illinois Community Mental Health Act

http://acmhai.org/who-we-are/

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:21 pm
Well OW, there are extremists on both sides of the gun debate. Every session, or at least every normal session, dems throw their anti gun wish list at the wall to see what sticks. The typical gun owner just wants to be left in peace.

Comment by I’m your huckleberry Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:22 pm
==The typical gun owner just wants to be left in peace==

Then push back against whack jobs like this guy. That’s what “typical” gun owners should do.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:29 pm
Paranoia-driven gun sales are nothing new and saw a spike when many imagined a Black Kenyan Muslim socialist was going to take their guns, even though no such person existed.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:31 pm
@I’m your huckleberry

Dems throw a wishlist but pass nothing because the gun lobby and their Republican friends in DC block literally every attempt at common sense gun reform.

That leaves it to the states to pass piece-meal reforms which are essentially unenforceable when you consider that any gun dealer on the Indiana border basically has an all you can shoot gun buffet.

It’s not that gun laws don’t work, it’s that they’re not being allowed to work because loonies next door love to profit from death and destruction. At the very least, they could pass some form of straw purchasing ban, but I’m guessing that will get blocked in the IN state house.

Comment by Commisar Gritty Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:42 pm
=== The typical gun owner===

Then as a typical gun owner, I’m guessing you’re strongly against the phony “stop the steal”, insurrection, and you trust your government?

Correct?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:52 pm
* straw purchasing ban,*

You’re joking right? That is already a federal crime. That is just another example of why people of a certain political ideology can’t be trusted on the gun debate, they know nothing about guns or current gun laws. All they know is it’s noisy and scary and therefore must be banned.

Comment by I’m your huckleberry Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:58 pm
=== All they know is it’s noisy and scary and therefore must be banned.===

Really? Who said that?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 3:59 pm
Well he is calling himself a huckleberry OW, so there’s that.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:01 pm
==there are extremists on both sides==

Yeah, and I’m sure this yahoo is a “good person” right? If you can’t condemn the guy then that says a lot about you.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:03 pm
=== Well he is calling himself a huckleberry===

You have me there. The victimhood here… ugh.

If you can’t say the election wasn’t stolen, show anger towards the insurrection, let alone the easier flat out condemn it, I guess people who disagree only feel guns are … what was it… ===… it’s noisy and scary and therefore must be banned.===

There’s no both sides to that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:06 pm
The only good news is that most of the sales will go to existing gun owners. I don’t see a guy with two AR-15’s as twice as dangerous as a guy with one.

I do fear that the combination of Trump’s Big Lie, the social isolation from the pandemic, and greater internet use by the disaffected is creating a toxic and violent brew.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:23 pm
==Hopefully, they will be responsible and put in a gun safe or equivalent storage.==

I like that idea. It might cut down on suicides of their teenage sons, you know, the ones who are despondent over the loss of their girlfriend.

Comment by Stix Hix Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:27 pm
=The only good news is that most of the sales will go to existing gun owners=

Industry data from retailers…

Not only has this year seen firearms bought in record numbers, but there are also nearly 7 million new firearms owners, according to the NSSF data.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:31 pm
Last Bull Moose- With all due respect, you are way off base. First time gun purchases are WAY up. Many anti-gunners are surprised to hear over 5 million people purchased a firearm for the 1st time in 2020. That all happened BEFORE the capitol garbage. People are concerned about increased crime, riots in many cities, defunding of PDs, etc. They are taking personal responsibility for their safety.

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tectonic-shift-as-first-time-gun-buyers-grow-to-nearly-5-million#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20Nearly%205%20million%20Americans%20purchased,never%20previously%20owned%20a%20firearm.

Comment by 96Illini Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:38 pm
===You’re joking right? That is already a federal crime. That is just another example of why people of a certain political ideology can’t be trusted on the gun debate, they know nothing about guns or current gun laws. All they know is it’s noisy and scary and therefore must be banned.===

It’s a Federal crime except for all the loopholes that currently exist. The gun-show loophole comes up all the time, sites like armslist are another loophole, gifting of guns is another loophole, and on and on. Trying to make everything a semantic debate of what is an “automatic” weapon or what is a “straw purchase” is only effect in muddying the waters and eliminating common ground. Perhaps that is your goal?

Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:40 pm
>>>> If Democrats are smart, they’ll figure out a way to reach these voters with policies and a message of economic opportunity to help break through.

I know a way, but I don’t think it would be well received by Democrats.

Comment by We've never had one before Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:44 pm
=== I know a way, but I don’t think it would be well received by Democrats.===

Don’t hide your light under a bushel…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:48 pm
Supplied, loopholes smoopholes. Gun show loophole, doesn’t exist. Internet purchases must go though an FFL and a background check. Gifting? None of your business. Semantics matter, because details matter. If you are complaining about the details, what are you trying to hide?

Comment by Cornfield Geek Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:53 pm
Will any of our 2nd Amendment people admit this guy is a bad spokesperson?

Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 4:54 pm
More of the same from the white male, right wing establishment who wants to protect the status quo that oppresses women and people of color in order to protect the foundation of white supremacy that this country was founded on.

They fail to understand that our democracy should benefit all, not some, and they are afraid of what it will mean when others have full equality, falsely believing that would somehow take away their livelihood.

This guy was probably raised by someone who felt the same way, in a community that felt the same way. How do we reach people to break this vicious cycle of racism that breeds this kind of individual?

Comment by Shytown Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 5:09 pm
Of course he’s a bad spokesman, and likely chosen by the sun times for that very reason, to look as outrageous as possible.

Comment by Cornfield Geek Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 5:16 pm
To say strawpurchasing is illegal while there are 4 gun shops located within a 10 minute drive of the IL/IN boarder by 90/94 corridor alone is what we call a bad faith argument.

Comment by Commisar Gritty Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 5:33 pm
The most dense cluster of gun shops in the state of Indiana is the one I just described. You can google this with 3 seconds of effort. So don’t talk to me about loop holes being closed, it’s their entire business model.

Comment by Commisar Gritty Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 5:35 pm
OW wins the post of the day,
“Don’t hide your light under a bushel… “

Comment by Mama Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 6:26 pm
Cornfield, if the loopholes didn’t exist then people wouldn’t be arguing against universal background checks. The discussion itself is prof that sales happen without background checks, which is the entire point.

Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Feb 1, 21 @ 8:28 pm
Commisar Grity did you even read your statement?
“To say strawpurchasing is illegal while there are 4 gun shops located ”

I’m guessing you have no clue about gun laws or even what a straw purchase is.

If I attempt to follow your logic, drinking and driving isn’t illegal because people drink and drive and there are three bars located close to one another?

Maybe you can enlighten us more on this logic that you are using.

Comment by Confused Tuesday, Feb 2, 21 @ 6:58 am
If Indiana gunstores are Chicago’s problem, why doesn’t Indiana have the rediculous levels of gun problems Illinois does?

Comment by Bob Tuesday, Feb 2, 21 @ 8:05 am
==why doesn’t Indiana have the ridiculous levels of gun problems==

You DO know that Gary, Indiana’s murder rate is double that of Chicago, right?

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Feb 2, 21 @ 9:17 am
=== why doesn’t Indiana have the rediculous levels of gun problems Illinois does?===

Good point, except that Indiana’s gun violence is even higher than Illinois. Is your news not reporting these facts or did you just wrongly assume?

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm_mortality/firearm.htm

Comment by supplied_demand Tuesday, Feb 2, 21 @ 9:21 am