09-17-2005, 01:08 PM
I strongly believe in the right to carry, AS LONG AS IT IS DONE PROPERLY!!!!
In order to purchase a gun in IL, you MUST have a F.O.I.D. card, you MUST wait 24hours for a rifle/shotgun, 72 hours for a handgun. These are already in place. In order to have a concealed carry permit, I think that as part of the process to recieve one, your COMPLETE record should be reviewed (There are too many people with violent crimes while under 18, who "control themselves" a little better now that they can be tried as an adult. Do we want them carrying a gun???) There should be a REQUIRED training course, teaching everything, from proper gun maintenance, proper gun safety, proper usage, proper cleaning, etc...
It is a statistic FACT, that in EVERY state that has either a conceled carry law, or a legal to carry law, the crime rates have DRASTICLY dropped. The criminals do not only fear that the person they are targeting may be carrying, but also have to worry about the "Concerned citizen" who is willing to protect another citizen from a would be attacker.
Even in Florida, when the conceled carry law was accepted there, florida criminals targeted the tourists. Florida residents "May be armed" but the tourists have no protection (Even with carry laws, it is still illegal to transport a gun in your possesion across state lines). Even with the tourist being attacked, the florida crime rate dropped significantly.
In my opinion, a conceled carry law is a good idea, but there should be special consideration taken on some issues. There are many people who live in one state, but transport to work in a neighboring state. In a case such as this, it may be legal for them to carry in their home state, but illegal for them to cross state lines while carrying.
Enough with my rant, just wanted to list a few of my thoughts....
In order to purchase a gun in IL, you MUST have a F.O.I.D. card, you MUST wait 24hours for a rifle/shotgun, 72 hours for a handgun. These are already in place. In order to have a concealed carry permit, I think that as part of the process to recieve one, your COMPLETE record should be reviewed (There are too many people with violent crimes while under 18, who "control themselves" a little better now that they can be tried as an adult. Do we want them carrying a gun???) There should be a REQUIRED training course, teaching everything, from proper gun maintenance, proper gun safety, proper usage, proper cleaning, etc...
It is a statistic FACT, that in EVERY state that has either a conceled carry law, or a legal to carry law, the crime rates have DRASTICLY dropped. The criminals do not only fear that the person they are targeting may be carrying, but also have to worry about the "Concerned citizen" who is willing to protect another citizen from a would be attacker.
Even in Florida, when the conceled carry law was accepted there, florida criminals targeted the tourists. Florida residents "May be armed" but the tourists have no protection (Even with carry laws, it is still illegal to transport a gun in your possesion across state lines). Even with the tourist being attacked, the florida crime rate dropped significantly.
In my opinion, a conceled carry law is a good idea, but there should be special consideration taken on some issues. There are many people who live in one state, but transport to work in a neighboring state. In a case such as this, it may be legal for them to carry in their home state, but illegal for them to cross state lines while carrying.
Enough with my rant, just wanted to list a few of my thoughts....