Gun Makers Fight Illinois Gun Ban

[A_Med]

Springfield is in on the fight. I searched but didn't see this article so hope its not a dupe.


http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2...2131108157.txt

Gunmakers: We'll leave state

By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net
SPRINGFIELD -- Several Illinois gun manufacturers said Wednesday they will pack up and leave Illinois if state lawmakers approve a ban on assault weapons.

The threats came as a House panel approved legislation to ban the weapons, even though the proposal’s prospects appear bleak in the Senate following comments earlier this week by Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago.

In a press conference before the House Executive Committee’s 9-3 vote in favor the ban, the gun makers said they would pull up stakes and take 750 jobs with them if the ban is OK’d.

"If this passes, we’re out of town," said Dennis Reese, co-owner of Springfield Armory in Geneseo, one of four gun makers located in the Rock River Valley town of 6,400 residents.

"Our only course of action would be moving out of state," added Mark Westrom, president of ArmaLite Inc., another Geneseo gun manufacturer.

The sparring comes after Gov. Rod Blagojevich said in his State of the State speech last month that reinstating the expired federal ban on certain kinds of military-style weapons was one of his top priorities in this spring’s legislative session.

But Jones, in comments earlier in the week, said he doubts the measure will come up for a vote in the Senate because it is too contentious.

Despite its apparently dim prospects, state Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, pushed the legislation through the House Executive Committee. The measure could come up for a vote on the House floor this week.

An attempt last year to move the ban through the House failed to receive enough votes.

Gun makers and their state lawmakers argued that they operate legal businesses that are subject to tough state and federal requirements. Westrom said the state should concentrate on catching criminals, rather than on banning guns.

"The arms manufacturers of Illinois and their customers are not the problem," said Westrom.

Along with Springfield Armory and ArmaLite, other companies involved in fighting the ban include Lewis Machine & Tool of Moline, Les Baer Custom Inc. of Hillsdale and Rock River Arms Inc. of Colona.
State lawmakers on both sides of aisle vowed to help block the ban.

"The State of Illinois has almost become an enemy of my district," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.

"We will fight this with everything we have," added state Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

The legislation is House Bill 2414.

[jednp]

It would be nice if politicians would open their eyes and see that banning guns does nothing to stop crime. Honestly, how many 2nd ammendment appreciating law abiding gun owners do any of us know who go out and commit crimes with our guns? Fact is most crimes with guns are done with stolen guns. And the people committing those crimes will get the guns regardless of any bans that are in place. it's too bad our founding fathers can't come back and smack some of these people around a bit.

[Oni]

Originally Posted by jednp

It would be nice if politicians would open their eyes and see that banning guns does nothing to stop crime. Honestly, how many 2nd ammendment appreciating law abiding gun owners do any of us know who go out and commit crimes with our guns? Fact is most crimes with guns are done with stolen guns. And the people committing those crimes will get the guns regardless of any bans that are in place. it's too bad our founding fathers can't come back and smack some of these people around a bit.

*laughs* The silly thing is, crime happens everywhere, no matter what people's salaries are, no matter what their position is. It's rather disgusting when the "higher ups" perform illegal actions. Posessing a gun protects me from the simple crimes, though it is tempting to use a firearm against said unarmed criminals.

[Majk]

Originally Posted by jednp

It would be nice if politicians would open their eyes and see that banning guns does nothing to stop crime. Honestly, how many 2nd ammendment appreciating law abiding gun owners do any of us know who go out and commit crimes with our guns? Fact is most crimes with guns are done with stolen guns. And the people committing those crimes will get the guns regardless of any bans that are in place. it's too bad our founding fathers can't come back and smack some of these people around a bit.

Exactly, they just had a car jacking in D.C. and they ban weapons. The two kids happened to car jack a off duty police officer. If that would have been average joe, they would have gotten the car because legally that person couldn't carry or own a pistol.

[Gadget]

Originally Posted by bryan.tonya

Exactly, they just had a car jacking in D.C. and they ban weapons. The two kids happened to car jack a off duty police officer. If that would have been average joe, they would have gotten the car because legally that person couldn't carry or own a pistol.

Washington Dumb City is a joke. I lived in Northern VA for 14 years and I really can't believe all that goes on with DC. Without the Federal gov't they would be bankrupt in six months. There is so much corruption embedded in almost all of the municipal heirarchy. While I was there it seemed like there was one major scandal after another. Dirty cops, dead people on city payroll for years at a time, teachers union embezzlement of million$, and of course, I can't forget to mention DC "Mayor for Life", Marion Barry. On the DC gun ban issue, it has gotten so bad that they just keep passing gun control laws just for political sport. Crime keeps on chugging and I think the people just ignore it or accept it. They think that DC's crime is the norm for the rest of the country.

When I moved back to Alabama (I was born here and lived her until I graduated from high school), my wife and I were both amazed at the refreshing change in the news both on TV & in the newspapers. No longer is it dominated by murders, gang wars, carjackings, corruption, etc. I know everyone is different and some people love living in the big cities, but getting out into the heartland of America really can improve your quality of life in intangible ways that you can't get in urban areas, unless you are fortunate enough to have enough money to live like a king. We didn't even realize how high our stress was from all the crap I mentioned plus traffic and urban over-crowding. But when we made the change we knew we had made the right decision for us and our kids.

[Dwweeb_5150]

Good luck I hope they put up more of a fight than we did here in Cali.

[east_stingray]

Maybe, but I wouldn't hold your breath. This is, after all, the People's Republik of Illinois. For the Motherland!

[Iniquity]

I love reading articles about how gunlaws should be increased, how people are going and buying mass quantities of handguns and turning around, selling them on the street.

My opinion is such. Who in their right mind would go purchase brand new firearms, using his/her name on all the papers, and then turn around and sell them to 'criminals'.

And most importantly. How in the hell would they ever make a profit. They have to buy the guns at the usual rates, and then sell them dirt cheap "street priced" .. They'd never make any money, ever.

Law makers have to start understanding that Guns dont commit crimes, people commit crimes. With, or without weapons. They'll do it reguardless. Gun laws will only stop those who want to legally, safely, and securely own a weapon. People who use guns in crimes don't buy them over the counter.

Heres what I think should be done, and once its done, be left alone forever.

Make ALL handgun and rifle purchases require you go to the local PD and do fingerprint/background checks. I don't care if your trying to buy a .22LR or an XD. I also think you should be required to have an ID card with a specfic tag number when you are purchasing ammo. That way each and every box of ammunition sold legally can be accounted for. That way, even if a 'criminal, or potential criminal' posessed a weapon, they would still not be able to obtain bullets, and if they do obtain them from someone who does have the card, and the ability to purchase ammo, they will be held accountable for whatever actions the person they supplied do.

I know I'm going to recieve some hate over this. But honestly, all of you (most I should say :P) are gun toating, law-following citizens who do their part to protect their family, and property. I believe none of us would have any problems with being required to be a member of some federal database before we can purchase ammo & guns. If you do have a problem with it, then I guess you shouldn't be owning one to begin with :P

[Suppo]

Originally Posted by Gadget

When I moved back to Alabama (I was born here and lived her until I graduated from high school)......

I see you're from Madison. I'll be there this weekend, as well as Huntsville.

[jednp]

Originally Posted by Iniquity

I love reading articles about how gunlaws should be increased, how people are going and buying mass quantities of handguns and turning around, selling them on the street.

My opinion is such. Who in their right mind would go purchase brand new firearms, using his/her name on all the papers, and then turn around and sell them to 'criminals'.

And most importantly. How in the hell would they ever make a profit. They have to buy the guns at the usual rates, and then sell them dirt cheap "street priced" .. They'd never make any money, ever.

Law makers have to start understanding that Guns dont commit crimes, people commit crimes. With, or without weapons. They'll do it reguardless. Gun laws will only stop those who want to legally, safely, and securely own a weapon. People who use guns in crimes don't buy them over the counter.

Heres what I think should be done, and once its done, be left alone forever.

Make ALL handgun and rifle purchases require you go to the local PD and do fingerprint/background checks. I don't care if your trying to buy a .22LR or an XD. I also think you should be required to have an ID card with a specfic tag number when you are purchasing ammo. That way each and every box of ammunition sold legally can be accounted for. That way, even if a 'criminal, or potential criminal' posessed a weapon, they would still not be able to obtain bullets, and if they do obtain them from someone who does have the card, and the ability to purchase ammo, they will be held accountable for whatever actions the person they supplied do.

I know I'm going to recieve some hate over this. But honestly, all of you (most I should say :P) are gun toating, law-following citizens who do their part to protect their family, and property. I believe none of us would have any problems with being required to be a member of some federal database before we can purchase ammo & guns. If you do have a problem with it, then I guess you shouldn't be owning one to begin with :P

I totally agree with you. It's like the law here that states in your vehicle a gun in your console is concealed and easily accessible if you choose to use it. So they want it on your front seat? Ok, what is more accessible to me if I choose to use it in the heat of a moment? Fact of the matter is, if I have my mind set on doing harm with my gun, I'm going to do it. No law against concealed carry or any other gun control law is going to stop me. Think if I'm going to go kill someone that I really care if my weapon is concealed, or if I'm illegally in posession of the gun, not registered to me, stolen or what not? If a criminal can't get their hands on a weapon, then a bat, a hammer, a car, a shovel... there are so many ways to do harm to someone. Guess they should just ban any object that has ever been used to kill someone.