In Fond Memory - Ralph Conner

Mr. Ralph Conner of the Heartland Institute and CORE-Chicago passed away on Saturday, March 13. Mr Conner was a leader in the African-American Conservative Movement, a proud supporter of the Second Amendment, and a long-time friend of ISRA. He was formerly the Village President of Maywood, Illinois.

Ralph stuck his neck out for all of us when he helped make the JPFO film "No Guns For Negros" that was released in 2009. Buoyed by the film's popularity on the internet, Mr Conner was the guest speaker at the Second Amendment Freedom Rally in 2009 at the Thomson Center Plaza in Chicago. ISRA enjoyed further working with Ralph and his associates at the Black Women's Expo and the African Arts Festival in 2009.

Ralph Conner leaves a void that will be hard to fill, ISRA will miss him greatly. Arrangements are pending.

Posted Mon Mar 15 20:48:24 CST 2010

Press Release - Bill That Would Effectively Prohibit African Americans and Hispanics From Buying Guns Advances in the Illinois General Assembly

CHICAGO, March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

Law-abiding African Americans and Hispanics would take it on the chin under a bill now moving through the Illinois General Assembly. Sponsored by Rep. Harry Osterman (D-14), HB6123 would prohibit any person or entity from selling a firearm to a so-called "street gang member." This prohibition applies even if the individual has passed a Brady Law FBI background check. Making a prohibited sale would result in Class 1 felony charges and possible jail time for the seller. Although the ISRA supports genuine efforts to curb criminal violence, the organization is strongly opposed to HB6123 as the bill's provisions are arbitrary and pose an unreasonable intrusion on the rights of law-abiding Illinois citizens.

"HB6123 promotes racial profiling at its worst," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Popular culture has branded urban minorities with the 'gangsta' stereotype that is pervasive well beyond the confines of actual criminal enterprises. Today's fashion, music, slang and lifestyle are all heavily influenced by the urban experience. Given that the provisions of HB6123 establish no test for determining 'street gang' membership, and given the harsh penalties for violating the proposed law, it is understandable that retailers would shy away from selling firearms to persons whose speech, dress, mannerisms, or taste in music reflect the urban lifestyle."

"Several Chicago nightclubs stirred considerable controversy recently when they denied entry to young men wearing baggy pants and cornrows in their hair," continued Pearson. "The nightclub owners justified these actions by claiming that baggy pants and certain hair styles are indicative of gang membership – despite the fact that the young men had done nothing improper. While the popular press bristled over the nightclubs' actions, the press has ignored HB6123 although the bill would bless, and even require firearm retailers to discriminate against individuals based on their appearance. This sort of cultural profiling is vile enough when persons are denied entry into a private club, but denying one's constitutional rights based solely on their appearance flies in the face of the principles under which our nation was founded. Of course, if a gang member wished to purchase a firearm, all he would have to do is don a Brooks Brothers' suit and speak the King's English and he'd be good to go."

"The bottom line is this," said Pearson. "If HB6123 is passed into law, the calendar on race-relations will be turned back 70 years and there will not be a gun shop in the state that will sell a firearm to an African American or Hispanic person. If that's Rep. Osterman's intent, then he has a lot of explaining to do."

--

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. For more than a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners. ...

This press release is posted on PRNewswire.  

Posted Tue Mar 16 18:24:29 CST 2010

Suburban gun store owners expect sales to surge if when Chicago's ban falls

Gun retailers, who got a boost when President Barack Obama took office, are hoping to get another one from the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court is widely expected to strike down Chicago's 28-year-old handgun ban this summer, following the court's 2008 decision to overturn a similar ordinance in Washington, D.C. Suburban gun store owners anticipate the court's next move will uncork pent-up demand for firearms within Chicago city limits. ...

Read the whole story @ Crain's Chicago Business.

Posted Tue Mar 16 10:35:08 CST 2010

Richard Pearson on WBBM "At Issue" Program

ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson appeared on the WBBM radio program "At Issue" on March 14.

Listen to the program here.  

Posted Sun Mar 14 13:09:01 CST 2010

Knox County at IGOLD

GALESBURG — One of the nine candidates who ran for mayor last April found a way to get to Springfield.

Eric Delawder, a 33-year-old pilot for Jet Air, took part in Wednesday’s march on the state capitol to urge legislators to vote against bills that the Illinois State Rifle Association says will restrict gun ownership. Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day — which organizers hoped would draw 10,000 people — also lobbied for conceal-carry laws that would allow citizens to carry concealed handguns in public. ...

Read the whole story @ The Register-Mail 

Posted Fri Mar 12 21:36:15 CST 2010

Gun-rights activists descend on Capitol

... The crowd at the convention center cheered loudest for Otis McDonald, a Chicago man who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn that city’s handgun ban. McDonald, who received four standing ovations, told the crowd that a black Democrat isn’t the sort of person one expects to lead the fight against gun-ownership restrictions.

“The question was asked of me, ‘Are you not swimming upstream?’” McDonald told the crowd during a short speech. “My response was, ‘I’ve been swimming upstream most of my life.’ … When wrong is wrong, Democrat, Republican — whoever you are — is wrong.”

McDonald acknowledged that his fight to own a handgun isn’t popular in his neighborhood. ...

Read the whole story @ State Journal-Register. 

Posted Fri Mar 12 21:31:48 CST 2010

TV News Coverage of IGOLD 2010:

Note that the linked news stories may have ads before the requested video plays.

WSIL-TV, Carterville at wsiltv.com

WICS-TV, Springfield at wics.com

Posted Thu Mar 12 16:08:01 CST 2010

Again, Daley with the Gun Control Bills...

Flanked by several parents who had lost children to gun violence, Mayor Richard Daley today called for a host of new laws aimed at restricting gun sales and stiffening penalties for criminals who use them.

“I’m here to speak on behalf of families who lost loved ones,” Daley said, standing before a long series of tables topped with illegal weapons confiscated by Chicago police. “This is about common-sense gun laws — that we should be protected from all of these guns. . . . One murder is one too many.”

Although Daley announces new gun-control initiatives every year, this year’s announcement took on added significance because the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to overturn the city’s handgun ban.

The Supreme Court in 2008 overturned a similar ban in Washington, D.C., and that led to “a dozen major lawsuits across the United States challenging common-sense gun laws,” including the Chicago handgun case, Daley said.

“We remain hopeful that when the court reaches its final decision in June, they will agree with us and with many others who share a belief in the right of municipalities and states to enact strict-but-balanced gun laws to keep their citizens safe,” he said. ...

Read the whole story in the Tribune's Clout Street. 

Posted Tue Mar 9 06:13:43 CST 2010

Poll Indicates Most Americans Say Cities Have no Right to Ban Handguns

BELLEVUE, Wash., March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new Rasmussen poll has revealed that an overwhelming majority of Americans reject the notion that cities have a right to ban handguns, siding with the Second Amendment Foundation's position in its lawsuit to overturn the Chicago ban.

Oral arguments in the SAF case were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. Court observers predict the high court will overturn the Chicago ban, thus incorporating the Second Amendment to state and local governments through provisions in the 14th Amendment. Results from Rasmussen's national telephone survey found that 69 percent of the respondents say cities have no right to ban legal handgun ownership, while 25 percent believe cities can ban guns.

"The Rasmussen survey clearly shows that Americans have grown weary of anti-gun municipal demagoguery," said SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. "A victory in our case before the Supreme Court should send a clear signal to gun prohibitionists like Chicago Mayor Richard Daley that arbitrarily disarming law-abiding citizens under the guise of fighting crime is an idea that has no place in this country."

SAF is joined in its case by the Illinois State Rifle Association and four Chicago residents, including Otis McDonald, for whom the Supreme Court case is named.

The Rasmussen poll also found very little difference between current public sentiment and earlier surveys that noted 70 percent of American adults believe the U.S. Constitution guarantees the individual right to own a firearm.

"For years," Gottlieb said, "the anti-gun lobby has been claiming majority support for its Draconian agenda, but polling data like this new information from Rasmussen shows that the public is not about to surrender a significant civil right. We believe the Supreme Court is on the verge of expanding the scope of that right by applying the Second Amendment to the states."

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation's oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 600,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

This press release is posted on PRNewswire.  

Posted Sat Mar 6 22:03:13 CST 2010

Supreme Court appears set to widen gun rights

The Supreme Court majority that two years ago ruled a near-total ban on handguns in the District to be unconstitutional seemed equally willing on Tuesday to extend the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms to the states.

But the court appeared skeptical, even hostile at times, to an approach by the lead attorney in the case that would involve overturning long-held court precedents to achieve the result. ...

Read the whole story in the Washington Times. 

Posted Wed Mar 3 07:14:00 CST 2010

Video coverage of McDonald v Chicago

Note that the linked news stories may have ads before the requested video plays.

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams at msnbc.msn.com  

ABC 7 Chicago at abc7chicago.com

NBC 5 Chicago at nbcchicago.com

WGN 9 Chicago at wgntv.com

Posted Wed Mar 3 02:44:01 CST 2010

Chicago Tribune Poll:
Allow Handguns in Chicago?

Take the poll at Chicago Tribune. 

Posted Tue Mar 2 18:58:56 CST 2010

In his words:
'IT WAS DIVINE DESIGN' - Chicago grandfather tells why he's lead plaintiff in case that sets sights on city's handgun law

. . . the 76-year-old Morgan Park man who has become the face of one of the most important Second Amendment lawsuits in history wants you to know this: He is not a ''showpiece'' for the pro-gun lobby in the landmark case that could overturn Chicago's handgun ban. The case is set to come before the U.S. Supreme Court today.

''It doesn't matter what anyone's motives were for picking me for this,'' McDonald said. ''I have my own motives, and they are so compelling and so heavy that to me this is worthy of my effort.'' ...

Read the whole story in the Sun Times. 

Posted Tue Mar 2 07:47:40 CST 2010

LA Times Editorial
A Chicago case is about more than gun control; it's about freedoms that all Americans enjoy

A case to be argued in the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday poses a dilemma for supporters of civil liberties who also believe in gun control. The court will consider whether states as well as the federal government must recognize that the 2nd Amendment gives individuals the right to keep and bear arms. Such a finding would make it much more difficult to control guns at the state and local level, but it would reaffirm that states must honor the liberties found in the Bill of Rights.

For us the choice is clear: The Bill of Rights should apply to the whole country ...

Read the whole story in the LA Times. 

Posted Mon Mar 1 22:32:16 CST 2010

High court to define reach of gun-control laws

WASHINGTON — In 2008, when national gun rights advocates were looking for residents to challenge Chicago's ban on handguns, Otis McDonald was in effect looking for them. McDonald, 76, says he had seen his neighborhood on the far South Side of Chicago turn from bad to worse over the years with "gangbangers and drug dealers."

"My wife and I are here alone all the time now," says McDonald, a retired maintenance engineer, who with his wife, Laura, reared three children. "I've got burglar alarms hooked into the police department. I have a shotgun, but a handgun (would be) more handy for me to handle."

McDonald had driven down to Springfield, Ill., a few years earlier for an Illinois State Rifle Association rally, to support the push for looser gun laws in Chicago. It was the beginning of a bond with gun rights activists that led to McDonald v. City of Chicago, a dispute that will be argued before the Supreme Court on Tuesday and could reshape firearms regulations nationwide. ...

Read the whole story on CNN.  

Posted Mon Mar 1 21:02:56 CST 2010

AP Coverage
Chicagoans hope stories will help overturn gun ban

CHICAGO — A couple worries that burglars who tried to break in when the wife was home alone will return. A retiree fears the drug dealers and junkies just outside his window will attempt — again — to steal what he spent a lifetime earning. And a businessman wants to protect himself as he could when he was a police officer.

Together, they are the face of the most serious challenge yet to Chicago's 28-year-old handgun ban.

On Tuesday, the four will take their seats inside the U.S. Supreme Court as their attorneys argue a lawsuit that bears their names: David and Colleen Lawson, Otis McDonald and Adam Orlov.

The four plaintiffs are not stereotypical gun rights advocates. Rather, they are the kind of hard-working, law-abiding Chicagoans that opponents of the handgun ban say should be allowed to protect themselves.

"Some people want to stereotype advocates in any case, to make them look like a bunch of crazies," said Alan Gura, a Virginia attorney who will argue the case. "But these are plaintiffs who reflect the city in which they live." ...

Read the whole story on Google's AP feed. 

Posted Mon Mar 1 21:00:17 CST 2010

ISRA's Supreme Court Case
The public face of gun-rights battle

From behind the wheel of his hulking GMC Suburban, 76-year-old Otis McDonald leads a crime-themed tour of his Morgan Park neighborhood. He points to the yellow brick bungalow he says is a haven for drug dealers. Down the street is the alley where five years ago he saw a teenager pull out a gun and take aim at a passing car. Around the corner, he gestures to the weed-bitten roadside where three thugs once threatened his life.

"I know every day that I come out in the streets, the youngsters will shoot me as quick as they will a policeman," says McDonald, a trim man with a neat mustache and closely cropped gray hair. "They'll shoot a policeman as quick as they will any of their young gangbangers."

To defend himself, McDonald says, he needs a handgun. So, in April of 2008, the retired maintenance engineer agreed to serve as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging Chicago's 28-year-old handgun ban ...

Read the whole story from the front page of the Chicago Tribune. 

Donate to help the ISRA's fight for your rights!

Posted Sat Jan 30 13:03:40 CST 2010

McDonald v Chicago: Chicago Magazine profile on the plaintiffs

...Today McDonald, a bright-eyed and trim 76-year-old grandfather, considers himself one of few defenders of peace and security on the leafy, house-lined street where three of his children grew up and played. The gangbangers and drug dealers have taken over, he says. “You go out there in the morning and pick up bottles and things on the lawn,” he explains, describing events of the past summer. “They’re out there at three in the morning, in the middle of the street, drinking and smoking their stuff. They throw stuff all over your lawn, and you can’t say anything, because they might up and shoot you.” McDonald says his house has been broken into three times and his garage twice—most recently, early one morning this past August by a man McDonald recognized from around the neighborhood. Does McDonald think the robber planned to sell the stolen possessions for drugs? “Of course, of course,” he says matter-of-factly.

Otis McDonald wants a handgun—a pistol to carry around the house and keep on his bedside table at night ...

Read the whole article in ChicagoMag.com.  

Posted Wed Dec 30 13:50:12 CST 2009

Petitioner's Brief filed in McDonald v Chicago
On-going progress in ISRA's effort to overturn Chicago's gun-ban

Yesterday, the brief to the United States Supreme Court was filed in the case of McDonald v. Chicago, which challenges the constitutionality of that city’s ban on handguns.

The ISRA is joined by Second Amendment Foundation and 4 ISRA members in this suit. We are represented by attorney Alan Gura, who successfully argued the landmark Heller case before the high court in 2008, leading to a ruling that the Second Amendment affirms and protects an individual right to keep and bear arms beyond the scope of serving in a militia.

Oral arguments in the case are expected to be heard in February. Stay tuned for more details. Follow the case at ChicagoGunCase.com.

You can download the brief from ChicagoGunCase.com.  

Posted Tue Nov 17 12:10:50 CST 2009

THE DIGGINS DECISION HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY INTERPRETED BY MANY,
OPENING THE DOOR TO ARREST AND PROSECUTION
from ISRA Attorney Victor Quilici

Since People v. Diggins was decided by our State Supreme Court, a number of articles, commentaries and general blogging have circulated stating that guns can be easily and safely transported in motor vehicles in just about every manner possible, loaded, unloaded, and in some cases in fanny packs worn by drivers and/or passengers. Nothing can be further from the truth than those type of analysis.

To begin with, Diggins focuses on the language in the UUW statute that relates to “aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.” The State Supreme Court addressed the exemption provisions of Section 24-1.6 (c)(iii) which provides that a person is not guilty of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon if that weapon is “unloaded and encased in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card.” The Court begins by noting:
“[W]e are asked to determine whether the center console of a vehicle is a ‘case’ within the meaning of this provision. For the reasons that follow, we conclude that it is.”

One of the first points the Supreme Court states was that a prior decision by the 4th District Court of Appeals was flawed when it held that a glove compartment was not a “case” within the meaning of the exemption language because a glove compartment is not portable.

Even though the Supreme Court made that observation, that does not mean that it ruled expressly that glove compartments are cases. While part of its analysis, it was not part of the Court’s decision. That determination must come in another decision, when the issue is squarely before the Court. Also, that observation may be quoted in future cases.

What is important in Diggins, is that the Supreme Court holds that a case does not have to be a container specific to a firearm and it need not be limited to something portable. The Court’s language is understandable to non-attorneys when it says:
“Unpersuaded by the State’s arguments, we conclude that the legislature used the broad general term ‘case’ unmodified. Giving the word ‘case’ its plain and ordinary meaning, as we must, permits but one conclusion: the term ‘case’ in Section 24-1.6 (c)(iii) includes any portable or non-portable receptacle and need not be interpreted only in reference to firearms.
. . . Based on the foregoing, we find, in the case at bar that a center console of a vehicle falls within the ordinary definition of case.
. . . Whether the statute is wise or the best means to achieve the desired result are matters left to the legislature, not the court.”

Special Note from the ISRA Webmaster: This analysis is not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult with your own attorney for such advice.

Posted Sun Nov 15 18:53:16 CST 2009

WARNING TO ALL MEMBERS REGARDING
HOSPITALIZATION AND DOMESTIC DISPUTES

Recent Illinois Law (PA 95-0564) provides that health care professionals report patients to the state police anyone that they believe might pose a danger to themselves or others. ISRA has learned of situations where a party has been admitted to a hospital for stress, alcohol treatment, or other scenarios where part of the admission procedure included a short interview with a psychologist on staff. Questions asked, include gun ownership, and/or the Possession of a FOID card. Within a few weeks that individual receives a notice from the Illinois State Police revoking his or her FOID.

Obviously, when being interviewed by somebody in a hospital setting, ask if he or she is a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who you don’t have to communicate with. And, be sure what information you are willing to disclose to any interviewer. Of course, you should not lie, but a simple refusal to disclose gun ownership may be enough to avoid the problem.

If you think you may be in a situation where the justice system may become involved with restricting your ownership of firearms, such as when facing hospitalization, or in a domestic dispute, unless caught up in an emergency situation, be sure to have your firearms removed from the home as quickly as possible, in the care of a friend or family member who possesses a FOID, and who lives a good distance from your residence. Also, advise your spouse or other party who shares the home with you that you have done so. Most importantly, in any court setting, you will then be able to assure the Judge, that although you possess a FOID, you have removed all firearms from within the home.

These tips can save your firearms from being confiscated and/or your FOID being revoked. ISRA is working to solve these problems, both legislatively, and through litigation.

Posted Sun Nov 15 16:02:27 CST 2009

U.S. SUPREME COURT TO HEAR 2ND AMENDMENT CHALLENGE TO CHICAGO GUN BAN

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will hear the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago, and decide whether the right to keep and bear arms secured by the Second Amendment protects Americans from overreaching state and local governments.

At issue is a 27-year-old Chicago law banning handguns, requiring the annual taxation of firearms, and otherwise interfering with the right of law-abiding individuals to keep guns at home for self-defense. The case was brought on behalf of four Chicago residents, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Last year, in the landmark case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. However, as that case concerned the actions of the District of Columbia government, a federal entity, the high court was not called upon to decide whether the right bound states and local governments. Over the years, almost the entire Bill of Rights has been held to apply to state and local governments by operation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are secured to us against violation by all levels of government,” noted Alan Gura, of Gura & Possessky, PLLC, lead counsel for the McDonald plaintiffs. “State and local politicians should be on notice: the Second Amendment is a normal part of the Bill of Rights, and it is coming to your town.”

Otis McDonald, a Chicago resident since 1952 who led the fight to integrate his union local in the 1960s and is a plaintiff in the case, welcomed the news.

“I am grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case,” McDonald said. “I now pray that the Court secures me and all other law-abiding citizens the right to defend ourselves and our families.”

SAF founder Alan Gottlieb said the case is of paramount importance to American citizens, to see that their constitutional rights are respected not only by the Congress, but by state and local governments.

“SAF was delighted to bring this case in cooperation with the Illinois State Rifle Association and the four local plaintiffs because a gun ban is no less onerous to civil rights in Chicago than it was in the District of Columbia,” Gottlieb observed. “Such a law cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.”

Chicago attorney David Sigale commented, “The City of Chicago cannot take from millions of Americans the fundamental freedom of self-defense in one’s own home. We are confident the Court will stand on the side of the law-abiding citizens and the Bill of Rights.”

“We’re pleased to hear that the Supreme Court has decided to take a look at Chicago’s gun laws,” added ISRA President Don Moran. “In this time of economic uncertainty and increasing lawlessness, the good people of Chicago ought not have to choose between violating Chicago’s gun ban, and protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

The Chicago gun ban challenge will likely be among the most closely watched constitutional law cases in decades. At stake is not just the question of whether the Second Amendment secures the right to arms against state and local governments, but also the extent to which the Supreme Court preserves individual liberty against encroachment by state and local governments.

Oral argument will possibly be scheduled early this coming winter, with a decision expected by June 2010. Gura will argue the case on behalf of the McDonald plaintiffs. ...

Posted Wed Sep 30 22:24:08 CDT 2009

Supreme Court Weigh-In
Led by Texas, the Attorneys General from 33 states file a Amicus Curiae brief in support of ISRA's lawsuit challenging Chicago's handgun ban. California's AG Jerry Brown files his own brief in support.

The ISRA's case: McDonald v Chicago, has had petitions filed to be heard before the United States Supreme Court, as has the NRA's case.

The Attorneys General from 34 states have indicated their support in two "Friend of the Court" briefs that have been filed that urge the Supreme Court to hear the ISRA's case, as well as the NRA's case. Besides Texas, the other states indicating their support are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Note that California indicated their support through their own amicus brief field by AG and Former Governor Jerry Brown.

The United States Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to hear the case when the new session starts in autumm.

Follow the status of this case, and read all the case filings at ChicagoGunCase.com  

Posted Thu Jul 9 08:33:44 CDT 2009

"Appeals court upholds Chicago's strict gun laws"
really means: ISRA's suit goes to the Supreme Court

excerpt:
Until the middle of the 20th century, most parts of the Bill of Rights applied only to the federal government, not to states or localities. In a step-by-step process, however, the high court decided that most of the rights in the Bill of Rights were fundamental to liberty and, therefore, limit the action of states and municipalities.

There are exceptions. For example, the 5th Amendment says persons can be charged with a serious crime only by "indictment of a grand jury," but this right was not extended to the states.

Gun-rights advocates have been focused on the issue since last year's high court ruling.

"We believe it is time for this issue to be decided," said Alan Gura, a Virginia lawyer who won the D.C. gun case last year. He said he would file a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a review of the Chicago ruling.

Gura represented four gun owners who are challenging the near ban on private handguns in Chicago. In April, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco came to the opposite conclusion on the 2nd Amendment. Its judges said that because the right to bear arms is a fundamental right, it should apply to local and state ordinances. ...

Read the whole story in the LA Times. 

Posted Thu Jun 4 08:19:11 CDT 2009

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush files anti gun bill on the first day in session
Bill would enact national gun licensing ala FOID.

Quoting Jeff Knox:
"Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) filed a comprehensive anti-gun wish-list bill in the 111th Congress on its first day in session. No sooner were the new members of Congress sworn in than Mr. Rush, a former Black Panther leader, file his bill which he calls the "Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009". The bill has no cosponsors and was automatically referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

If passed, this bill would require that anyone wishing to purchase, own, or possess a "qualifying firearm" - that's any handgun, and any long gun capable of accepting a detachable magazine - would have to be licensed by the state or the federal government in a licensing program managed by the Attorney General. To get a license you would have to prove you're you, provide a passport-style photo, a thumbprint, and take a written exam which includes questions about firearms safety, safe storage, the risks of firearms ownership, and anything else the Attorney General deems appropriate. All transfers would be required to go through a licensed dealer with the exception of occasional gifts or bequests between parents, children (18 or over), and grandparents, or loans of not more than 30 days between "persons who are personally known to one another." (It actually says that. I'm not making this up.) And all transfers would have to be recorded in a "Transfer Record" established and maintained by the Attorney General. " ...

Read the whole story at the Firearms Coalition.

You can look at the submitted legislation at the U.S. Government Printing Office website.

Posted Thu Jan 15 20:30:49 CST 2009

SAF Press Release:
SAF Files Lawsuit Challenging Chicago's Handgun Ban

BELLEVUE, WA – Following Thursday’s 5-4 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller that the Second Amendment protects an individual civil right to keep and bear arms, and that a municipal gun ban violates that right, the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) filed a federal lawsuit challenging the City of Chicago’s long-standing handgun ban. The case is McDonald v. City of Chicago.

“Chicago’s handgun ban has failed to stop violent crime,” SAF founder Alan Gottlieb stated. “It’s time to give the Constitution a chance.”

In addition to SAF and ISRA, plaintiffs include Chicago residents Otis McDonald, a retiree who has been working with police to rid his neighborhood of drug dealers, and who wants to have a handgun at his home; Adam Orlov, a former Evanston police officer; software engineer David Lawson and his wife, Colleen, a hypnotherapist, whose home has been targeted by burglars. Attorney Alan Gura, who argued the District of Columbia challenge before the high court, and Chicago area attorney David G. Sigale, represent the plaintiffs ...

Read the whole press release at Second Amendment Foundation.

Posted Fri Jun 27 07:54:49 CDT 2008

Follow the Chicago 2nd Amendment Suit

Learn more and follow along at ChicagoGunCase.com.

Posted Fri Jun 27 00:27:31 CDT 2008