Illinois is the last state that doesn't have some sort of public carry law allowing citizens the means to protect themselves from criminals.  Wisconsin doesn't have concealed carry, but its citizens can legally carry firearms openly.

The Chicago area tends to have the most restrictive gun-control regulations in the state, and has fought the hardest against the option of law-abiding citizens having the right to legally carry a concealed handgun to protect themselves and their families.  Yet urban areas like Chicago are the very places that benefit the most from non-discretionary concealed handgun laws.  Reductions in crime rates by issuing non-discretionary concealed handgun laws are greatest precisely in those urban areas that have the highest crime rates, largest and most dense population, and having mass concentrations of minorities.  This shouldn't be too surprising since law-abiding citizens in these areas must fend for themselves to a great extent for protection.

No victim of crime should be required to surrender his or her life, health, safety, personal dignity or give up their property to a criminal, nor should a victim be required to retreat in the face of attack.  Citizens also have a right to expect safety within their own homes and vehicles.

Women benefit more than men in states that have right-to-carry laws.  Carrying a concealed handgun increases a woman's ability to defend herself while men are better able to rely on their size and strength.  It also allows those of smaller size, handicapped or older people to better defend themselves.

Courts have judged time and again that you have no right to police protection.  You are on your own and police may arrive after a threat is ended, or even after you are dead.  At this time police merely become historians, and if they are lucky might even solve the crime.  Nothing obligates them to be there when you need them - even if you or your estate can show in court that the police knew you were in danger.

The main obstacle to passing right-to-carry in Illinois has always been the fact that the present Chicago dominated leadership in the general assembly has ruled we need a super majority.  That difference of 11 votes from 60 - 71 makes all the difference in the world in trying to pass right-to-carry.  Many legislators disagree with this ruling but so far the Chicago Democrats have prevailed depriving Illinois citizens of their right to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Take away the means of self-defense and every other right becomes irrelevant.  If you can't defend yourself or the lives of your family, then your property rights are worthless.  Nor do your rights to religious observations, free speech, or freedom of the press. Your right to a jury trial or to be free from cruel and unusual punishment are irrelevant if you are dead.

Illinois, led by Chicago politicians, in depriving its law-abiding citizens of the means to effectively defend themselves is not civilized but barbarous, becoming an accomplice of murderers, rapists and thugs.  It reveals their totalitarian nature by accepting the disorganized random havoc created by criminals as less of a threat to them than law abiding men and women who are willing to defend their freedom and independence!


Jim Butler's Commentaries