Time for new beginning on gun laws

As reported in the Daily Herald on Saturday, May 25, “Concealed carry OK’d in House,” a concealed carry bill (SB2193) overwhelmingly passed the Illinois House on Friday, May 24, with a vote of 85 to 30, thereby setting up a showdown that could well determine which Democratic elected leader wields the most state power: Gov. Quinn, House Leader Mike Madigan, or Chicago’s Mayor Emmanuel.

Given the overwhelming positive House vote, Illinois citizens are in favor of carrying weapons for self-defense. Now it is up to the Senate to pass concealed carry and for Gov. Quinn to sign the bill which he has threatened to veto.

If this should happen, legislators, whether Republican or Democratic, must override Quinn’s veto for the sake of honest citizens throughout Illinois.

Presently, Illinois is the only state without some form of concealed carry, a definite blot upon the state.

Although SB2193 is overly restrictive compared to neighboring states, it has these essential features: 1. “Shall-Issue.” 2. Statewide application regardless of “home rule.” 3. Elimination of the morass of home rule laws governing the possession and use of firearms.

Contrary to statements by Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emmanuel, SB2193 does not imperil safety in Chicago nor anywhere else. Not one 2012 murder in Chicago was committed with a long gun, much less a so-called “assault” weapon. In contrast, HB 183 must not be considered!

It’s past time for Rahm Emanuel to be brought to task for thumbing his nose at the U.S. Supreme Court, much less the 7th U.S. Circuit of Appeals. It’s also past time in Illinois for a new beginning.

Nancy J. Thorner

Lake Bluff