Did you know that Illinois has more units of government than any other state (i.e., city, county, township, etc.). Over six thousand. One contributing reason may be the township governments, which are generally six miles square.
Did you know that Illinois has the highest gas tax in the Nation?
Did you know that Chicago Illinois has the highest sales tax in the Nation?
Now, thanks to Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago) our legislators may have found a way around the pesky Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. If you don't remember what the Second Amendment is here you go: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Rep. Dunkin has introduced House Bill 687 to the Illinois Legislature which would require gunowners to purchase $1 million worth of liability insurance.
Because Illinois resident are required to have a "Firearm Owner's Identification Card" (FIC) to possess shotguns, rifles and handguns, the state knows who in Illinois owns guns. The purpose of this House Bill 687 is to require gun owners to purchase insurance that may be too expensive for many, in hopes that they might give up their firearms.
This bill is a not worth the paper it is written on. As an insurance guy you would think that I would support any action that helps me sell more insurance. Think again. This bill was poorly constructed and the liability insurance that this bill would require would not cover liability from criminal acts which is what it was intended to do.
Dunkin's bill also would require the Illinois State Police, to revoke and seize the firearms & the firearm owner ID cards from anyone who does not supply proof of the liability coverage to the agency.
HB 687 is currently under consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives' Rules Committee.
I have always enjoyed hunting and look back with fond memories of my dad taking me hunting after school. Hunting and gun ownership has been a lifelong tradition for Americans. My son Clay and I enjoy hunting together and target shooting which has been a wonderful father son bonding activity for us.
Lets face the facts regarding gun ownership. Statistics have shown that Americans who legally own firearms are not the problem. The problem is with those folks who illegally own firearms.
I have been supportive of wating periods for gun ownership, gun registration, safety training and other well thought plans which address gun ownership and safety. Last year my son Clay completed his hunter safety education and what a happy day this was for our family.
At what point do we say enough is enough? Our second amendment rights are on trial here.
Are you still unconvinced? Lets fast forward.
Consider Attorney General Eric Holder who recently stated "The Second Amendment Does Not Protect Firearms Possession or Use That Is Unrelated To Participation In a Well-Regulated Militia."
This is the same guy who recently said "Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and I believe continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards,"
Cowards Mr. Holder? I respectfully disagree....
So what can you do? Please contact your elected officials to share your thoughts. If you do not know who your elected officials are please use the following link to search for your representatives.
http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1
Let Freedom Ring
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We as Americans have long been far too complacent in our participation of "self governance". This is another wake up call to get vocal, and let our opinions be known to our elected officials. Then hold them accountable, until we do so en-masse we will continue to suffer the consequences of government run amok.