It's a fascinating discussion. Gun owners have long claimed that having a gun is a deterrent to crime. They ridicule gun control folks for their attempts to establish gun-free zones, claiming that criminals flock to such places to do their thing.Governor Pat Quinn today quietly signed legislation that exempts Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card holders from the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, easing the fears in armed households around Illinois.
“As Governor, I have made increasing openness and transparency in government one of my top priorities,” said Quinn, who released the news Saturday afternoon. “…[H]owever, it should not come at the expense of the public’s safety.”
But, in Illinois, they mounted a tremendous and successful opposition to Attorney General Lisa Madigan's attempt to make public the list of FOID cardholders. Does that make sense? Wouldn't burglars and home invaders avoid the addresses where gun owners live in favor of those unarmed sitting ducks?
What could be the reason behind this? I would think if the reason for having guns in the first place is for personal protection, there'd be no better way than to advertise the fact.
One interesting result, I'm sure it's not their chief motivation, is that when those burglars and home invaders do come in, gun owners can have the element of surprise, all the easier to blow the bad guys away in the dark.
(cross posted at Mikeb302000)
What do you think? Please leave a comment.
This is a list of citizens not a corporation or goverment agentce. all americans have a right to privcy,even in illinois.
ReplyDeleteHow about the non-gun-owning folks, do they have no right to know who among their neighbors excessively collects guns. I'd want to know.
ReplyDeleteWhat good would that info do you. Living in fear of your neighbors is no way to live. I bet youed treet you neighbors difrently. An armed society is a polite society.I do want to know what you would do if you fond out i was your neighbor and I was on the LIST.
ReplyDeleteArmed politeness? I think they call that intimidation.
ReplyDeleteIntimidation is whats behind the release of the FIOD card holders names.Own a gun and we will make sure the thugs will be watching your coming and goings at your home. No man or woman should fear a gun hidden out of site ie.A purse or under a shirt. Now tell me who is imnimdating who sir?
ReplyDeleteWell said anonymous,intimidation is the goal of the AG of Illinois.
ReplyDelete