I thought this open carry thread over on illinoiscarrry might be of interest here:
Howdy Amigo!
I am from Illinois originally. Being about a thousand miles from Illinois feels about right.
My house in Illinois is currently the habitation of my step-dad. When he goes his way to the pearly gates, I'll sell the house and not likely ever return to Illinois because of the stance against carry of any stripe.
The link you posted led me to check out the sort of discussion going on over there. From one fellow who stated "I tried it once, felt like I had a neon sign over my head, uncomfortable, never again, etc, etc..." struck me as an indication of the problem Illinois has. It hinted at an attitude of "My way or the highway" sort of mentality. I am not trying to disparage anybody, but how does imposition of any infringement of a right support that right? Since when does the free exercise of a right require government permission? If it requires permission, does that not literally install an infringement?
I left Illinois to live in Colorado. While I did get myself a CCW permit, I usually open carry everywhere I go. Contrary to what some folks on the forum you provided as a link, it ain't about showing off or carrying a sidearm to swagger around town to prove I'm some sort of bad hombre. It is about exercising a right. More than that, it is about what is comfortable for me. It is about what is effective and efficient for me. It is about my ability to carry freely however I choose. We are working toward constitutional carry here, and hope we get it, because it is the right thing to do considering it is our right under Amendment 2.
We anticipate visiting the old homestead in Illinois, and I am uncomfortable that doing so would require surrender of my constitutional right to defend myself, property and loved ones. This causes a real problem because I ain't keen on surrendering a right. Getting a permit of any kind is more infringement than ought to exist. While some may be comfortable bending their knee to the powers that be, and begging permission to exercise their right, I surely ain't.
Open carry should be respected because it is our right. Those who prefer asking permission are welcome to do so, but the question I'd have is....
What other rights are you willing to ask permission to exercise? How would they feel about asking permission to worship as they are led? Or to exercise their freedom of speech? Maybe have the government clear and approve anything the post on the forums? Or the right of free assembly? If we give up our right in one area, are they not all put in jeopardy?
Anyhow, I anticipate visiting Illinois eventually. Need to do that sooner rather than later, but really don't much like the notion of giving up my right of any carry whatsoever to visit my boyhood home. Why should doing so pose a risk to my life and liberty?
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
