GLOCK21GB
Campaign Veteran
http://www.wgem.com/Global/story.asp?S=14037096
QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) --Conceal and carry...it's back on the front burner tonight. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states not to allow concealed gun permits. But, a hearing at the state capitol today examined a proposal to change that.
Lawmakers are looking at allowing county sheriffs to issue permits to people who have firearm owner's identification cards.
It's a controversial issue. Some say that citizens have the right to bear arms, while others say concealed and carry laws would lead to a dangerous situation.
Duane Long is a firearms instructor and owner of personal protection services, a firearms training company.
Long says a conceal and carry law would reduce crime because criminals would be less likely to engage in violence if their victims may be armed and able to defend themselves.
He says self-defense is what conceal and carry is all about.
"Its the opportunity if you will, or the choice if you will that if violence would come to them, that they have the ability to defend themselves and their families or even a third party," said Long.
But opponents of conceal and carry say more guns on the street is not the answer.
Members of the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence say conceal and carry laws go beyond the scope of personal protection and encourage people to use their guns to kill.
"What we're talking about is a wild wild west mentality where people in situations where they feel uncomfortable will just draw a gun and shoot first and ask questions later and that's just going to lead to an increase in violent crime," said Mark Walsh, campaign manager for the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
A long-running debate, picking up steam once again in Springfield.
Under one bill in front of the General Assembly, rigorous background checks and gun safety classes would be required before a permit is issued.
Still no word on when or if that House Bill will be called for a vote.
QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) --Conceal and carry...it's back on the front burner tonight. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states not to allow concealed gun permits. But, a hearing at the state capitol today examined a proposal to change that.
Lawmakers are looking at allowing county sheriffs to issue permits to people who have firearm owner's identification cards.
It's a controversial issue. Some say that citizens have the right to bear arms, while others say concealed and carry laws would lead to a dangerous situation.
Duane Long is a firearms instructor and owner of personal protection services, a firearms training company.
Long says a conceal and carry law would reduce crime because criminals would be less likely to engage in violence if their victims may be armed and able to defend themselves.
He says self-defense is what conceal and carry is all about.
"Its the opportunity if you will, or the choice if you will that if violence would come to them, that they have the ability to defend themselves and their families or even a third party," said Long.
But opponents of conceal and carry say more guns on the street is not the answer.
Members of the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence say conceal and carry laws go beyond the scope of personal protection and encourage people to use their guns to kill.
"What we're talking about is a wild wild west mentality where people in situations where they feel uncomfortable will just draw a gun and shoot first and ask questions later and that's just going to lead to an increase in violent crime," said Mark Walsh, campaign manager for the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
A long-running debate, picking up steam once again in Springfield.
Under one bill in front of the General Assembly, rigorous background checks and gun safety classes would be required before a permit is issued.
Still no word on when or if that House Bill will be called for a vote.
