Prairie State Wire

On Friday, August 30, 2024, the Federal Court in the Northern District Western Division issued a ruling in Schoenthal v. Raoul. The court found that the portion of the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act banning concealed carry on public transportation is unconstitutional.

The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) has provided a copy of the ruling for public access.

Various quotes from gun rights advocates were shared following the decision. One advocate stated, "Ninety-eight percent of the people in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It’s the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them." Another remarked on gun rights opponents: "The people who work against your gun rights are basically saying to you, 'The right of the criminal to rip you off, rape and kill you shall not be infringed.' And they wonder why we’re a bit testy."

One notable quote emphasized self-reliance: "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." Other statements included sentiments such as "You may find me one day dead in a ditch somewhere. But by God, you’ll find me in a pile of brass" and criticism towards using inner-city youth as evidence against guns: "Using inner city kids as your proof that guns and kids don’t mix is like using an alcoholic to prove all people will abuse alcohol."

Criticism was also directed at politicians: "How dare politicians continue to pass insane laws forcing good, law-abiding people to be defenseless and helpless." Historical perspectives were cited as well: “The said Constitution [shall] never be construed to authorize Congress to infringe or prevent the people of the United States from keeping their own arms.”

Further remarks reflected skepticism about legislative solutions: “One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that evils in this world are to be cured by legislation.” Additionally, historical assertions included “No free man shall ever be debarred from using arms” and concerns over constitutional interpretations: “Foolish liberals who are trying to read the Second Amendment out of the Constitution are courting disaster by encouraging others to use similar means.”

A statistical claim noted frequent defensive gun use: “Every 13 seconds in America someone uses a gun to stop a crime.” Lastly, referencing weapon design origins: “The AK-47 is not a device of aggression … I devised this machine-gun for the security of my country.”

For more information or inquiries:

Main Office

Illinois State Rifle Association

PO Box 637

Chatsworth, IL 60921

(815) 635-3198

member@isra.org

ISRA Range

1589 N 7000 W Road

Bonfield, IL 60913

(815) 939-1909

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