So, yesterdays trip to Illinois has given me a day of much reflection. My boyfriend and I had business we had to do in Illinois, and as we got ready to leave, I strapped on my CCW as I always do when I leave the house. My significant other however, did not. He told me that it was a felony to carry into that state. I told him I would much rather be caught by the police with my weapon than caught by a criminal who wants to do me harm without my weapon. At this point, I am risking becoming a felon rather than jeepordize my safety. This is something that no American should have to worry themselves with, but as we are all aware, this is the fight we are fighting.
Driving down I-74 in Illinois was an interesting sight. Signs lined many of the fields along the highway with gun friendly quotes about our rights to carry and own firearms. These signs were put there by GSL (GunsSaveLife.com) It was quite refreshing seeing these and if I owned property there (God forbid) I would have them put some signs on my land as well.
I managed to spend the day in Illiois and get home without being pulled over by the police, but all the while I was there I felt like a criminal in that I knew I was breaking their unconstitutional gun laws. I have also driven through the state too many times to count heading down to Texas and have always carried.
So this day has made me wonder, why do we use the words “Law Abiding” gun owners when we make reference to ourselves? Should we not be able to just say “American citizens”? Because yesterday I was not a law abiding gun owner, I was an American citizen exercising my right to carry my firearm and protect myself.
I also realized yesterday that while my boyfriend talks the talk when it comes to defending 2A, he complied immeditely and without resistance to unconstitutional gun laws.
Anyway, I don’t look for others to expose themselves or things they have done that might defy the law, but I thought it could be discussed. I also thought about the thread we have on here about whether felons should have right to own/carry a firearm. Hmmm…how many of us could easily become a felon?