DRAWING
A BEAD
SB 2188 - July 21, 2004
Richard A. Pearson
Executive
Director, ISRA
As we all know, when citizens
allow the government to keep any information on you or your neighbor, it is only
a matter of time before some freedom-stealing bureaucrat finds a way to use it
against you. Even if you trust the present person, the next one will get at you
some way – it’s only a matter of time. Such is the case in Illinois right now.
In 1992, when we went to the instant background check for would-be gun
purchases, the state police started keeping a database of all the firearm
transactions. In 1998, the federal law changed by demanding these records be
destroyed within 90 days. In 2003, the law changed again demanding those records
be destroyed within 24 hours. Why do you suppose the law changed? Reports of
abuse and the fear of increasing abuse. The demands for this destruction of
records applies on to those citizens who have passed the background check, not
those who have criminal records or are otherwise not qualified to purchase a
firearm. The problem is not with keeping records on a criminal, it is with
keeping records on honest, law-abiding citizens.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has informed the State Police they must destroy
the records to be in compliance with federal law – the State Police has not done
so. They had over one year to comply with the law, but they claim that
destroying these records could impede any future investigations. How so you ask?
Well, here’s the story I got: “Suppose we have a crack- house or a meth lab – we
would like to know if these people at that address have an F.O.I.D. card and if
they’ve bought any firearms…” Duh! If they are criminals, they can’t have either
one. OK, suppose they don’t find any one there who has an F.O.I.D. card or
anything else. Does that mean when the tactical team knocks this place down,
they are going to throw away their bulletproof vest, M16s, and sawed-off
shotguns, and wear the latest Jimmie Buffet outfit? I don’t think so.
That's about as hollow an argument as you'll ever find. The
sad fact is this – the police feel they have the power to pass and enforce
legislation; self-approved rules enforced as they see fit. We are facing what we
have always feared, a cabal of agencies working together from an illegal
database designed to systematically destroy gun owners’ rights.
This database must be destroyed! Almost every one agrees with this, except the
City of Chicago, the County of Cook State's Attorney, the Illinois State Police,
and of course, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, or as I call them
“the usual suspects.” All these entities signed in against our bill. They are
also trying to persuade the legislature to let them continue to violate the DOJ
order, your gun rights, and your right to privacy.
Our bill, SB2188, simply requires the State Police to destroy the database they
have amassed over the last 12 years and comply with DOJ’s order. Please call
your State Representative and State Senator and urge them to vote for SB2188.
Join the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) – for more information or to become a member call 815/635-3198 or continue surfing our web site, then join on-line.
Richard A. Pearson
Executive Director, ISRA