IGOLD 2017

Since I missed last year due to just starting a new job, I made it a point to attend this year.  Again 4PB attended w. me.  4PA had a track meet (which ended up cancelled due to rain) otherwise he would have come as well.

First off, foul weather, fair weather friends, and complacency (the theme of the podium talks) have taken its toll on IGOLD.  From the peak the year before CCW was passed, attendance was only a fraction of that.  People seem to think that w/ Trump in things are safe. While he will be better than Hillary on guns, Illinois has become the centerpoint of anti-gun legislation, from additional fees and licenses to drive dealers out of business, stripping people of their firearm rights w/o due process based off of rumor or hostile testimony, to banning lead ammo, all of it has been thrown up against the wall in the legislature.  W/ so few people showing up to IGOLD, it makes it that much harder to keep these bills from gaining traction.

So, on to the meat of the day.
In the lobby of the Prairie Capitol Convention Center, Rhonda Ezell's new project, sure to tick off the right people:

The primary speakers, Mike Wiesman (ISRA VP), Richard Pearson (ISRA ED) and Todd Vandermyde (NRA lobbyist)

4PB and the March:

Some photos of her w/ Rhonda Ezell:

Then it started to rain:

The usual running around and dropping off cards at the offices.  Dale Righter, our State Senator, was in committee, Gov. Rauner was busy, Cullerton and Madigan were 'busy'.

We did get to see Sen. Chapin Rose, my former State Rep. and someone I make a point to look up every IGOLD. 

At the last minute, I got a call from Rep. Reggie Phillip's office saying he was heading towards the Capitol building and had time to see us.

The work continues.

Chicago vs IGOLD

Thousands of law-abiding firearm owners, countless w/ CCW licenses, descend on the capitol of Illinois to lobby their legislators for better firearm laws.  Not a single violent or disruptive incident recorded. The staff at PCCC and many Capitol police say IGOLD attendees are among the most polite and clean.

Nary a single mention on the news of this, one of the largest political events there during the year.

Over the same time period in Chicago, however, a city which is still trying to make itself entirely a 'gun free zone' w/ bans, the most CCW restrictions etc. , generates this headline:

2 killed, 12 wounded in shootings since Wednesday morning

and the crime ticker on the side is full of more. No CCW's or even FOID card possessors in sight.

Yet people like Ladd Everitt of the CSGV, who vocally opposes much of the BOR, call IGOLD attendees 'traitors' and 'insurrectionists' for daring, DARING to demand legislators listen to the will of the people instead of moguls like Bloomber.

Which side does he support? 

IGOLD 2015

After much wrangling to make sure I was able to go, FourthPower Bravo asked if she could attend IGOLD w/ me this year since she's on spring break. When we arrived, we discovered that the PCCC internet was having issues so it was hit or miss to lock on.  Mine was a miss hence the end of the day post instead of live updating.

After opening remarks, ISRA board member Mike Weisman was first up:

We weren't 'quite' at our peak of 8k attendees (more like about 1500-2K although IC estimates 3-4k).  He recognized vets in the audience, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and we stood for the National Anthem sung by Ronnie Lee:

State Rep Brandon Phelps, original sponsor of CCW:

Out of 100k CCW licenses, .001% revoked after a year. Suppressors, legal in 39 states are next on the agenda.

St. Rep. John Anthony:

Supporting like 8 bills.  CCW beginning to preserve 2A.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction….” –Ron Reagan

ISRA Exec Dir. Richard Pearson gave the most heartfelt speech of the morning.

Green tip first of many.  Will try another.  Have to stay organized. Battle to the death between them and us.  I know what they want to do, how they think, how unscrupulous. These people are treacherous.  138 gun bills.  Unravel 2A 1 thread at a time. As long as we’re around that will never happen.

Recognition of ISRA lobbyists. 5 including pearson.

Thanks to Otis Mcdonald and his family.

Otis left this world a much better place. 

At this point Mr. Pearson teared up to the point he couldn't continue. Otis McDonald and him were friends and we all miss him. His family remarked on how special he was. 

Valinda Rowe, Illinois Carry:

9^th annual IGOLD w/ unified groups.  Common cause among gun owners. We won the battle of ownership w/ Mcdonald.  Won 'bear' w/ mary shepard. Now it’s shall not be infringed. We don’t need legislators defining it.  Rauner let IGOLD reps in the office for the first time. “Welcome to my office”  Checked his FOID card exp date.  Need to deliver a clear and focused message.  Please keep IGOLD for firearm rights.  Capitol Police “We appreciate your group”.  “Gun free zones are killing zones”

 Todd Vandermyde, NRA Lobbyist:

None of the blood in the streets predictions have happened.  They were wrong.  Now they want to ban ‘you’. “Violence restraining order’.  BOP on you to prove you’re not a danger. 

 They don’t know what to do.  Trying to stay relevant. Nothing but paid for Astroturf of Bloomberg.  First time in 12 yrs welcomed in Gov office.

Don Moran, ISRA Pres:

Recognition of Rich pearson

Overview of bills/litigation

Wilson v Cook County, Ezell v Chicago

More nonsense from Chicago range requirements.

The March:

4thPwr B in the throws of youth activism, meeting legislators and lobbying.

 W/ Valinda Rowe and Rhonda Ezell

 State Sen. Righter's office.

 State Sen. Chapin Rose

 In front of the Capitol Building.

Much smaller than even last year.  Most of the fair weather activists have flown leaving the core, which is still 10x the largest anti-gun rallies of max 200.  The daughter really got into the event
 and wants to go back next year.  She talked to politicians, lobbyists, and activists from across the state.

Several other people took photos they will be sending me. I'll add them later.

More pics via GSL