Thank you

Thank you for supporting concealed carry! I appreciate your efforts!

Mr. Wescott, I too, applaud your support of an Illinois ccw permit. I have several out of state non resident permits that allow me to carry in our surrounding states. I am a small business man that travels out of state weekly. I still find it hard to understand how our neighbors will allow me to protect myself and family but when I cross the Illinois border I must stop, unload my weapon, put it in a case, and store it in the back of my vehicle, because I am not trusted in the very state where I live! My only concern is if indeed Winnebago county passes this will it be legal or does the state law overide it? At any rate it is a positive step and other counties will surely follow. Thank Youand Good Luck Vern Lemasters

I am a former Indiana Police Officer and an honor graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Unfortunatly I now live in Illinois where many politicians think I cannot be trusted to carry a concealed firearm. I am very proud of those Winnebago County board members who are willing to stand up and fight for my rights as a US citezen. One only has to look at the crime rates of those states with CC as opposed to those ( Chicago) without to see that concealed carry dramaticly reduces violent crime. Thank you and other counties will be watching this closely.

GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE,, DALEYS' FELLOW CHICAGOANS DO.

Fred, Keep up the good work. Gun carry is very important to the USA and I do agree, it needs to be a well thought out process, but never the less, one that is our right.

As Vice Chairman of the Pike County Board I urge all citizens in Winnebago County to get behind Fred Wescott for County Board. Open thinkers like Fred are hard to come by. Good job on the CCW I will be watching it close!

Mr. Wescott, Thank You for supporting OUR rights to carry firearms. May the law abiding citizens create a safer place for us all. Thanks, Ken Dalton

Fred, Please vote to help out the law-abiding citizen protect themselves in your county. Why is it that Illinois will not allow a person that does not break the law to protect themselves and their families when they are outside of their homes. Please help Winnebago county be the first county to pass conceal and carry for the law-abiding citizen. -Darren Madison County, IL

Mr. Wescott, Good for you for trying to get CCW introduced into IL. I was in your state recently and could not CCW as I can in most of the rest of the U.S. In fact, I couldn't even buy ammo because I didn't have a FOID card! I hope you have great success in your efforts.

Mr. Wescott, Thank you for assisting in allowing law abiding citizens of IL to protect themselves legally. I too am a holder of a Utah CCW permit because of my frequent travels, yet when I'm home, here in IL, I'm not allowed to do so.. All we're after is allowing qualified legal citizens the right to protect ourselves from those who don't care about human rights or human life.. I dread the thought of ever needing to use a weapon (any weapon) to defend myself or my family, but I dread the thought of not having the abilty just as much. During my concealed carry training, the instructor informed our class that CCW permit holders are the most law abiding citizens in the U.S. of A, and because we've followed the rules of society by obtaining the permit, we refuse to break laws and lose that right which is very dear to our hearts. We aren't gunslinging cowboys, but hardworking, law abiding people who only want to protect ourselves. This seems like a pretty easy request, when looked at in the proper light. Thank you again for your help and I wish the best for you and your family.

Mr. Wescott, thank you for your efforts on behalf of law-abiding citizens to bring us the right to carry a concealed weapon. I may just have to move from McHenry County to Winnebago County. I find it less than amusing that I could obtain a concealed-carry permit in Pennsylvania in order to have the right, through reciprocity, to carry in over 20 states; yet I cannot have the same right in my home state. I am on a 3-week motorcycle trip through the Southeastern U.S. and have carried many states along the way, except Illinois and South Carolina. When I get back to the Illinois state line, I'll have to unload and pack my handgun. Good luck with establishing the concealed-carry privilege for Winnebago County residents.

Mr. Wescott, I would like to thank you for your efforts on the issue of concealed carry. It is our basic human right to defend ouselves agains those that would do us harm. Since I live in Illinois I am denied that right. I can only pray that we get that back.

I am in total support of "Carry Concealed". Why should the law abiding citizens who pay taxes and register themselves (FOID), be penalized of this privilege ? It is a proven fact that crime has decreased in all states with "the right to carry concealed" law. The problem is, the only ones carrying are the criminals, maybe this would give them something to think about, as it has proved it works everywhere else. We need to have the same protection for ourselves and our families, as do all other states. Why is it Illinois is always the last to bend.....? Certain politicians in Illinois and Chicago Politics (no names mentioned) definitely influences this state, now doesn't it....Aren't certain people in Chicago and Springfield very good friends..????

Mr. Wescott, I support your efforts to bring Concealed Carry rights back to Illinois. I am a Utah CCW permit holder and I find it discouraging that I must give up the right to protect myself and my family everytime I return to Illinois. 48 of 50 States recognize the right to carry. It's getting to the point that we are considering a move to Indiana. Thank you for fighting to return this right to the citizens of Illinois.

I appreciate what you are doing for your district, standing upto the BIG dragon of Cook County. We need more Knights like you to slay that dragon so we can live as our forefathers had intended. I have lived in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee and I had a CC permit in each of those states. I never had to pull out my gun and use it for self/family defense, but knowing I had that option made me and my family feel more secure. Keep up the good fight, and I will be ready for the fight when it comes to Sangamon County! Thanks!

I applaud your efforts to give Illinois residents the ability and the means in which to protect themselves. I cannot think of any right more fundamental than that of self protection. I live in Kentucky. But I do follow 2nd Amendment issues around the country. I have long been saddened to see that so many Illinois residents are held hostage by that of corrupt and misguided politicians in Cook County. That one county's politics should not deny citizens from the rest of the state that most basic of freedoms....self protection. I wish you the best of luck in your effort and will do whatever I can to support you.

Illinois' continued abuse of civil rights and poor economic performance is is disgusting. It has not been enough to waste our tax dollars but those in control have flushed our constitutional rights down the same drain. Although I do not live within your district you have the support of many pro-Constitution Illinoisans. Thank you for your effort in restoring our rights.

Whenever I travel to St. Louis, I remain on the Missouri side (which honors my Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit). Someday I would like to visit the Illinois side, but not until they recognize my right to defend myself and my family. Until then, I will continue to spend my money in Missouri.

Fred: Thanks for your support of our 2nd Amendment Rights to own and BEAR arms. It's good to see someone in your position working hard for our basic constitutional rights. Thanks again for your support.

I want to say thank you for taking a stand to uphold our constitution. It's about time someone from the State of Illinois tried to protect the right and ability of the people of Illinois to defend themselves. This is an especially important issue to the women of Illinois, like my wife, who works as a Nurse in a hospital. She has worked varying shifts, being forced to leave the hospital in the middle of the night, in a bad neighborhood, with no way to protect herself. This is just wrong! The State of Illinois needs to let all people, and especially women like my wife have the ability to defend themselves. Good Luck with your effort, and may it spread to the rest of the state.

Dear Mr Wescott. I as well do not live in your county and I am a big supporter of the CCW law, I would like to say that not only this law would reduce crime but it can save many lives as well. I feel that in most cases that a person that is willing to cause harm to others with a firearm, is going to do so with or without regaurds to any laws in effect. So the only bad thing about this is that many inocent people get killed due to we all are afraid to fight back! Because if we had to defend our selfs or help defend people in need: we would be prosicuted and do jail time! I was raised the old way to help people in need, and someday I might need to help someone or myself with justafiable force needed to save lives.

Sir, thank you for your support of carry holders in IL. Best of luck to you in the future!

I applaud your efforts to bring common sense to Illinois, concerning concealed-carry. I live in Virginia, and work for a non-profit in DC. My employers are having their biennial convention in Chicago next month. I volunteered to stay behind and do network support in the office, specifically because of current CCW laws in Illinois.

Sir: I live in Cook county and have been in the forefront of the fight for the second amendment for over 15 years. From my perspective, your actions mirror the change that will be most evident when the US Suprem Court finds the D.C. gun ban unconstitutional. We are preparing to challenge Chicago's, Morton Grove's and other localaties bans when that happens. I applaud your efforts to right this long standing wrong and to indirectly aid the rest of us fighting for the Constitution and the Second Amendment in Illinois. Be aware of the growing tide of activity regarding this topic and note that the groundswell is huge and unwavering.

Mr. Wescott, I fully support this movement, and I hope it will start to snowball and make a big difference and allow people to defend themselves against senseless injustices such as murder, rape, and robbery. You are doing a great thing by starting the ball rolling. Please, lawmakers of Illinois, hear this plea of your citizens to allow them to carry a firearm and defend themselves, and their family. The eyes of the country will soon be on Illinois in time; will you do the right thing? The more you restrict your citizens (and consequentially people travelling from other states with CCWs that would spend money on your local economy), the more you hurt yourself and the image of your state; as well as being a stain on the country as a whole for such unjust laws. Thank you Mr. Wescott, from an Ohioan who hopes our Illinois neighbors will be able to join us in lawfully carrying a firearm for protection.

We have had CCW in Ohio for several years now. Contrary to the rantings and scare tactics of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the FOP, and others, we have not had an increase in violence or crime attributable to CCW. CCW license holders are law abiding citizens who believe we should have the capability of defending ourselves and our families should the need arise. Good luck in your efforts.

Dear Mr. Wescott, I am in full support of our 2nd amendment rights, as well as, passing concealed carry in IL PERMANENTLY!!!. It is disheartening me to live in a state where lawmakers whom I have never met can tell me that I do not have the right to protect myself or my family. Mayor Daley has forced his gun control agenda on the entire state of IL for too long. I support Concealed carry in IL and I support you!!! Good Luck and God Speed!!!

I want to commend you on your efforts, refreshing to see someone in public service concerned with the rights of law abiding citizens, instead of the rights of the lawless.

Thanks for supporting the 2nd Amendment and CCW for IL!

Thank you Mr. Wescott for supporting our 2nd Amendment Rights. Illinois residents deserve the right to protect ourselves. I am thankful that we have you fighting for Concealed Carry in the state of Illinois. Best of luck to you!!!

il should not be so for behind all the other states.

I've been an IL resident for the last 30 years. I am an avid sport shooter with over 20 years experience with firearms. I currently hold 2 CCW permits from other states, as do a lot of IL residents. It's comforting to know that 30 other states trust me enough to allow me to defend myself and my loved ones, but also disturbing that the state I have called home most of my life does not. What are we worried about? Blood flowing in the streets? It hasn't happened in any of the other 48 states that allow some form of concealed carry. Why is IL any different? If you were a criminal, and wanted to make sure your prey wouldn't be able to fight back, what state would you go to; one where anyone could potentially be carrying protection, or one where you know they can't legally do so? For anyone with a logical thought process, this decision should be easy. IL residents already have to go through background checks to obtain a FOID card and purchase a gun. Unfortunately, the criminals don't. The bad guys will always be able to carry weapons because they don't care about the law. Why not give those who do care about the law a chance to protect themselves and their families from such people?

Good luck, sir. I support your efforts to bring CCW to IL.

I personally cannot believe how politicians, lawmakers, or anyone cannot see that more gun laws against the law abiding really do NOT work. It will never work! Since criminals do not obey the very laws that makes them a criminal in the first place, tougher laws on the law abiding just makes for more victims, AND criminals. Today you could be a law abiding citizen, tomorrow a new further restrictive gun law could be passed. Then an individual could be faced with having to essentially make the decision of "do I become a potential victim?" or "do I become a criminal?". So, as you see passing further restrictive laws on firearms only makes for more potential victims, and more people that are otherwise law abiding citizens to "turn into criminals" since all they ultimately want to do, is be able to defend themselves. I really hope to see a CCW enacted in Winnebago county, IL along with the entire state of IL (and WI) to follow suite. I really wish to sincerely thank you Mr. Wescott for your support on this matter. Thank you! Shawn Blake

I would like to thank Mr. Wescott for bringing Concealed Carry to the forefront of this community. I must admit, I really didn't know much about Concealed Carry a month ago. I was shocked to find out Florida has had Concealed Carry legislation since 1987...thats over 20 years ago. Now, there are 48 states that have one form or another of Right to Carry. Do we really believe all of these anti-gun legislative manuevers from Chicago and Springfield really protect us from criminals? What makes Illinois so right...and 48 states wrong?

Mr. Wescott, Tomorrow I am to submit my next editorial for The Monroe Times, in Green County, Wis., (a state which I hope will become the LAST communist state in the union to forbid the carrying of a concealed weapon.) Your County's pending resolution will become the focus on my article. I ask that I may publish you name and your website address, and mention some of its visitor comments in my article. I intend to attend your June 10th meeting (barring any Monroe City emergency coverage). (I will need to do a follow-up article, no?) See you at the meeting.

Fred, I appreciate your efforts in trying to further the cause of law abiding gun owners in having the right to protect themselves with conceal carry. I can carry in about 20 states thanks to the state of Pennsylvania, but my own state, that I have lived in all my life, doesn't trust any of us. Good luck and thank your again.

I like many other law abidding citizens of this state are pulling for the passing of the Winnebago County resolution. I appreaciate everything you are doing as this is the start of change for every county. I live in Kane county and know that this will help propell others to pick-up the cause and fight for the right to carry arms. You have a large number of FOID holders in Winnebago County (28,914) so I wish you luck in getting them to help support this cause. Regards, Dave Smith

Self defense is the right from which all others follow. I strogly support the personal right to keep and bear arms.

Thank you very much for pushing for the true meaning of the 2nd amendment to the citizens of Illinois. I hope if you achieve CCW in your county that it will spread throughout the state.

I appreciate someone really fighting for our rights. I've always felt that the right to protect ourselves as been a right from the beginning of our nation. Thanks for tryning to enforce that right.

I moved to Aurora from a state with nearly zero gun control laws (other than no felons in possession, etc.) we had a average murder rate of

Thank God some one has the ability to look at an issue and not have an emotional decision for it. The right to carry is a basic right each law abiding person should have the choice to make, or not make based on their personal feelings. The important thing to understand is that as we respect the right for someone who chooses not to carry, we demand to have the same respect back from those who choose not to protect themselves with a concealed hand gun. This plan being considered is a great start for a law that will allow each citizen to protect themselves if something would happen. God speed and keep up the good fight!

I too am a lifelong resident of Winnebago county and a law abiding citizen. I would like to voice my support for concealed carry and I urge the Winnebago County Board to pass this resolution.

This nation was founded on the principle that the common man can be trusted to do the right thing. The bearing of arms is a prime example. Licensed concealed carry has been proven in state after state to be safe and beneficial.

Thank you for your efforts. It is good to see an elected official sticking up for the law abiding citizens of IL. I have been trying to leave the state of IL because of their irresponsible firearms laws. Thank you for supporting IL citizens.

I will never understand how lawmakers will not allow people to defend themselves. The city of Chicago is planning to allow certain cops to walk around with m4s with no training, but a law abiding citizen with thousand of rounds shot at a range cant take out the same sidearm that the police use for their protection.

I support you to wholeheartedly in getting the ball rolling for concealed carry in Illinois. It is high time our state joined the 48 others that stand by the 2nd amendment.

Thank you for your efforts to bring concealed carry to Illinois. You have our support.

As a resident of Illinois I whole heartedly support some form of CCW. Preferably a 'shall issue' type tied to some kind of competency skills assessment.

It's about time that Illinois joins the other 48 states with ccw laws. Its worked in the other states to reduce crime and it will work in IL also !

All law abiding citizens of America should have the right to carry, including people from Illinoi.

All human beings have the right to defend themselves from violent aggressors. Since the State of ILLannoy won't acknowledge this right, and instead favors criminal predators, I support the county taking these steps to assure that our women and children can stay safe. Why is it that men and women who transport money for bankers -- bags of paper and cheap metal -- can carry a pistol to protect themselves (and the money, of course), when I can't protect my own life, my wife, and my children? My life is worth infinitely more than all of the paper and metal in those bags, and I demand to be able to protect it!!!! Let's put the CRIMINALS in jail, and leave the law-abiding alone. Let's ENCOURAGE self-defense and personal responsibility, so that crime will plummet. Let's get rid of these victimless, unenforceable laws based on NON-CRIMES like these gun laws, and let's focus our law enforcement officers on the real crimes where people are hurt or victimized in some way. SUPPORT CONCEALED CARRY!!!!

I live in the St. Louis metro area, and at present, I try to avoid driving into Illinois due to the current gun laws, and the rampant crime on the east side of the Mississippi river. If Illinois would join the rest of the states in issuing concealed carry permits to citizens, and honoring out of state permits, that would go a long way in cutting the crime.

All law abiding citizens should have the privilege of being able to follow all 10 of our constitutional amendments without fear of reprisal, and no state or local authority to singularly eliminate that. Thank you for your efforts!

I support the conceal carry permit and the right to bear arms.

It's about time that Illinois joins the other 48 states with ccw laws. If the state does background checks for law abiding citizens to purchase firearms and ammunition, then it should follow that with the proper training these same people should have a right for concealed carry.

I thank you for your efforts to bring Conceal Carry in Illinois. With the Supreme Court's ruling that the Police aren't required to defend, protect, or put themselves in harms way on behalf of the citizen, that sends a message loud and clear that we are on our own. Illinois and Wisconsin repeatedly turning down legislation to promote Conceal Carry only tells me that they don't care for the welfare of the law abiding citizens and only cater to their own personal agendas.

I would like to say first and foremost, Thank you for trying to get my rights back that were taken away from me so many years ago. My life and my familyâ??s life are worth protecting and I will do that with my last breath. Now that you are working on passing this law I will be able to do that with the best tools at my disposal, and I actually stand a chance against the bad guys. One more thing that I really don't understand is, what would happen if a 110lb woman were to be attacked by a 200lb man, to be mugged, rapped, and left for dead? Its time that we allow the citizens of this county and this state to allow them to protect themselves instead of relying on the police, who seem to always be a few minutes late, when seconds count. Thanks again for all those who are considering this or for those who are doing the research. It only takes a half an hour of looking at Gun Facts 4.2 for you to start seeing that this is the right thing to do and all the facts have the source where they came from, unlike most of the anti-gun people who have a tendency to make up their own facts.

I strongly support the notion that a law abiding citizen who passes a background check and has familiarity with the safe use of firearms and the appropriate situations where they may be legally used, SHOULD be allowed to carry a concealed firearm. this will deter violent crimes of opportunity against innocent victims, and ensure that a potential bad guy thinks twice before assaulting another innocent person. If Utah, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire trust me with safely sanely carrying a concealed firearm, shouldn't my home state of Illinois do likewise?

Thank you for all your efforts to bring concealed carry to Illinois. Although a Floridian ,I have relatives in your state who feel defenseless with the Draconian Gun Laws now in force for law abiding citizens of your fine state. Hopefully in the near future, Illinois will join 39 other states who have shall issue concealed carry. They deserve no less.for the protection of themselves and their families.

I recently finished a defensive shooting class through our community college. I believe that with proper training and a background check we should be allowed to protect ourselves with the best tools available. I was shocked when someone in our class told us to check out the Illinois State Police website. They actually sugest that we throw up on ourselves if someone is trying to rape us. It's hard to believe that if it was their wife or daughter they wouldn't prefer for them to have at least a 9mm. The US constitution gives us the right to self defense. The state of Illinois has taken that right away. Thank you for all you're doing.

I'm a law abiding owner in Illinois, and a concealed permit holder with a non-resident permit from Utah. I fully support and encourage your efforts. I fully believe that gun control laws assume that criminals obey the law. This is false.

Thank you for being one of the few Illinois politians with enough honesty and courage to stand up for the law-abiding citizens who wish for no more than to protect themselves and their families. Politians against Law-abiding CCW have no answers to crime victims and become part of the crime against the community.

Restricting CCW obviously is not working. Defending ourselves is a human right!

An armed man is a Citizen. An unarmed man is a subject. "Free people can say "no". Free people can refuse demands for their money, time, and children. Slaves cannot. There is no freedom without the freedom to say "no". If someone demands that you do something and you can say "no" and refuse to do it, then you are a free human being. If you can be forced to do something or surrender something that you do not wish to, then you are a slave. No other test need be applied" -- Michael Rivero

As a law abiding gun owner I salute you on this stand you are taking. I hope people realize that this is not so much a gun issue, as it is a public safety issue. Criminals have had free reign in this state for far too long, and it's about time we ALL stand-up and say Enough's Enough.

I'm 19 and I'm proud to say I know you Steve. Good luck and please continue your wonderful efforts for Winnebago County and the State of Illinois. Sincerely, Samantha Lengjak

The right to carry should be the right of every American. It's time Illinois join the rest of the Country. In the right hands guns don't kill. It is the criminal that strips us of that right for their own selfish use. The rob, rape,and kill with the use of guns that aren't even legal. If we legalize the right to carry, how many idiots out there that abuse the right are going to come bothering you, if they think you might have a gun. They are not so tough then. Guns in the hands of responsible human beings are not a threat. They might even save you life or the life of your loved ones. Thanks for all you efforts Steve (Fred). I appreciate everything you are trying to do for this to pass. God Bless America! Bobbie Lengjak

Fred, As you know I'm a hunter and respect how to handle a gun. Only criminals that break laws are the ones we should punish. I'm a law abidding citizen and I'm highly in favor of the right to carry guns. Maybe if the criminals out there know they might confront and innocent law abidding citizen with a gun..they might think twice about a break in or a mugging or even a murder. Thank you for all your efforts to promote CCW in Illinois. It's time Illinois catch up with the rest of the Nation. Sincerely, Dale Lengjak

I am a lifelong resident of Winnebago county and a law abiding gun owner. I would like to voice my support for concealed carry and I urge the Winnebago County Board to pass this resolution.

Property can be replaced, life cannot! Concealed carry allows us to protect what cannot be replaced. hank you for your efforts in Winnebago County!

And I am yet another law-abiding citizen. Thank you for your efforts,and don't give up. Baby steps,man,baby steps...

Why is it that citizens in Illinois can get out of state concealed carry permits for the states around Illinoios, but are not allowed to have one in Illinois? I feel it is only fair that Illinois citizens have the same rights as the other 48 states that allow their citizens to have a concealed carry permit for the purpose of protecting their families, their property and themselves. Please support concealed carry in Illinois.

Fred , I want to thank you and your fellow board members for trying to pass a ccw law . Why is it I can carry a concealed firearm in Wy. or Pa. and most of the states between the two , but as soon as I cross the Illinois line I become a felon ??? Again , I say thank you Fred....Harold Douglas

If the United States was a fairytale like some people would like to believe; We would not need tools to protect ourselves. The harsh reality of it all is there are bad people out there, they are going to force their ill will on anyone they can. Why as an upstanding law abiding citizen should I be unable to defend myself and my family. The jails are over crowded so they let these violent criminals back out on the streets along with you and I. If I were carrying a firearm for protection, I would be made an example of. I would get jail time and the book thrown at me. The carreer criminal on the other hand gets probation and goes and does it again, and again, and again. Does anyone else see somthing wrong with this picture? That is why we need Concealed Carry in Winnebago County and the State of IL. A very smart and attractive man once said "The bad guys already have guns, why can't we"

When will Illinois learn what 48 other states already know? The police cannot be everywhere to protect you; the best they can do is put up crime scene tape and investigate after the crime. In every state that has begun issuing citizens permits to carry concealed weapons violent crime has gone down dramatically. Permit holders as a group have proven to be far more law abiding than the general population. Criminals, by definition, don't need permits to carry weapons and so they already do. In Illinois we have created a society where only those with evil intent may go armed among their helpless victims. Our state implements ever tighter restrictions on gun ownership, completely ignoring both United States and Illinois constitutions as well as one of the most basic of human rights, that of self defense

Why does KY, MO, IN, TN, GA, AK, and many other states allow me to carry for my protection and that of my loved ones, but Illinois, my own home state does not? I feel like a second class citizen here. Thank goodness many of the folks on the Winnebago county board have moved to pursue this issue. This is a real "common sense" gun measure.

I urge the Winnebago County board to pass the concealed carry resolution. It will increase the safety of all Winnebago citizens even though only a small percentage of people will get a concealed carry permit. As in the 48 states that have concealed carry legislation everyone is safer from criminals because the criminal can no longer expect a potential victim is unarmed. A few years ago Orlanda Florida had a rape crime problem. Since Florida has concealed carry legislation, they decided to offer firearms training to women who wished to carry firearms. 2500 women took the course and the next year rapes were down 85% and robberies 45%. Of the 2500 women not one fired her handgun. This is surely superior to the Illinois State Police recommendation that a woman use a nail file or comb for defense, or throw up on herself to make herself less appealing. In the state of Florida over a 10 year period only .019 of 1% of the carry permit holders lost their license because of breaking the law. Giving rersponsible citizens the means to protect themselves doesn't turn a state or county into the "Wild West" though that scenerios is predicted in every place concealed carry legislation is proposed. Our surrounding states of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas all have carry legislation (as well as 44 other states) do Winnebago county residents quake in fear as they go to these other states? I expect not and they shouldn't as states that issue more carry permits have less crime. Just as depriving every one except police, private security, and Chicago alderman the right to drive is not the way to attack a drunk driving problem, neither is making law abiding citizens defenseless the way to stop gun crime.

I, like many law-abiding citizens of Illinois believe a means to protect ourselves, our families and property is long overdue. The Illinois State Police offers no real means for self protection; that is unless someone believs a nail file, keys or other useless object is a viable means of defense. The ISP even goes so far as to recommend women tell their attacker they have a veneral disease. are pregnant or make themselves vomit to discourage an attacker. Don't believe me? Here's the link: http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/saconfronted.cfm Is this the best defense that the state of Illinois can offer? I'm simply appalled at the position of the Illinois State Police and our legislature. Law Enforcement Officers and Aldermen of Chicago can carry a firearm to defend themselves. What makes their lives more valuable that yours or mine? This elitist attitude has permeated and corrpted the General Assembly and Chicago City governement. It's high time the citizens of this state stood up for thier rights; one of those being the right to self defense. Thank you for leading the charge on this important matter. I do, and will support your efforts for CCW in Illinois.

Wow. To think that someday I may be able to protect my life and those of loved ones without being thought of as a criminal is very appealing. It's sad that any law abiding person with a CCL from elsewhere suddenly becomes a desperate criminal once he crosses into Blagoland.:(

As a law abiding citizen of Illinois i too am in support of the efforts to allow Concealed Carry. People have been killing people for a long time and that will never change. We shouldn`t have to be a victim because some people haven`t figured it out yet.

When I drive my car I always take with me the same items: cell phone, keys, wallet, GPS device, a can of fix-a-flat, etc. All of these things help me prepare for unexpected problems like getting lost, calling a tow truck, fixing a flat tire, etc. Usually, I will never need these things, but there have been several times I did need one or more of these items. If I leave my car to venture out into public I choose to keep some of these things in the car rather than in my pocket. Why? Chances are I will not need a GPS device or a can of fix-a-flat when shopping in the mall. Being prepared is simply risk-management and weighing the odds of needing a certain object at any given moment. I will never regret being prepared for the worse. In fact, I would rather be over-prepared than under-prepared. I believe any woman who carries a wide variety of items in her purse would readily agree. A handgun is something I would like to add to this list. Will I ever need it? Maybe not, but there are times when it might come in handy. For example when I am camping, fishing, or hiking far from sources of help, or when I have a stalled vehicle late at night in an unfamiliar city. At any time an animal or human attacker could target me, so why should I not be able to defend myself from them? It is a right exercised in 48 states, why not in Illinois? I can't thank you enough for helping bring this right back to Illinois.

In my current job I deal with many Law Enforcement Officers on a daily basis, I have the highest respect for all of them. With that said it would be very unintelligent to belive that they will be there to protect either me or my loved ones should the need occur. While they are all very compitant Police work is reactive, and by the time they arrive the situation has already ended, and should I be unable to defend my family the situation my have ended in the death or injury of someone that I love. While I do not belive that CCW permits should be issued to everone I do believe that they should be awarded to any who complete, a criminal hisotry and mental illness check, and then complete police style weapons training and qualifications. To say that people don't have the right to defend themselves and their loved ones is nothing but ignorance.

As you know gun laws only hurt the law abiding citizens, thank you for your efforts to promote CCW in IL.

As a law-abiding 50 year resident of Illinois, I support your efforts to bring lawful concealed carry to Illinois. There are 48 states with enough history and data to definitively show concealed carry works and gun laws do not. Allow the law-abiding citizen the means to defend themselves and then disarm, arrest, and incarcerate the criminals.

I am another law-abiding IL gun owner who is truly excited about the possibility of one day being allowed to effectively protect myself and my family when I leave the house. Thank you, Mr. Wescott, for your support in this endeavor. I believe getting CCW passed in Winnabego County is exactly what is needed to show those opposed to the idea that it isn't the law-abiding citizens of this state that are committing crimes with guns. We just want to be able to protect ourselves from those who do.

I just wish we had more people in office that realize that all of us have a right to be able to defend ourselves. Congrats on your views and keep up the good work.

I live on the border between Sangamon and Macoupin counties, but believe me, we're all watching Winnebago County this summer! It's time for Illinois to bow to common sense and admit that the citizens who want a CCW law wouldn't be asking for such a law if they were criminals, or if they were threats to anybody else. We want a rational CCW law precisely because we want to be able to follow the law and our conscience at the same time! The thugs and criminals who want to hurt people and commit crimes don't care about CCW precisely because they don't mind breaking one more law to get what they want.

Fred, Thank you for trying to get a concealed carry law passed in Il, even if it is just for one county. If you're successful, I'm sure it will spread like wild fire throught the rest of the state. Florida and Pennsylvania already recognize me as a law abiding gun owner and have issued me concealed carry permits. These permits are good in 28 other states that realize the law abiding gun owners are not the problem. We just want to be able to protect ourselves from those who have no respect for the lives of others. Best of luck in all you do, Ken Hill

Three Thoughts: Concealed/open carry will come to Illinois. However, before that happens, more tragic shootings such as the one at Lane Bryant's store in Tinley Park, will have to happen. There might even be a slaughter of the defenseless in a restaurant, movie theater, or mall, or even a terrorist attack. After those sad events, the Illinois legislature will pass a concealed/open carry law. The Missouri concealed carry law is a good one, so is the Pennsylvania law. More eligible people need to be encourage to carry, not less. We should always remember that the set of people who advocate lawful concealed carry are not the same set of thugs who murder and maim, rob and steal, and who carry anyway. Arm the peaceable citizen. Disarm the violent home invaders and carjackers by imposing lengthy prison sentences on convicted repeat, violent offenders. Gun control laws do not reduce violent crime. For instance, if all 50 caliber guns and ammunition in Illinois were confiscated today, the number of murder victims in Illinois in 2008 would be reduced by, ah, zero. Has the Cook County, Illinois, assault weapon ban resulted in a reduction in the murder rate? No. It only impacts peaceful, lawful citizens. Thug could care less about an FOID card, background checks on private sales, handgun bans, and one handgun purchase a month.

There is more than enough proof that concealed carry does work to deter and prevent crime and tragedy (one only has to look at 48 of the other states). It can only be speculated if the outcome of the Lane Bryant massacre would have been prevented if Rhonda McFarland was allowed to posses a tool which she could have defended herself and the other victims. This is just another prime example of â??When seconds count, the police are only minutes awayâ?� (just across the street in the case of the Lane Bryant massacre). The right to life is as basic of a fundamental right as you can have and, as decided by the courts, is our own responsibility to preserve. The ability to defend oneself and loved ones using the best means available has been unjustly denied now for too long.

Fred, I am a legal gun owner in Illinois, I am a TSgt USAF-Retired Veteran and a Voting Citizen. I was trained annually for 20 years, was ceritfied By-Annually in weapon marksmanship and carried daily in the protection of this great country of ours. Now that I am a resident in the state of Illinois, I find that I have just as many restrictions place on me as a sex offender, just because I'm a gun owner. Something has to be done for law abiding citizens to be able to provide for Personal Defense, Safety & Security. I am Pro-Choice - I choose to support the right to Carry Concealed in Illinois. Will you???

Thank you for bringing Illinois into the 21 Century. Please help us get CCW here in Illinois. The tide is turning for our side, now.

I have traveled through Illinois enroute to visit my wife's family in Wisconsin twice. If both states get around to recognizing my Virginia permit, I will return. Until then, no way. My safety isn't worth the trip.

Sir, I applaud your stand our Second Amendment rights. You will hear many pro Second Amendment arguments full of stats and very logical and relevant data, but I find the best approach to Second Amendment debate is to talk in the terms of those who oppose us. For example: I believe this is issue is about the value of human life. As a law abiding citizen, I am able to protect myself and those around me from people who choose to disregard human life. In Illinois, my value as a human being and a citizen is at an all time low, because the State will not allow me protect that which we hold most dear. I am therefore less valuable in Illinois than in almost any other place in our great Union. Once people realize this and understand that a weapon, in the proper hands, is nothing to fear then the day is won! Keep up the good fight, sir!

Mr. Wescott, My hat is off to you sir. I sincerely thank you for takng the initiative for standing up for law abiding citizens and giving us the opportunity to protect ourselves, friends, and families. The true firearm owners within this great state would have no problem with a background investigation or a firearms safety course. We would just like the opportunity to be able to defend ourselves in the event that a situation would arise. You have my utmost appreciation and respect! Sincerely, Randy Simpson Mendota, Illinois

I am a law abiding person who is a veteran and have six non-resident carry permits. These are from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Floridia, Utah, Maine and Connecticut and with these I can legally carry a concealed weapon in 33 states. When will Illinois join the rest of the states and allow people like me to defend their own lives? Jim.