[mack]

Went to the state capital in Springfield for the rally today - the goal was 10,000 but personally I would put it closer to 1,500 to 2,000 - still it does seem to get larger each year.

Heard that as a welcome Chicago pols had introduced two new bills - one to ban most semi-auto shotguns, rifles, and handguns; and another that would make it illegal to transport a firearm except unloaded and in a locked case specifically designed for a firearms.

Otis McDonald was there and spoke, he seems a very humble and sincere man, who has put a lot on the line. He talked about not being the most popular person in his neighborhood, and that when he gets discouraged he calls his friends down state or takes a drive out of the city. Still he said he was honored to be able to play his part and that he does not and will never regret what he has chosen to do. I had the luck to run into him as I was leaving the capital and thanked him and told him that it was an honor to meet him as I shook his hand. He was very gracious and said no the honor was his, on that particular point I know he was wrong. I can also see why the writers and reporters who interview him are generally even handed and kind in their stories about him - as he is a very dignified and softspoken man.

[NukemJim]

I would put it closer to 1,500 to 2,000

Crowd estimates are very hard to make accuretly. My estimate was 2-3 thousand range. But no firm data, maybe just optimistic.

Whoever came up with the yellow hat/shirt concept was a genius! You could see people all over town walking around with those. I was asked twice about them.

Best wishes
See you next IGOLD

NukemJim

[Geneseo1911]

I'll be there next year! I've been wanting to go for a couple years, but work has kept me busy, but (good Lord willing) I won't work here anymore by next IGOLD! Hopefully by then we'll also have Bill Brady elected and things will look a bit more rosey!

FWIW crowd estimates over at illinoiscarry.com forum are running more around 7-8000. Apparently this number is backed up by the number of participant packets given out.

[mack]

Well, my estimate was based soley from counting the seats available in the convention center by section and then estimating from them being half filled, of course some just go straight to the capital or go earlier or later so there is that too. And if they got their numbers from the number of packets given out then they are probably much closer than I was as to turn out. 7,000 to 8,000 is great. They say that for every one person that shows up or that writes a letter there are a thousand who don't but who are in agreement. That would mean that seven to eight thousand would be representative of seven to eight million Illinoians.

[Nanook]

There are a couple of videos available on the ISRA web site. They show a pretty large crowd, although I can't count them.

Good to see, and I hope it has a positive effect on IL pols this year. If the SC case goes our way maybe things will change for the better.

If Daley were to retire it would probably change, but who knows how long that will take?

[Geneseo1911]

There's a rumor that he will retire at the end of this term. Apparently Rahm Emmanuel is a favorite to assume the post. And if you think Daley was bad...

[mack]

Yes, Rham would be bad and he is an organizer and power broker - but he also makes enemies easily and I doubt he will have the loyalty Daley has, plus there will be alot of interparty warfare and jockeying for power once Daley steps down. Whoever replaces him will need his blessing and help, without it, it will be a huge mess. So much money and power suddenly up for grabs in a city like Chicago will create a real mess regardless. Good for gun owners I would guess. Who knows, maybe this gun issue and the prospect of statewide CCW even in Chicago with McDonald and then Palmer will push Daley over the edge to retire - he ain't got the Olympics coming up or nothing.

[Onward Allusion]

Rham is a mover & shaker but he is also a bull in a china shop. There are many who can't wait to dance on his political grave when he stumbles and gets caught in the limelight. The chances of CCW in Illinois is pretty strong this time around. Quinn is a weak leader and will likely not get elected into office.


mack (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=606)
Yes, Rham would be bad and he is an organizer and power broker - but he also makes enemies easily and I doubt he will have the loyalty Daley has, plus there will be alot of interparty warfare and jockeying for power once Daley steps down. Whoever replaces him will need his blessing and help, without it, it will be a huge mess. So much money and power suddenly up for grabs in a city like Chicago will create a real mess regardless. Good for gun owners I would guess. Who knows, maybe this gun issue and the prospect of statewide CCW even in Chicago with McDonald and then Palmer will push Daley over the edge to retire - he ain't got the Olympics coming up or nothing.

[Art Eatman]

Great discussion, but unfortunately it's political stuff...