My thoughts, your words ilbob.
It wouldn't surprise me if the whole show was pre written, pre planned, and rehearsed by the powers that be Illinois politics. They've certainly had enough time to put something together. Until the ink is dry on a final version, we know nothing. Something is gonna have to emerge soon but it is still morphing while we wait and watch.
Not sure if I agree with that.
I think what we are witnessing is a great example of why this state is so dysfunctional. Egos. Special interests. Backroom deals. And.. power.
Remember people don't often run for office to 'make a difference.' Some do. But many have a hard time sticking to their convictions.
How many times did they mention the word "control" in committee hearing yesterday? Dozens? Hundreds?
The frequency of a word appearing in a debate is very telling of motivation and importance.
We ALL know this is about control. Who, among them, best can flex their muscles from behind the desk and make people jump to complete their agenda?
The only thing WE can do is sit back and speculate (for now), because none of us are privy to the inner machinations of the game they are playing. Unfortunately, these games have an effect upon our daily lives; even our livelihood, if you run afoul of the new law in some unfortunate way. Imprisonment is the first step to deciding "case law"; how these new laws are interpreted... of which there will be LOTS of in the years to come.
Which is why I don't understand the ego demonstrated behind some who are supposed to be "on our side." At this point we are ALL just along for the ride. Including the NRA, who was (by Todd V's words) excluded from all talks in the deal between Madigan/Phelps/et al. Sure, he was certainly pushing Phelps from behind the scenes, and certainly helped educate him on what some of the finer points of CCW / firearms were over the last several years. But .. when it got to the 5 yard line, he was punted from the game.
Which might be for the best, considering the public's general view of the NRA at this point.
Going "neutral" may have been the best move they've ever made, for Illinois gun rights.