Sunday, December 16, 2012

Is posting satire acceptable? Not in New York city!!!

Essam Attia a 29 year old man posted some posters around New York depicting Drones dropping bombs on people, in at attempt to further the discussion on the use of military drones in U.S. airspace.  The NYPD however did not find this amusing and tracked him down.  They charged him with numerous felony counts but was released on bond.  His arrest actually proves his point.  If you become an enemy of the state, even if the state is the real enemy, they will find you. 



"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it."

-Thomas Jefferson.  (Also stenciled by Essam Attia) 

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Audit the FED, destiny or pipe dream???

So I read somewhere that Senator Harry Reid needs to have a serious conversation with Ben Bernanke before he can allow a vote on the bill which would allow the Federal Reserve to be audited.  This is the very same Harry Reid who once stood against the FED but now says that his frustration was against Alan Greenspan, who came from the same financial circle that produced Ben Bernanke.  This is good old fashion political theater at it's finest.

I know that most Americans have no idea how central banking really works.  What I fear more, is that I think we've reached the point where most don't care.  I really wonder how many people would bat an eyebrow if it were all spelled out in exact words.  I wonder how many would literally say "whatever", when being told how many trillions of dollars are being created from nothing and then loaned for interest on dollars which didn't exist prior to getting the loan in the first place.

Then you must consider good old fashion "Quantitative Easing" which seems to have found favor from both sides of the isle.  In fact I've come into contact with people who claim to be on the right wing side, who think this is perfectly acceptable.  People who think the Fed is OK, and not a problem at all.  This is what really scares me while we wait on the precipice of this "Fiscal Cliff".  I know John Boner is going to cave, he's going to give President Obama what he wants, hell he might even support this idea of giving the executive power to raise the debt as he sees fit.  There is no telling how far this corrupt GOP might be willing to go.  Some people actually believe the Republican Party still stands for something when in fact, they stand for pretty much the same exact principles the Democrats stand for, only they do it at Country Clubs instead of Union Halls.

Meanwhile, the Democrat machine is pushing more violence and hate in Michigan over "Right to Work", actually driving people to fight over whether or not a worker is FORCED to join a union.  Does that make any sense???  If you want a job, you need to join a group that will take a portion of your earned income and use it as it sees fit in all kinds of political  games that you probably don't support.  Keep in mind the left accused the TEA party movement of violence many times even though no violence ever actually occurred, but here we have protesters actually throwing punches and no one hardly bats on eye.

What is wrong with our country???

Cheers,

Mike
   

  

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Vermilion County Recorder

I don't like what I'm seeing in the race for Vermilion County Recorder.  Why is Nikki Bogart attacking Tom O'Shauhgnessy?  Mr. O'shaughnessy has stated publicly that he intends to make the Office of Recorder his top priority and a full time commitment.  It's not like O'shaughnessy is the incumbent, with a record of slacking on the position, Nikki Bogarts attacks are completely unfounded.  Mr. Oshaughnessy has a good reputation, if he says he will make it a full time commitment why shouldn't we believe him?  It seems Bogarts whole campaign strategy is to discredit Tom O'shaughnessy. I don't like that and I think the voters of Vermilion County deserve better.     

Cheers,

Mike

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Romnesia

You know, maybe President Obama is right?  Maybe Mitt Romney Flip Flops on his positions so often because he really does have a mental illness that prohibits him from remembering what his positions are.  Maybe that's why he changes back and forth so often???  Maybe "Romnesia" is real and we're just now discovering it.  Maybe this disease has a side effect which leads people towards political aspirations, which is why so many in D.C. and the State Capitals of our nation seem so filled with people who have this same problem. 

I hate to give the President so much credit but can you imagine the first black President of the United States of America who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize only 8 months after being inaugurated and only 17 months prior to authorizing the launch of 112 Cruise Missiles into Libya, might also have a shot at becoming the first black man and only 2nd man ever, to win 2 individual Nobel Prizes.  If he has really in fact discovered this new debilitating disease now Doctors and Scientists can work hard in trying to find it's root cause and a cure. 

President Obama could be single handily responsible for ending Romnesia.  Once a cure is found to this disease the voters can rest assured that all future political leaders and candidates will have stable and solid messages just like Ron Paul.  Never again, will we need to deal with people who run for office on positions that are completely different from the positions they supported just years earlier.  This is the beginning of a whole new revolution in Democracy.

Thank you, President Obama.  As it turns out, your Presidency is not a complete failure.  

Cheers,

Mike
  

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

First Presidential Debate of 2012 is a huge success!!!

No matter if you love President Obama or Mitt Romney the first Presidential debate of 2012 was a huge success.  Neo-Conservative news sites and blogs clearly marked Romney as the winner, while main stream media outlets and left wing sites and blogs tagged Obama as the champion.  What does this mean to average voter?  Simple, both choices are pretty much the same, as usual.  It doesn't matter if you support government regulation or increased taxes, Either candidate will serve your needs. President Obama and Mitt Romney are contrasts within the same system while they don't challenge or change the system.  This means they are not different at all. We as nation remain in the same direction under the same conditions. Even Reagan, who said many things which sound patriotic, still grew the system, which grew into the irreversible situation we have today.

I maintain that the only difference with these two party candidates is that they think they can manage big government better than the other and because of that we should be dedicated to fight the system until the end.

Next up, the kid from the Dairy State vs. Joe "Mr. Commuter Train" Biden.

Cheers,

Mike

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Free enterprise in Danville, IL

I love how free market enterprise now includes getting money from the government, at least that's how it was portrayed during the city council meeting in Danville, IL.  I understand the arguments made and I'll even go so far as to say that this might actually have been a good use of TIF funds, but it saddens me how it seems this is becoming the norm.  Also, concerning is how rapidly these things seem to get done and pushed through.  Seeing how the system works lately all one must do is call up the city give them a dollar amount and  deadline a few days away and they'll vote to cut you check, it's really that simple, we all should be doing it.

Maybe this will end up being a good deal for the city of Danville, at least I hope so.

Cheers,

Mike

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Proposed Amendment to IL Constitution on 2012 Ballot




In November there will be a proposed amendment to IL Constitution. 

Here is the text of the referendum.

Upon approval by the voters, the proposed amendment, which takes effect on January 9, 2013, adds a new section to the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Constitution. The new section would require a three-fifths majority vote of each chamber of the General Assembly or the governing body of a unit of local government, school district, or pension or retirement system, in order to increase a benefit under any public pension or retirement system. At the general election to be held on November 6, 2012, you will be called upon to decide whether the proposed amendment should become part of the Illinois Constitution.

If you believe the Illinois Constitution should be amended to require a three-fifths majority vote in order to increase a benefit under any public pension or retirement system, you should vote YES on the question. If you believe the Illinois Constitution should not be amended to require a three-fifths majority vote in order to increase a benefit under any public pension or retirement system, you should vote NO on the question. Three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election must vote "YES" in order for the amendment to become effective on January 9, 2013.

Cheers,

Mike

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Clint Eastwood vs Ron Paul

Clint Eastwood gets a cheer from the RNC,
(Even though it was Ron Paul, not Mitt Romney, who supports "bringing the troops home tomorrow."  Was that a slip of the tongue or a planned mistake???)



Ron Paul says the same thing, and crowds boo him..  Maybe Ron Paul should have made movies instead.



Here is interesting story about the Clint Eastwood Performance. 


Cheers,

Mike


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Friday, August 31, 2012

GOP CHEATING TACTICS AT THE CONVENTION


The below is a summary from all the reported accounts from the Tampa Convention..   

SUMMARY OF RNC CHEATING TACTICS AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION:

Below is a list of tactics implemented by the RNC to censor and prevent a nomination of Ron Paul (feel free to add to the list):

1. Illegally removed duly elected Maine delegates and replaced them with Romney “scab” delegates.

2. Stole delegates from Louisiana, Oklahoma and Massachusetts because they would not vote Romney.

3. Indefinitely detained Ron Paul delegates on buses using armed guards to delay and prevent them from voting on rules in the convention.

4. Indefinitely detained Morton Blackwell on a bus preventing him from filing a minority report opposing new oppressive rule changes.

5. Drove Virginia rules committee chairmen in circles around the convention center to prevent them from voting on rules thus allowing the RNC to vote in their stead.

6. Refused to acknowledge nomination papers from six states where a five state minimum was required

7. Changed rules on the spot from five state minimum to eight state minimum when they realized Ron Paul would be nominated

8. Denied Ron Paul a floor speech prior to the vote unless it endorsed Romney.

9. Declared unbound Ron Paul supporters as bound votes for Romney

10. Boehner ignored clear opposition to the rules vote that would prevent a Maine delegation from being seated.
 

11. Turned off microphones in the Ron Paul delegate section to prevent “division” or “point of order” calls from being heard even after 10 minutes of booing in protest.

12. Seated Ron Paul delegates in the nose bleed section to prevent them from being heard BEHIND territory delegates.

13. Passed rules allowing the RNC committee to choose and approve delegates rather than the states.

14. Refused video equipment in the convention center to allow undocumented cheating.

15. Ron Paul delegates were not allowed to bring signs, but Romney supporters were.

16. Cut off microphones anytime delegates cheered for Ron Paul

17. Called out votes for Romney as Romney votes, but called out Ron Paul as “other”.

18. When Ron Paul won the majority of delegates in Iowa ,Nevada and Minnesota, they only called out the few minority votes for Romney.


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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Ashamed of the GOP

I remember how proud I was the first time I voted in a major election.  I also remember how great I thought it was in 2000 when GW won, for sure all the problems in this country would be solved I thought, boy was I naive.  I've pretty much been a solid Republican my whole life, I've supported and volunteered for candidates in Congressional races and State races, always believing that the party was some how honorable. 

In 2012 all that changes.  Sadly I just took steps to become officially active this year and now I don't even know if I can stomach being called a Republican.  I have not watched any of the Convention and don't know if I will, aside from a few youtube clips on facebook, I couldn't care less now knowing how the party I ounce believed to be honorable, will simply fix the rules any way they like to get the outcome they desire.  I might as well be a Democrat if I just wanted to strong arm people into doing things a certain way.

Can it be that I've become too cynical?  Perhaps, but I know one thing for sure.  I am not supporting Mitt Romney.  I've been saying that for months now as have many others and I think many people have just been turning a blind eye, thinking we all will come to our collective senses to support the GOP candidate.  I actually believe that they think by taking over the process and forcing the Paul Supporters out, would make us just bow down to their flavor of tyranny.  Well they are wrong.  If Ron Paul doesn't support a full fledged write in campaign, I think I'm going to support Gary Johnson.  I really want to write Ron Paul's name on the ballot, but if he doesn't commit to this intention it would be a truly wasted vote, whereas selecting Johnson, at least helps bring an established party closer to legitimacy.

Cheers,

Mike
         

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Parent allows child to pull signs out of yard

So, for the last month or so someone has been yanking out our John Bambenek sign and our Ron Paul sign and throwing them on the ground in our yard. Not the end of the world, but a bit annoying. So we set up two security cameras and whoever it was stopped this juvenile behavior for a couple weeks but they struck again this afternoon. This whole time we thought the culprit was a

stupid teenage boy but it turns out that it's a little boy, probably 7 or 8 WITH HIS MOTHER. Seriously?!?! The boy comes right up in our yard and without even pausing yanks up the sign and throws it on the ground. He goes to the other sign, looking back at his mom for approval and yanks that sign up as well. And she just keeps walking like nothing happened. I would just like to know how a person gets to the point where they don't even bat an eye while their son continues FOR A MONTH to trespass into someone's yard and yank down a couple signs.  I have to assume the parent actually encourages this behavior.  What is wrong with people? Now my wife and I are cooking up some creative ideas to deter this behavior in the future.
 
Here is the first video.




Here is the second video.



Cheers,

Mike

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Do Voter ID laws disenfranchise voters?

Do Voter ID laws disenfranchise voters? 

Well, I can't get on board an airplane, open a bank account or  buy a car, firearm, cold medicine, drain cleaner or lye or even cash a check, without Proper ID.  But somehow verifying identity at the polls goes against my civil rights.  Does that make sense to you?

Pennsylvania has just become the most recent state to enact strict photo id requirements in order to vote.  The left has gone into full force trying to fight the spread of these kind of laws which only serve to verify the identity of voters before they vote in elections.  Some actually suggest that many people won't be able to vote because they don't have id.  Who doesn't have ID?  Mostly today as far as I can tell, anyone who doesn't have id doesn't want ID because it's their intention to live "off the grid", which is fine, I believe people should be able to live their life how they wish, but in order to participate on the grid, I think it's reasonable to follow some basic rules, one of which is being able to verify who you say you are.

It's interesting if you take a look at at the map put together by the NCSL, and then look at a Red/Blue map of the nation.  It's eerily similar, I wonder why that is?  

Cheers,

Mike





   


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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Republicans just as corupt as the Democrats


I am an elected Republican Precinct Committeeman who is mad as hell at the Republican Party.  2012 the Year a Candidate with strong grass roots support was snuffed out by the establishment so another wealthy elitist can have the nomination.  Not only was the Illinois state Republican Convention a completely staged event in which no Delegates were allowed to share any input at all, but now the RNC is using every trick in the book and even a few they invented to keep Ron Paul out of the mix in Tampa, FL later this month.  In Several states, GOP establishment insiders who control the party have been doing everything they can to keep Ron Paul Delegates out of the process.  Louisiana and Oregon are even attempting to replace anyone who openly supports Ron Paul from participating in the process.  Now in Maine were 21 of the 24 unpledged delegates openly support Ron Paul are having their credentials challenged by the Mitt Romney Campaign state coordinator.  This challenge would bar the entire delegation of 40 delegates from attending the RNC later this month.  The Delegation was given a compromise to consider, which would essentially force them to support Mitt Romney but the entire group voted unanimously to reject the compromise.  Why is the RNC burning precious resources on this if Mitt Romney is the Nominee?  Because by the RNC’s own rules a candidate needs only have a plurality of delegates from 5 states and with Maine, Louisiana and Oregon Ron Paul has 7. 

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Quinn Attempts "Assualt" Weapons Ban!!!

Attention Illinois Gun Owners and all who believe in the 2nd Amendment for what it was intended for.  The Governor has played a hand that you should be aware of. 
He has added an Amendatory Veto Message to SB0681 attempting an all out "Assault Weapons Ban"  You really need to read this.


July 31, 2012

To the Honorable Members of the Illinois Senate
97th General Assembly

Pursuant to my constitutional powers as Governor of the State of Illinois, I hereby return Senate Bill 681 with specific recommendations for change. In doing so, I propose to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines in our state.

As Governor, it is my foremost duty to protect the citizens of Illinois, especially our children, from deadly violence.

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution– the right to bear arms. 

However, the proliferation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines undermines public safety and the right of personal security of every citizen.

Right now, anyone with a FOID card in Illinois is permitted by law to purchase an assault weapon. Illinois also does not impose any restrictions on the purchase or possession of high-capacity ammunition magazines, which automatically feed ammunition into a firearm chamber to allow the user to fire repeatedly without reloading.

Banning assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines will make Illinois a safer place to live. 

Other states including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York all have such bans in place. The ban would not pertain to law enforcement officials or members of the military.

There is no place in the State of Illinois for weapons designed to rapidly fire at human targets at close range.

My action today gives the members of the General Assembly an immediate opportunity to protect the people of Illinois by banning assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 681, entitled “AN ACT concerning regulation.”, with the following specific recommendations for change:

By replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

“Section 5. The Criminal Code of 1961 is amended by adding Sections 24-1.9 and 24-1.10 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/24-1.9 new)

Sec. 24-1.9. Manufacture, possession, delivery, sale and purchase of semi-automatic assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges.
(a)                Definitions.  In this Section:
(1)                “Semi-automatic assault weapon” means:
A.      Any of the firearms or types, replicas, or duplicates in any caliber of the firearms, known as:
                                                                                             i.            Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs (all models);
                                                                                           ii.            Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil;
                                                                                          iii.            Beretta AR-70 (SC-70);
                                                                                          iv.            Colt AR-15;
                                                                                           v.            Fabrique Nationale FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC;
                                                                                          vi.            SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M-12;
                                                                                        vii.            Steyr AUG;
                                                                                       viii.            INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9, and TEC-22; and
                                                                                          ix.            Any shotgun which contains its ammunition in a revolving cylinder, such as (but not limited to) the Street Sweeper and Striker 12;
B.       A semi-automatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has any of the following:
                                                                                             i.            A folding or telescoping stock;
                                                                                           ii.            A pistol grip or thumbhole stock;
                                                                                          iii.            A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles the barrel, and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned; or
                                                                                          iv.            A fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition;
C.      A semi-automatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has any of the following:
                                                                                             i.            A folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stock;
                                                                                           ii.            A shroud that is attached to or partially or completely encircles the barrel, and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
                                                                                          iii.            An ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside the pistol grip;
                                                                                          iv.            A fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition;
                                                                                           v.            A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded; or
                                                                                          vi.            A semi-automatic version of an automatic firearm;
D.      A semi-automatic shotgun that has any of the following:
                                                                                             i.            A folding or telescoping stock;
                                                                                           ii.            A pistol grip or thumbhole stock;
                                                                                          iii.            A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 5 rounds; or
                                                                                          iv.            An ability to accept a detachable magazine.
“Semi-automatic assault weapon” does not include:
A.      Any firearm that:
                                                                                                                              i.            Is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
                                                                                                                            ii.            Is an “unserviceable firearm” or has been made permanently inoperable; or
                                                                                                                           iii.            Is an antique firearm;
B.       Any air rifle as defined in Section 1 of the Air Rifle Act.
(2)                “Assault weapon attachment” means any device capable of being attached to a firearm that is specifically designed for making or converting a firearm into any of the firearms listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Section.
(3)                “Antique firearm” has the meaning ascribed to it in 18 U.S.C. Section 921 (a)(16).
(4)                “.50 caliber rifle” means a centerfire rifle capable of firing a .50 caliber cartridge.  The term does not include any antique firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 921 (a)(16), any shotgun including a shotgun that has a rifle barrel, or a muzzle-loader used for “black powder” hunting or battle re-enactments.
(5)                “.50 caliber cartridge” means a cartridge in .50 BMG caliber, either by designation or actual measurement, that is capable of being fired from a centerfire rifle.  The term “.50 caliber cartridge” does not include any memorabilia or display item that is filled with a permanent inert substance or that is otherwise permanently altered in a manner that prevents ready modification for use as live ammunition or shotgun ammunition with a caliber measurement that is equal to or greater than .50 caliber.
(b)                Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, it is unlawful for any person within this State to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, purchase, or possess or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed, a semi-automatic assault weapon, an assault weapon attachment, any .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge.
(c)                This Section does not apply to a person who possessed a weapon or attachment prohibited by subsection (b) before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, provided that the person has provided proof of ownership to the Department of State Police within 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory At of the 97th General Assembly as required by law.  On or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, such person may transfer such weapon or attachment only to an heir, an individual residing in another state maintaining that weapon in another state, or a dealer licensed as a federal firearms dealer under Section 923 of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968.
(d)                This Section does not apply to or affect any of the following:
(1)                Peace officers as defined in Section 2-13 of this Code and retired peace officers not otherwise prohibited from receiving a firearm, in possession of a semi-automatic assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, or .50 caliber rifle transferred to the retired peace officer by his or her law enforcement agency upon retirement.
(2)                Wardens, superintendents, and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails, and other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense.
(3)                Members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United State or the Illinois National Guard, while in the performance of their official duties or while traveling to or from their place of duty.
(4)                Manufacture, transportation, or sale of weapons, attachments, or ammunition to persons authorized under subdivisions (1) through (3) of this subsection to possess those items.
(5)                Possession of a semi-automatic assault weapon, an assault weapon attachment, a .50 caliber rifle, or a .50 caliber cartridge at events taking place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex at Sparta, only while engaged in the legal use of the firearm or attachment, or while traveling to or from this location if the items are broken down in a non-functioning state, or are not immediately accessible, or are unloaded and enclosed in a care, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.
(6)                Possession of any firearm if that firearm is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by USA Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting competition in the United States, but only when the firearm is in the actual possession of an Olympic target shooting competitor or target shooting coach for the purpose of storage, transporting to and from Olympic target shooting practice or events if the firearm is broken down in a non-functioning state, is not immediately accessible, or is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container, and when the Olympic target shooting competitor or target shooting coach is engaging in those practices or events.  For the purposes of the paragraph (6), “firearm” is defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act.
(7)                Possession of a semi-automatic assault weapon, an assault weapon attachment, a .50 caliber rifle, or a .50 caliber cartridge only for a hunting use expressly permitted under the Wildlife Code, or while traveling to or from a location authorized for such hunting use under the Wildlife Code if the items are broken down in a non-functioning state, or are not immediately accessible, or are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.
(8)                Manufacture, transportation, possession, sale, or rental of blank-firing semi-automatic assault weapons and .50 caliber rifles or the weapons respective attachments to persons authorized or permitted, or both authorized and permitted to acquire and possess such weapons for the purposes of rental for use solely as props for a motion picture, television, or video production or entertainment event.
(e)                Sentence.
(1)                A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed a semi-automatic assault weapon in violation of this Section commits a Class 3 felony for a first violation and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent violation or for the possession or delivery of 2 or more of these weapons at the same time.
(2)                A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed in violation of this Section an assault weapon attachment commits a Class 4 felony for a first violation and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent violation.
(3)                A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed in violation of this Section a .50 caliber rifle commits a Class 3 felony for a first violation and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent violation or for the possession or delivery of 2 or more of these weapons at the same time.
(4)                A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed in violation of this Section a .50 caliber cartridge commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(720 ILCS 5/24-1.10 new)
            Section 24-1.10. Manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, and purchase of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
                     i.                        As used in this Section:
“Large capacity ammunition feeding device” means:
1)                  A magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition; or
2)               Any combination of parts from which a device described in paragraph (1) can be assembled.
“Large capacity ammunition feeding device” does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition or any device that has been made permanently inoperable.
(b)        Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), it is unlawful for any person within this State, beginning 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, purchase, or possess or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed , a large capacity ammunition feeding device.
(c)        This Section does not apply to a person who possessed a device prohibited by subsection (b) before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, provided that the person has provided proof of ownership to the Department of State Police within 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly as required by law.  On or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, such person may transfer such device only to an heir, an individual residing in another state maintaining that device in another state, or a dealer licensed as a federal firearms dealer under Section 923 of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968.
(d)        This Section does not apply to or affect any of the following:
1)                  Peace officers as defined in Section 2-13 of this Code and retired peace officers not otherwise prohibited from receiving a firearm, in possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device transferred to the retired peace officer by his or her law enforcement agency upon retirement.
2)                  Wardens, superintendents, and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails, and other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense.
3)                  Members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard, while in the performance of their official duties or while traveling to or from their place of duty.
4)                  Manufacture, transportation, or sale of large capacity ammunition feeding devices to persons authorized under subdivisions (1) through (3) of this subsection to possess those items.
5)                  Possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device at events taking place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex at Sparta, only while engaged in the legal use of the device, or while traveling to or from this location if the items are broken down in a non-functioning state, or are not immediately accessible, or are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.
6)                  Possession of any large capacity ammunition feeding device if that large capacity ammunition feeding device is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by USA Shooting, the national governing body for  international shooting competition in the United Sates, but only when the large capacity ammunition feeding device is in the actual possession of an Olympic target shooting competitor or target shooting coach for the purpose of storage, transporting to and from Olympic target shooting practice or events if the device is broken down in a non-functioning state, is not immediately accessible, or is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container, and when the Olympic target shooting competitor or target shooting coach is engaging in those practices or events.
7)                  Possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device only for a hunting use expressly permitted under the Wildlife Code, or while traveling to or from a location authorized for such hunting use under the Wildlife Code if the items are broken down in a non-functioning state, or are not immediately accessible, or are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.
(e)        Sentence.  A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed in violation of this Section a large capacity ammunition feeding device capable of holding more than 17 rounds of ammunition commits a Class 3 felony for a first violation and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent violation or for possession or delivery of 2 or more of these devices at the same time.  A person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, possesses or causes to be manufactured, delivered, sold, purchased, or possessed in violation of this Section a large capacity ammunition feeding device capable of holding more than 10 rounds but not more than 17 rounds of ammunition commits a Class 4 felony for a first violation and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent violation or for possession or delivery of more than one of these devices at the same time.

Section 97. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.”


With these changes, Senate Bill 681 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.


Sincerely,



PAT QUINN
Governor

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