- Illinois State Police stood their ground today after the state's attorney general determined the agency must disclose the names of people authorized to own guns in Illinois to comply with public records law.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's public access counselor issued a letter Monday night rejecting state police arguments that releasing the information is an unwarranted invasion of privacy prohibited by the state public records law or that its disclosure would automatically endanger the lives of gun owners or those who don't have firearms.
State police determine who gets Firearm Owners Identification cards but have always kept the information confidential.
As most of our readers are aware, being employed by a law enforcement agency requires you to have a valid FOID card. Releasing this list would be like a giant arrow on a map pointing criminals directly to your house.
And for all the anti-gun people who aren't protected by a 24-hour police guard, the lack of a giant arrow on that same map provides a road map in reverse, giving ne'er-do-wells a good clue as to who would be easier pickings.
The comments over at Chicago Breaking News have been priceless, demanding that Madigan post the names of everyone owning big screen plasma TV's, anyone currently receiving any type of government assistance, and the home addresses of all state employees.
How about something a little more concrete? Concrete politically?
We are proposing that at the next FOP meeting, someone make a motion to retroactively un-endorse Madigan for Attorney General. In fact, any FOP Lodge in the State who previously endorsed Madigan should pull their blessing. She is making a proposal that will directly impact the safety and well being of police officers and their families. Why should she expect any support from the law enforcement community? A public rebuke like this would send a clear message.
And for all the anti-gun people who aren't protected by a 24-hour police guard, the lack of a giant arrow on that same map provides a road map in reverse, giving ne'er-do-wells a good clue as to who would be easier pickings.
The comments over at Chicago Breaking News have been priceless, demanding that Madigan post the names of everyone owning big screen plasma TV's, anyone currently receiving any type of government assistance, and the home addresses of all state employees.
How about something a little more concrete? Concrete politically?
We are proposing that at the next FOP meeting, someone make a motion to retroactively un-endorse Madigan for Attorney General. In fact, any FOP Lodge in the State who previously endorsed Madigan should pull their blessing. She is making a proposal that will directly impact the safety and well being of police officers and their families. Why should she expect any support from the law enforcement community? A public rebuke like this would send a clear message.