Illinois Repubican Convention’s Views on Public Safety

Included in the “Public Safety” plank passed by the Illinois Republican Convention was a call for a return to the death penalty, strong support for the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, allowing law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and businesses with hand guns in Chicago, elimination of local municipal gun control laws that are more strict that state law and a long-term planning process for opening and closing prisons.

ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY FOR OUR CITIZENS

While the threat of terrorism is certainly a significant aspect of safety for Illinois citizens, day-to-day safety and security of our local communities is also critical. A majority of the crime committed in Illinois is by repeat offenders. We need to ensure that crime is aggressively prosecuted and prison sentences are carried out.

We call on Gov. Blagojevich to end the state’s moratorium on carrying out of duly adjudicated death sentences.

Even with more faithful execution of our laws by law enforcement from the street to the judicial bench, citizens will remain at risk to criminal acts in their homes, their neighborhoods, their businesses and in going about their everyday lives. Illinois Republicans note with shock and dismay the growing climate of violence in Illinois’ largest city and call upon Gov. Blagojevich and the General Assembly to enact such policies as may permit law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families, their property and their businesses. Specifically, we endorse:

  • Continued use of the Firearm Owners Identification system and use of criminal and mental background checks by licensed firearms dealers;

  • State pre-emption of local ordinances which impede the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms (see the Second Amendment to the US Constitution);
  • We strongly endorse and support the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. We believe every citizen (American) has the right to keep and bear arms. No state, city or local law should be allowed to infringe upon this law; and

  • Enactment of “Concealed Carry” legislation offering permits to properly trained, law-abiding citizens to bear concealed weapons for personal protection.

  • We call upon the legislature to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for Illinois Prison closure/ construction policy. The plan should be a five-year, ten-year and twenty-year plan for prison usage, closure and openings. We call upon the state to assist affected communities with an economic development strategy that will introduce alternative employment opportunities in those communities.

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This yard sign was displayed throughout the convention. My wife thought it should have a slightly different message. If you look at the photo below, you can see McHenry County delegates trying to find room to sit. The bottom photo shows what you would have seen had you not been a delegate. It is a view from the back of the convention floor.


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