Rep. La Shawn Ford
An Illinois politician representing a predominantly black section of Chicago has gone on record that he would support concealed carry legislation if it came up for a vote at the state’s General Assembly.
Rep. La Shawn Ford, an African-American, third-term Democrat representing a West Chicago district in the state legislature, would appear an unlikely gun rights advocate on paper.
But Ford told the Chicago Sun-Times that he believes “black people want guns, and I know that sounds bad,” referring to his constituents desire to legally protect themselves with firearms and the political sensitivities surrounding the topic.
Rep. Ford knows the legislative deck is stacked against him on concealed carry, but he believes those he represents are tired of being victimized by criminals who have guns already. To summarize the sentiments of his district regarding current firearms laws, Ford told to the Sun-Times:
“They’re saying we’re making criminals out of law-abiding citizens. They’re saying you’re only siding with the criminals because the criminals could care less about the law.”
Ford claimed he would support legislation to allow anyone in Illinois to apply for a concealed carry license if sponsors of the bill will add a provision requiring the National Rifle Association to pay for police sensitivity training.
The request for police sensitivity training has received support from NRA lobbyist Todd Vandermyde, who agreed with Ford’s concerns “about what happens when you have a black man with a [legal] gun” stopped by police in a city that has long banned concealed carry.
Illinois is currently the only state in the U.S. that refuses citizens permits to carry a firearm concealed. The complete ban on handguns in Chicago enacted in 1982 was reversed last year by the Supreme Court, but the city has effectively regulated around the court’s decision. Chicago politicians led the charge to scuttle concealed carry legislation that was voted on at the state level earlier this year.
While concealed carry legislation would face stiff opposition to passage, there has been some momentum gathering behind the 2nd Amendment in Illinois.
The plaintiff in the Supreme Court Case, McDonald vs. City of Chicago was an African-American who wanted to exercise his right to bear arms. There are rumors Sen. Annazette Collins, another West Side Chicago Democrat and black caucus member, would support a concealed carry law.
Whether that changing sentiment can get through to the Democrat-owned Chicago political machine remains an open question.
But if Ford represents the vanguard of a growing movement, Chicago could soon take center stage in the national fight for gun rights.
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Comments (195)
d0z3y
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:52amWe do have a right to protect ourselves, but we have a responsibility that if we have that right to make sure that we do not abuse it in anyway.. i do not like the context in which he puts this “black people need guns” but the idea behind it is understandable
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DAPLUMBER
Jun. 14, 2012 at 10:23amCONCEALED CARRY, Is allowed in 49 States. It is a U.S. Constitutional, Second Amendment Right. If somebody thinks otherwise, please check out the Audio of the hearing from 6/8/12 of the 7th District Federal Court of Appeals in regards to the Ban on Concealed Carry in Illinois. All three Judges were strongly in favor of Concealed Carry in Illinois. Rep. Ford is on a Task Force Committee that is awaiting the written Decision of the Court. That will be in August, according to some sources. The fact is that Mr. Otis Mc Donald of the South side of Chicago has already won a Supreme Court Decision, to stop Chicago’s Ban on the ownership of a Handgun for self defense in your home. This Great African American Man, fought for your Rights and he won them back for all of us. He is a True American Hero! Support Concealed Carry for your own safety and generations to come. The Bill is HB0148 and your elected Officials need to know you want to be able to protect yourself and your family.
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NeoKong
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:49am“Black people want guns”
We know.
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drago
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:39am@Neokong
My question would be, are there any blacks in Chicago, that are “legally” able to buy a handgun? Might be a moot point…….
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Blight14
Sep. 8, 2011 at 11:52amNOT a good idea………………
ghostsouls
Sep. 9, 2011 at 1:54amLooking at the news everyday in Chicago, and the murders that occur, it seems they already have them.
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Don Gwinn
Sep. 11, 2011 at 9:21pmShort answer, Drago?
Yes.
Long answer?
Chicago is full of black people who hate gangs, hate crime, hate violence and hate corruption. Some of them hate and fear guns; many others think that they should have the right to carry their own weapons so that, when faced with the extremes of violence on a personal level, they can at least have a fighting chance to defend their lives and their families.
I’m new here and I’ve never seen your other posts, but that one came off as the work of a racist.
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Shellback
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:48amDear John,
Why not sell your brain to science since this hack scheme is for idiots like you. You might even get .02cents for you two functioning brain cells even if one of them is in drydock.
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uncivilized
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:45amTaken out of context, the quote “black people want guns” does sound bad – but, it just shows me that Americans, ALL Americans, are sick to death of being afraid to go out at night, for fear of being jumped and carjacked or worse…I don’t blame them a bit!
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rangerp
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:50amJust kind of thinking out loud here. What would happen if congressman or senator made the claim “white poeple want guns”??
What if Sara Palin made the claim that “white people want guns”?
Do you think the talking (empty) heads from the MSM would have something to say about such comments? We have a double standard here.
How about “citizens in my district want guns”? then back it up with the 2nd ammendment;.
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JLGunner
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:41am@rangerp He needs to single out the black community so they continue to support him. You got to “keep it real” in that distrct, if you don’t, you will be labeled a sell out or an Uncle Tom.
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conservativeone
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:44amYou cannot have a criminal history in order to buy a gun. That will exclude many “black people”.
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Milkman
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:53amA most unlikely conservative comment, wouldn’t you say conservativeNONE…….
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rangerp
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:59am@conservativeone
It would stop criminals from buying, color is not material. If the law abiding citizens arm themselves, they will cut down on the criminal population real quick.
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ProudToBeAnInfidel
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:06amYou didn’t really just say that, did you? (Very racist comment)
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jb.kibs
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:41amwhat race did he name? black is a color not a race… all black people do no belong to the same race. that is ignorant. it’s like saying white is a race…
think about it like dogs and cats… a german shepard is a race… not “black dogs”, “brown dogs”, etc… dont’ be stupid…
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cessna152
Sep. 8, 2011 at 11:31amI’m not defending “conservativeone” but what is racism? Seriously… you’re not allowed to have an opinion about another race? I know it is an ignorant statement, but if we want to support and keep free speech, this is just part of freedom. Most people know it is an ignorant statement, but it is freedom of speech… wouldn’t you say?
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Jumper
Sep. 8, 2011 at 1:04pm@JB.KIDS No, black is not a race, you’re right. However, neither is African American. If you want to nit pick, then use the correct term, which is ***** or you could talk about Cuacasian. We all knew what he meant, whether we agreed or not. Must everything be turned into politically correct(read as spineless) crap? It obviously didn’t bother Rep. Ford to use the term. Black and white are just easier to say, leave it at that.
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M 4 Colt
Sep. 8, 2011 at 7:43pmConservativeone i for one would like to see you back that statement up with some FACTS
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Haaryscary
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:44amBlacks, Whitsun whom ever. What that area needs is more law abiding citizens able to realistically protect themselves. Even though rep. Ford is only thinking of the black folks hens still on the right track.
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AlansTigg
Sep. 8, 2011 at 12:27pmmaybe no white people live in his district
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Lone Ranger
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:40amGun control is one of the most racist of democrat policies. Dems passed the first gun control laws to prevent blacks from defending themselves against KKK attacks.
The KKK was founded by Confederate officers.
The NRA was founded by Union officers.
The Civil War continues to rage.
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jb.kibs
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:42amlook it up if you don’t believe him.
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UnreconstructedLibertarian
Sep. 8, 2011 at 5:03pmOh yes, the Civil War does continue to rage – but you have no idea regarding the truth. The Union army and Abe’s cabinet was largely made up of actual Marxists and Socialist utopians. Do some looking up for yourself with the tagline “1848′ers” and see what you come up with.
http://jdmurrah.hubpages.com/hub/150th-Anniversary-of-Lincolns-Election-Understanding-the-1848-connection
You may have an epiphany and realize that the word “Union” was used in relation to labor organizations for a reason. If history was fully revealed, you’d understand that there were such post-war organizations in the South called “Union Leauges” who not only armed recently freed blacks but encited them to violence against any conservatives who were white or black. They operated with Radical Republican (Socialist/Marxist) sanction and went unpunished and unchecked by the martial authorities, the original KKK arose in opposition to this government sanctioned lawlessness. History scrubbed thes little tidbits of fact.
Take a good look around – do you see anything like that happening today? How long will it take to scrub history of the New Black Panthers’ voter intimidation?
Besides, those Union Generals who formed the NRA weren’t doing it because they wanted to champion the 2′nd Amendment – it was because Yanks couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn.
http://www.nrahq.org/history.asp
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texascav
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:37amI applaud Rep. Ford and support his views. As long as the person can pass the background check and abide by the law, then they have the second ammendment right like anyone else.
Just might help make Illinois a safer place, and have less crime.
Wow, did I say less crime……………. with Chicago in Illinois.
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HKS
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:47amWow, is this some kind of a new concept, “The bad guys are less aggressive if they think someone may shoot back”. I mean like the average citizen wouldn’t be like a fish in a barrel anymore? Well, I don’t know about you but I would feel safer. I think concealed is the key word, Let the bad guys wonder.
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SpankDaMonkey
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:37am.
What is this guy smoking?……………
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pavnvet
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:36amThe NRA should pay for it? Typical socialist idea. I pay dues to the NRA to represent my interests in my State and at the Federal Level. Why not have your citizens pay for the CWL? A decent handgun costs $500, a good one a lot more. If they can afford the gun, they can afford the administration cost associated with obtaining the CWL.
Here, in Pennsylvania, the local sheriff collects about $35. for a 5 year license. Probably, in Illinois, they would want a few hundred.
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jb.kibs
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:43ampersonal responsibility. if YOU want something YOU pay. that is the ONLY fair system.
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cromag11b
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:54amDid you read the article or just fail at comprehending it. He’s not calling for the NRA to pay for their CCW, but to have them run classes for the police. Something the NRA is behind.
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pavnvet
Sep. 8, 2011 at 1:41pmSupporting the idea and paying for it is NOT the same thing. So, to answer your question, ya I did read the article.
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blindpig
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:35amYou @$$. The 2nd amendment applies to Americans not just fools like you.
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Tusker
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:34amWell, if this isn’t the FIRST sensible thing I’ve heard come from a Democrat, I don’t know what is! Kudos Mr. Ford.
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USNVET66-70
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:52amA man with brains enough to know what is right and B A L L S enough to say it Thank you Mr. Ford !
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loriann12
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:31amThat’s ok, everytime I see one of these I report it as spam.
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JLGunner
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:29amKudos to this man for dispplaying such courage. He will definantly feel the rath of Rahm and his jack-booted thugs. I applaud the black community for demanding their Second Amendment rights. The first form of gun control in America was brought about to keep guns out of the hands of newly freed slaves. Chicago demonstrates the same kind of racist practices. The sweeping of housing projects “collecting” firearms from citizens that just want to be able to defend themselves where the police can’t and won’t is completely unconstitutional.
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pavnvet
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:29amEven far left socialists are starting to see the average law abiding citizen has to protect him/herself from the criminal element. All their anti gun laws have done is arm the gangs and sociopaths, while making the citizenry defenseless.
If you ever want to see a place where hundreds of people are polite and behaved, go to a gun training course where everyone is armed.
One of our local (and isolated) stores posts on their front window, “Attention Robbers – Employees and patrons are probably armed.” Despite their location, they have never been robbed.
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Vechorik
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:29amWell, good idea, but sad he didn’t even mention that it’s their CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
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Mandors
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:28amDecades of gun control have obviously failed in Chicago. Why not try the alternative?
Don’t–pardon the pun–shoot the messenger.
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UlyssesP
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:26am“black people want guns, and I know that sounds bad,” referring to his constituents desire to legally protect themselves with firearms”
No, not bad, it sounds fantastic. Fantastically American. One thing..replace “black” with “citizen” and I’m all with you.
Welcome!
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mils
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:26amYou’re advertising here?
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biohazard23
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:20amRuh-roh, Shaggy, looks like some little Indian just went off the reservation…..
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ALISSTER
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:20amOh good. What about guys like me that are firearms instructors and can’t even carry in Illinois?
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JLGunner
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:43ammove to Florida and hang out with me and my fellow firearms instructors.
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ALISSTER
Sep. 9, 2011 at 12:07pmI would love to. Year around training!
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Infidel49
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:19amAll that will be needed is a valid firearms concealed carry permit and that is all. Police stop an individual, he/she has a firearm. Individual shows officer permit, just like showing any other form of id. if the firearm was not used illegally, have a nice day. What extra training do you need?
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GhostOfJefferson
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:03amTraining on individual rights I’d wager. The individual rights that say you don’t need a license to exercise aforementioned individual rights.
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cromag11b
Sep. 8, 2011 at 12:04pmHave you been paying attention to the last decade? If a cop sees you with or you mention you have a gun more often than not they will flip. Add to the the attitude fostered by shows like COPS where anyone with a gun is put in a bad view, instantly treated like a dangerous criminal, and have a severe anti-carry culture in law enforcement. The only ones I have run into that were usually cool about it were State police since they usually know the law better than officer Fife.
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GhostOfJefferson
Sep. 8, 2011 at 3:08pmHey, Crom, I have a CHL (concealed handgun license) and also open carry from time to time in central Ohio. I have yet to see anybody “flip out” who wears a uniform, in real life. There’s that one guy in Canton, but he’s one guy, not the entire police force. Hell bro, I’ve open carried riding my motorcycle through Virginia, big ol 1991A1 Series 80 on my hip, in full biker regalia, and nobody said boo to me. Gun rights are coming back in a big way, the pre-21st century fear mongering has lost its impact.
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cromag11b
Sep. 8, 2011 at 4:03pmAnd then again I’ve been physically thrown on the ground and had a gun put to the back of my head for saying I have a permit and a weapon; which is a duty as a carrier. I had bent over to pick something up and he saw the top of my pistol stick out from above my pants(inside pants rig) and he immediately ran up and started yelling in my face; gun drawn the whole time.
And I know of numerous others that have had similar experiences.
When I was stationed in VA they had an issue that local sheriffs went after anyone open carrying, which is a state law. That prompted the state govt to pass a new law overriding any local law.
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Dr. Insane O
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:17amI’m in Illinois and I can’t believe that there is a Dem politician that actually likes the idea of conceal and carry.
I’d even be for a CC tax. The illegals, MS 13 have overrun the state. I need to protect myself
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GhostOfJefferson
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:57amThen arm yourself. Any law that goes against your rights is an invalid law. You have a right to keep and bear arms. If you feel threatened, then you arm yourself, the “law” doesn’t enter into the equation.
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Doug in Seattle
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:23amThe ghost is right, but that won’t stop the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois from throwing you in jail for exercising your 2nd Amendment rights.
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CulperGang
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:56amWhy would you pay a tax on what is your right via the 2nd Amendment!!!! Think about what you just said. TAXATION empowers politicians. YOU just gave them your power!! Money=power.
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JBT
Sep. 8, 2011 at 1:11pm“I’d even be for a CC tax”
Then we will also submit any constitution right for taxation. Such as taxing freedom of speech, right to council when accused, ect.
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MODEL82A1
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:15amRahm will see to it that Rep. Ford gets his mind right.
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Gary Fishaholic
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:22amI am sure he is already on it.I wonder who that is calling?
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Shellback
Sep. 8, 2011 at 10:25am@Model,
What we have here….is a failure to communicate.
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SpankDaMonkey
Sep. 8, 2011 at 9:15am.
Great Idea……..
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