IGOLD 2022 is in the history books.  As we expected, it was smaller this year but it was still a success.  I would like to thank all the members, volunteers, staff, lobbyists, and board members who helped.  Once again IGOLD came off without a hitch.  Next year, we will once again be allowed into the Capitol barring unforeseen events.  I hope you will come if you didn’t make it this year.  One of the things that happened that made IGOLD successful was the 25 or 30 Senators and Representatives that joined us at the Lincoln Steps on the east side of the Capitol.  That is more than we have ever had by two.  It is great to see that support among the legislators.  Next year’s tentative date is April 5, 2023.  All that depends on the Legislative Calendar which will be out in mid-December.  We hope to see you there.

In a recent edition of “Imprimis”, a publication of Hillsdale College, Matt Rosenberg presented interesting statistics about crime in Chicago.   Mr. Rosenberg is from Chicago and often writes about Chicago.  He worked as a taxi driver before he became a writer.  It has been my experience that taxi drivers know lots to things you won’t find in a newspaper.  To the article: In 2020, the Chicago Police Department made arrests in only 11% of carjackings.  Less than half of the 11% were ever charged. It turns out 57% of those are juveniles who are turned loose.  I have no idea what the conviction rate was, but I am going to guess it wasn’t very high.  That means if you carjacked someone, you have less than 1 in 20 chances of being arrested, let alone convicted.  If convicted, who knows what the punishment was, if any.

Chicago also reported a 53% rate in solving murder cases.  If you dig down into the numbers, you will find that 6 in 10 cases are listed as “cleared, closed with exception” which means that no one was ever charged.  So, our 53% has to be multiplied by .40 which makes the real number about 21% but there is no word on the conviction rate.  I am going to guess if you commit a murder in Chicago, your chances of getting away with it are pretty good.  The number of people released on “no cash bail” was reportedly 147 per quarter.  The Chicago Tribune claims that number is four time as high.

A retired Chicago detective told me that when crimes were reported, the categories were manipulated to make the city look good.  Armed robbery might just be listed as robbery, burglary might be listed as criminal trespass.  You get the idea.  It reminds me of the adage “Figures don’t lie but liars figure”.   I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for the Chicago police.

Believe it or not, warm weather will soon be here.  Part of the treatment for cabin fever is to drive around with your windows down enjoying the fresh air.  We all do it.  Along with the warm weather and fresh air comes a rising crime rate.  With the already record numbers of carjackings, assaults, and robberies, we all must raise our awareness level to avoid being a victim.  We must always keep our wits about us in traffic and particularly when we stop for gas, snacks or when we come out of a restaurant or store.  Before we stop, we should roll up our windows and make sure our doors are locked.  When we get out of the vehicle, we need to make sure we have our keys or fob with us.  When we are done gassing up and coming out of the convenient store or shop, we must get in our vehicle, lock the doors, and drive away as soon as possible.  The longer you sit there, the more of a target you are.  It is sad but true that while anything can happen to anyone, women, and young women, in particular, are a target and in many cases, easy targets. 

I recently watched a story about two college students who were fond of each other and met by chance outside a convenient store.  They stopped to talk in the parking lot.  Innocent enough but extremely vulnerable.  They were approached by a nut case that neither of them knew.  He ordered them in the car, took their money and got into their ATM account.  Eventually, he forced them to drive out to a rural area where he shot them both.  The young lady died, and the young man survived despite several gunshot wounds.  Had they left the parking lot immediately, none of it would have happened.  They didn’t do anything wrong, but they made themselves an easy target. 

As you probably know, hordes of illegal immigrants are moving toward our southern border.  To make matters worse, Title 42 will expire on May 23rd.  Title 42 was implemented to help prevent illegals from bringing COVID-19 into the United States and prevent the spread of the pandemic.  Title 42 was used to remove those illegals from the country.  Of course, champions of the left were against Title 42, the last impediment we had to control illegal immigration.  The groups who supported open borders have no accountability to what happens to the United States and its citizens, nor do they care.

There is no way the United States Border Patrol can handle the incoming hordes but of course, that is the idea.  Worse yet, it was revealed that about 2000 illegals a day escaped undetected.  Why would they do that if they are going to be let in anyway?  My educated guess is that they are criminals and/or pack mules to haul in illegal drugs or both.  And guess what, they are coming to a neighborhood near you.

So here we go again.  Warm weather brings a rise in crime and the Biden Administration is bringing enforcements for the criminals.  You and I are on our own.  What are you going to do to protect your family and yourself?  First, I would accept the reality that crime doesn’t always happen to someone else. You need to prepare.  You need more training, and more training after that.  I have some suggestions: A defensive rifle class or two would be a good start.  I recommend two classes coming up in the near future.

Former Illinois State Police Officer, David Diller, has a one-day Close Quarter Carbine Class on April 16.  The cost is $150 for non ISRA members and $115 for ISRA members.  Please contact David Diller at 815.383.6558 for details and registration.  I have known Mr. Diller for many years and he is an excellent instructor.

If you are interested in going beyond the beginner level and can spend two challenging days, I suggest Midwest Training Group (MTG) two-day Defensive Rifle Course.  This class also teaches transitioning from rifle to sidearm.  It requires 600 rounds of rifle ammunition and 100 rounds of pistol ammunition.  This class goes from close quarters to 100 yards.  The class will be held on May 28 and 29 (Saturday and Sunday).  You will need to contact Andy Kemp at 208.771.3413.

June 22, 23, 24 and 25, Massad Ayoob will present his famous Mag40 class.  This is a must for any gun owner because it deals with not only combat marksmanship but also the laws which pertain to self-defense.  I have already had both classes.  If you are a Concealed Carry Licensee or instructor, this is a wonderful class for you.  MTG also handles this class.  You will need to call Andy Kemp to register.  His number is 208.771.3413.

Tidbits:
April 7, 1945 - The mighty Japanese Battleship Yamato is sunk.  If you remember a few weeks ago, I talked about the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 which limited battleships to35,000 tons.  The Japanese signed the treaty and then backed out of the treaty after other countries were committed. The Yamato was 72,800 tons with 18.1-inch guns.  The Washington Class U.S. battleships were 35,000 tons. How do you think they would stack up head-to-head?  The Yamato was sunk because of lack of air cover.  Had the Yamato gotten anywhere near U.S. ships or troops, the results would have been devastating.

April 7, 1970 - John Wayne wins his only Oscar for True Grit.  He should have won a couple of other times, but he was politically incorrect.  He should have won for the “Searchers” and my favorite, “She wore a Yellow Ribbon”.

April 9, 1865 - Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox Courthouse.  The Civil War is officially over.

April 9 & 10, 1942 - U.S. Troops surrender at Bataan and the Bataan Death March begins.  The Japanese forced starving American and Filipino prisoners to march 55 miles without food or water.  If locals tried to give food or water, they were beaten and sometimes killed.  Over 600 Americans and 5000 Filipinos died on the Death March.  I worked with a man who had survived the Death March and the prison that followed.  He was a physical wreck and stuttered because of the torture he went through.  A Japanese Lt. General Homm Masaharu was executed for war crimes April 3, 1946.  He died by firing squad which was way too good for him.

April 10, 1778 - John Paul Jones raids the coast of England.  I’ll bet Parliament loved that.

April 11, 1945 - United States troops liberate Buchenwald concentration camp.

April 12, 1945 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies at 1:30pm of a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia.  At 5:30pm, Eleanor Roosevelt met with Vice President Harry S. Truman and informed him.  Vice President Truman asked if there was anything he could do for her.  Eleanor replied, “Is there anything I can do for you?  For You are the one in trouble now.”  One of the things I like about Eleanor Roosevelt is she did not have Secret Service protection.  She drove everywhere herself, packing a 6-inch Smith & Wesson .38 Special.  Don’t mess with Eleanor.

Thanks for being a member!

Upcoming Events: ISRA Calendar
For more information, visit www.isra.org

Saturday, April 9, 2022
Emergency Response for Trauma Injuries Course – class is full

Sunday, April 10, 2022
ISRA Bullseye Match
Marksmanship League
761^st Gun Club Defensive Pistol 1

Tuesday, April 12 & 19, 2022
Tuesday Night Irregular Rifle League
Tuesday Night Air Rifle League (5:00-8:00)
Tuesday Afternoon Air Gun Open Practice

Wednesday, April 13 &20, 2022
Paper & Steel League

Saturday, April 16, 2022
Tactical Carbine Class
Hard Dogs Team Day at the Range
Air Pistol League

Sunday, April 17, 2022
Defensive Pistol 2

Saturday, April 23, 2022
ISRA Academy NRA Basic Pistol Class
Project Appleseed

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Project Appleseed
MTW Consulting LLC NRA 1^st Step Pistol Seminar

Gun & Trade Shows

Crown Point Gun Show – Crown Point, IN
Lake County Fairgrounds
Dates: April 9 & 10, 2022
Hours: Saturday: 9:00-5:00
             Sunday: 9:00-3:00
Admission: $5.00

Kane County Sportsman’s Show – St Charles, IL
Kane County Fairgrounds
Date: April 10, 2022
Hours: Sunday: 7:30-1:30
Admission: $7.00

Chicagoland’s National Civil War & Collector Arms Show – Wheaton, IL
DuPage County Fairgrounds
Date: April 23, 2022
Hours: Saturday: 9:00-4:00
Admission: $10.00

McHenry County Gun Show – Woodstock, IL
McHenry County Fairgrounds
Date: April 23, 2022
Hours: Saturday: 7:30-1:00
Admission: $5.00

Will County Gun Show – Peotone, IL
Will County Fairgrounds
Dates: April 23 & 24, 2022
Hours: Saturday: 8:00-3:00
             Sunday: 8:00-2:00
Admission: $6.00