Richard Pearson

On Monday, March 15^th, I sent out an alert postponing the 2021 IGOLD event.  I know you are all as disappointed as I am.  I know many of you say “Have it anyway.”  That is easier said than done. Springfield is essentially locked down not just for us, but every other group.  No one is picking on us specifically.  IGOLD has a sterling reputation because it is well organized, focused and disciplined.  IGOLD is the largest group that goes to Springfield and causes the least problems. That goes a long way in Springfield and everywhere else.  It has taken years to build a good reputation but it only takes moments to destroy it.  The next IGOLD is scheduled for April 6^th, 2022.

In the meantime, the fight for the Second Amendment is moving forward.  In the last Thursday Bulletin, I mentioned that the ISRA is developing a series of informational videos.  The first of these videos is on the ISRA website.  If you wish to view these videos, go to the website and hover over Advocacy and click on Informational Videos from the drop down list.  Right now, these include: How to Create an ILGA Account; How to File a Witness Slip; Locating Your State Legislator.  There will be more on the way.

Legislators can still be reached by email, fax and phone.  These videos will help you get your message to the General Assembly and individual legislators.

The United States House of Representatives has passed two anti-gun resolutions, H.R. 8 (the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021) and H.R. 1446 (the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021).  These two resolutions were passed with the help of some Republicans.  H.R. 8 passed 227-203.  This Resolution requires universal background checks.  Joining the anti-gun Democrats was Adam Kinzinger (IL-16).  Congressman Kinzinger also voted for H.R. 1446 which passed 219-210.  H.R.1446 extends the time for background checks to 10 days but the background check could be delayed for much longer.  These resolutions would make it much more difficult for law abiding gun owners and would have no effect on the criminal use of firearms.

In the United States Senate, Diane Feinstein is at it again and is going to introduce drastic anti-gun legislation.  Her favorite target is so-called assault weapons.  This time she is teaming up with Congressmen David Cicilline of Rhode Island.  The resolution has no number yet these two lefties have announced the provisions.  They are: https://www.ammoland.com/2021/03/feinstein-cicilline-awb-legislation-treason-say-gun-activists/#axzz6pE5ZcdVS

Tidbits:
March 18, 1925 - The Tri-State Tornado strikes Eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois and Southern Indiana killing 695 and injuring more than 13,000.  Those were the days before any type of early warning systems.  As a freshman in college, I met a 92 year old lady whose husband lived through the tornado.  He worked for the railroad and the tornado struck before they could get away.  Fortunately, there was a coal steam engine nearby and the lady’s husband climbed into the coal firebox of the 300 ton locomotive and survived.  The rest of the railroad yard was destroyed.

March 18, 1937 - A school in New London, Texas, is destroyed by a natural gas leak, killing 300.  There is no odor in natural gas so no one could smell the leak.  Because of this tragedy and other explosions, many utilities mix in a harmless gas called mercaptan, which has the smell of rotten eggs.

March 20, 1854 - The Republican Party is founded in Ripon, Wisconsin.  The Republican Party replaced the ineffective Whig Party.

March 22, 1894 - The first Stanley Cup Championship is played in Montreal, Canada.  The Montreal AAA team beat the Ottawa Generals.

March 20, 2021 - Spring is here.

March 23, 1775 - Patrick Henry, speaking about the Declaration of Independence, declares “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death”.

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

Saturday, March 27, 2021
RSO Meeting
NRA Range Safety Officer Course – Day 2 – CLASS IS FULL

Tuesday, March 23 & 30, 2021
Tuesday Afternoon Indoor Air Gun Open Practice
ISRA Indoor Air Gun Practice

Saturday, March 20, 2021
Hard Dog Junior Kickoff Meeting

Sunday, March 21, 2021
Marksmanship League
CCL Range Qualification
2021 Illinois State NRA Indoor Pistol Championship – Highland, IL

Wednesday, March 24, 2021
ISRA International Air Pistol League

Saturday, March 27, 2021
The Well Armed Woman

Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28, 2021
761^st Gun Club

Sunday, March 28, 2021
Handgun Skills & Drills
NRA Basic Pistol Class

Saturday, April 3, 2021
Range Work Day
Triple Threat Defense LLC: Defensive Tactics for Concealed Carry – Level 1

Saturday, April 4, 2021
ISRA Black Powder League (Bonfield Muzzle Loaders)
Paper & Steel League

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Combat Paper & Steel League

Saturday, April 10, 2021
Spring Fling Air Rifle Match

Gun & Trade Shows

Peoria Gun & Knife Show – Peoria, IL
Exposition Gardens
Dates: March 20 & 21, 2021
Hours: Saturday: 9:00-5:00
             Sunday: 9:00-3:00
Admission: $6.00

McHenry County Gun Show – Woodstock, IL
McHenry County Fairgrounds
Date: March 21, 2021
Hours: Sunday: 8:00-1:00
Admission: $5.00

Belleville Gun Show – Belleville, IL
St Clair County Event Center
Dates: March 27 & 28, 2021
Hours: Saturday: 9:00-4:00
             Sunday: 9:00-3:00
Admission: $7.00

Crown Point Gun Show – Crown Point, IN
Lake County Fairground
Dates: April 10 & 11, 2021
Hours: Saturday: 9:00-5:00
             Sunday: 9:00-3:00
Admission: $5.00













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