NRA: Final 2 States Without Right-to-Carry Gun Laws Will Fall

By Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice-President

There are only two states in this entire country that don't have some sort of law on the books to allow people to carry handguns for self-defense: Illinois and Wisconsin. Wisconsin's legislature has approved "shall-issue" Right-to-Carry not once but twice, only to have the legislation vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. But with Governor Doyle term-limited, and Right-to-Carry getting increasing support in Illinois, some anti-gun politicians seem to be concerned that Right-to-Carry is inevitable. That's why they're doing their best to sound reasonable, while instead asking gun owners to accept a poison pill agreement.

The D.A. and police chief in Milwaukee have stated publicly that they'd support some type of Right-to-Carry law (with details to be ironed out later) as long as other changes to the state's gun laws are made, including making it a felony to engage in a straw purchase, and new restrictions on gun shows in the state. 

The NRA is second to no one in wanting to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals, but the NRA can't support new restrictions on lawful firearms owners and retailers at gun shows across the state. Anti-gun politicians trying to save face by offering a "compromise" won't find a receptive audience among NRA members. The gun-banners were wrong to block Right-to-Carry in the legislature, and they're wrong to say their lukewarm support for Right-to-Carry is contingent on new gun-control laws being passed as well.

Shaun from ICarry.org's comments: Good article, and it definitely is inevitable for new Right to Carry laws to pass in Illinois and Wisconsin.  I think LaPierre made a huge mistake by leaving out the fact that those officials in Wisconsin want to make it a FELONY to Open Carry as countless Wisconsin citizens responsibly do on a daily basis - in exchange for permission-based licensing/permit system for concealed carry.  Yes, they want to increase the penalties for straw purchases and change private sales and gun shows.

It looks as if the NRA is only interested in permit-based systems that force people to hide their self-reliance and the fact they are exercising such an important right.  This is very disappointing, and as an NRA member I have contacted them about this.  Open carry is a fantastic way to raise awareness, educate, and decrease the chances of violent attack.  The bigger issue is that Right to Carry truly is a right, and a right is something that doesn't require permission.  This right still exists in Wisconsin through open carry, and the NRA's failure to capitalize on this and lay the groundwork for right to carry nationwide is very disappointing.