Pantagraph.com | News | FOID card fee eyed for hike

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Uncle Buster wrote on Mar 12, 2008 7:59 AM:

" i now live in kentucky. i can buy ammo in illinois on my valid Kentucky hunting license- no foid card fee, no background check "

Beowulf wrote on Mar 11, 2008 12:58 PM:

" To: GOM - You are absolutely right. Just check out the immigration policies of our "neighbors", Canada and Mexico. Just like the Hotel California... you can check out, but you can never leave. Besides... I'm not going anywhere. I'm stickin' around just to be a pain to the "America... Love It or Leave It" morons (or is it "morans" as they like to spell it?). "

Freudian Slip wrote on Mar 10, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Raising the FOID fee will accomplish nothing. Those who are in favor of it assume that the Illinois State Police are competent enough to handle the task of a more in-depth background investigation on applicants. They (the ISP) can't competently run the current FOID section as it is and it is not because of lack of money or manpower. This is another failed and flawed idea in a State that is being run into the ground by the current administration. No wonder businesses and people are leaving the State in droves (except for the welfare class, which is increasing). "

Normally wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:17 PM:

" This is just one small step toward the $500 FOID fee that Rod promised in his first governor race. We know the governor and legislature will spend the extra money any way they want and their promises of increased safety is all smoke and global warming. "

WALT wrote on Mar 7, 2008 2:37 PM:

" To Sigh: Did you know that when they passed the FOID law the police were exempt from the fee because their gun was a job requirement? That only lasted until the police were all in the system and at renewal time the fee "magically" applied to everyone. Mayor Daley(The Elder) figured out a way to tax the police. I'll bet he's still smiling in his grave over that one. "

sigh wrote on Mar 7, 2008 1:33 PM:

" re: Walt: Well said. However don't get too angry at gun owners in this state, many have been raised not knowing how much of an abridgement of our rights the FOID card is. Heck, most think that is the way it is everywhere else. Just continue educating them and one day we may be able to ditch the thing. "

WALT wrote on Mar 7, 2008 12:23 PM:

" To Santo Fan: How is it that you're not outraged that the state wants to raise the already ILLEGAL fee on YOUR right to keep and bear arms. If this were a tax on your right to vote you would be trying to throw these rascals out of office for being so arrogant as to step on your rights. It is unconstitutional to tax a right. "

Santo Fan wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:52 PM:

" I am a gun owner and do not have a problem with this rate hike. I do have a problem with trusting that the additional money will serve it's promised purpose. "

irishman wrote on Mar 4, 2008 6:20 PM:

" For those of you who keep asking WHY semi-auto rifles. I have a friend that goes to several shoots every year with his semi-auto rifles. Sometime he makes money, sometimes not. He enjoys it, so does his wife. "

What now? wrote on Mar 4, 2008 3:42 PM:

" So the extra $20.00 is going to make sure that we do a more extensive background check? "

Paladin wrote on Mar 4, 2008 3:26 PM:

" ...personally, I like to shoot. Also, I am fascinated by all the engineering that goes into semi-auto and revolver actions. The more you read, and work with the weapon systems, the more you learn. I own a semi-auto pistol (the ol' Beretta, I know, I'm a fossil, I sold my Glock 15 years or so ago to buy it, before they fixed the magazine problem). I also own a pump action shotgun, but am about to trade up to a semi-auto shotgun. Less time fiddling at the range reloading, more time improving my shooting techniques. I do not delude myself into thinking anyone wants to take my guns away from me. Think of the mobilization that would entail, and the sheer cost, in dollars AND (potentially) lives. It just isn't a feasible process. They might make it illegal to buy something new, but I just don't see rounding up what I've already bought. Think of all the people who'd be shouting, "Hitler's a-comin' back!" "

Gabriel wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:50 AM:

" To: ES - The right/priviledge aspect of your post has already been addressed. Why would anyone need a semi-auto? Good question, why does anyone need a sports car? tv? name brand clothes? "Need" is not only somewhat subjective, it's also irrelevant to the discussion. The vast majority of guns sold are semi-automatic. You say you have "no qualms" with hunters, but they often use semi-automatic shotguns and rifles. Virtually all pistols and revolvers sold are also semi-auto. You seem to falsely associate semi-automatics with "machine guns" or heavy weapons. "

sigh wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:56 AM:

" re: “ES”: Correction, it is a RIGHT to own a gun not a privilege as the second amendment clearly states that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Further law of the time goes on to define militia as any adult male and should certainly be applied to woman in today’s world. Additionally, every other amendment in the Bill of Rights has been applied as an individual right. Look up the Heller attorney brief for the Heller vs DC case and it will explain the right better than I ever can in 200 words. On semi-automatics – hunters use them for a follow up shot, target shooters use them for matches, some people just enjoy collecting and shooting different firearms, if you were defending yourself (no matter the situation) you would surely want more than one shot and I am sure I am missing some. Anyone can break into your home and threaten you no matter how nice a place you live even in the Pantagraph circulation area. "

johnd wrote on Mar 3, 2008 4:39 PM:

" What about the drive by shootings that happen every other day in Chicago?Do you think raising the price of a FOID card will stop that?Name one of those Hoods that even have a FOID card.Wake Up Iliinois! "

ES wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Corrections, it is a PRIVILEDGE to own a gun, not a right as the second ammendment clearly states that if you are in a militia or the security of the state is threatened, IF you own a gun, it cannot be taken away by the government. Lots of IF's there. I have no qualm with hunters and I agree the money will not stop a nutjob from shooting people, but I do have one question: why in the world does ANYONE need a Semi-Automatic weapon? Seriously, gun owners, what is the purpose? If you live in a place where you need this type of weapon to defend yourself, I suggest you move. I know of no such place where one is needed in the cirrculation of the readership of the Pantagraph. "

sigh wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:54 PM:

" re: "TO:The Irascible Fachna" Just wanted to say it might not be the best idea to keep ammo in an attic, the heat will break down powder over time and ruin it. A cool, dry place is best for long term storage, unless you have a good insulated attic then carry on. "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:58 AM:

" to Let's analyze this
yes lets do, vehicular homicide happens more than shootings. therefor it stands to reason(by your logic) that we need to keep anyone from driving if they have had mental problems. "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:48 AM:

" to fachina "legal untill they are not" that can be said for all citizens
all these anti gunners want to cut down every tree, to fight a forest fire. "

Walt wrote on Mar 2, 2008 3:16 AM:

" Wake up folks. The FOID card is an illegal tax on your right to keep and bear arms. Where poll taxes were placed on your right to vote, they were found to be illegal. The fee for the FOID card is no different. You are issued a voters card without cost, why is there a fee placed on my right by the state? By the way, Illinois is the ONLY state that has this tax. "

Mr. Brunsvold wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Joel Brunsvold served honorably and saved the taxpayers much money. Don't agree with him but he was a reputable person to quote "

TO:The Irascible Fachna wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:38 PM:

" as your neighbor you don't want to know how much ammo, or gun powder I keep in my attic. It might rock your world. PS if you don't like it, MOVE "

Dave wrote on Feb 28, 2008 4:12 PM:

" To Cynic

Faschina said nothing about banning guns. Her idea about gun licenses might have helped in the case of the NIU shooting in that one person buying multiple guns in a short timespan would raise some red flags. "

TO: FOID=Useless wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:20 PM:

" Already one step ahead of you. I've already contacted all of my state "representatives". I urge each of you to do the same. It takes only 5 min and if enough of us voice our concerns, things MAY change. "

To: Mule wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:19 PM:

" You did not try very hard. People do it all the time. So you need to try again, next time pledge your loyalty to the party. "

Native wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:00 PM:

" Brunsveld is now a lobbyist. Who is he a lobbyist for? That was left out of the article and would have a bearing on his proposal. "

FOID = useless wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:37 PM:

" The FOID is already enough of a pain. Raising the fee will just make it the next favorite fee to raise when the mismanagement catches up with the lawmakers - it will do nothing to increase security. They should really be cancelling the FOID concept, instead of making it more expensive - IL is one of the very few states with this ID card concept, and it did nothing to stop the NIU tragedy. It's always been a revenue builder, nothing more, and the fact that they're using this horrible tragedy to try and champion raising their fees is just despicable. Shame on them. I fully intend to voice my opinion on this with all of my representatives, and I recommend everyone do the same. "

TO; JD wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Thank you again for your statements. I am someone who suffered from a bout of depression in my early 20's. I sought out medical help and was hospitalized while I was examined. My stay only lasted a week and I was only on anti-depressants for 2 months. Since then I've changed my life around and no longer suffer from depression. In turning my life around, I purchased my first house, which happens to be in a ROUGH neighborhood. Because of these idiotic laws I cannot own a firearm to protect my property. I am a good, upstanding citizen who works at a professional job, I pay my taxes, and I donate time for needy causes. Yet our gov't could care less about my safety and my posessions. They are more concerned about getting the welfare checks out to the crackheads that live down my street. "

Fred wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Here we go again, Chicago pols pushing their junk. "

TO: Leroy Republican from Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Sorry, you're wrong. You may have been able to leave the country in the 50's when "Love it or Leave it" was a big statement. I've tried to move out of this country, the only problem is no country wants Americans (do you blame them?) In order to take up residency in another country you have to be trained in a job that they are lacking (Usually healthcare) or find a job that wants to hire you, have them petition for a work visa, then prove to the gov't why they couldn't get a citizen to take the job, then IF you get the job, you have to reapply every 3 months to continue your work Visa. It's easier to get into this country than it is to leave it. "

Cynic wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Well Fachina, I see you show your "little" knowledge on the issue. Let's just ban everything that you do not like. They just had another robbery using a baseball bat. Should we ban them, or issue BBOID cards? "

OGS Run for Office wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:25 PM:

" It is time We The People take back our government! Half the bloggers on this site could do a better job that these so called political hack career politicians. All they ever do is make more laws! More laws = more government = we get screwed. I'm sick of it! "

Leroy Republican wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:17 PM:

" to:godihategovernment - You CAN leave. That's the beauty of this country. Go spend some time in a third world country and then you'll know what nothing is.

To: State Cop - Thank You for serving "

GFOID!!!! wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Instead of constantly picking on the law abiding, there is another way to increase revenues. Since there is nothing being done about the gang problem, how about issuing GFOID cards? Gang members will be required to have a GFOID card if caught with a gun that they are not legally able to posess. With the large armed gang population, even a $15 fee can rake in big bucks.

With the U.S. govt deficit, how about collecting tax on income that is currently not being reported by the politicians? Besides the kickbacks, there is income from services that you are being billed for. If you were being provided bodyguard services 24/7/365, how much would that come to? Let the audits begin!!!!! "

LDT wrote on Feb 28, 2008 11:58 AM:

" According to a news article on the ISRA, which is also mentioned in the Wikipedia profile of Hot Rod,

As an Illinois State Representative, Blagojevich introduced legislation to raise the FOID card fee from $5 to $500 so that people would 'think twice' about wanting to own firearms. "

hey Sigh -ldt wrote on Feb 28, 2008 11:52 AM:

" Another comment that you and I agree on. IL is one of only a hdnful of states that require a fee to own firearms. I can not accurately state the number of other states that have a license fee to own a firearm, but it is around 3-4. I belive that New Jersey is one of them.

One thing that I do know, is that other states have attempted to institute a fee for owning firearms and those fees were shot down by the court ssytems in those states. Simply said, the courts in those specific states have said that imposing a FEE to excercise a constitutional right is unconstitutional and therefore illegal. How IL and the selct other states have gotten away with it is beyond me.

And I am surprised that the paper says that Blago has repeatedly assured people that he will not raise the FOID fee. Since when? I once read that he openly asked for a raise in the fee to several hundred dollars. He then basically said that if he can make owning guns cost too much for the average person then he would be all for it. "

Buying Guns wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:54 AM:

" I am willing to pay pennies on the dollar for Illinois resident's "illegal semi-automatic" weapons. "

The Irascible Fachna wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:54 AM:

" FOID is not a "gun license", it's an owner license. Not only would a "gun license" raise more revenue, but it would particularly identify each and every hunk of lethal iron possessed by people who are "law-abiding citizens" ..... until they're not. Knowing who's stockpiling what types of guns and ammunition might provide a heads-up as to who's verging into obsessive mental disturbance. "

Ed wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Better enforcement of current laws is the logical way. I would offer to say that a seperate FOID Card should be required for assualt weapons. The card for the assault weapon would honor weapons beneath the catergory of assault weapons. If you look at the statistics assault weapons are not used that often in attacks. It is like a plane crash, not often due they happen, but when they do, it massive. I come from a family of law officers and I would want to know who has assualt weapons going into a possible hostile situation. BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF CURRENT LAWS, NOT MORE LAWS THAT AREN'T ENCORECED. "

ONLY IN AMERICA- wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Here we go again in our liberal state of Illinois. Because some wack-job kills people now the honest working gun owners have to pay the price. Democratic Liberal law makers seem to think penalizing the average guy makes up for things what they want passed. If only people could have had concealed carry permits as many people would have not been killed. Nobody will ever be able to prevent people from killing however, people can prevent the high numbers of those killed with armed resistance and reaction. Law makers aren't smart enough to figure this out. Liberals want to ban weapons so only criminals will have guns.

Hey governor - are your body guards armed ??? Yes they are they are police officers. I have as much right to be protected with my life as you do. My life is just as important as yours, just as the students who didn't have to die.

Wake up people. Honest people have the right to protect themselves because our government can't. Our state is one of two who won't let citizens have concealed carry. THANKS ROD O' Keep raising fees and taxes that's what democrats to best!! "

makes sense wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Why would less legal firearm owners make an improvement? Do you realize what one concealed carry permit could have done to that situation? Even Just one person who was carrying a legal side arm could have stopped the gunman quickly, or at least made him not so efficient at killing the unarmed. We need the right to carry in IL just for things like this. "

Schizo wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:45 AM:

" DANG!!! I guess I can't go on a shooting spree now, the cost is to great for me. All I have is $5.00, how am I supposed to come up with the other $20.00? "

To: Chicago overlords wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:28 AM:

" What's your point? While guns aren't completely illegal in the "State of Chicago", they are are highly regulated. Handguns are outlawed and all other firearms must be registered by the Chicago Police. In the past decade, it has become virtually impossible to find a store that sells ammo in Cook County. So, is it all you "law abiding downstate sportsmen" who are performing all the armed bank robberies in Bloomington-Normal making it tops in the state? I would actually think the law would be served more by raising the fee to cover a mental examination of the applicant before issuing a FOID car to prevent another tragedy such as at NIU. It is funny because you have to be of good sound mind and body to serve in our armed forces but that same restriction is not applied to gun ownership. "

Wow... wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:26 AM:

" ...I'm amazed at the fact that so many people are willing to give up their constitutional rights. We have to pay for a card to own a gun, but not to become a parent or a to be part of a religion? Unreal. "

Facts wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:12 AM:

" The State Police Make decisions regarding FOID cards and the psychiatric hospitals are responsible for notifying the state police upon admission or discharge that said individual need foid card revoked. Local mental health agencies or therapists do not have control over those decisions. They can write a letter to the state police with recommendations, but other than that hands are tied. "

My Thoughts wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:06 AM:

" This is not to deter people from buying guns this hike will help our worthless Gov. Rod pay to demolish and rebuild that building on NIU. Close that classroom, remodel it and make it a memorial, then expand the building, don’t demolish the whole building just to build another in it’s place. This government is not going to stop until they have depleted every last citizens pockets with the exception of their own!!! I say we give Rod a yugo to drive around that will save on some of the cost of travel, then we can put that toward the new NIU building. "

bill wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:44 AM:

" I'd be willing to pay the $25 for five years, if we could make sure it goes where it is intended to go for. I guess Rod needs some more money for his legal fees and building that new building at NIU or to give someone else health insurance! "

sigh wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Re "Seems fair ": Thats only because you were raised in Illinois- the only state in the Union that requires a state ID card to buy firearms (except maybe New York). The FOID card is not only a violation of our civil rights, it is antiquated because everyone who buys a gun through a dealer goes through a background check there and then that is no different from the one you had to take to get the card, just more current. Why have a card that is outdated and why force someone to pay $25 to exercise ther Constitutional rights? Wouldn't you be outraged if you needed an ID card that you had to pay for in order to practice free speech or be a Christian? "

whatajoke wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:28 AM:

" Yeah, this is only going to punish the innocent, law-abiding citizens. Someone breaking the law with murder won't really bat an eye to break however many other laws are made concerning guns. "

excusesareus wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Why is it that we sit and allow politicians take rights away and use one excuse for another. Charge the common working man 20.00 more dollars, we are already paying a lot of money so our governer can fly from chicago to springfield. Guns are not not the problem, spineless politicians are. I do not want to be like california or ohio where I cannot have a gun! The bad guys will still have them and we will be defenseless. And what does that solve? "

Remember wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:18 AM:

" I think it was 2 or 3 years ago Blogo had prisoners and others doing the FOID registration. People companied because of sensitive info. First things first. Ban Chicago, Blogo and all politicians above I-80.
"

re:JD wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Very valid point. I know there are many police officers who are or have been under psychiatric care and on anti depressant medicines. Will they look the other way on this while the average Joe like you are talking about gets penalized and can never hunt or protect himself? For many hunting and the sport of shooting is their main hobby. Seems wrong because one nut goes on rampage liberals want to ram their anti-gun laws down everybody's throat. Not surprised that Chicago democrats want this since their strict gun laws makes their city one of the most UNSAFE places to be. Let's make mayor Daley live in the worst neighborhood with NO protection for 2 years and see what he thinks. No bodyguards and he must take a walk every night. "

why don't they wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Why doesn't the government just raise taxes and fees to the point we are all on welfare. Then they can take all our guns. They can dole out what they think we need and protect us. Oh wait, the criminals will still have weapons but the police won't be able to protect us. On second thought, the governor and the mayor of Chicago need to worry about themselves and let us worry about us. I'm so sick of them dictating what my life should be and what I should pay for it. They don't know anything about me so they should mind their own business. As far as $25 for my FOID card, it will not deter me from renewing, but the point is they keep jacking up the price of everything. Enough! "

Dan wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:09 AM:

" If they really want to raise more money for the State Police, enact a conceal carry law and collect $100 from the law abiding citizens who want to carry to protect themselves. "

No government wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:08 AM:

" Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun. "

A.H. wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:54 AM:

" We must control the guns before we can control the people! "

Hey wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:51 AM:

" Pandering. Using death to raise a tax. Murder is illegal, but that fact never stops anyone from killing. ban .50 caliber? Has one of those EVER been used in a crime? "

Won't work wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:48 AM:

" I don't think raising the price will matter. Idiots will still be able to get the guns on the open (black) market. And will get as many guns as they want. That's where most of the crime is and that's where most of the guns that kill people are. The average law abiding citizen won't be effected. "

lover of all guns wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:36 AM:

" i would gladly pay the 25 dollars, IF the extra money was in fact used to do more thorough background checks. Yes of course the incident still could of/ would of happened, But there is always the possibility that if there were a more thorough background check on the guy, they may have found something to stop him from purchasing guns. Now is the extra 20 dollars for the FOID card actually going to be used for this? Or will it be used to pay Robs transportation bills? Or other debts Rob has caused? "

FOID is wrong wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:20 AM:

" I thought the second ammendment guarenteed my right to keep and bear arms. why do i need a fancy IL permit to have my guns when the Constitution says i can have them. "

to "danvers farmboy" wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:19 AM:

" I looked at the specifics of the law that would ban 50 cal. weapons in Illinois. Anyone can do this research for themselves at the Illinois Legislature web site. The law would not affect (for the time being) people who already own these weapons. It would however make it ilegal for any further purchases. It would also make it ilegal for you to sell your 50 cal. to anyone. I found the foot notes most interesting though. According to the study, the ban would increase the number of inmates in the Illinois Dept. of Corrections by Ten (10) over the next 10 years. You people would be surprised at some of the laws our "leaders" are trying to get passed, that the media is not reporting on. Do yourselves a favor and do your own homework. DO NOT rely on the media to report anything. "

State Cop wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:06 AM:

" You want to know how easy a background check is? Type name, race, and date of birth into the computer. Less than 5 seconds later you have the criminal history of the person. Then mail an id that costs maybe a quarter to make. Is that action worth $25 a search? Entering into the realm of looking for mental issues is much harder though. I don't see how that information can be made available due to HIPA laws. "

love my guns wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:59 AM:

" Want the he!! is wrong with this state or any other state.One guy go's and get's nuts on a school and then the sorry a!! gov that we have what's to get in to the middle. Some one go's nut's and then all they can do is take it out on all of us .I my self belive that people should not have a foid card till there 21or there parent sign for them. most kids know days can't handle driving .Why give them a gun. "

Just How ? wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:13 AM:

" Just how would $20.00 stop a nut ? "

Stephen G. Bennett wrote on Feb 28, 2008 5:36 AM:

" Sounds like honest lawabiding sportsmen are going to take another hit here. I was wondering why Illinois State Police are taking so much longer to renew FOIDs? To be honest in Illinois means to pay through your nose! This in an already strapped economy? "

Jeff wrote on Feb 28, 2008 5:09 AM:

" Are they going to ban knives,bats,hammers and anything else that you can hurt someone with. These people (PEOPLE WE ELECT) have not a clue.
"

Rod in '10 wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:44 AM:

" The good citizens of Illinois WILL re-elect Blago in '10...just watch. "

Let's analyze this~~ wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:31 AM:

" This man had mental issues and had been hospitalized. This man was released supposedly in a fine state of mental health. This man went out and took it upon himself to buy guns, but was in a fine state of mental health. No one informed the state of his statistics, so he gets his gun, goes home and plots his crime. As I see it if he had been reported to the state and it had been documented he could not have bought a gun from a dealer, maybe off the streets, but not a dealer. If ALL mental health facilities were MADE to report any mental illnesses of people these things could be avoided via red flag at state level. So why raise the fee for sending in a report on a subject? Oh I know, Blo-go needs money to use at his discretion, perhaps a rebate. My HERO!!! "

Danvers farmboy wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:31 AM:

" Who can tell me how many times a 50 cal weapon was used during the commission of a crime last year? I bet less times than the governor was an active participant in a crime. "

grasping at straws wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:49 PM:

" The shotgun used at NIU wasn’t even a semi-automatic. "

gun owner wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:47 PM:

" #1: add up all the "gun control" laws nation wide, including federal laws, and you come up with over 22,000. Is one more gonna do the trick? #2: For all you gun grabbers out there ask yourself these questions, how many guns are you around every day? How many motor vehicles are you around every day? Did you know according to the CDC, car accidents cause 3 times more deaths per year than firearms? The majority of motorists in this nation are good drivers. They follow the rules of the road, and when they don't they are ticketed. If they continue to break the law by speeding, running red lights, etc... they loose the privilege of driving. The drivers who choose to drive drunk or drive under the influence of other ilicit drugs are jailed, and most of the time they loose the privilege of driving. They punish the violator NOT everyone who owns and operates a car. If they really wanted to make a change for the better, we would have a concealed carry law enacted. How many kids would have died if one of them would have been able to shoot back? "

JD wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:47 PM:

" Who defines what is acceptable as metal illness. With the current trend of diagnosing everything from road rage to introversion as a mental illness, it is safe to bet that 75% or more of the population could be diagnosed mentally ill. Under this bill, someone who had a rough spot in life and suffered a bout of depression could never own a fire arm. Is there going to be acceptable and non-acceptable mental illnesses? What about guns already owned by those deemed mentally unfit? This line of thinking, while seeming valid, does little in the long run to stop or even curb, the use of guns for crimes. It just penalizes law abiding citizens. "

Rod Has Been.... wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:10 PM:

" Gunning to hike any fee he can concerning Gun Issue's.
He will use any excuse he can to get them raised. How About this Gov. Rod,
Stricter back ground checks and anyone with criminal or mental problems Don't get guns, and how about going after those that Illegally sell them ? How about tougher penalty's there! "

Wow... makes sense wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:08 PM:

" a couple of shooters many of who will obtain guns unlawfuly and will not pay anyway. Yet we will punish law abiding citizens. Also, what about cops who have to pay for a FOID? Makes no sense! "

WTF? wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:54 PM:

" Hahahahaha, put our governor in jail already. He's an idiot. The fee isn't bad, but pretending an extra couple of dollars will deter gun violoence is laughable. "

Chicago overlords wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:51 PM:

" Why don’t they just ban all guns in the state of Chicago and leave the rest of us law abiding downstate sportsmen alone. The people of Chicago can’t complain. Its their machine politicians that is causing all this hysterical finger pointing. Let them ban them and then see their crime rate soar like it has in DC. Why, oh why did we have the lovely utopia of Chicago in our state? Why couldn’t they have left it a swamp like God intended. "

Does the word FORMER mean anything to you wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Former Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold; “It needs to be raised,” said Brunsvold, a former state lawmaker from Milan who served as chief of DNR from 2003 to 2005. “I would gladly pay $25 for five years.”
Former this and former that Who cares who you are or were you can pay $25.00 if you want I'm sure the state would keep it even if the cost is $5.00 heck go ahead and toss them a extra $20.00 for mine also it expires in oct. "

Candy wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Once again its the honest person who gets it shove up their behine. This is nothing more then to make money for the state to spend on other stupid stuff. Wouldn't it be nice to have some honest people in office. "

won't work wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:33 PM:

" The NIU shootings would not be prevented by more money going to the State police for background checks. The police do not have access to medical records. Which is what they would have needed to know this guy should have his FOID revoked. Prior to this incident he had not been a criminal. Unless you want to allow the state police access to mental health records this particular problem won't be addressed with higher fees.

Enforce the current laws and allow law abiding individuals the means to defend themselves. "

Guns dont kill people, People kill people wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:29 PM:

" Jacking up the price to get/renew a foid card is not going to stop some nut job. Also banning guns are stupid because the same people break-n the law will do just that and break the ban laws so the poor guy who is a law-abiding citizen gets killed because he cant protect himself because his 9mm has been banned. So give it up. "

moonie wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:28 PM:

" here we go again, the horse is out and running,opps someone for got to shut the door. they(rod and the governor of chicago) are looking for any reason to raise money at the expense of the lawful owner of guns. we donot need new laws on the books we need to enforce the one there now. "

TB wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:22 PM:

" I agree that the fee being raised to $25.00 isn't an outrageous request but I question why they think this is going to stop someone from doing something tragic like what happened at Northern. I believe It is the medical professionals that are responsible for reporting mental health issues to the appropriate offices and if they don't, how is anyone going to find this information out. It was reported in the USA Today a few days ago that most states don't receive this info like they are supposed to.

More money isn't going to fix this issue. "

What wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Your raising the price to get a foid is going to make all the difference in someone flipping out and killing people ... Fools "

mre wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:15 PM:

" i wish the feds would hurry up and indict the gov, maybe he could serve time while still in office and leave us law abiding taxpayers alone "

gary wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:09 PM:

" ban semi-autos, that must be a miss print. i think we should ban daly, chicago and blago from illinois. "

nose wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:41 PM:

" don't you understand??? the government is here to help. "

smoke screen wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:33 PM:

" Raising the FOID fee to $25 would not have stopped the crazed killer at NIU. This would do nothing more than put more money into government pork projects. Just like the lottery was to solve all our school funding problems. "

Chelly wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:31 PM:

" What they forget is this young man got those guns legally. He probably would've spent $25 for a FOID card. Raising the fees isnt the solution. People kill people not guns. "

420 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:29 PM:

" Do you see what i have been saying? All these laws and fees effect only those whom follow the law. How ignorant lawmakers are to this fact or they just want you to believe that they are making it harder for criminals to acquire guns, yet punish those whom are legally purchasing firearms, all the while criminals will continue to have easy access to any type of firearm they choose to get.
I have to question the sanity of all our lawmakers, starting with those whom funded and voted for them in the first place.
But what can I say anything that raises a fee for the do gooders IMO is a very very good thing. Surely not going to be my last laugh either, as our government has turned comical. Thanks for the show Springfield...... "

godihategovernment wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:28 PM:

" Why does government suck so much gimmie gimmie gimmie, and I get nothing. I wish I could leave. "

Seems fair wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:26 PM:

" I am usually the most outspoken person when it comes to having Government NOT try to raise taxes or fees, and I'm also outspoken about gun rights too. In this rare case, I find the $25 fee for 5 years to be pretty fair. I wouldn't have a problem with raising this fee so long as the bill banning semi-automatic firearms be dropped from consideration. There is zero reason behind banning semi-autos when nearly every firearm sold is a semi-auto. Again, there are enough gun laws - enforce the ones on the books before passing more. "

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