ISRA: In Published Statement, Rep. Moylan Steps Up Attacks - Verifies That His Intent Is To Punish Lawful Gun Owners

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

Political opportunists in Springfield continue to exploit the Las Vegas mass murder to justify attacks on the rights of millions of law-abiding Illinois hunters and sportsmen.  The most notable campaign of hatred against lawful gun owners is being waged by Rep. Marty Moylan (D-DesPlaines).  The state's firearm owners recognize Moylan as the chief sponsor of HB4107 – a bill that would require the banning and forfeiture of most of the lawfully-owned firearms in the state.

In a statement recently released by Moylan's office, the representative verifies that he is targeting the state's lawful gun owners for punishment in the wake of the Las Vegas mass murder.  Moylan's latest berating of the state's firearm owners is consistent with his career-long practice of attacking regular folks who dare to own guns.

"Moylan accuses the ISRA of stirring up fear and anger – to that we plead guilty," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson.  "The state's gun owners should be fearful of legislation that would render their firearm investments worthless and cause them to forfeit their lawfully-acquired property.  Likewise, gun owners should be very angry that a politician like Moylan would accuse them of complicity – figuratively placing the state's hunters and sportsmen in that Las Vegas hotel room, shoulder to shoulder with the murderer as he committed his heinous crimes.  Yes, the ISRA expects the state's gun owners to be very fearful, and very, very angry at Moylan for vilifying them in the public eye."

"In his statement, Moylan seems to imply that firearm owners have backed away from engagement on the issue of violent crime," continued Pearson.  "Of course, that isn't true but, nevertheless, we'd love to see Rep. Moylan engage gun owners to explain why he plans to register them like sex offenders; require them to forfeit their lawfully acquired property; and apply annual taxes on their constitutional right to own firearms.  Yes, it would be interesting indeed to see Moylan 'engage' sportsmen face to face as he explains how he plans to brand them as felons."

"Like all good Americans, the state's law-abiding firearm owners abhor violent crime," said Pearson.  "After all, our friends and families live here too.  We understand that the key to stemming violent crime is deterrence and rehabilitation – not imposition of bad public policy that criminalizes a sizeable portion of the citizenry.  That is why ISRA and the state's gun owners support proactive law enforcement, meaningful sentencing, and effective rehabilitation."

"Moylan does a great disservice to victims of violent crime by interjecting his personal dislike for gun owners into the equation," continued Pearson.  "Moylan's legislative proposals are divisive and serve only to punish the innocent while giving violent criminals a pass.  The state's gun owners are well aware of what Moylan is trying to do to them and are mobilizing on a scale not seen since the campaign to pass concealed carry.  Gun owners are watching this issue very intently and will note well which legislators see gun owners as partners, and which legislators see gun owners as enemies."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership.  For more than a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

WEB SITE:  http://www.isra.org

SOURCE Illinois State Rifle Association

Related Links

http://www.isra.org