ISRA supported the FOID card when it was first implemented in the late 1960’s

The ISRA has decided to not fight a FOID card “enhancement“ bill in the 2020-2021 legislative session in which other gun rights orgs and gun owners in Illinois are opposed to, even the majority of ISRA members. Perhaps we know why.....history. A vote for the bill is set for 6/16/21.

We all know the FOID card is rooted in racism. Here’s the proof. Illinois gun rights activists have been fighting hard to prevent even more draconian FOID card measures from being enacted, which is why Illinois gun owners were shocked this legislative session when the Illinois State Rifle association remained “neutral” on a FOID bill (anti-gun) that had previsions in it to outlaw the private sales of firearms in the state. They also stated that they will not fight this bad bill whatsoever:

Illinois State Riffle Association President Richard Pearson confirmed the organization will not fight the bill.

He said the ISRA is taking a neutral stance because the measure does both good and bad things for gun owners, like speeding up FOID card processing and mandating background checks for person-to-person sales.

Well, just like we did with the FOID card and exposed it’s roots, we looked at old newspapers and found that the ISRA supported the FOID card early on and even voiced support for passage of the law in 1967. Further, they voiced opposition for repealing it as well. Here are some examples (many many more out there).

The Edwardsville Intelligencer from August 29, 1969 (page 4):

Well, they were right. It is ineffective, yet here we are 50+ years later, still waiting for it to be trashed. Moving on...

The Decatur Herald. August 17, 1969 page 43:

Chicago Tribune, February 17, 1968 page 53: