Illinois' McLean County State's Attorney

Takes Pro Gun Stand

Earlier this week McLean County State's Attorney Ronald Dozier announced he would no longer enforce Illinois gun control laws that violate the Second Amendment. In particular, Dozier singled out the Illinois law that requires a person to possess a Firearm Owners Identification Card to be able to buy a gun. "Our message is this: We will no longer use the power and authority of our office to criminalize and punish decent, otherwise law-abiding citizens who choose to exercise the rights granted to them by the Second Amendment of the United States' Constitution to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and their families." Dozier, who noted that of the fifty states only Illinois refuses to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon, expressed disdain for the law that prohibits Illinois residents from purchasing a firearm without an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification card. Citing Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.8. Dozier wrote in his press release, "The duty of a public prosecutor is to seek justice, not merely to convict."

Fast and Furious Failure Fosters

Favoritism for Finagling Fed

Fox News has released information indicating that William McMahon, BATFE Assistant Deputy Director for Field Operations, will be receiving a six-figure federal paycheck for the next six months while working for J.P. Morgan's executive director for global security and investments in the Philippines. The Washington Post reported that McMahon was one of five ATF officials cited in a congressional report as being involved in Operation Fast and Furious. The report alleges McMahon knew no safeguards were in place to prevent a large number of guns from getting into Mexico but made no effort to stop them. According to Fox News, McMahon's ability to collect the BATFE paycheck while working for, and also being paid by, J.P. Morgan will allow him to retire from federal service in December with a full pension. Congressional investigators into Fast and Furious, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Darrel Issa (R-Calif.), have asked the BATFE to explain McMahon's situation but the agency has said only that McMahon is a full-time employee in the agency - specifically in its Office of Professional Responsibility!

NSSF Offers Grants To Expand

Collegiate Shooting Programs

To encourage collegiate target shooting at both varsity and club levels, the National Shooting Sports Foundation is inviting schools to apply for a total of $300,000 in grants to be awarded through its Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative. NSSF, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, has awarded more than $650,000 to 75 colleges to help establish, expand and sustain shooting clubs and teams. Grant applications are available at www.nssf.org/college and must be submitted by September 21. "Interest among college students in target shooting and firearms safety is growing at schools nationwide, and NSSF grants are helping to support the programs in which students can participate at whatever level they choose,"said Zach Snow, NSSF manager of shooting promotions. Schools that have received CSSI grants include Harvard, Yale, George Mason, Purdue Ecclesia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, CalState Channel Islands, Pratt Community College, Michigan State University, University of Florida and Texas A&M. CSSI grant-supported programs have helped double participation at the ACUI Intercollegiate Clay Target Championship over the last four years. The 2012 championships featured 520 registered shooters from 59 schools, a 15 percent increase over 2011.