'No guns for negroes,' Chicago-style , page 1

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Topic started on 18-3-2010 @ 11:49 AM by FortAnthem

A bill pending in the Illinois House of Representatives intended to make it more difficult for members of "street gangs" to buy guns is being criticized as targeting the black and hispanic communitys for disarmament.

'No guns for negroes,' Chicago-style

About a month ago, I wrote about a bill pending in the Illinois House of Representatives, HB 6123, ostensibly intended to make it more difficult for members of "street gangs" to acquire guns. Many would call that a laudable goal. Actually, as I said last month, I think the seemingly commendable nature of this legislation is the point--to be able to accuse opponents of the bill as "wanting to arm gangbangers."

The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) points to a much more ominous issue with this proposed legislation:

Law-abiding African Americans and Hispanics would take it on the chin under a bill now moving through the Illinois General Assembly. Sponsored by Rep. Harry Osterman (D-14), HB6123 would prohibit any person or entity from selling a firearm to a so-called "street gang member." This prohibition applies even if the individual has passed a Brady Law FBI background check. Making a prohibited sale would result in Class 1 felony charges and possible jail time for the seller.

"HB6123 promotes racial profiling at its worst," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Popular culture has branded urban minorities with the 'gangsta' stereotype that is pervasive well beyond the confines of actual criminal enterprises. Today's fashion, music, slang and lifestyle are all heavily influenced by the urban experience. Given that the provisions of HB6123 establish no test for determining 'street gang' membership, and given the harsh penalties for violating the proposed law, it is understandable that retailers would shy away from selling firearms to persons whose speech, dress, mannerisms, or taste in music reflect the urban lifestyle."

Read more: Examiner

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:21 PM by cenpuppie

*yawn* I already know how this country works. As long as a certain piece of legislation affects another group and not "ours", it's always all good. How the hell is someone suppose to know if they are in a gang by the way they dress? By that margin, I'M in a gang because i dress like the those "urban youths".

So to buy a gun in Chicago if this bill passes, not only do i have to have a clean background (not worried about that) but i have to pass a street gang test? So i guess i gotta dress like a stiff then. This bill is straight profiling.

You know, it's getting old being told by the majority how i should dress, just because i don't like the same kind of clothes as the majority.

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:30 PM by MessOnTheFED!

I believe that they should do the exact opposite. Issue everyone that pays taxes a gun and a box of ammo. They will never stop guns from being in the street, so why not make it at least fair?

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:38 PM by thisguyrighthere

I think the very first gun control laws were racist. Instituted to keep the slaves from arming themselves then altered to keep the freed slaves from arming themselves.

There have been a bunch of 'cant let poor people have guns' laws ranging from bans on inexpensive guns to banning ownership in low-income housing. Right now there are some legal challenges going after a couple of those low income housing bans.

SF housing gun ban

Deleware housing gun ban

Last thing we need is those poor negroes owning guns.

The Racist Roots of Gun Control

But it's not racist or classist at all. It's for our safety.

[edit on 18-3-2010 by thisguyrighthere]

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:47 PM by vor78

reply to post by FortAnthem

The original history of gun control was racist in nature, but these days, I think the intent is more inclusive. Its about disarming the poor. Only the rich and famous should have the right to defend themselves, or at least that's what the rich and famous (and politicians) think. The poor? Subhuman scum. They have no rights anyway, least of all the right to self defense.

Those who support gun control policies need to realize that the people at the top pushing those policies view the common man with contempt. It has nothing to do with public safety, but about preserving rights for one class and denying them to another.

[edit on 18-3-2010 by vor78]

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:49 PM by Tiger5

And how is anyone going to identify a member of a street gang. Will street gang members wanting to by guns not simply go underground. I don't want crimi nals getting more guns. I think this is a stupid idea that will not become law. The current idea is utterly unenforceable.

reply posted on 18-3-2010 @ 12:53 PM by thisguyrighthere