Gone, but not Forgotten

It's been a while since I've posted anything.  Life has been busy - new kid, new house, new job - and the list goes on.  It's hard to find time for myself, let alone this here little blog.  But I felt like I could muster up at least five minutes today to share a blog post from Guns Save Life.  You see, my spunky, witty, wonderful Grandma Dorothy passed away this week.  She was 94 years old, so it really didn't come as a shock to any of us.  In fact, I've been trying to prepare my 6 year old daughter for this day for the last 6 months.  Even though it wasn't a shock though, it still hurts.  Still makes me sad that she's gone, but that's just selfishness.  She's no longer a slave to her wheelchair, or stuck inside watching out the window when she'd rather be outside running around.  So while I'm sad, there is also some happiness.  She lived a long, fun-filled, amazing life.  And I got to spend 35 years of MY life with her.  So that's something to be grateful for.  And I am. 

Now back to GSL.  Ever wonder where I get my love of guns from?  Well, it would be from the above woman and the love of her life, my grandma Carl.  Grandpa has been gone for 15 years, but we were lucky enough that Grandma had an AMAZING memory.  Probably the best memory of anyone I've ever met.  And she shared so many fun stories with not just my cousins and I, but with our kids - her great-grandkids.  It's hard to find the words to describe how awesome it was to have her tell my kids about the grandpa they never got to meet.  There were even some stories that I had never heard before!  The below is one that I had heard, but I loved reading it from some one else's perspective as well.  So long story short - thanks to Guns Save Life and John Boch for such a nice tribute.  We are sure going to miss this feisty woman!

Dorothy Holland:  Practically GSL’s matriarch

by John Boch
Dorothy Holland was a remarkable woman, and probably GSL’s oldest female member.  No doubt she was one of our longest members, and I’ll tell you why…

I remember getting a phone call about an old fellow and his wife that showed up on then GSL President John Naese’s doorstep.  The two stopped on the way back from wintering in Florida in the late 1990s.

Those two were Carl and Dorothy Holland.

They heard about Guns Save Life on a national radio show that had a segment on the pro-gun Burma Shave style highway signs along Interstates in Illinois.

In fact, if I remember the story correctly, Carl and Dorothy (well, mostly Carl) wanted to pull up stakes a little early for the return trip because he was so excited to meet these gun rights people so near his family’s farm.

The two owned a lot of farmland.  By golly, as they were a gun-loving, patriotic Americans, the two of them wanted a set of those signs on their land near McLean, Illinois.  We got them signs and they were a great source of pride for Carl and Dorothy.   What’s more, the two of them fell in love with Guns Save Life’s aggressive and proactive gun rights advocacy, along with our great people, and became regulars overnight.

Dorothy was almost always at her husband’s side it seemed.  She was a sweet, kind, Southern Belle – a graceful woman living in Yankee territory.

The two of them attended meetings, and when the Independence Day Parade in Champaign came along, they wanted to be in it, so they drove over an old, old car.   It looked like something out of the 1920s.

“What in the world?” I thought the first time I saw it rolling up to our float.  In the seats were Carl and Dorothy, both of them just beaming with happiness and pride to be there with their new friends to celebrate America’s birthday.

It wasn’t long before Carl and Dorothy got their adult children involved in Guns Save Life.  Son Bob and his wife became regulars.  The whole family started cycling through GSL Defense Training classes.  Carl and Dorothy’s kids and grandkids, and their spouses pretty much all came through.
Carl and Dorothy had a bunch of kids, too.  All have enjoyed very successful lives.  Their grandkids are on the same path as well, and I’m sure the great-grandkids will as well.  They are the 1%, not so much in their wealth, but in successes in life.  Good families, good kids, successful careers in their choice of work – and blessed with good DNA as there’s not an ugly one among them.

Son Bob joined our Board of Directors, and today serves as GSL’s liaison on the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources Board of Directors.  Granddaughter Bonnie served as GSL’s corporate secretary for many years.  Today Bob and Bonnie are outstanding instructors with GSL Defense Training, as is Carl and Dorothy’s other son Jack.

It’s been a blessing to meet and share life with the Hollands, all high-quality people thanks to their upbringing with Carl and Dorothy who found out about us from a radio show while they were in Florida for the winter.

Carl passed away in 2001, but Dorothy continued to live in the family home up until recently.
I remember running into her at the McLean, Illinois family restaurant about a year or two ago as we stopped there after teaching an Appleseed class.  I hadn’t seen her in ages, but I recognized her right away, almost shocked to see her.  She gave me a very warm and kind welcome, having recognized me right off as well.  She seemed so happy and proud, running into old friends.  She seemed even happier seeing us still actively promoting and sharing the fun and excitement of gun ownership, something she and her husband embraced whole heartedly, with a new generation of Americans.
I’m sure her passing is a great loss for the entire family, as it is for all of us who have been touched by not only Dorothy’s life, but the kind works of her children and grandchildren that she helped raise.  She will be deeply missed by all.

Project Appleseed Weekend

It's that time of year again... time for the Holland Farm Appleseed!  You won't want to miss out on this fun event.  If you haven't registered yet, don't worry, there is still time.  Join us August 9-10 and bring a friend!

If you haven't done an Appleseed before and aren't sure how to prepare, take a look here.  And if you'd like to participate but aren't a rifle owner, that's okay too, shoot an email to John Naese at johnnaese@comcast.net and he can help you out.  No excuses to not be there!  AND, to top it all off, there will most likely be a special appearance from this little fella... how can you resist?

Appleseed

This weekend (July 13-14) is the Holland Farm Appleseed!  If you haven't already registered, don't worry, there are still some spots available and the weather is looking to be beautiful! 

If you haven't done an Appleseed before, there is no reason to be shy, take a look here to see how you can prepare yourself.  And if you'd like to participate but aren't a rifle owner, that's okay too, shoot an email to John Naese at johnnaese@comcast.net and he can help you out. 

Hope to see you there!

URGENT ALERT – YOUR ACTION REQUIRED

GOVERNOR QUINN’S SOFT SPOT FOR CRIMINALS RESULTS IN VETO OF CONCEALED CARRY

As many of you know by now, Governor Quinn today issued an amendatory veto of HB0183, otherwise known as Concealed Carry. In issuing his veto, Quinn renders HB0183 essentially worthless from a self-defense perspective. Under Quinn’s amendments to the bill, most public locations would be “off limits” for concealed carry. Furthermore, firearms would have to be carried in a closed container out of the view of the public. Making concealed carry even more impractical is Quinn’s restriction limiting licensees to one firearm and no more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Quinn’s amendatory veto contains a whole host of other restrictions that are aimed not only at hindering concealed carry, but also at suppressing the citizen’s right to keep and bear arms in general. Although Quinn claims his veto is in the interest of public safety, the truth of the matter is that Quinn is using HB0183 as a vehicle to punish firearm owners. Quinn’s motives were made abundantly clear by his decision to surround himself with anti-gun extremists as he announced his veto. Quinn even stood side by side with Fr. Michael Pfleger, the Catholic priest who has openly called for gun shop owners and pro-gun elected officials to be dragged into the streets and murdered. The bottom line is this: if Quinn’s amendatory veto of HB0183 is not overturned, law-abiding gun owners will have fewer rights than they had before HB0183 was even drafted. Yes, that’s right; HB0183 has been transformed into a gun control bill. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO SAVE CONCEALED CARRY AND SAVE YOUR GUNS 1. Immediately phone your State Representative AND your State Senator and politely tell the person who answers the phone that you are a law abiding firearm owner who wishes to see Governor Quinn’s amendatory veto of HB0183 overturned. Phone lines will be busy, but keep trying until you get through. If you do not know who your Senator or Representative is, the Illinois State Board of Elections has an interactive search page here: www.elections.state.il.us/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx If you know who your state legislators are, you can find their contact info here: www.ilga.gov/house/ and www.ilga.gov/senate/. 2. Pass this alert on to your friends and family and ask them to call too. 3. Post this Alert to any and all Internet blogs or bulletin boards to which you belong. 4. Take the time to sign up a new ISRA member. ISRA needs the continued support of Illinois gun owners. If you remain silent, you are giving Quinn tacit approval of his gun control folly.

Who Intimidates You More?

Thousands of violent crimes are ended every year by CCW permit holders, without ever firing a shot, simply because the intended victim was armed.  And thousands of crimes are enabled every year by the creation of "gun free zones".  Disarming the potential rape victim protects just one person.  The rapist.

The legislators of Illinois have essentially made the ENTIRE state a "gun free zone".  Watch this video and tell me, how does rendering me defenseless protect you against a violent crime?

IGOLD 2013

Yesterday was Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in Springfield.  Were you there?  If not, you really missed out and should plan on going next year!  Even with 6 buses being cancelled because of weather, the turnout was exceptional once again. 

Here is a rundown of media outlets that covered the day:

News Channel 20

KPLR St. Louis

The State Journal-Register

Chicago Tribune

WMAY

Not Your Average 13 Year Old

I saw a video of Katie Francis a few weeks back at a 3-gun event.  She was quite an impressive shot.  But to then watch this video and hear more of her story... she's not just an impressive shot, but a pretty phenomenal girl. 

Mass Murderer in Your Building? Use Scissors!

Apparently, the Department of Homeland Security put out a new instructional video just a month after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School telling you what to do in the event of an active shooter in your building.  Their advice?  Run, hide or use scissors!  No joke. 

Unfortunately, we residents of Illinois are all too familiar with this mantra. Our own State Police suggest to women to induce vomiting to deter rapists!  I guess it's ok to defend yourself with vomit and scissors but using a firearm isn't an option.  Makes perfect sense, right?
  

Criminals By Definition Break the Law

This is worth watching.  Father of 6-year-old Sandy Hook victim, Mark Mattioli, addresses gun laws in America. 

"The problem is not gun laws, the problem is a lack of civility." - Mark Mattioli

Annie Oakley Quote

Toon Tuesday: Gun Control

New Gun

Monkey got a new .22 from Grandpa (new to her... it happens to be the same gun that her dad and aunt's shot as a kid as well) and since Saturday was a nice day, we decided to head outside and kill a few zombies.

Toon Tuesday

Statewide Firearm Ban Moves Forward

HB 815 amendment 1 & 2 and HB1263 amendments 5 & 6 were approved along party lines (Democrats supporting, Republicans opposing) and passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee last night. Both bills now proceed to the full Senate for a floor debate and vote, possibly as soon as today.

If passed the bills would ban most all semi-auto handguns, rifles, and shotguns as well as pump rifle and shotguns. The proposed legislation would also close down most shooting ranges and clubs that are open to the public or conduct events open to the public. Included in the legislation is a ban on ammunition magazines with a capacity to hold more than 10 rounds, a requirement to register all guns and magazines with the Illinois State Police.

We cannot allow Chicago politicians to spread Chicago's disregard for the Second Amendment and their outrageous treatment of law abiding gun owners to the rest of the state.

Call your IL State Senator NOW and urge him/her to vote no on HB 815 and HB 1263! Call Senate President John Cullerton and let him know you do not appreciate Chicago-style gun and range bans being forced on the rest of the state! Be polite but firm!
 

To find out who your State Senator is call 217-782-2000 or click here.

 

When one mentally distrubed man commits a horrible act - does it make sense for Chicago Legislators to ban lawfully owned guns, magazines, and shooting ranges for everyone who DIDN'T do it? 

 

Disarming innocent victims does NOT make them safer!  The only thing that will stop a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun.

 

Share this information with your friends, family, and contacts!

 

 

Contact Your Congressman Today.... It's URGENT!

** For more info, go to Guns Save Life **

From the Illinois State Rifle Association:

 

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton will introduce a so called “assault weapons” ban on Wednesday when the legislature returns for its “lame duck” session. Cullerton hopes to ramrod the bill through and get it to Governor Quinn for signature by Friday. If he is successful at doing so, nearly every gun you currently own will be banned and will be subject to confiscation by the Illinois State Police.

 

Based on what we know about Cullerton’s bill, firearms that would be banned include all semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Pump action shotguns would be banned as well. This would be a very comprehensive ban that would include not only so-called “assault weapons” but also such classics as M1 Garands and 1911-based pistols. There would be no exemptions and no grandfathering. You would have a very short window to turn in your guns to the State Police to avoid prosecution.

 

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO SAVE YOUR GUNS.

1. Beginning Wednesday, call your State Senator and politely tell him or her that you are a law abiding firearm owner and that you strongly oppose Cullerton’s gun ban. Also, be sure to call your State Representative as well and politely deliver the same message. If you do not know who your State Representative please call the Illinois State Board of Elections at 217-782-4141.

2. Forward this alert to all your gun owning friends and family members. Be sure to tell them to call their senators and representatives as well.

3. Post this alert to any and all Internet bulletin boards and blogs to which you belong.

4. Join or renew your membership in the ISRA. Encourage your friends and family to join as well.

5. Make a generous donation to the ISRA by clicking here. We are in desperate need of your financial support to help beat back the onslaught of gun grab bills coming our way in 2013.

Guns Are Only Half of the Answer

I have remained silent on the school shootings in Connecticut .  Mainly because, well, what is there to say?  It's a horrible, tragic event, that no words can even begin to express the amount of sadness and downright angriness I feel.  There is copius amounts of pain, suffering and disbelief all over the country.  The healing process is just beginning for the families and friends of the victims and I'm sure it is an all encompassing, overwhelming sense of loss. 

Do I blame guns for what happened?  Absolutely not.  I don't think it matters what instrument the killer used.  He could've used a truck bomb like Timothy McVeigh, an airplane like al-Qaeda, a pipe bomb like Eric Rudolph... the list goes on.  It doesn't matter.  I blame Adam Lanza.  And maybe I also blame society as a whole. 

Here is a great post from Bonnie Garret, former GSL Secretary (and full disclosure, my younger sister).  She put into words a lot of what I've been thinking.  I will say, the only part I kind of disagree with here, is her annoyance with the NRA.  I actually found it to be respectful that they didn't come out 'guns a blazin' right away. But that's a whole other topic.  Give this a read, it's worth it.  And please let me know what you think.   

GUNS ARE ONLY HALF OF THE ANSWER

I don't know about anyone else, but I was rather annoyed that the NRA appeared to be paralyzed after the recent massacre in Newton.  If they've since found their voice, it hasn't been loud enough for me to hear it, much less average Americans.

Just why would they decide to shut down and take cover?  It certainly appeares to me that they wouldn't have had to if they had a solid message that was worth communicating regardless of what's happening in society. 

I imagine that's got to be how many non-NRA members see it as well.

I may get hate mail for saying this, but guns are not the answer.

They are half of the answer.  As in:  Guns in the hands of good people do good; so what we need is more good people.

I doubt that many would argue that this society's apparent downhill spiral seems to coincide with the deterioration of the family: broken homes, fatherless children and the like.

To read the rest of the article, visit Guns Save Life.

Wordless Wednesday: Bow & Arrow

I love how my darling child can wear a tutu and shoot a bow all at the same time... that's what I call well-rounded!

Squirrel Hunting

We took Monkey out squirrel hunting this weekend, we didn't see very many squirrels, but she got a lot of practice shooting her BB gun!

These are a couple of my favorite shots of the morning.

Taking a break from hiking.

Showing off the holes she shot in the shell!

Last Appleseed of the Year!

Next weekend, August 18-19, is the final Appleseed of the year at our farm. If you haven't made it out to one yet, you don't want to miss this one!  Fun is guaranteed to be had by all!

If you aren't familiar with what an Appleseed shoot is all about, check out their website.  You can also see if there are any other events close to you coming up.

ABUSE OR INGENUITY?

What do you think?  My vote is with ingenuity.

PRO-GUN GROUP USES CHICAGO FIREARMS BUYBACK PROGRAM TO FUND SHOOTING CAMP FOR KIDS

A pro-gun group claims it flipped the script on Chicago's firearms buyback program by selling old, broken rifles to the city and then using the money to buy guns and ammo for an NRA-sponsored shooting camp for kids.

"Guns Save Life," based in Champaign, Ill., recently sold 60 firearms to the Chicago Police Department -- 10 of which were manufactured before 1898 -- in exchange for $6,240 in gift cards, according to group president John Boch. The sale also included five BB guns and a rickety pump-action shotgun that was held together by duct tape and zip ties, he said.

"They recognized it for the junk it was," Boch said of the sale. "At one of the locations, one of the detectives was very tenacious ... And hit the guys with a flurry of questions like 'Where the hell did you get these, from a graveyard?' "

But the department carried out the transaction anyway, and the organization used the proceeds to fund the youth shooting camp. Boch said the money earned is being used to buy rifles and ammunition for an annual summer camp held at Darnall Gun Works & Ranges in Bloomington, Ill.

"The real delicious irony here is that the city of Chicago is paying for rifles that we're giving away to young people as part of this camp," Boch told FoxNews.com. "The program was intended to get unwanted and unused guns off the street to make the community safer. We provided them unused and unwanted guns."

Unwanted, because "they just didn't work."

Chicago's gun turn-in program, dubbed "Don't Kill a Dream, Save a Life," was implemented with the goal of removing dangerous weapons from the street. The program claims on its website that a "gun in the home is more likely to be used in a homicide, suicide or unintentional shooting than in self-defense." The initiative cites alarming statistics on its website to bolster its argument -- such as the claim that "States with the highest levels of gun ownership have 114 percent higher firearm homicide rates and 60 percent higher homicide rates than states with the lowest gun ownership."

The police department accused Boch's group of "abusing" a program intended to fight Chicago's crime rate.

"The amount of gun violence in Chicago is simply unacceptable and the impact of gun violence is far reaching," the police department said in a statement. "There's a ripple effect following every shooting incident that we all feel. We host the Gun Turn-In event on an annual basis to encourage residents to turn in their guns so that we take firearms off our streets and it's unfortunate that this group is abusing a program intended to increase the safety of our communities.”

But Boch used his group's sale to mock the effectiveness of the city's program, saying, "Just look at the murder rate in Chicago – is it working?"

"There’s a heavy police presence at every one of those turn in locations," he continued. "What criminal is going to submit themselves to that kind of police scrutiny for a couple hundred bucks?"
"Guns Save Life" said it sold its firearms to the city on June 23. For every gun sold, the group received $100 in the form of Visa debit card, Boch said. They received $10 for each BB gun.

The youth camp, which caters to children ages 9 to 16 and is sponsored by the National Rifle Association, "teaches the next generation how much fun shooting sports are and how to handle guns safely," he said.