Eric Zorn's "Five Reasons concealed-carry backers in Springfield are optimistic . . ."

Eric is an interesting guy, and I have enjoyed talking to him a few times. Here is his take on the bill becoming law. I would be happy to have him right, though what "reasonable" regulations would be required will be important. In addition, the fact that people will have to be eventually allowed to carry guns in someway will eventually matter.

Is this the year when Illinois becomes the last of the 50 states to allow adults to carry firearms in most public settings?

Supporters of the idea are optimistic. Legislation moving through the General Assembly calls for sheriff's departments to issue licenses to qualifying citizens permitting them to carry concealed guns, and backers offer five reasons why prospects for this perennial idea have never been better.

1. The tide of history . . .
2. The lesson of history . . .
3. A wink from the U.S. Supreme Court . . .
4. Law enforcement's lowered resistance . . .
5. The downstate natives are restless . . .