Hamas Terror: Madness and Method

Will Garland and the DOJ - who investigated parents as terrorists - investigate those who celebrated Hamas terrorism in American streets?

by Thaddeus G. McCotter for American Greatness

The deepest forms of evil committed against another person and/or people possess both a madness and a method.

During last week’s murderous terrorist attack by Hamas, the vilest atrocities were not solely the inevitable and desired result of generations of Palestinians being indoctrinated in homes, schools, and mosques to hate Jews and deem any act to destroy Israel, however inhuman, as justified. The madness did exacerbate the terrorists’ frenzied butchery, torture, rape, kidnapping of men, women, and children, and the desecration of bodies. It further led to the expansion of Hamas’ indiscriminate slaughter to anyone in their barbarous swath who they considered supportive of Israel (who may not be Jewish), such as American, German, and Brazilian concert goers and tourists, because Hamas’ despicable terrorist screed deems anyone who supports the Jewish state in any manner as their enemies and, ergo, deserving of death.

Still, some may wish to consider Hamas’ barbarity as a case of some terrorists becoming besotted by bloodlust, which allowed a handful of atrocities to be portrayed as the rule not the exception. But this would require overlooking Hamas’ barbaric method and its triumvirate of terrorist aims:

-Deepening of the depravity of their terrorist attack to raise its intimidation factor upon Israelis and their allies, the initial goal being to drive Israelis from the immediate area and preclude their return and, ultimately, the abandonment of Israel in total;

-Cementing Hamas as the leader of the pro-Palestinian movement; and

-Raising the bar of evil for other terrorist organizations and individuals to match – both inside and outside Israel.

How else to you explain Hamas filming their atrocities and proudly displaying them to the world?  Historically, as Allied troops were closing on the Third Reich, the Nazis sought to eradicate every trace of the Holocaust. Though rapt in the antisemitic madness and bloodlust of Hitler’s terrorist Reich that sought to methodically eradicate the totality of European Jewry, claiming over six million innocents as they did, these mass murderers feared the world becoming aware of their crimes and the ultimate justice the world would – and did – pronounce and exact upon them.

Not so Hamas, who deliberately displayed their depravity to the world. For Hamas, such videos were not proof of their crimes but propaganda for their cause. Disgustingly, they are being proven correct. Many in our world did not condemn, but rather celebrated the Hamas attack and atrocities, including in many American cities. Especially in the West, some of these perverse celebrations endeavored to portray themselves as supporting Palestine but not Hamas. Yet, these particular gatherings in support of Palestine have happened only after the terrorist attack and during Israel’s inevitable and justified defensive response in Gaza. In these world-wide “shows of Palestinian solidarity,” there is a paucity of denunciations of Hamas and its atrocities.

Further, some far-Left politicians, students at allegedly “elite” universities, and the regime media have denounced not Hamas but Israel, spewing “nuanced” excuses, caveats, rationalizations, justifications, and studied silence for Hamas’ terrorism; and a slew of projected accusations upon Israel.

In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist war of extermination upon Israel, we can be certain of one alarming fact: the Nazis knew that, if the world learned of their extermination of millions of Jewish people, they would be condemned; Hamas knew that, if they released images of their bloodthirsty terrorism upon Israelis, in many quarters they would be celebrated.

In his speech on Tuesday, President Biden referenced that there is no place for hate in America. All good people concur. Yet, what do you call the celebration – overt or thinly veiled – of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel? And what, Mr. Biden, will your administration – which has overseen the most porous southern border in our nation’s history – propose to ensure that those who have illegally entered our nation are not members or allies of Hamas or any other terrorist organization and/or enemy nation? (And for the unaware, Middle East terrorist organizations and their state sponsors’ agents are infiltrating and operating in Latin America).

And, what will you and your Attorney General Garland tell my friend Richard, who has had relatives called up for the Israeli Defense Force in the wake of this terrorism, and who is now concerned about the safety of his family, fellow Jews, and all Americans’ in the wake of Hamas attack and “displays of solidarity”:

“I’d like to ask Attorney General if the DOJ that investigated parents as domestic terrorists for speaking at school meetings has any plans to investigate the people publicly speaking out, and celebrating in American streets this literal act of terrorism? I really would like to know.”

Americans deserve an answer, sir. Let us pray it is the correct one, lest you abet the method within Hamas’ madness.

X22, And we Know, and more- Oct 15

 

The People of Israel Live

Everyone the world over now faces a decision: Are you with the Islamist savages who committed unspeakable Nazi-level atrocities, or are you against them?

by Josh Hammer for American Greatness

I write, of all places, from picturesque Northern Italy. I am here for a wedding where, as the case may be, both bride and groom come from Israeli families. This is thus the second time, following last Saturday evening’s celebration of Simchat Torah (a festive annual occasion marking the completion of one cycle of Torah reading and the commencement of the next cycle) back home in Florida, where I am asked to rejoice with my co-religionists following last Saturday’s catastrophic Islamist pogrom in Israel, the single deadliest day for the Jewish people since the defeat of Nazi Germany 78 years ago.

The emotional paradox is acute, but Jewish law and custom are straightforward: The show must go on. It is in these moments, some of our rabbis have taught, where our simcha (gladness, joy) can actually serve as an avoda (work, service). The logic is sound, indeed compelling; we cannot, after all, “let the terrorists win.” The duality of this long-standing conflict is even encapsulated by this stark dichotomy: Just as the Islamists and jihadists love death and despair, so do the Jews love life. Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live.

And so we sing and dance around the Torah; we raise our glasses to wish the newlyweds a big mazel tov. We do this while the blood of the decapitated babies, the children burned alive, the Holocaust survivors wantonly slaughtered, and the other thousand-plus Israelis viciously murdered is still fresh. We do this while the Jewish state declares all-out war for the first time in 50 years, fighting yet another existential conflict against an implacable enemy and steeling itself for a two- or even three-front conflict – one that must not merely once and for all eradicate the Hamas tumor from Gaza, but also defend against a likely annihilationist incursion from the Iranian terrorist proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and perhaps another from Bashar al-Assad’s Syria.

We do this because, as painful and as difficult as it is, we do not know any other way.

But the Jewish people are hardly the only ones devastated by last weekend’s genocidal rampage at the hands of today’s new Nazis, the Islamist Reich. At least 25 American citizens have also been killed, and there are enough American citizens among the estimated near-150 hostages currently held by Hamas inside Gaza so as to make this, on its own terms, the single worst American hostage crisis since 1979. The explicit culprit back then, and the only slightly-less-than-explicit culprit now, is the fanatical regime that is the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of jihad: The Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Hamas pogrom, reported by both The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post to be orchestrated by the Iranian regime, is undoubtedly an act of war – a casus belli – against the Jewish state, at least when such a conclusion is corroborated (as it will be) by Israeli intelligence. Given the American death toll and hostage crisis, it is perhaps something only slightly less than that against America itself.

Whether this grim reality leads the hapless, Iranian spy-infiltrated (see Malley, Robert) Biden administration, previously eager to continue the Obama administration’s prior attempted appeasement of the indefatigable Iranian regime, to change course remains to be seen. The time is also now to revise the U.S.’s deeply problematic status with the wealthy emirate of Qatar, which was laughably designated just last year as a “major non-NATO ally” despite the fact it disseminates Islamism via its Al Jazeera state TV network and houses Hamas leadership in five-star luxury hotels in Doha.

Meanwhile, across America, so-called pro-Palestinian groups, Black Lives Matter chapters, and Students for Justice in Palestine campus radicals have celebrated the most dead Jews in a single day since Hitler, perversely placed the blame for the pogrom on Israel itself, and appropriated the image of the paraglider jihadi – a reference to the Hamas terrorists who mowed down 260 at an overnight rave near the Gaza border – as a new symbol of “resistance.” In the streets of major cities such as New York and Chicago, and in the halls of towns with large Arab populations such as Dearborn, Michigan, masses have gathered to fly the Palestinian flag – the new Nazi swastika – and double down on calls for genocide of the Jews of Israel “from the river to the sea.” In Sydney, Australia, a large Muslim gathering started chanting, “gas the Jews.”

Many young people ask themselves how the Holocaust possibly happened. How, in Germany, the most advanced nation in the world at the time, did the people let the Nazi Party attain such power? How, across Europe, did hundreds of millions of people simply look the other way?

Those young people now have their answer. “Never again” is right now. Only this time, the Jews have a state – and a powerful military to defend it.

Everyone the world over now faces a decision: Are you with the Islamist savages who committed unspeakable Nazi-level atrocities, or are you against them? Some conflicts are not so black-or-white; some have a third way. But there is really no third way here. One must choose a side.

In the meantime, the Jews do what we have always done: Live. Am Yisrael Chai.

Flashback – President Trump’s Prescient 2017 Speech Against Terrorism and Extremism

posted by Sundance at Conservative Treehouse 

Against the backdrop of current events, it is worthwhile revisiting the speech President Donald Trump gave in 2017 from Riyad, Saudi Arabia. This speech led to the longest timeline of peace in the Arab world and was the foundation of the historic Abraham Accords.

Within the speech, President Trump provides a clarity that none in the audience had heard before. After this speech, all of the nation’s attending began a process to isolate the terrorists and confront the financers (Qatar). WATCH 3 minute version here (Transcript & full video Below):

[TRANSCRIPT] I want to thank King Salman for his extraordinary words, and the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting today’s summit. I am honored to be received by such gracious hosts. I have always heard about the splendor of your country and the kindness of your citizens, but words do not do justice to the grandeur of this remarkable place and the incredible hospitality you have shown us from the moment we arrived.

You also hosted me in the treasured home of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom who united your great people. Working alongside another beloved leader – American President Franklin Roosevelt – King Abdulaziz began the enduring partnership between our two countries. King Salman: your father would be so proud to see that you are continuing his legacy – and just as he opened the first chapter in our partnership, today we begin a new chapter that will bring lasting benefits to our citizens.

Let me now also extend my deep and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the distinguished heads of state who made this journey here today. You greatly honor us with your presence, and I send the warmest regards from my country to yours. I know that our time together will bring many blessings to both your people and mine.

I stand before you as a representative of the American People, to deliver a message of friendship and hope. That is why I chose to make my first foreign visit a trip to the heart of the Muslim world, to the nation that serves as custodian of the two holiest sites in the Islamic Faith.

In my inaugural address to the American People, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, and to build new partnerships in pursuit of peace. I also promised that America will not seek to impose our way of life on others, but to outstretch our hands in the spirit of cooperation and trust.

Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity—in this region, and in the world.

Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God.

And so this historic and unprecedented gathering of leaders—unique in the history of nations—is a symbol to the world of our shared resolve and our mutual respect. To the leaders and citizens of every country assembled here today, I want you to know that the United States is eager to form closer bonds of friendship, security, culture and commerce.

For Americans, this is an exciting time. A new spirit of optimism is sweeping our country: in just a few months, we have created almost a million new jobs, added over 3 trillion dollars of new value, lifted the burdens on American industry, and made record investments in our military that will protect the safety of our people and enhance the security of our wonderful friends and allies – many of whom are here today.

Now, there is even more blessed news I am pleased to share with you. My meetings with King Salman, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince, have been filled with great warmth, good will, and tremendous cooperation. Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom that will invest almost $400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and Saudi Arabia.

This landmark agreement includes the announcement of a $110 billion Saudi-funded defense purchase – and we will be sure to help our Saudi friends to get a good deal from our great American defense companies. This agreement will help the Saudi military to take a greater role in security operations.

We have also started discussions with many of the countries present today on strengthening partnerships, and forming new ones, to advance security and stability across the Middle East and beyond.

Later today, we will make history again with the opening of a new Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology – located right here, in this central part of the Islamic World.

This groundbreaking new center represents a clear declaration that Muslim-majority countries must take the lead in combatting radicalization, and I want to express our gratitude to King Salman for this strong demonstration of leadership.

I have had the pleasure of welcoming several of the leaders present today to the White House, and I look forward to working with all of you.

America is a sovereign nation, and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership – based on shared interests and values – to pursue a better future for us all.

Here at this summit, we will discuss many interests we share together. But above all we must be united in pursuing the one goal that transcends every other consideration. That goal is to meet history’s great test—to conquer extremism and vanquish the forces of terrorism.

Young Muslim boys and girls should be able to grow up free from fear, safe from violence, and innocent of hatred. And young Muslim men and women should have the chance to build a new era of prosperity for themselves and their peoples.

With God’s help, this summit will mark the beginning of the end for those who practice terror and spread its vile creed. At the same time, we pray this special gathering may someday be remembered as the beginning of peace in the Middle East – and maybe, even all over the world.

But this future can only be achieved through defeating terrorism and the ideology that drives it.

Few nations have been spared its violent reach.

America has suffered repeated barbaric attacks – from the atrocities of September 11th to the devastation of the Boston Bombing, to the horrible killings in San Bernardino and Orlando.

The nations of Europe have also endured unspeakable horror. So too have the nations of Africa and even South America. India, Russia, China and Australia have been victims.

But, in sheer numbers, the deadliest toll has been exacted on the innocent people of Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern nations. They have borne the brunt of the killings and the worst of the destruction in this wave of fanatical violence.

Some estimates hold that more than 95 percent of the victims of terrorism are themselves Muslim.

We now face a humanitarian and security disaster in this region that is spreading across the planet. It is a tragedy of epic proportions. No description of the suffering and depravity can begin to capture its full measure.

The true toll of ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and so many others, must be counted not only in the number of dead. It must also be counted in generations of vanished dreams.

The Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures. It should increasingly become one of the great global centers of commerce and opportunity.

This region should not be a place from which refugees flee, but to which newcomers flock.

Saudi Arabia is home to the holiest sites in one of the world’s great faiths. Each year millions of Muslims come from around the world to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj. In addition to ancient wonders, this country is also home to modern ones—including soaring achievements in architecture.

Egypt was a thriving center of learning and achievement thousands of years before other parts of the world. The wonders of Giza, Luxor and Alexandria are proud monuments to that ancient heritage.

All over the world, people dream of walking through the ruins of Petra in Jordan. Iraq was the cradle of civilization and is a land of natural beauty. And the United Arab Emirates has reached incredible heights with glass and steel, and turned earth and water into spectacular works of art.

The entire region is at the center of the key shipping lanes of the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Straits of Hormuz. The potential of this region has never been greater. 65 percent of its population is under the age of 30. Like all young men and women, they seek great futures to build, great national projects to join, and a place for their families to call home.

But this untapped potential, this tremendous cause for optimism, is held at bay by bloodshed and terror. There can be no coexistence with this violence. There can be no tolerating it, no accepting it, no excusing it, and no ignoring it.

Every time a terrorist murders an innocent person, and falsely invokes the name of God, it should be an insult to every person of faith.

Terrorists do not worship God, they worship death.

If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered.

If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing—then not only will we be judged by our people, not only will we be judged by history, but we will be judged by God.

This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations.

This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it.

This is a battle between Good and Evil.

When we see the scenes of destruction in the wake of terror, we see no signs that those murdered were Jewish or Christian, Shia or Sunni. When we look upon the streams of innocent blood soaked into the ancient ground, we cannot see the faith or sect or tribe of the victims – we see only that they were Children of God whose deaths are an insult to all that is holy.

But we can only overcome this evil if the forces of good are united and strong – and if everyone in this room does their fair share and fulfills their part of the burden.

Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land.

America is prepared to stand with you – in pursuit of shared interests and common security.

But the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them. The nations of the Middle East will have to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, for their countries, and for their children.

It is a choice between two futures – and it is a choice America CANNOT make for you.

A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out.

DRIVE THEM OUT of your places of worship.

DRIVE THEM OUT of your communities.

DRIVE THEM OUT of your holy land, and

DRIVE THEM OUT OF THIS EARTH.

For our part, America is committed to adjusting our strategies to meet evolving threats and new facts. We will discard those strategies that have not worked—and will apply new approaches informed by experience and judgment. We are adopting a Principled Realism, rooted in common values and shared interests.

Our friends will never question our support, and our enemies will never doubt our determination. Our partnerships will advance security through stability, not through radical disruption. We will make decisions based on real-world outcomes – not inflexible ideology. We will be guided by the lessons of experience, not the confines of rigid thinking. And, wherever possible, we will seek gradual reforms – not sudden intervention.

We must seek partners, not perfection—and to make allies of all who share our goals.

Above all, America seeks peace – not war.

Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden, if we are going to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology into oblivion.

The first task in this joint effort is for your nations to deny all territory to the foot soldiers of evil. Every country in the region has an absolute duty to ensure that terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil.

Many are already making significant contributions to regional security: Jordanian pilots are crucial partners against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Saudi Arabia and a regional coalition have taken strong action against Houthi militants in Yemen. The Lebanese Army is hunting ISIS operatives who try to infiltrate their territory. Emirati troops are supporting our Afghan partners. In Mosul, American troops are supporting Kurds, Sunnis and Shias fighting together for their homeland. Qatar, which hosts the U.S. Central Command, is a crucial strategic partner. Our longstanding partnership with Kuwait and Bahrain continue to enhance security in the region. And courageous Afghan soldiers are making tremendous sacrifices in the fight against the Taliban, and others, in the fight for their country.

As we deny terrorist organizations control of territory and populations, we must also strip them of their access to funds. We must cut off the financial channels that let ISIS sell oil, let extremists pay their fighters, and help terrorists smuggle their reinforcements.

I am proud to announce that the nations here today will be signing an agreement to prevent the financing of terrorism, called the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center – co-chaired by the United States and Saudi Arabia, and joined by every member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is another historic step in a day that will be long remembered.

I also applaud the Gulf Cooperation Council for blocking funders from using their countries as a financial base for terror, and designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization last year. Saudi Arabia also joined us this week in placing sanctions on one of the most senior leaders of Hezbollah.

Of course, there is still much work to do.

That means honestly confronting the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires. And it means standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians.

Religious leaders must make this absolutely clear: Barbarism will deliver you no glory – piety to evil will bring you no dignity. If you choose the path of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, and YOUR SOUL WILL BE CONDEMNED.

And political leaders must speak out to affirm the same idea: heroes don’t kill innocents; they save them. Many nations here today have taken important steps to raise up that message. Saudi Arabia’s Vision for 2030 is an important and encouraging statement of tolerance, respect, empowering women, and economic development.

The United Arab Emirates has also engaged in the battle for hearts and souls—and with the U.S., launched a center to counter the online spread of hate. Bahrain too is working to undermine recruitment and radicalism.

I also applaud Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon for their role in hosting refugees. The surge of migrants and refugees leaving the Middle East depletes the human capital needed to build stable societies and economies. Instead of depriving this region of so much human potential, Middle Eastern countries can give young people hope for a brighter future in their home nations and regions.

That means promoting the aspirations and dreams of all citizens who seek a better life – including women, children, and followers of all faiths. Numerous Arab and Islamic scholars have eloquently argued that protecting equality strengthens Arab and Muslim communities.

For many centuries the Middle East has been home to Christians, Muslims and Jews living side-by-side. We must practice tolerance and respect for each other once again—and make this region a place where every man and woman, no matter their faith or ethnicity, can enjoy a life of dignity and hope.

In that spirit, after concluding my visit in Riyadh, I will travel to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and then to the Vatican – visiting many of the holiest places in the three Abrahamic Faiths. If these three faiths can join together in cooperation, then peace in this world is possible – including peace between Israelis and Palestinians. I will be meeting with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Starving terrorists of their territory, their funding, and the false allure of their craven ideology, will be the basis for defeating them.

But no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three—safe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment. It is a regime that is responsible for so much instability in the region. I am speaking of course of Iran.

From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.

It is a government that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing the destruction of Israel, death to America, and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room.

Among Iran’s most tragic and destabilizing interventions have been in Syria. Bolstered by Iran, Assad has committed unspeakable crimes, and the United States has taken firm action in response to the use of banned chemical weapons by the Assad Regime – launching 59 tomahawk missiles at the Syrian air base from where that murderous attack originated.

Responsible nations must work together to end the humanitarian crisis in Syria, eradicate ISIS, and restore stability to the region. The Iranian regime’s longest-suffering victims are its own people. Iran has a rich history and culture, but the people of Iran have endured hardship and despair under their leaders’ reckless pursuit of conflict and terror.

Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve.

The decisions we make will affect countless lives.

King Salman, I thank you for the creation of this great moment in history, and for your massive investment in America, its industry and its jobs. I also thank you for investing in the future of this part of the world.

This fertile region has all the ingredients for extraordinary success – a rich history and culture, a young and vibrant people, a thriving spirit of enterprise. But you can only unlock this future if the citizens of the Middle East are freed from extremism, terror and violence.

We in this room are the leaders of our peoples. They look to us for answers, and for action. And when we look back at their faces, behind every pair of eyes is a soul that yearns for justice.

Today, billions of faces are now looking at us, waiting for us to act on the great question of our time.

Will we be indifferent in the presence of evil? Will we protect our citizens from its violent ideology? Will we let its venom spread through our societies? Will we let it destroy the most holy sites on earth? If we do not confront this deadly terror, we know what the future will bring—more suffering and despair. But if we act—if we leave this magnificent room unified and determined to do what it takes to destroy the terror that threatens the world—then there is no limit to the great future our citizens will have.

The birthplace of civilization is waiting to begin a new renaissance. Just imagine what tomorrow could bring.

Glorious wonders of science, art, medicine and commerce to inspire humankind. Great cities built on the ruins of shattered towns. New jobs and industries that will lift up millions of people. Parents who no longer worry for their children, families who no longer mourn for their loved ones, and the faithful who finally worship without fear.

These are the blessings of prosperity and peace. These are the desires that burn with a righteous flame in every human heart. And these are the just demands of our beloved peoples.

I ask you to join me, to join together, to work together, and to FIGHT together— BECAUSE UNITED, WE WILL NOT FAIL.

Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless Your Countries. And God Bless the United States of America.

[Transcript Link]

Illinois' New Gun, Magazine Ban Registry Met With Massive Non-Compliance

Ward Clark reporting for RedState 

Illinois' new "assault weapon" and magazine ban is in effect, and on October 1, that state opened its registry for grandfathered weapons and magazines so that owners who already have legally purchased weapons can register them with the state. Illinois gun owners, of course, rushed to register their weapons and magazines in compliance with the new law.

Just kidding. Almost nobody has registered anything.

With Illinois’ gun and magazine ban still facing legal hurdles in federal court, a registry created in relation to the ban has been open for a week. A fraction of a percent of gun owners have complied so far. 

As part of the Protect Illinois Communities Act that was enacted earlier this year, the registration portal for firearms owners in Illinois that own certain semi-automatic firearms, accessories and ammunition opened Oct. 1. While the law bans more than 170 semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns, it also bans handgun magazines over 15 rounds and rifle magazines over 10 rounds. Magazines do not have to be registered. 

Illinois State Police published the first round of statistics Tuesday, and of more than 2.4 million Firearm Owner ID card holders, 1,050 individuals have registered a total of 3,202 firearms, .50 caliber ammunition and accessories. 

“You’re at 0.0004%. That’s a rounding error,” gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde told The Center Square.

While a fair number of gun owners may well be waiting for the legal challenges to the law, it's very likely that many, if not most, gun owners have no intention of complying with a law that is clearly unconstitutional. And it's not just American gun owners who are loathe to register their weapons in preparation for a possible confiscation; Canada struggles to get Canadians to comply with gun laws, and Australia and New Zealand have not had much luck, either.

But that won't stop various states and municipalities from trying, even as the Supreme Court's Bruen decision is still making its implications known.

It would be nice of the would-be gun-banners to face facts; their laws don't have any effect on criminals, as evidenced by crime rates in many of our Democrat-controlled major cities, in spite of the many gun laws in those places. Criminals, by definition, won't obey laws, these or any others, and increasingly, it seems gun owners, who bought their guns legally and who believe in their Second Amendment rights, aren't going to comply with a registration scheme that they see as a doorway to confiscation.

The CenterSquare has presented the obvious conclusion:

Of the 3,202 items disclosed, ISP said there were 2,060 firearms listed at the registry. ISP did not provide a breakdown of what types of firearms were registered. For .50 caliber ammunition registrations, there were 1,125 disclosures. There were only 17 reported accessories being registered in the first week. Vandermyde said that highlights the vagueness of what is an accessory. 

“They’ve got a long way to go if they think they’re going to get any real sort of compliance,” Vandermyde said. “I think this is starting off about where we thought it would.”

Agreed; it's started off about where I would have thought, as well, with compliance so low as to be damn near invisible.

Video blogger The Liberty Doll brought us a cogent analysis: 

We'll keep an eye on this story. We've had some major wins on the Second Amendment front in the last few years. Let's keep that trend moving.