Gun advocates snare rival group's name

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES ^ | May 23, 2002 | PAT MILHIZER

[archy]

Gun advocates snare rival group's name

May 23, 2002

BY PAT MILHIZER SUN-TIMES SPRINGFIELD BUREAU

It was a bit bizarre when a recent statement from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence called for more gun rights, especially since the group has rallied for 30 years against concealed weapons and wants stiffer background checks on gun sales.

But after failing to file its annual business report with the state, the Chicago-based council lost its registration to operate under that title. The name was then swiped last week by the head lobbyist for the Illinois State Rifle Association, or ISRA. The former Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence is accusing the lobbyist of retaliation because the council blocked legislation for more gun owner's rights.

The problem started with a mailing snafu after the council moved a block down Jackson Street almost two years ago and didn't update its address with the secretary of state's business service department because it had already updated its information with another secretary of state department.

So, the council never got letters from the secretary of state reminding it to file its annual business report, necessary for businesses to remain registered. In the end, the lost mailings cost the former Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence its name.

"They have resorted to grammar school pranks . . . the ISRA is behaving like a 9-year-old child who throws a tantrum when they cannot get their way," said Beth Coolidge, chairwoman of the gun-control council. "This despicable and unethical stunt is one of many that only highlights the depth to which they will stoop to ram their agenda down the throats of the people of Illinois."

The new Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence denies wrongdoing even though the rifle association lobbyist, Todd Vandermyde, registered the new group with the secretary of state's office last week under the old name.

Vandermyde refused to respond to accusations that he used a sneaky tactic to bully the citizens group. Alison Barkley, attorney for the new council, said the move was perfectly legal and the name accurately suits the mission of the new group to increase "accessibility of firearms for self-defense."

"The new organization is not interested in the donors or the members of the old group. Just the name. The name represents it very well," Barkley said.

Lawyers for the former council are looking into legal action, but the lost name will not affect the group's fund-raising or spreading its message against gun violence.

"Even if we do get a new name it's not going to be terribly different," said Kirsten Curley, a spokeswoman for the old group. "Our membership knows who we are. The money is still going to us, not the ISRA or whatever the hell they're calling themselves these days."

[Hot Tabasco]

Here's a Michigander bump for The new Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence

Those sneeky wascals! ROFLMAO!

[Alamo-Girl]

LOL! Thanks for the heads up!

[PatrioticAmerican]

bttt

[Conservative til I die]

That is really funny. And it's totally legitimate and legal, as well.

Conversely, it reminds me of when the Church of Scientology sued some cult awareness group into bankruptcy, and as part of the bankruptcy settlement, took it's name. I think it was called the Cult Awareness Network and is staffed now by Scientologists.

[SJackson]

Thanks for the ping.