Local Residents React to Concealed Carry Passage

On Tuesday afternoon, Illinois became the last state to legalize the private, licensed carry of concealed firearms with the General Assembly overriding Gov. Pat Quinn's veto before a court-ordered deadline.

While reactions tended to be quite polarized in some of the south suburban Patch towns, our Orland Park and Palos Patch Facebook friends seem to show an overwhelming support for the law's passage.

Here's a sample of what we've seen on our Facebook pages so far:

• Odai J. on Orland Park Patch Facebook: Well, the bill has a LOT of restrictions and you won't be able to really carry anywhere. I'm for CCW and hopefully they fix the restrictions so we can REALLY protect ourselves. Edit: Would also like to add if this is a CC law, why would they add in an "Assault Weapons" ban? They aren't even related and I hope that Orland doesn't put a ban on "Assault Weapons". For those who never shot a gun, don't say this is terrible. When you learn to shoot a gun, learn how to use it properly and learn about safety, it can be an awesome hobby to go to a range or have a competition. You can't say anything about it, until you try it.
• Daniel D. on Palos Patch Facebook: All gun bans are good for is to disarm a law abiding public. There were 72 shootings in Chicago over the holiday weekend. Did the gun ban stop them? No. What makes people think that this law (or any law) will have any effect on some lawless gang-banger?
• Samuel J. on Orland Park Patch Facebook: Not like everyone is going to do it anyway.. 150 for 5 yrs for a license on top of insurance and class cost... I won't be able to afford it all.
• John M. on Orland Park Patch Facebook: I think this is going to drastically decrease gun crime in the area and in the city for once the playing field has been leveled now its not only the crooks that can carry its the good guys too and now that they know that maybe they will think twice before they pull their gun out on someone because who knows how many good guys are around that have one two that might try to defend that person. Its not going to happen overnight but one year from now check the statistics. I bet gun crimes in the Chicago land area go down. I for one am thrilled and cant wait to start my ccw classes.
• Carmen H. on Palos Patch Facebook: yeah, I DON'T feel safe knowing every Tom, Dick, and Harry now can cary their guns around.
• Jimmy K. on Orland Park Patch Facebook: That's awesome!! Finally!!
• Becky G. on Palos Patch Facebook: Time to by a gun
• Kathleen C. on Orland Park Patch Facebook: Chicago needs this because the police department is very well trained but seriously understaffed. If someone is breaking into your house you need immediate response from 911 and you are not going to receive it due to the manpower shortage.
• Luis A. on Palos Patch Facebook: let's hope humanity is not stupid and just kill people and call it self defense.

How do you fell about the legalization of concealed carry? Take our poll above or let us know in the comments.