This could be the year that Illinois finally “allows” its citizens to exercise their right to keep and bear (as in carry) arms. So what? As long as the Chicago machine calls the shots in The Land of Lincoln, the state will be about as firearms friendly as a Brady Campaign Christmas party. Illinois-based firearms manufacturers (e.g. Rock River Arms) are well advised to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Yes, I know: ArmaLite and other gunmakers in the AR “Silicon Valley” have deep roots in the community. But if the state can push bills like the ones described above in a post-McDonald decision world, there’s no hope. And there’s never been a better time to negotiate new digs in gun-friendly states. Sorry Mark. Major hassle. Lots of heartbreak. But it’s time to go.