It is with great regret that I must inform you the Grand American Trapshooting has been moved to Missouri for this year. The Grand American is one of the greatest events in the world. The fact that it was forced out of the State of Illinois is a travesty. It is time this ridiculous shutdown is over.

Each weekend the violence in cities like Chicago, Baltimore and New York gets worse. This is just the beginning of what is likely to be a very long hot summer. What surprises me is that some in the media don’t seem to understand it. Maybe they do understand it and are using it to push their left-wing agendas, which I suspect is more likely the case. I feel sorry for the police. They have been placed in a “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” situation every minute of their shift. The mayors, city managers, city councils and whoever is in charge of whatever, are more than happy to throw the police under the bus at the first sign of trouble. Remember the days when we decided to give everyone a trophy instead of allowing the best to fight to the top? Well those ‘recipients of everybody gets a trophy’ are now in leadership positions and we are in trouble. They won’t back the police, they won’t take tough stances and they won’t stand up to the mob.

If the police arrest someone, they are out instantly because of no bail. If they do have to get tough with some of these hoodlums, the mayors, councilmen and district attorneys would rather blame the police and side with the mob. Look at what happened in Atlanta, Georgia. If you look at the videos, you will see the suspect fighting with two policemen and eventually grabbing one of the officer’ s taser and shooting at him. The District Attorney said the suspect was cordial. This is an example of a public official denying reality and throwing the policemen to the mob. The streets and neighborhoods are filled with thugs of every description. The Mayor of Chicago says call 911 and wait; for what, the coroner to arrive? Oh don’t worry, some government stuffed shirt will stand up and say something like, our hearts go out to the family. We are using every resource to find and bring to justice the perpetrator of the terrible crime. Heck, they might even have a tear in their eye to show their empathy and compassion. They may come by your house with a TV crew, of course, to show how much they care. It is all horse hockey.

The only way you are going to escape is to either be lucky or be ready to fight back. Luck is a poor strategy so you better spend time preparing yourself and everyone you care about how to fight back and be sure they have the tools to do so. Sitting around the coffee shop or a saloon somewhere talking about how you shot your grandpa’s gun twenty years ago isn’t going to get it. You will most likely be facing a mob. Don’t tell everyone that you just kick their fannies because that isn’t what really happens. Get yourself and family into classes and don’t quit there. Keep it up. Learn to work together as a team with your family, neighbors or friends. This is a long way from over, if it ever is over in our lifetime.

The ISRA Academy has some great offerings this year. One of the classes we have just scheduled is an Illinois Hunter Safety Class. This is required for anyone who wishes to go hunting and was born after January 1, 1980. If you intend to go hunting out west for the first time, most western states require hunter safety no matter your age. The Illinois class fulfills this requirement. The class is going to be held July 30 and August 1, 2020. To register, call Laura at 815.635.3198 or email [email protected].

There are still a few places left in Philip Hemphill’s Bullseye class. This is your chance to learn pistol shooting from a many time National Champion. This class will be held on July 18 and 19, 2020. Call Laura at 815.635.3198 or email [email protected].

The well renowned Midwest Training Group (MTG) will present its Tactical Defensive Rifle Class on July 18 and 19, 2020. If you are interested in self-defense using a rifle, this class is for you. You will need to register directly with Midwestern Training Group. Contact Andy Kemp at 208.771.3413 or email [email protected]. There are a few openings left.

For those wanting to shoot high power rifle really well, the United States Army Marksmanship Unit will teach Rifle Marksmanship 101 on September 26 and 27, 2020. I have taken this class and it is great. The class is limited in size so you need to register soon. At the end of this class there will be an Excellence in Competition Match. In this match you will have a chance to earn Leg Points toward your Distinguished Expert Badge. Once you get 30 points, you will be awarded your Distinguished Expert Badge. The Distinguished Expert Badge can be earned for pistol or rifle; in this case it is rifle. Register at:
https://thecmp.org/cmp-releases-rifle-and-pistol-marksmanship-101-schedule-for-2020/

The ISRA Academy has a variety of classes for you to choose from. We always try to bring you the best educational opportunities possible. If you have any ideas on classes you would like, let us know.

Tidbits:
On June 25, 1876, the Battle of Little Big Horn was fought.
On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began.
On June 27, 1838, Paul Von Mauser was born.
On June 28, 1923, the Browning Hi-Power was patented.

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Upcoming Events: ISRA Calendar
For more information, visit www.isra.org

The Well Armed Woman
Range Work Day
Saturday, June 27, 2020

ISRA Bullseye Match
Glock League
Sunday, June 28, 2020

Military Benchrest Rifle League
Scout Rifle League
Monday, June 29, 2020

Tuesday Night Irregular Rifle League
June 30, 2020

F-Class 300 Yard Rifle League
Benchrest League
Paper & Steel League
Wednesday, July 1, 2020

ISRA Smallbore Rifle League
ISRA Smallbore F-Class Rifle League
Thursday, July 2, 2020

Independence Day 800
Saturday, July 4, 2020

Bonfield Muzzle Loaders
ISRA Combat Pistol/3 Gun League
Black Powder Confederation
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Check out ISRA's website at www.isra.org! Tell us what you think!