They Got the Guns But We Got the Guns

When it comes to concealed carry Lake County is outgunned. At least according to statistics released by the Illinois State Police. Their report, per the Daily Herald, says ...

Cook County accounts for the most active concealed carry permits with 23,921. The report doesn't distinguish suburban Cook County from Chicago. Will County follows with 6,134 active concealed carry applications. DuPage falls third in the suburbs with 5,577. Lake County saw 4,252 active concealed carry applications in 2014, followed by Kane County with 2,873. McHenry County rounds out the suburban list with 2,555 applications.
Concealed carry applications fall far short of projections

To help explain these numbers, your LakeCountyEye contacted the only straight shooter with the straight dope on concealed carry, Dr. I.M. Bhatschidtkhrazzi, Professor of Suburban Warfare at the College of Lake County.

"These are alarming statistics." Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi threw down the report. "Lake County has a population of just over 700,000.  With 4,252 concealed carry permits, that means you have to round up 165 men, women and children in Lake County before you will find someone carrying a concealed weapon."

A tall order, indeed.

"By comparison," continued Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi, "McHenry County's population is somewhat above 300,000 -- but they have 2,555 permits for concealed carry. Which works out to one weapon per every 121 persons in McHenry County. These are not healthy numbers."

Not healthy?

"It's simple math." Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi pulled out a slide-rule. "165 minus 121 equals 44. That means in every shoot-out between someone from Lake County and someone from McHenry County, there are 44 innocent bystanders from Lake County who will not be carrying a weapon. I hope your health insurance is paid up. Everyone knows how trigger-happy they are over in McHenry County."

Your LakeCountyEye had to concede the point. Even so, to illustrate his case Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi produced a recent Tweet ...

McHenry County Right to Carry Association Outlines Spring Plans

"Our alarming pistol gap has not escaped the attention of the Lake County bigshots." he said in a conspiratorial tone. "Plans are already in the works to get Lake County better weaponized."

A Pistol Gap?

"Anyone who lives near the border knows what I'm talking about." confided Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Suppose McHenry County decides to mobilize along its eastern border -- BOOM all of a sudden you have on your hands a Cuba Township pistol crisis."

A Cuba Pistol Crisis?

"I know what you are thinking." squinted Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Why doesn't Lake County build a defensive shield instead? Well do you have any idea how much a Kevlar Wars type of Pistol Defense System will cost?"

Your LakeCountyEye heard enough. Was there any parting advice?

"Tell your Operatives that a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed!"