I was thinking about this whole thing a couple of nights ago and now that I read about the change, I'm glad that they made the (wise, IMO) decision that they did. As you had mentioned in the earlier thread, they were going to charge with Criminal Trespass solely on the basis of CHL status - which is clearly prohibited in the TPC. I was just imagining lawyers waiting around at the entrance for the first person to be denied with a Criminal Trespass warning and begin an easy lawsuit. I'm glad someone wised up before the event started.CHL/LEO wrote:This entire situation has perhaps turned out fairly positive. I know it's been an education for fair management regarding the public feedback to them regarding the right for CHL holders to carry into the fair grounds. It's also provided us (LEOs) and opportunity to provide them feedback regarding our thoughts regarding this situation.
Perhaps they realize that CHL holders aren't the threat that they perceived or maybe it's the realization that they were on a slippery slope legally regarding their legal right to ban CHL holders.
Maybe a thread could be started that's titled, "My Experiences at the 2007 State Fair" and CHL holders could add to it after they attended the fair. If I hear of any negative situations I will add them to the thread too. Hopefully it will be positive.
It would be interesting to know what transpired in the decision-making process for the organizers to change their tune. I'd think most likely they had legal counsel warning them that they were gonna get the pants sued off of them. I'd like to think that there was some rational consideration of who their customers are - it is the TEXAS state fair, after all. Given the corporate nature of the fair organization, I think that's more likely wishful thinking on my part.
I'm glad to hear things went well.