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reminder of why (long)

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 8:43 pm
by smyrna
Hi All!

I am new to the forum as a registered user but have been lurking for about a year now due to my interest in Texas CHL. This past weekend I did the deed and completed the CHL course and will be mailing my application shortly.

I was reminded of why I have an interest in CHL just days ago. My job requires me to travel out of town several days out of the year. In the past, I have always carried under the "traveling" law but have become hesitant to do so with the debate over what exactly constitutes traveling. Not wanting to jeopardize my pending CHL, I left, uh "cletus" at home just a few days ago as I traveled to south Texas. During my stay at a very nice, upscale hotel, a domestic dispute erupted in the adjacent room in the wee hours of the morning, complete with glasses being thrown and broken, slapping and unbelievable profanity. I really don't like being involved in other peoples affairs, but felt I had to call the hotel security when it was obvious the female was being slapped around. Long story short...hotel security did nothing to resolve the issue and the dude next door evidently heard me make the call, because he began beating on the wall in an effort to intimidate me. Morning came and I woke unscathed except for the lack of sleep. Sure was uncomfortable knowing "cletus" was at home.

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 9:06 pm
by TIN BENDER
I even carry at home! Working in the yard, always! I believe you did the right thing under those circumstances. How can you NOT do anything.
Good luck and don't leave home without Cletus again.

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 10:14 pm
by Photoman
Before I had my CHL, the only time I felt legal with a gun "on or about" was when I was travelling. Irony!

Regarding your hotel stay, next time consider (or should I say demand) to be reloacated to another room. Having a gun for self defense is good, but extracting yourself from a situation before having to use a gun is better!

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 11:18 pm
by Stupid
Did you not ask for a night for free?

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 3:46 am
by phddan
Welcome smyrna.

Dan

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 6:32 am
by RPBrown
Welcome to the forum

I feel you did right by calling even though nothing was done (go figure).
As for leaving "cletus" home, that was probably not a choice I would have made. Had the same problems with less of a traveling law before I got my CHL and I still carried.

As the saying goes, better to be judged by 12 that carried by 6.

Re: reminder of why (long)

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 8:42 am
by KD5NRH
smyrna wrote:During my stay at a very nice, upscale hotel, a domestic dispute erupted in the adjacent room in the wee hours of the morning, complete with glasses being thrown and broken, slapping and unbelievable profanity. I really don't like being involved in other peoples affairs, but felt I had to call the hotel security when it was obvious the female was being slapped around. Long story short...hotel security did nothing to resolve the issue and the dude next door evidently heard me make the call, because he began beating on the wall in an effort to intimidate me.
I'd definitely let their corporate office know about that. Sounds like they need to have a talk with their personnel, and you'll almost certainly get at least a free night out of it.

When I worked at a motel, we didn't get a choice; if a guest reported something that appeared to be illegal activity, we suggested that they call the police directly, and offered any appropriate assistance (non-emergency number, meeting officers at the entrance and leading them to the room, etc. - no confrontation from us if there is anything illegal going on); if they didn't want to make the call themselves, we called and had it dealt with. Either way the guest who complained would get at least a partial refund if the problem wasn't resolved immediately.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 10:34 am
by Venus Pax
I think you did the right thing by calling, but I would also follow up with a call to the company HQ. Tell them you don't appreciate their tolerance of domestic abuse, and that you certainly don't appreciate being forced to listen to it.

Next time, I would also call directly to the police, since hotel mgmt is unconcerned with the problem.

ETA: welcome to the forum.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 10:41 am
by seamusTX
I don't like to second-guess, but people who are fighting in a hotel room can start shooting or start a fire. Such things have happened.

- Jim

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 11:08 am
by glockoneniner
Welcome to this GREAT forum. When I first purchased my Glock carrying was the last thing on my mind. Then after a discussion about cars and guns with a local LEO he finally said, "Do yourself a favor and get your CHL. That way, there will never be an issue when having your gun in the car."

Long story short: I got it and now I carry almost all of the time. I strongly advise you to do the same, especially since you're on the road a lot.

Again, welcome. Be safe. Be smart.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:05 pm
by austin
While its Hotel property, it WAS a crime in progress.

Next time dial 911 from the lobby and escort the officer(s) to the room.

Hotel security could be ogling the pool of sleeping in the employee lounge.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:36 pm
by smyrna
As for following up with the hotel...I did.

The next morning I was offered all kinds of "freebies", none of which at the time appealed to me. I was and still am appalled that they (the hotel) would tolerate such behavior. In hindsight, knowing how the hotel responded, which is probably typical, I would have demanded to be relocated to another room AND called 911 myself.

I have since reported the incident to the hotel's corporate office and the local Better Business Bureau.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:49 pm
by pbandjelly
RPBrown wrote:As the saying goes, better to be judged by 12 that carried by 6.
easy to say when you're not sitting in jail, like that dude in Houston who had just bought that revolver (I think we all know the story).
but I agree, I think travelling (ooh, ooh, I used the word) down to South Texas you'da been alright.

hindsight's 20/20, right?