A disappointing State Fair episode 10-1-09

[jiannichan]

I was planning on going this Wednesday with my s/o. I hope I don't have any hassle trying to get in with all of this.

[gemini]

A couple of quick notes to bring those interested up to date.

1. I never received a reply or call back from Rep Joe drivers office.
2. The DPS attorney has never called / per Rep Allan Vaught's office.
3. My attorney has never received a call back from State Fair management.
4. Some are now entering the Fair without the info hassle, still no continuity from gate to gate.
5. Mark Davis was reported to have a show this morning on this topic. I'm tuned in now.

The next few days could be interesting.

Maybe the rule was not "Official" policy. If it was, it seems like the hassle would be across the board at every gate for all CHL's.

The Fair management office confirmed it was "Official Policy" when I called them. It seems there is no continuity from gate to gate,
I agree with that. But, it shouldn't be allowed at any gate.

[pdubyoo]

Mark Davis seems to be stuck on the Obama/General McCrystal episode and Chicago losing the olympic bid.
I've not heard any teasers about this issue.

[03Lightningrocks]

A couple of quick notes to bring those interested up to date.

1. I never received a reply or call back from Rep Joe drivers office.
2. The DPS attorney has never called / per Rep Allan Vaught's office.
3. My attorney has never received a call back from State Fair management.
4. Some are now entering the Fair without the info hassle, still no continuity from gate to gate.
5. Mark Davis was reported to have a show this morning on this topic. I'm tuned in now.

The next few days could be interesting.

Maybe the rule was not "Official" policy. If it was, it seems like the hassle would be across the board at every gate for all CHL's.

The Fair management office confirmed it was "Official Policy" when I called them. It seems there is no continuity from gate to gate,
I agree with that. But, it shouldn't be allowed at any gate.

I agree 100%, it should not be going on at any gate. But it is odd that the rule is being implemented randomly. Maybe it isn't so odd, now that I think about it. It may simply be that the guards who aren't asking for this info are simply not doing what they were told. Maybe laziness...maybe they just couldn't care less...LOL.

[GeekwithaGun]

Mark Davis is talking about this right now

[grim-bob]

Mark Davis is talking about this right now

And he is not very supportive to start.

[Commander]

Mark Davis has moved on to other subjects....the CHL discussion was short and with only one caller so far. Davis did not seem supportive.

Last week I emailed the State Fair pr email address and asked questions about the recording of CHL information. I have not received a reply.

[mymojo]

Any info on the TSRA's take on this?

[gemini]

Mark Davis' position was, pretty weak. His statement of allowing info to be taken because you had paid a fee to enter was amazing.
I thought the caller did a good job for the amount of time the show allowed him to speak. I did the "homework" for Mr. Davis, I cited specific statutes, codes, subchapters etc. for his convenience and emailed it to him yesterday afternoon.
I tried to call in myself but was unable to get through. I have re-submitted the info via email. Maybe he will do a follow up if we
continue to press this issue.

As a side note: who would want to voluntarily go to Chicago? Boring.

[dklag37]

In the meantime, if it is the State Fair's "policy" to record/register CHL information, shouldn't they at least re-word the faq on their website from "A person holding a valid concealed handgun license is permitted to enter onto State Fair property with his/her concealed handgun. Licenses will be examined at the entrance by an authorized security supervisor" to "recorded" so CHL'ers like me won't have to waste their time having to turn back around finding out after the fact?

Definition from Dictionary.com
Examine
–verb (used with object), -ined, -in⋅ing.
1. to inspect or scrutinize carefully: to examine a prospective purchase.
2. to observe, test, or investigate (a person's body or any part of it), esp. in order to evaluate general health or determine the cause of illness.
3. to inquire into or investigate: to examine one's motives.
4. to test the knowledge, reactions, or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.), as by questions or assigning tasks.
5. to subject to legal inquisition; put to question in regard to conduct or to knowledge of facts; interrogate: to examine a witness; to examine a suspect.

Nowhere in this definition do I find the words "record" or "register".

[The Annoyed Man]

Oh Lordy....

[gemini]

In the meantime, if it is the State Fair's "policy" to record/register CHL information, shouldn't they at least re-word the faq on their website from "A person holding a valid concealed handgun license is permitted to enter onto State Fair property with his/her concealed handgun. Licenses will be examined at the entrance by an authorized security supervisor" to "recorded" so CHL'ers like me won't have to waste their time having to turn back around finding out after the fact?

Definition from Dictionary.com
Examine
–verb (used with object), -ined, -in⋅ing.
1. to inspect or scrutinize carefully: to examine a prospective purchase.
2. to observe, test, or investigate (a person's body or any part of it), esp. in order to evaluate general health or determine the cause of illness.
3. to inquire into or investigate: to examine one's motives.
4. to test the knowledge, reactions, or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.), as by questions or assigning tasks.
5. to subject to legal inquisition; put to question in regard to conduct or to knowledge of facts; interrogate: to examine a witness; to examine a suspect.

Nowhere in this definition do I find the words "record" or "register".

It would have saved me a trip, my wife, and the couple who were with us. I find it strange that the Fair management is not responding to the emails and phone calls regarding this matter. Maybe they think by not publicly stating what they are doing it
will just "go away". I, for one, am not ready to "go away". Several have asked why not get the TSRA involved. I don't know if they want a dog in this fight or not. I've read a TRSA letter from 2007, regarding the Fair, I wasn't overly excited by the content.
If the TSRA jumps in, great. I welcome the help. If they decide not too. Then I'm sure whatever their reason is, is a good one. I would never knock that organization. They have done great things promoting 2nd ammendment rights and CHL law. They are a positive presence in/for the entire shooting community.

[Dragonfighter]

Interesting thread. I've carried out there for years...particulars and legality of all those years will not be explored. There was one particular year where I had some problems that escalated to the point where I wrote a certified letter and cc'd the city manager, an attorney and a consumer advocate. I am not saying that one letter had anything to do with it but the next year the supervisor in the golf cart went away.

I have been once this year and I had the CHL out when I was wanded and tried to show it to her, she glanced at it asked if I was an officer and said, "I don't need to know where you live." grinned and said have a nice day.

I would ask one question, which gate did you enter? It seemed even when the supervisor was running around in those days I would encounter delays and trouble from idiots if I:

1) Arrived later in the day, and...
2) Entered at one of the gates off Fitzhugh or Haskell...sooo...

I will be going again tomorrow, arriving around 9:30 and entering off Robert B Cullum by the museums or Music Hall. After all of the runs I have answered in that area though, the one thing I won't do is go unarmed.

BTW, as an aside, when CHL's first started going to the fair, violent attacks plunged. Then they started denying CHL's entry and they had two consecutive years of shootings on the grounds. Only an agenda can blind you to the implications.

[gemini]

Interesting thread. I've carried out there for years...particulars and legality of all those years will not be explored. There was one particular year where I had some problems that escalated to the point where I wrote a certified letter and cc'd the city manager, an attorney and a consumer advocate. I am not saying that one letter had anything to do with it but the next year the supervisor in the golf cart went away.

I have been once this year and I had the CHL out when I was wanded and tried to show it to her, she glanced at it asked if I was an officer and said, "I don't need to know where you live." grinned and said have a nice day.

I would ask one question, which gate did you enter? It seemed even when the supervisor was running around in those days I would encounter delays and trouble from idiots if I:

1) Arrived later in the day, and...
2) Entered at one of the gates off Fitzhugh or Haskell...sooo...

I will be going again tomorrow, arriving around 9:30 and entering off Robert B Cullum by the museums or Music Hall. After all of the runs I have answered in that area though, the one thing I won't do is go unarmed.

BTW, as an aside, when CHL's first started going to the fair, violent attacks plunged. Then they started denying CHL's entry and they had two consecutive years of shootings on the grounds. Only an agenda can blind you to the implications.

Yes Sir, it was one of the gates off Fitzhugh....I guess. It was close to where the old trains are parked. As stated earlier, I carried there last year and did not have any of these problems. I grew up in Dallas. I avoided the Fair for years. When CHL came into being I started going again with a friend that was licensed. I have a CHL, and the rest is history. I would not venture into that area of town without. Daytime, night time....anytime. My party attempted to go to the Fair in the afternoon. We all left our jobs a little early. Managed to get our schedules together, met up, and off we went for what was supposed to be a nice evening.
Did they ever respond to your certified letter? I wonder who actually signed for it?

[Dragonfighter]

Yes Sir, it was one of the gates off Fitzhugh....I guess. It was close to where the old trains are parked.

Hmmmm...I wonder if there is a common thread there. As Arte johnson used to say, "Veeeeeerrrrry Interesting, but stoopit."

I would not venture into that area of town without. Daytime, night time....anytime.

Agreed, the only time I really thought I was going to have trouble and have to use my CCW was down there.

Did they ever respond to your certified letter? I wonder who actually signed for it?

I had included my email addy as a means of contact and received a relatively generic "Thank you for contacting us..." and "we are sorry for any inconvenience, hope your future dealings with the fair are pleasant" kinda tripe. I wish I could recall who signed for it, but I would suspect a receptionist or similar member of their staff.