AC Weapons Policy and Concealed Carry
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 Location: Blacksburg, VA
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I know this can be a touchy subject, but I figure it's important enough to me, and others I know, to bring it up. To that end, I have two questions. First off, what is the reasoning behind this part at the beginning: No weapons or any item that can be easily mistaken for one may be carried either openly or concealed at any time in convention space, regardless of any concealed carry permits you may possess. Now, I fully understand that having folks swinging whatever they want all over the place is not conducive to the safety and security of guests and attendees (I looked over some of the other threads in this forum on the weapons policy). That part makes perfect sense, particularly since, as a Virginia resident, I'm not exactly familiar with Pennsylvania's policies on such things. However, I recently got my Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit, and I'm decidedly pleased with having this extra option of self-defense, in the vanishingly rare case I should need it. In fact, as much as possible, I don't go anywhere without my permit and my handgun. I'm very pleased that Virginia, for the large part, permits me to be responsible for my personal safety on such a level. I'm also very pleased that Pennsylvania agrees with Virginia and honors my VA CHP. Thus, I find myself frustrated whenever I read over the Anthrocon Code of Conduct and find the lines above. I find myself unable to keep the phrases 'To ensure the safety of all those attending the convention,' and 'No weapons or any item that can be easily mistaken for one may be carried either openly or concealed at any time in convention space, regardless of any concealed carry permits you may possess,' from conflicting in my mind. If someone could explain the reasoning behind this part of the policy, it might help me resolve the conflict. Secondly, I was wondering if perhaps we might be able to find some sort of compromise between those of us (for I know I am not alone among furs who prefer to concealed carry) who wish to carry concealed and the weapons policy, so that we don't have to make the frustrating choice between attending Anthrocon and carrying our weapons and taking responsibility for personal protection. For example, at Technicon, a local convention here in Blacksburg, the policy has been that if it's a concealed weapon, the it's none of the staff's business, so long as it's concealed. Perhaps it could be as simple as the Dorsai reminding an attendee, should the weapon show, that it should be concealed or not present at all? Thanks much for the consideration of the issue. |
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You're right. It is a touchy subject.
We have the rule because we have no idea of knowing who is a responsible gun owner and who is not. We are volunteers; the last thing we need is the aggravation of a weapon discharge, either accidental or otherwise, from someone who should not have been carrying a weapon at all. I am sorry that you feel that this is not reasonable.
I am aware, too, of the heated debate as to whether allowing people to carry weapons increases or decreases public safety. These boards are not the place for that debate. Anyone who wishes to take it up is asked to take the discussion elsewhere.
Mr. Conway,
First, may I say that I rather do hate the choice Anthrocon's weapons policy forces upon folks in a situation similar to my own. I am, at this time, entirely unsure of whether I will choose to attend Anthrocon 2008 and continue to work for the convention in some capacity or another, or stay home, save my money, and retain my ability to protect myself throughout my daily activities.
Further, I would contend that 38 US States, by my count, including the commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia in question, have decided that such a 'risk' as I am asking Anthrocon to take is acceptable to their general public.
As to the issue of knowing whether or not a person 'should be carrying a weapon,' it would seem to me that it should be possible to find some sort of a compromise on this issue. Pennsylvania requires permit holders who are carrying to have their permit on them at all times, as does Virginia. Given that AC does not appear to have a policy of patting folks down at every door, if a weapon is spotted, perhaps a staff member could ask the person if he has his concealed carry permit on him, and to make an effort to conceal it better in the future. Alternately, I do seem to recall seeing a law enforcement officer or two on-duty down in the lobby, who could ask much the same question, if the staff don't feel it's safe to approach someone who may be carrying illegally on the subject.
Respectfully,
Jacob 'Crimson' Dawson
Mr. Dawson:
I do not know how old you are. I am fifty-six. I have been attending Science-Fiction, Star Trek and Fantasy cons since 1976 or so.
In 1980, I attended Disclave which was held that year in Arlington, Virginia. It was held in a section known as Crystal City. This area is less than one mile south of the Pentagon. Many secure military support organizations were headquartered there, although they are moving out now owing to security requirements that cannot possibly be met in the area. The hotel where the convention was held was within a short walking distance of what is now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
During the convention, some attendees decided that the area would be great for playing Assassin. They put on camo and toted out their replica M-16's which, while absolutely unusable, were indistinguishable from the real thing visually. They wandered the area and showed no respect for private property, wandering through people's back yards apparently fully armed.
It actually took until Sunday afternoon for sufficient complaints to be made for the police to take the 'threat' seriously. The local SWAT team entered the hotel from the rear, first encountering the Art Auction where I was volunteering as an art runner. They scanned the room, evaluated our threat level as zero and moved on. They eventually did encounter the Assassin gamers, but by that time had reached the conclusion that they were dealing with a small group of young idiots as opposed to a true threat. This conclusion was quite lucky since, according to the con chairman, one of these fools saw the SWAT team and thought they were just another part of the game. He turned, dropped into the kneeling position and aimed his replica at them. They did not fire, showing incredible restraint.
This incident was the genesis of the no weapons policy. Immediately all of the North
East Corridor cons from Boston to DC adopted virtually identical policies banning not only firearms, but anything which could be possibly be mistaken for one.
I feel certain from the politeness you have shown that you are a responsible gun owner. I feel that no one would know that you were carrying a concealed weapon unless the situation forced you to defend yourself. It is simply much easier for the con to ban firearms (and all other weapons) than it is to allow some to carry.
Unfortunately, the history I mentioned above has shown that foolish people will ruin things for everyone else. I believe that it was Robert Heinlein who put the phrase into the mouth of his character Lazarus Long, "Never underestimate the power of human stupidity." By that, I am not saying that gun owners are stupid. I am saying that human beings are stupid at times and that they screw things up for everyone when they are.
Charles Groark
Charlie,
Thanks for that background. It's often the case that behind every strict convention rule of conduct, there is an interesting anecdote (often dating from before when the younger among us were born) illustrating why it came about. Since learning these usually requires being in the good graces of the right people---or copious amounts of alcohol!---I'm happy to have caught this one
As prickly as this thread has been, I think it has shown the strength of the professionalism and experience behind Anthrocon's volunteer crew, and reassured me yet again of the good hands we are in.
--
iSKUNK!
No problem. When one of us greymuzzles hears someone asking about the rules, I think we have an obligation to pass along our knowledge of historical events.
Even without copious amounts of alcohol.
Any sweeping rule is going to have case by case exceptions and we deal with them as case by case.
But as one of the authors of the AC weapons policy, I will tell you that we didn't just pull this out of thin air. It is based on Federal, State and City law, plus the policies of the venues. We tried to keep it as liberal as possible but also realistically enforceable.
As others have pointed out, AC is a private function and set rules as to whom may attend or work for the convention or the condition for "employ" or attendance for the event. The David Lawrence Convention Center, while under city contract is a privately operated facility and sets its own rules and has states that no weapons can be carried within the building "except for bonded security and law enforcement personal". (( I'd also just like to state that the AC security staff carry no weapons while on duty larger than a pocket knife. ))
If you feel there is a real and honest threat that would require you to arm yourself, please contact us and we'll meet with the convention center to see if they concur and will issue a varience.
Feel free to email me if you want to discuss this further. ( skippy at di dot org )
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David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
The David Lawrence Convention Center, while under city contract is a privately operated facility and sets its own rules and has states that no weapons can be carried within the building "except for bonded security and law enforcement personal".
Dave, thanks, I wasn't aware of that. Were that not the case, I would ask for a rewrite of the AC policy to something on the order of No weapons or any item that can be easily mistaken for one may be carried openly at any time in convention space.
It's simpler, and at least it doesn't include what I feel is a jab at carry-permit holders.
Alas, it is a moot point, since I doubt the convention center itself is going to change its rules any time soon. Both fortunately and unfortunately for my peace of mind, I don't have anything like recent death threats to make me fear for my safety, so I have no reason that I can think of to arm myself, outside of my basic preference for preparedness.
Do you happen to know what the hotel's policy might be on this subject? Will it I at least be able to, say, carry on my lengthy drive up to Pittsburgh and back, and lock it in my car, or in a safe in the room?
Thanks much for the explanation.
You know, I don't, never checked with them specifically cause their policy couldn't be even more draconic than the convention center's, but I will check into it.
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David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
As some one who lived in pittsburgh for a couple years I can understand the desire to protect ones self, specially since i was assulted and robbed while on the job there. But the area that the convention is being held is generally safe that I can remember unless the occassional pimp or begger bothers you.
You should be safe as long as you follow a few rules:
* Travel in groups, never alone.
* Have a map of the streets (AC provides one).
* Don't carry large bills or show cash while in public.
* Don't cross the rivers.
* Conceal your furriness while on the street. (joking)
I stay in the overflow hotel and have to walk from the con to my room several times a day, including at night. I feel safe for the most part but I keep alert to my surroundings. Being a security guard helps too
The easiest answer to the weapons question is "Its their con, if you want to go, follow their rules. No exceptions." which of course is harsh but honest. The main reason "safety" is because you are packed into a room with 1000 or more other people at any given moment and a single bullet culd injure multiple people. If the hotel you are staying in while there does not specificely state no weapons then I'd say feel free to arm yourself before venturing out onto the street but if you choose to go to the convention center or attend any of the con functions that exist within the main hotel, then you need to drop your weapon of choice off in your room before doing so.
On that note, may I point out how easy going PA is with their weapon rules? Within just a couple blocks of the con you'll find one or more stores which sell over the counter verious weapons such as stun guns, swords, ect.
So make a call to the hotel and ask, look into what weapons are legal to carry while in PA, and then leave them home or in your room.
All exceedingly good advice!
I would add that when you leave the convention areas, ie hotel/convention center, Take your Badge Off. In the convention business a con badge is refered to as a "Mug Me Badge", it marks you as an out of towner and a potential mark. Take them off and slip them into your pocket or pack. And this goes for you character and other art badges too.
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David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
Blog: [Link]
If a staff member spots a weapon, I would never ask that staff member to place his or herself in danger by approaching the person with the weapon and asking if he has a permit for it. We have no idea of knowing who that person is, or why he is carrying a weapon, or whether or not he is likely to use it if so affronted. Therefore, if a weapon is spotted, the police will be summoned immediately. They are paid to handle such awkward situations; we are not.
Hence the rule.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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...You don't need a gun at Anthrocon.
There is nothing that bad you need to protect yourself from in Pittsburgh. I live in a far more dangerous area than Pittsburgh (and used to live in worse than that, northeast Philadelphia) and have never found myself in a situation where I could possibly conceive of using a gun to protect myself.
Not questioning your right or level of responsibility, but seeing the kind of people that hang out at a furry con (not just anthrocon - ANY con) there's really no need to risk dragging a loaded gun into the hotel. We had someone with a concealed carry permit show up with a gun on them at a smaller meet and it raised hell, not to mention half the militant-wannabe furry types were constantly trying to touch and play with it.
Really, really, I think 95% of people are very, very happy there's no guns at AC and want it to stay that way.
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I agree... This seems like a non-issue here. Besides, do we really need firearms at the convention itself? Outside in the streets or along the road fine... It just seems a bit excessive/
Location: NJ
I just decided to gain superpowers, thus bypassing the whole argument. :3
Edit: buggy internet connection. :/
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Just a couple things.
1. Concealed means concealed. If staff/security never see it or know you have it, then it's hard for them to ban you from the con. Get a better CCW rig if you keep printing and have to keep retucking your shirt or whatever (Might I recommend a CompTac C-TAC or M-TAC?).
2. If it turns out that you need your handgun, there will be bigger things to worry about than, "OH NOES IM GONNA GET BANNED FROM TEH FURRY CON." You know the phrase, "Better judged by 12 than carried by 6?" Yeah, well, "Better banned from a furry con and judged by 12 than carried by 6."
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I will say that I truly understand the sad sad story here and I wish it werent so. I truly wish we could all be responsible adults and carry fake or real weapons at our own leasure, but the fact is while some of us are responsible, some of the rest of us are simply STUPID. Who knows, dropped on our heads too many times, dont seem to matter really.
Fact is, some bonehead went out and ruined it for everyone and no matter what anyone says, this topic is not gonna change. Beleive me, ive tried. I wanted to get permission to wear a large fake sword as part of my fursuit costume(mideivel outfit of sorts), but that simply aint gonna happen. You can easily tell the sword isnt real, but the fact remained that every time I asked, I got the same response. granted, I havent asked any of the AC staff, ive mostly been asking sci fi con folks, but still, the idea is the same and I know AC staff would handle things in the same manner, if not more organized.
You might be a responsible gun owner, but whose to say that you are? You? Me? the state of virginia? Im sure a lot of people can make that claim and then turn out to be a crazy person. but seriously, I know you probably arent crazy, but that doesnt mean that the RISK isnt there. and when you got the risk of having a person tote a firearm around a con, you also have to deal with the risk he/she might choose to discharge it on someone who he/she feels is threatening them.
The problem with this picture is that this is a furry con. the most threatening thing you have to worry about at AC is unbathed congoers, whose smell can be legally declared a form of biological warfare. and if anyone hassles you, and you somehow feel threatened by their stank, all you have to do is either threaten to call their parents, which can sometimes get a rather fun reaction, or just call for Dorsai assistance, who have been conveniently placed at the con for that very purpose.
and yes, if someone at the con has a gun, and pulls it on another congoer, im quite certain HOTEL security will drub the man senseless for you. We are talking about a VERY high class hotel that deals with all sorts of wealthy customers. I would imagine that they have at least a couple fully trained security guards on staff. Though, if I were you, I would make sure to ask the hotel directly in order to confirm that thought.
enjoy, and could people PLEASE stop asking this question. Its getting annoying to have it asked at least 20 times every friggin year by people who think it will change from last year. the hotel doesnt want people toting guns/swords/etc.... around and nor does the convention.
Website: [Link]
and btw, killjoy puts a number of good points, listen to the man, he knows what hes talking about.
I can attest that traveling in groups is a VERY good idea, not to mention that while in groups, you are quite safe, and the large the group, the safer you are. Myself and about a half dozen other suiters went out on the town LATE sunday night to get in one last night of furryness before we all went our ways monday morning. We got a TON of picture requests and the worst thing that happened that night was that some black dude insisted on flicking off our camera while in a group photo with all of us fursuiters.... THAT WAS IT!!!! Youd think the worst thing to happen would be to get threatened by a gang or something. NOPE. Being in a group, and because we are just too goofy to harrass means that nobody bothered us aside from asking for photos.
You may wish to check but I am fairly sure that your Virginia concealed carry permit is NOT valid in Pennsylvania.
Location: Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
I live in Virginia, and I thought they were reciprocal, but apparently not.
http://www.ccrkba.org/reciprocity.html
They are, and the information on that site is several months out of date. A reciprocity agreement (a new one, I guess) was signed on January 03, 2007. A copy of it may be found here.
Further information on VA Reciprocity may be found at the Virginia State Police Website's Page on this matter: http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_Reciprocity.shtm
In fact, in a general case, I'd recommend checking your state's state police's website and the destination state's state police website for this and other topics when considering travel between them. And, of course, to comply fully with the law, you should then be sure to check with the state police of every state through which you'll be travelling to figure out what you should do while in their borders, as well. It can be very complicated to travel interstate with a firearm, as a law-abiding citizen.
Location: Harrisonburg, VA 22802
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Ahh, I stand corrected. It's been awhile since I checked up on that info, so I just picked the first site on a Google search that looked well-organized.
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Regarding interstate travel with firearms, you do not need to know the law for the states you are only traveling through. Only the destination and departure states' laws matter. For more info, see the NRA-ILA's page on the matter.
True, assuming you have it unloaded and in the trunk....in general. As the page states, handguns get sticky. Also, since, in VA, WV, and PA (three of the four states I may travel through, say, while going to AC), my VA CHP is valid, so I may carry my handgun on or about my person. In MD... that doesn't fly, so I'd have to have it unloaded in a locked container, inaccessible to the driver or any passengers. Since I drive a Jeep Cherokee, that gets yet more complicated, since I have no trunk, and any passengers in the back seat may be argued to have access to anything in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
Stopping for any length of time (longer than, say, a quick bite to eat and/or a stop to refuel) also complicates the issue, because then the Interstate Commerce Clause, which is the justification for the fairly minimal federal preemption that at least allows you to have the firearms, seems to fall out of effect.
Then, of course, there's the matter of federal property, where guns are just plain disallowed, even if you're just passing through (the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina comes to mind).
Also, skim through that NRA-ILA page you linked, and you'll find it, in fact, has quite large number of things one must be aware of while travelling through the various states. As I said, it's quite complicated, and makes me glad my travel is generally restricted to Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, with the only exceptions being the odd foray into Maryland when I'm visiting my parents and for AC and MFF.
Location: Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
Depending on which way you go to get to Pittsburgh, you may not be in Maryland long enough for it to matter. On my route, I go up I-81 to Winchester and take US-522 from there, which turns into I-70. Going that way cuts through Maryland at its narrowest point, and it's like two miles from one side to the other. There's a reduced speed limit sign, a long bridge, a merge point for I-70, and poof! You're in Pennsylvania
Aye, I used to use a similar route to drive from work to Bedford, PA, back after my first year of College. It's not bad (though 522 in WV is decidedly prone to random slowdowns or stoppages, being a two-lane road). My route from NoVA involves going up 15 into Maryland and then to 340, up to Frederick and around in a lovely set of loops to get onto I-70W, so it involves MD for a good bit.
On the other hand, if I leave from Blacksburg, instead, I wouldn't necessarily go through Maryland at all. 'Course, then it's a five hour drive, as opposed to a 3-4 hour drive, but...such is travel, whether or not firearms are involved.
Website: [Link]
I take 66 East, 495 Inner Loop, 270 North, then 70 West and such. It's pretty straightforward, and hasn't failed me yet. Since I'll be picking my friend Beowulf up this year and he lives off 270 in MD, that really seals the deal on this route.
Location: NY state, USA
Website: [Link]
Being back on to topic, I think a universal denial seems quite safe. Even if the perception of safety is the only relevant factor. Simple fact, guns make people nervous. Even in the hands of the responsible and trained accidents can and do happen. I personally lost a good friend and saw two lives end simply because of the presence of a loaded gun. It's a story I'd rather not get into, but needless to say if there is an active knowledge of the presence of live firearms, it makes people nervous. You are a stranger amid other strangers. Albeit in a friendly and fun atmosphere, but add one gun to the situation... everything becomes different.
Imagine this. You're in a crowd of people having a good time, lets say a party. You receive word from a friend that someone at the party has a legal, but armed firearm at the party. Maybe someone sees a gun, maybe not, but it will definitely effect your fun. For the same reason you would prefer to have your weapon for protection is also the same reason you're asked to leave it at home. It's a rule to guarantee that no one is armed thus eliminating the reason to need protection.
You're going to be surrounded by people who are just there to have fun. I've been attending Anthrocon for four years, even in Philly I never once felt like I was in danger. Pittsburg especially is by far one of the nicest cities I've had the pleasure of traveling in. Personally I say don't deny yourself fun for fear of safety. Here's a fun idea, meet as many new people as possible. Leave the firearms to the streets and gun meets.
Website: [Link]
So, it's okay for you to have prop weapons at AnthroCon (pulled from his FA Account) while at the same time you say that weapons make people nervous and they shouldn't be allowed because they spoil the fun. And you say this after the explanation that fake weapons aren't allowed because they can be mistaken for real weapons.
Right.
And you're right. Knowing someone else at a party is legally armed would affect my fun. I'd go shoot the shit with them because I've apparently found someone that I have something in common with.
Blog: [Link]
No, prop weapons are not allowed at Anthrocon except at the masquerade, and even then only under supervision of Security. Please read our standards of conduct.
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
And only with prior permission from the frequently-forgotten Masquerade Director.
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Awww, you know we love you!
Location: NY state, USA
Website: [Link]
For clarification the prop in question belonged to the gentleman on the far left (in the red) and my knowledge of it's existence was naught until we stopped for a photo. All of us reprimanded him, but finished the pictures before we sent him and another back to the Omni with the item in question.
Why is it you feel your safety is going to be in jeopardy at the convention?
WARNING!: Perceived jack assery ahead.
I'm not making a conscious effort or going out of my way to come accross as a jerk here, but why should I feel my safety should be put in jeopardy because you want to carry a concealed firearm around with you in enclosed and confined spaces?
I don't know who you are, what you look like or even what your psycholgical make up is. To be honest, it makes me feel pretty uncomfortable knowing that there may be a firearm in the same elevator, stairwell, bathroom, hallway etc with me. Heck, if you're allowed to carry it around with you, concealed or not, how can I be guaranteed there won't be a whole bunch of other people walking around with firearms?
How are you going to store the gun at the con? How can you guarantee that whatever firearm you're bringing won't be stolen? What's to guarantee Murphy's law won't ensure that "accidents happen" and a bullet fires into the next room while there's a party going on? (although when you just aren't in the mood, accidental discharges from the next room over really don't seem all that bad, but none the less).
I know you have your reasons for wanting to have a gun with you all the time, but I don't know if they're legit or for non legit reasons with "For my own personal safety" as a cover for "I wanna feel cool 'cause guns are awesome and my favourite anime character uses guns and SWEET!! I finally got my conceal/carry permit, now I'm gonna be awesome too!" because there are plenty of people like that. "With great awesome comes great responsibility".
Sure, I'm assuming that in order to get this permit you have to show responsible gun ownership/handling, but as far as I know firearms handling/safety courses don't teach people the higher reasoning that's needed to make the right decisions to know when to actually use a gun and when to not.
Other things to take into consideration as well is that the vast majority of furs who go to Anthrocon, aren't subscribed to this forum or even bother checking the website for anything other than hotel updates and when the convention dates are so they can book the time off work accordingly (there's still quite a handful who don't even read the rules, and just leave it to common sense and have a good time). They aren't going to just suddenly wake up one day and know that so and so is going to have a gun with them. In my experience with people, when people find out that so and so is carrying a firearm in their jacket or anywhere else, they don't decide "Hey that total stranger has a gun. I'm gonna go up and ask him why he has it". People that do that are police officers and usually what they do is radio for other police officers to come with them when they findout somebody has a gun on their person.
The non police version of that is "That guy's carrying a gun. I'm gonna call 911 and let them deal with it", both for reasons of being a concerned citizen and also because they wanna be a hero to law enforcement.
Again like I said, I'm not making an effort to be a jerk or go out of my way to be a jerk here, but try to think of the couple of thousands of other people who are going to the convention, some with the same concerns and beliefs that you have about guns and personal safety, but they either respect the rule you're addressing and go to the con without their guns, or they just don't go to the con at all.
This is all based off of whether concealed carry completely vito's the laws around private property or not. If it doesn't, then I'd say either respect the rules and regulations set out by the _host_ and come without your gun/firearm/security blanket, or look into other conventions that may allow you the permission to do so. Because as a con goer (believe it or not, I like firearms too), the last thing I'd want is an unfortunate accident in the form of "Whoops!" or a firearm that once belonged to someone with a concealed carry permit that now belongs to someone "Whoops! I accidentally stole this guy's gun".
Before I make my comment on the issue, I'd like to point out that I have in fact read the following statement and that what I'm about to say is "to the general public", and not just towards the original poster.
That being said, and quoted...if you (in general, not you specific) ever feel that you *do* have a legitimate threat to your life that requires you to carry a lethal weapon to protect yourself, please do not drag that threat to Anthrocon. If some person or entity is really intent on killing you, then you should be talking with local law enforcement and hiding in your basement, not going on vacation and potentially having that threat follow you.
And don't forget to renew your life insurance policy.
-If someone walks up to you and says they are a pathological liar, would you believe them?
Okay, with my internet not being such a pain, now I can say something.
After reading all of the posts, now I'm going to give my input. Having used to do security detail before, I have to tell you that I don't see a logical reason for you wanting to have a firearm on your person, concealed or not, at AnthroCon. I have a CHP from the State of Virginia and I hardly even walk around with my sidearm. Why? Because there's a lot more to proper firearm control than just getting a permit that is so easily attainable from such a simple course. They don't call it Basic Pistol I for nothing. It really is basic. And, quite frankly, inadequate. If you really want to be a responsible gun owner, take some of the advance courses that'll put a little bit more knowledge into your head about everything.
Keep in mind that law officials around don't like using their firearm unless it is the very last resort and nothing else will work. Why? Because there's a lot more into hurling a bullet into public than "to just put the bad guy down". They have to take into consideration what other people are around, what kind of repercussions will their actions take, before even drawing their gun. Why do you think they teach a lot of self defense courses at law enforcement and military training camps? It's a lot better to subdue someone than to just shoot them. Anytime you do draw your weapon, you have to take into account a lot of things: Where will this bullet travel after it hits the intended target? Who else will be affected? Will it hit something, ricochet, and cause even more damage? What's around me?
While it wouldn't bother me if I was near someone who had a firearm on their person at a convention, it would make me question their mentality and paranoia. Not wanting to bag on you, just telling you the truth. There's a lot more to owning a gun than you think. And, walking around with one concealed requires a lot more responsibility than you think.
Location: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
I think this discussion just went off the rails. While I'll happily defer to Giza when he puts an oar in the waters, here is my understanding and suggestion for where we should go.
Crimson didn't like some of the things he perceived as implied by the policy, and voice a complaint.
Uncle Kage responded, as did Skippy, one of our security staffers. Skippy pointed out that the convention center and hotel are private spaces, and as such may invoke their own stricter rules.
Crimson politely noted that he understood the distinction, had not considered it earlier, and would abide by it. This led to some discussion of the legal issues of CCW across state lines, reciprocity agreements, etc. All polite and to the point.
With respect to Anthrocon, I believe the issue is settled. Now we have some additional posts seem to open the more general can of worms of why someone might want to carry a concealed weapon, the dangers of handgun use in crowded public areas, etc.
Crimson has already indicated his understanding of the rule and that his CCW for public spaces doesn't override the rules imposed by owners of private spaces. I don't think the subsequent branch of the discussion belongs here. It's no longer an Anthrocon security issue: that's been settled. I'd much prefer that the discussion go to off-topic if folks really want to pursue the more general issues.
And yep, nobody appointed me boss, etc, etc. Just my two cents.
Blog: [Link]
And with that very eloquent summary, I believe it is time to close this thread. The argument over gun control or lack thereof has plenty of other venues to be fought.