I like how Carriers have done nothing but point out the illegality of the clause and that's supposed to be so evil. Then along comes Mr. Cook, planning an intentionally disrupting and harassing act against law abiding citizens. Let's actually think critically about the possibilities of those intending to carry at the festival, shall we? I promise, this will be short. Plus you don't really have to think all that critically unless you're just against guns in general. In which case you'll only have to think critically to break the mold you've set for yourself.
What options did OCers have?
0. Don't carry to the festival, or don't go at all. Give up the right acknowledged (not given) to you by the US and Michigan Constitutions, and your right to self-defense, or don't go.
1. Say nothing, and carry to the festival. (For anyone not familiar with OC or reading this thinking "Why would they carry at all?' Remember, we carry everywhere. This is a matter primarily of personal defense.)This likely would have resulted in multiple lawsuits against the city of RO.
2. Send in a couple of letters to the Mayor, PD, etc. This would also likely have resulted in multiple lawsuits against the city of RO. However, my guess is that punitive damages would have potentially been significantly higher, since there is evidence they knew in advance that what they were doing was illegal.
3. Send in a couple of letters to the Mayor, PD, etc. When no action is taken, go to multiple community meetings. Act with complete respect and dignity, even when you are not shown the same by the elected officials who are supposed to serve you. Go back, increasing in numbers, until the correct, legal action is taken. (On a side note, I still can't believe the vote was so close. I believe it was the Mayor who said he didn't like the decision, but the law was clear.) In this way, the city of RO has time to amend the contract. Everyone involved in the event, as well as local police and government, is educated (whether formally or through the media) that OC is legal, and any chance of harassment goes down drastically.
