BobK wrote:Although I believe Dressler was treated wrongfully and the lawsuit has merit, I'd also like to point out that the arrest report said he was "argumentative" with police and he endured a 20 month ordeal, risk of incarceration, and legal fees.
That is why my strategy if ever confronted with a similar situation is to state simply, "I apologize, I had no idea it was posted. I'll leave immediately."
Arguing that you have the right to be there seems like a strategy that rarely works. Trying to win a confrontation with a police officer is a losing proposition unless you really want to go to jail that evening.
As one who attended nearly every hearing over the 20 months, and who has read a lot of the filings, I can tell you that IMHO there are lots of lessons to be learned from an incident such as this; most of which are already widely known.
When you have a short of stature, heavily-tattooed security guard who thinks he's "The Man", a feisty, argumentative individual, who because of partial deafness did not hear the initial "order" of said guard, and whose conduct ticked off a badge-heavy cop and a judge - regardless of the quality of your defense and the inapplicability of the law, you're in for a prolonged fight, even though you might ultimately win your case.
Kroger, the prosecutor, and the judge had numerous opportunities to have the matter dropped or to drop the matter, but they chose not to. It was a travesty, and Mr. Dressler deserves all he can get from any parties who can be held responsible.
If you don't have an attorney friend, as well as the extraordinary ability to fight in an arena that most people don't stand a chance in, conduct yourself in a manner that minimizes your exposure.
Yes, I do believe in open carry. An openly armed man is clear in his intentions. Concealed carriers are sneaks and skulkers and elitist, boot licking, political contribution making, running dog lackies of The Man. <wink> (thx grumpycoconut - OpenCarry.org)
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