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Local Con Closing
10 years ago
Today is a flood of emotions. Today, I learned that Oklacon, the largest outdoor furry convention in the world, my local fur con, is closing it's doors. The jest of the announcement was that 3 out-of-state furs showed up, registered, then wen to a public area and did lewd and illegal things in public. Those acts shut down Oklacon at Roman Nose Nat'l Park and the district attorney was involved.
A year passed, Oklacon found a new home further into eastern Oklahoma and the same individuals call up the reserved venue and concern them so much that now there is no home in Oklahoma for Oklacon, if an order from the federal parks and rec. dept. stays.
I'm furious with the individuals. I'm even feeling vengeful. I'm sad that a wonderful con has to suffer such foolishness. I'm sad and sorry for those good registrees from out of the country who now have to cancel travel plans. I feel pity for the artists and dealers who knew Oklacon for a great place to sell stuff and visit with people. I feel remorse for those staff who put their time and heart into keeping Oklacon running. I feel fearful for the future. And I feel vengeful against that troll who destroyed what 15 years of hard work and good times had brought together... and possibly put all furry gatherings in Oklahoma in danger. Those trolls are truly stupid. I don't call them furries; they aren't furries; they are a bunch of criminals who wanted to bring furries down no matter the cost.
But then I'm hopeful that people will act fast to gather again. I'm hopeful that federal governing bodies will be reasonable and understanding. I'm hopeful that this builds up a stubborn resilience in Oklahoma Furs.
I'm hopeful that those responsible never get a break or chance to commit such horrid acts against another organization ever again. I'm hopeful that those responsible for destroying the public relations that furries in OK had, that they will serve time in jail in their respective state. I'm hopeful that justice will be served.
I was going to be able to work and visit the con on the same days. It was going to be a challenge and really great.
To those who take care of conventions: guard what you love; do not be lax! These trolls played on the generous, kind hearts of Oklahomans. Make it a +21 venue. Have signatures on a release forms that release the con of responsibility for individuals. Make sure that law enforcement are a close partner. Do not become victim to people willing to do jail time in order to take furries down!
May God give justice. Jah bless His people.
A year passed, Oklacon found a new home further into eastern Oklahoma and the same individuals call up the reserved venue and concern them so much that now there is no home in Oklahoma for Oklacon, if an order from the federal parks and rec. dept. stays.
I'm furious with the individuals. I'm even feeling vengeful. I'm sad that a wonderful con has to suffer such foolishness. I'm sad and sorry for those good registrees from out of the country who now have to cancel travel plans. I feel pity for the artists and dealers who knew Oklacon for a great place to sell stuff and visit with people. I feel remorse for those staff who put their time and heart into keeping Oklacon running. I feel fearful for the future. And I feel vengeful against that troll who destroyed what 15 years of hard work and good times had brought together... and possibly put all furry gatherings in Oklahoma in danger. Those trolls are truly stupid. I don't call them furries; they aren't furries; they are a bunch of criminals who wanted to bring furries down no matter the cost.
But then I'm hopeful that people will act fast to gather again. I'm hopeful that federal governing bodies will be reasonable and understanding. I'm hopeful that this builds up a stubborn resilience in Oklahoma Furs.
I'm hopeful that those responsible never get a break or chance to commit such horrid acts against another organization ever again. I'm hopeful that those responsible for destroying the public relations that furries in OK had, that they will serve time in jail in their respective state. I'm hopeful that justice will be served.
I was going to be able to work and visit the con on the same days. It was going to be a challenge and really great.
To those who take care of conventions: guard what you love; do not be lax! These trolls played on the generous, kind hearts of Oklahomans. Make it a +21 venue. Have signatures on a release forms that release the con of responsibility for individuals. Make sure that law enforcement are a close partner. Do not become victim to people willing to do jail time in order to take furries down!
May God give justice. Jah bless His people.
