Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1116806)

The reason we have a "free world" is because of our laws
Do you suggest ignoring or working around the lawbreakers if there is an easy alternative?

I do.

I grew up in the city. Streetsmarts kept me relatively safe.
[the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in an urban environment.]

Let's ignore the DUI laws---we can stay off the roads when they're out

I don't drink and drive. So I don't ignore the laws. But years ago when it was more common I would stay off the roads when I knew there was a lot of celebrating going on.

Let's ignore burglars---we can replace what they steal
I lock the doors.

Let's ignore pedophiles---we don't have any young children living here

I don't worry about pedophies in The Villages. When I have grandchildren I won't be afraid to supervise them at the squares or the pools. I don't want them going through life being afraid of strangers.

Let's ignore ISIS----we can convert to Islam
I don't worry about ISIS in the US. I still fly, go to national monuments, vacation where ever I want. I flew home last week and when I was boarding when I got to my seat there was a computer bag under the seat next to me., no person, no one around. I got the stewardess right away. She told me the owner was in the bathroom at the back of the plane and I did the right thing. So I'm aware of my surroundings but I don't worry.

Where do we draw the line on which rules to enforce and which to allow violations?

Pee Wee Herman has a right to park his bike at a biker bar, and order a sasperella but if you ask my street smart friends, I think they will agree that he's asking for trouble.

I've never felt safer than I do now. I want others to think it out too. .

Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1116770)

I thought the developer solved this issue at Brownwood. Don't they keep the chairs locked up or inaccessible until about 30 minutes before the entertainment starts? If so, why not do this at the other town centers? an alternative would be to post some professionally made signs that politely say "No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem. A similar tactic is used in the fitness centers. Each machine has a little sign on it stating "Do your reps and move on." A little more direct, but it seems to work. It helps to keep people from homesteading a machine in their attempt to sculpt their obese bodies while they're surfing the net on their smart phones between sets.

Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1116770)

"No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem.

Originally Posted by JCMSr (Post 1116864)

Not sure if this is correct but I was recently told that the problem with Villages personnel doing anything about the seat saving violations is that they have no legal power to enforce these rules. If that is true then how does someone get banned from the squares as we know happened in a different confrontation? And if there was never any intention to enforce these rules why post the signs and make the announcements in the first place!

Nothing irritates me more than those who think that the rules are for everyone else to abide by but do not apply to them. If a situation presented itself whereby there were no other available seats except a group of roped off seats with nobody in them I would not hesitate to sit down. Unfortunately I would be alone since my wife prefers to avoid any and all confrontation at all costs. The difference in attitude could be because I am 6'2" and 250 lbs. while she is 5'4" and less than half my weight (I dare not say exactly).

Originally Posted by BS Beef (Post 1115547)

I'm not a fan of the seat saving. That being said it's a shame it would come to that in any case. Maybe I'm just too passive but I just find my own space and/or enjoy something else around the square(s).

I am going to join those saying if that's the policy then the policy needs to be enforced. What's wrong with having a section where you can save seats and the rest is open?

Originally Posted by MusicLover (Post 1116933)

I agree I'm not a fan of saving seats but it's not a deal breaker, I'll still go. Maybe a reserved section would be a reasonable compromise? Either way the venue management should do at least a little rule enforcement once in a while.

Originally Posted by Cedwards38 (Post 1116117)

Isn't crowd control, including enforcement of venue rules, a service to be provided by local law enforcement? I know I see cops at ballgames, fairs, and other places where people, alcohol, and temperaments are present.

Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1116770)

I thought the developer solved this issue at Brownwood. Don't they keep the chairs locked up or inaccessible until about 30 minutes before the entertainment starts? If so, why not do this at the other town centers? an alternative would be to post some professionally made signs that politely say "No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem. A similar tactic is used in the fitness centers. Each machine has a little sign on it stating "Do your reps and move on." A little more direct, but it seems to work. It helps to keep people from homesteading a machine in their attempt to sculpt their obese bodies while they're surfing the net on their smart phones between sets.