This isn't about me...the notion that the Confederation of Clubs regional meeting in Waco was open to the general public is at odds with what several of the regional CoC members, the people who actually organized the meeting, have said.
Absent evidence to the contrary, why shouldn't statements made by people who organized the meeting be taken at face value? And if they aren't being truthful why not call them out on it?
*SIGH*
Look, do you think a force 70-100 (est Cossacks) strong goes ANYWHERE without letting folks know they are coming? Just the logistics of parking, seating, and etc is going to require it. To just 'show up' that large is pretty rude.
The CoCs and rallies that I worked knew who was coming (at least to some degree) - we had to be able to reserve parking for large clubs so they could park together (as they do), assure seating was reasonably accounted and reserved - Things like that. And being able to estimate attendance is necessary, even in reserving a venue - making sure catering is well prepared, making sure there's enough porta-johns...
Of course folks need to know you are coming. One would call and ask if they have room for y'all... Ask to come. To show up 'uninvited' throws logistics right out the window.
That doesn't mean it isn't an open meet. It's in an open restaurant where anyone is able to come and go, for Pete's sake...
Now, I'll admit that I don't know how it works with Texas CoCI - CoC's are all locally governed, and make their own charter, and conduct their own business their own way. But the general flavor of it is going to be the same, wherever you go.
The attempts to paint CoC's as closed, nefarious meetings to plot vengeance and mayhem, where evil biker gangs strong-arm poor independents for the right to ride the road is total, utter, and complete bullsh*t. Especially in a strip mall on Sunday morning with everyone's old ladies in attendance... Even a moron should be able to see that.