By State Rep. Tommy Sankey, 74th Legislative District
As an outdoor enthusiast, I was disappointed to learn of the cancellation of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.
Among Pennsylvania’s treasures are its great outdoors and its passionate hunters and anglers who enjoy spending time in it. This event is a tremendous showcase for those treasures.
While I am not happy with this development, the show is a result of free market capitalism, one system in America that thankfully is not broken.
In organizing the event, Reed Exhibitions has every right to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also referred to as ARs). Its officials call the shots (no pun intended) and must do what they feel is best, keeping in mind their bottom line.
The vendors who consider participation in the show also have a rights; the right to withdraw and not participate for whatever reason they see fit. In this case, they used their wallet to speak out against Reed Exhibitions’ policy. The result was obviously enough to impact the show’s viability.
My family has a three-generation, Clearfield County business, which specializes in cranes, heavy hauling and construction. Decisions we make with regard to operating procedures have their basis in how they will impact our viability; that is, our ability to be profitable. Without profit, often portrayed as an evil word, we cannot survive. It is that way with EVERY business.
In the case of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the system worked. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. The people have spoken, as they should.
