Gunnin' For Starbucks

Open-carry gun rights activists have been "invading" Starbucks - the icon of left-wing, latte-sippin' liberals - bristling with weapons and challenging Starbucks to kick them out. Starbucks has caved to the NRA, and though they have every right to ban weapons in-store (as with, e.g., barefoot and no-shirt customers) Starbucks claims they are simply complying with local open-carry laws. Hey, the "third place" ain't no place for guns, Mr. Schultz. You just lost my $30/week latte habit.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• guns
• NRA
• starbucks
• Howard Schultz
• second amendment
• open-carry gun laws
• cowardice
• coffee
• third place
• culture clash
• Brady Bill
• brady laws

[CmdrHaggis]

As a gun owner, I don't agree with you choosing to bypass Starbucks. You don't have anything to fear from law-abiding citizens. But I did enjoy your song. It's a refreshing departure from the tired old arguments usually heard from the anti-gun crowd. We've each made our choices; and that's what freedom's all about. If you ever do see a gun owner who open carries, say "Hi". I assure you we don't bite.

[Rantcaster]

@CmdrHaggis Thanks for thoughtful reply on this subject. I should make clear that I am not anti-gun, just against the lack of self-restraint that some open-carry activists convey. And I don't fear law-abiding citizens carrying guns; I just don't think there are adequate controls to prevent crazy people from doing so. If I walk into a Starbucks where there are 5 people carrying weapons, how do I know all are stable/sane/safe? Guns have a purpose, but I just don't think we need them everywhere

[CmdrHaggis]

@Rantcaster I shouldn't have made the assumption, base solely on the song, that you are anti-gun. Apologies. I do agree that there are many in the open carry crowd who are downright aggressive, and this is unfortunate since it casts us all in a bad light. As to crazy folks, I imagine that there could be folks with a knife, screwdriver, or knitting needle who I might worry about also. My gun is like my fire extinguisher or car/home insurance. I have it should I need it, nothing more.

[Rantcaster]

@CmdrHaggis Well-said. I have seen several surveys that show a majority of gun-owners, and even majority of NRA members, favor tougher laws to make it more difficult for "crazies" to get weapons. It is the NRA leadership that seems to froth at the mouth at even the most mild suggestions of restrictions (e.g., guns in bars, churches, schools and even airports, tougher background checks, etc.). Just need to exercise common sense and try to reduce the carnage from guns, which mostly kill family.

[gentorel771]

coffee doesn't cure vaginitis

[Rantcaster]

@gentorel771 And guns don't make fairies into men

[RunningOnElvis]

I was in Henry's Market in Solana Beach when it was robbed by a guy that first made sure that nobody else had a gun, no cop, security or anyone. When he saw that it was safe for him he pulled out his gun and put it to the forehead of the smallest female cashier and proceeded to rob the place with absolutely no fear of resistance. Starbucks or any other place is safer as long as criminals think that people may have guns there. That's why the worst mass killings take place in "gun free" zones.

[NeverB401]

Open carry rules. You won't find me a victim of gangs, robbers or violence.

[MrJoeu87]

Thank you Starbucks for standing up for the law abiding citizen and not restricting our rights.

[twombonu]

@Rantcaster it is a right, end of story! Many people today still find it offensive when a Muslim person opens the Koran at Starbucks! Who the Hell are you to tell me how to live? I plan to bring my MG42 to Starbucks, and if you don't like it....TOUGH SHIET!

[tf1977sled]

Rancaster you are not even a us citizen so keep quiet. And you need to recheck your stats. Also look and see how much crime has gone up in the uk since handguns were outlawed by your royal overseers

[Rantcaster]

@tf1977sled First Amendment guarantees free speech. So does that mean you can, or should, sit in a family restaurant and tell foul, obscene jokes in a loud voice to your table mates, while the children at the next table have to listen? With every right comes responsibility in a civilized society. Gun rights whackos, of which you are obviously one, ignore this when they assert their inalienable "right" to flash their alternative manhood in public