I already cross-posted this on my blog, http://wantsomewood.blogspot.com
As many readers probably already know, Starbucks recently caved in to the gun lobby and allowed people in states where carrying guns is legal to bring their weapons openly into their stores. Of course, it's important that everyone sign the petition to tell Starbucks to change this policy (at the time of this writing, in early March 2010, the petition is on the Brady Campaign’s front page). Personally, I think that's not enough, and I am planning to boycott Starbucks until they change the policy.
Of course, this isn't just about Starbucks, nor should it be only negative. According to the AP and the Brady Campaign, California Pizza Kitchen has refused, unlike Starbucks, to bow to the gun lobby and allow weapons in its stores.
This means that pro-gun-control people should make a point of going to California Pizza Kitchen and eating there, to show their appreciation. Filling out a comment card there, and mentioning this specifically, would be even better. The fact that pro-gun groups are boycotting the pizza chain and other stores (such as Peet’s Coffee and Tea) that haven’t given in to their pressure makes this even more important. (Here is the page on their web site that will help you find their nearest location.)
UPDATE: I'm pleased with the reception that this diary got, especially since it seems to have inspired at least one person to do something differently, if I am understanding hcc in VA's comment correctly. Predictably, there are several disagreeing comments, and as I said before, I can respect people who disagree with me on this issue, although I appreciate it when the respect is mutual (and as you can see from a few of them, it isn't always). I don't like flame wars, so I haven't responded to the comments that aren't worth a response, but I have responded to a few that are worth it.
SECOND UPDATE: I should add that while I try to be respectful to all the anti-gun-control commenters, I am a lot more impressed with the ones that try to make a reasoned argument (as Ben Masel does below, for example), instead of just reciting the same old NRA talking points. (Also, no one has ever explained to me why, on this web site that's dedicated to countering right-wing talking points, it is perfectly OK to repeat right-wing talking points as long as they come from the NRA.)
Speaking of talking points, one of the most common, and most stale, of them is the "gun control is a political loser" argument; I've already done my best to refute them in this diary in this diary. Yes, I realize the diary is several years old, but so is the argument; in any case, I'm going to try to update the diary with more recent information, and repost it on my blog. The irony here is that I regularly see points of view espoused quite vigorously and unapologetically here on Daily Kos--legalization of marijuana for recreational use, solidarity with Iran in its efforts to get a nuclear bomb, purposeful rejection of Christianity--that poll much worse than anything the Brady Campagin advocates.