Stop the presses. We have to talk.
I am about to embark on a topic that will probably draw much fire. (all puns intended) Recently, the coffee shop chain that goes by the name Starbucks has publicly announced that in states where open-carry firearms are permitted, they will allow firearms to be open-carried in their stores.
Just like any issue today, there are two sides, and on both of those sides there are wackos. Yes, I said wackos.
Some gun control advocates would be happy if all metal, even in it’s elemental form, should be stricken from existence.
Likewise, some gun advocates would have every man, woman and child armed to the gills.
I’d like to think that there is always a logical and reasonable middle ground. Take this for instance...
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"
The interpretation of this statement has become one of the most debated issues of the day. I’m speaking of the second amendment to the Constitution of the United States. It can be dissected a thousand different ways. Some say that our founding fathers intended an uninhibited right to carry a firearm at all times in all places. Others say that it was only intended for times when the people were called upon to form a Militia and come to the defense of the State.
I say that there’s a lot of things you can’t carry into Starbucks. Bare feet. A dog. Samurai swords. Piles of dog poo. All your trash from last nights party. Your own coffee. A nude model. A grass seed spreader, spreading seeds. An airhorn stuck in the on position. Sex toys.
All of these items are pefecty fine to own and use responsibly, but we can’t take them into Starbucks. Where’s the "Associations" protecting all these items? Well, all is lost now. Just try "strapping on" an adult toy and ordering a Venti Latte, you’ll probably get shot!
Where ever you fall on this issue, let’s all agree that there is only one reason to carry a gun into a Starbucks, to force the baristas to take away the ridiculous pan-handle-like tip jars from the counter.
Sometimes I wish everybody would shut up.
No, not you, everybody else,
FV