And I notice man with a gun hanging out of his pocket. He wasn't using a holster of any type. Anyone could have grabbed the gun as he was loading his plate. If he had a permit and/or special training, I can't imagine it allows for such sloppy handling.
He was a younger man with two small children and his wife (I assume). I was saddened and shocked at the same time. Here was a family restaurant loaded with mostly children, basketball teams, and other groups trying to have a nice time. Yet this time bomb sat right there. Just waiting.
The message that the NRA and supposedly sane elected officials send when they tell citizens that the only thing that can protect your kids is a loaded gun at the ready is, well, insane. Insane.
I imagine it only gets worse from here. I'm 56 years old. I've never needed a gun. Never ever, not even close. I doubt the gentlemen at the pizza restaurant has, either. What have we done?
I thought about asking the manager at the restaurant if they had a policy regarding guns in their stores. But it was mostly kids running the place, and I didn't want to start a confrontation. I wonder how many of the customers were aware that a gun (and all the risks that come with it) was at the next table.
Later, while I was at Kroger, I asked the cashier if they had a policy regarding guns in their stores. She thought for a second and said she didn't know. But is was good question and the she would find out.
Perhaps we should demand that businesses make a decision and inform the public of their policy on the matter. Maybe we can apply pressure this way, I don't know. But I will now have to know because I will not frequent businesses who allow any yahoo off the street to pack while I'm trying to buy milk or have a burger.
Frightening. And I don't see how we get the toothpaste back in the tube. Hell has been released in our society.
Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 7:30 AM PT: In light of the recent outburst by the crazy CEO of Tactical Response of Camden, Tennessee, I though I'd update my diary. I live in Tennessee.
I returned to my favorite CHEAP pizza chain and asked the young manager of the store if they had a gun policy. I no sooner got the question out of my mouth when he said, "I carry!" The conversation went nowhere. He was a nice enough man, but I could see he didn't see things the way I did. And, he didn't know if they had a policy.
I decided to ask the folks at Kroger if they had a gun policy. The pharmacy didn't know the answer. Several cashiers didn't know the answer, but though it was a fair question and called a manager.
Again, no sooner than I utter the question, the manager, a young white women, proudly declared that she carries. I was a little stunned to say the least. Talk about a conversation stopper.
I emailed Kroger and received the following:
"Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with our Conceal Carry policy. Please know that our company follows state laws regarding this issue and policies may vary depending on the laws of the state in which you reside. I have shared your comments with the Regional Office for further review.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you should need any further assistance please feel free to reply to this email or call 800-576-4377. Thank you for your patronage.
Have a good day,"
I take that as not having a policy. Imagine a store full of nuts all carrying and someone starts shooting. Who is the bad guy? They don't wear black hats, anymore.
Frustrated!