After Starbucks Success, Gun Control Advocates Target Staples

[Robb]

An open carry enthusiast brought an assault rifle into a Staples store in Mansfield, Texas and posted this photo on Facebook. Moms Demand Action sent it to CEO Ronald Sargent.

Now, with one major victory under their belts, gun control advocates are setting their sights on another large, publicly traded chain.

“We’re moving on from Starbucks to Staples,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a group of 110,000 grassroots activists formed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook school massacre in Newtown, Conn.

“Last month there was an accidental shooting at a Staples in North Carolina, and there have been other incidents of gun violence inside stores,” said Watts, who lobbied Starbucks and Schultz prior to their policy change.

“Staples allows individual stores to prohibit guns, but there is no explicit corporate policy banning firearms.”

Read More: http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/09/26/after-starbucks-success-gun-control-advocates-target-staples/

[upaloopa]

1. If I saw a gun toting fool like that in a Staples I was

shopping at, I would take my items up to the checkout and tell them I am not buying the stuff as long as the gunner remains in the store.

[hlthe2b]

10. Why would anyone stay in that store with that raging brandishing asshole?

It takes a mere few seconds to pick it up and use it.... Yet we are all just supposed to assume his intent to be "peaceful?"

This is insane and those who do it, the poster children for ugly arrogance (and stupidity).

[etherealtruth]

20. That's just it ...

They're all "good guys with a gun" ... until that split second when they become "psychos with a gun"

or ..."irresponsible dim-wits with a gun" (gee officer it was an accident)

[ARMYofONE]

23. "Brandishing" is a legal term, and that does not constitue brandishing.

[hlthe2b]

35. It does to anyone with at least one

functioning synapse...

[Gormy Cuss]

51. or to anyone with a dictionary.

[hlthe2b]

58. Yup....

these obsessive gunners never cease to amaze me...

[ARMYofONE]

63. Really? Because even if we look to the dictionary definition of "brandishing," rather than the

legal definition, you are still wrong:

Webster's Dictionary
brandish (ˈbrændɪʃ

— vb
1. to wave or flourish (a weapon) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way

— n
2. a threatening or defiant flourish

[Gormy Cuss]

69. Yes, really.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brandish

Full Definition of BRANDISH
1
: to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2
: to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner

[ARMYofONE]

84. The rifle is slung. That is neither ostentatious nor aggressive. For the record,

I think this guy is an idiot for bringing a rifle into a Staples. Like I said previously, I do not support open carry. But this display does not constitute brandishing. That is my only point.

[RedCappedBandit]

94. Everything about his behavior is ostentatious.

Flaunting a tool with the sole purpose of killing things is clearly aggressive Your only point is wrong.

[Mojorabbit]

111. I also think open carry is stupid but he is right. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

108. Open carry to make a statement is ostentatious.

You seem to be restricting the word to the menacing meaning and earlier to a legal definition.

While I wouldn't use the word brandish in this context it isn't wrong. It is being done for effect. We aren't accustomed to people walking around with weapons slung on their shoulders. We know that there is a movement afoot among open carry advocates to shop like this hoping to get noticed.

[juajen]

122. Flouting, I believe, is a better word.

[Squinch]

151. Seriously? You are hung up on "brandishing?" What's your definition of "hijack?" How about "lame?"

[ARMYofONE]

61. No, it does not. But what do I know, I'm just a prosecutor in real life.

[elehhhhna]

73. I'm a Judge.

Be gone.

[ARMYofONE]

89. Mock me all you like, but having tried several brandishing cases, I know with certainty

that this does not constitute brandishing, at least not in Colorado, Washington or Wyoming. Can't imagine it does in any other state , either.

[rdharma]

96. Mock me all you like, but having tried several brandishing cases, ...BWAHAHHAHAHA! NT

[Hoyt]

101. Try the Gungeon, they'll love that junk over there.

[billh58]

142. Resurrected and

raring to go...

[Squinch]

152. Just like Lazarus. I always wondered if he was smelly when he got back up.

[msanthrope]

98. JAG? nt

[kestrel91316]

132. [phone]

[rl6214]

113. Don't see much "raging" going on there either.

[Aristus]

117. Who gives a fuck!?!?

As if simply having the gun with him wasn't enough of a threat to the people around him.

How many people have to die before someone says: "Gee, I guess he wasn't so much of a law-abiding gun-owner after all..."?

[Squinch]

154. Apparently, 26.

[AlinPA]

147. What would you call walking into a drugstore holding a shotgun in your hands? Carrying?

[Boom Sound 416]

24. Yeah he looks raging alright

[backwoodsbob]

43. he looks raging?

really?..I don't see it

[Turbineguy]

2. Good idea!

Because you just never know when the urge to kill some of your fellow countrymen (or Women and Children) may strike. Ugh... let's see... that weapon was developed in the old Soviet Union was it not?

[derby378]

12. And your point is?

I'm not a huge open-carry advocate, myself, but don't knock the AK's origins. It was designed to survive the next world war.

That said, you won't catch me in a Staples carrying an AK unless the cops are overrun by the Zombie Apocalypse and I'm in dire need of a new flash drive.

[GreenStormCloud]

18. You should not drive the Interstate Highways then.

They were copied from Nazi Germany's autobahn highway system.

You have committed a logical error. Where an idea originated does not tell you whether or not the idea is good or bad.

Nazi Germany's V-2 rocket formed the basis of our early space program. Many of the rocket scientist that developed nazi Germany's weaponry later worked for us. Does that make our space program evil?

The AK-47 remains one of the best small arms designs in the world. It is cheap, simple, rugged, and reliable.

[Squinch]

153. Post-It's tend to enrage people. You need protection in Staples. Because of the dangers.

You ever see what Gel pens and Hello Kitty To Do pads do to people? It's ugly.

[Turbineguy]

160. I think the gun guys

got their irony shot off.

[Squinch]

161. .

[lpbk2713]

3. Doesn't everyone bring an assault rifle along ...

when they go out to get printer paper?


OMFG. The stupid is strong with this one.

[LanternWaste]

7. What better time to carry a gun than when frustrated by a copier jam?

What better time to carry a gun (assault rifle? rifle? weapon? bullet stick? Sorry to the dogmatic, righteous and faithful NRA adherents if I get the names confused of all those things that fire bullets to kill things)... off track. Damn.

What better time to carry a gun than when frustrated by a copier jam? Let loose a little steam by firing (safely, of course) into the air when we get Error 422 message from the ol' Xerox machine.

[lpbk2713]

17. Whatever works.

[pitbullgirl1965]

95. BHAHAHAA! Excellent. :D

[neverforget]

157. Love Office Space! Imagine if Micheal Bolton had been carrying during this!

[NightWatcher]

4. I cant wait til the paranoid open-carrier meets the paranoid concealed carrier

Each thinks the other is a bad guy out to get him and the hilarity ensues.

I'm just gonna steer clear of any places with open carriers til the smoke dies down.

[spin]

5. Why would the paranoid open carrier be suspicious of the person carrying concealed? ...

I legally carry concealed in Florida and have done so for over 15 years and yet I doubt that anyone I encountered who didn't know me, ever suspected I was carrying a handgun.

However I will admit that I would be somewhat suspicious of a person open carrying a firearm in public in Florida as with only a few exceptions doing so is illegal. If he was wandering just around and not going into or out of a gun store or walking to his vehicle, I would consider calling the police to check him out.

[NightWatcher]

6. I have a CC permit here too.

I guess what I meant to say is when a paranoid CCW'er sees an open carrier and reacts poorly by starting a gunfight.

If I were to see an open carrier, I'd respond as you mentioned. There are too many amateurs carrying deadly weapons around here. I avoid gun ranges and gun stores/shows for that very reason.

[spin]

8. I suppose it might happen. ...

but I'm not as worried about the possibility as you are. I will admit that I have seen some people acting in an unsafe manner on gun ranges. I either take some time to politely talk to them or contact the range master to resolve the problem.

Several times over the years I have seen an individual or individuals carrying firearms in public. They proved to be employees of a gun store helping a customer in a parking lot, some form of police, security or military or were simply gun owners who had picked up a firearm from a gunsmith or were transferring firearms to their vehicle to journey to a gun range or to go hunting or fishing.

[upaloopa]

11. Here's the scenario. The guy carrying the rifle gets

pissed at you for something. Unthinkingly he points the rifle your way. You feel threatened and standing your ground you shoot him. Before he hits the ground he gets off a bunch of semi auto rounds and you and some innocent bystander gets killed.
It could happen. But not if you both left your fucking guns at home.

[GreenStormCloud]

19. You have an active imagination. Have you considered writing novels? N/T

[upaloopa]

25. Yes I have as a matter fact.

Why do you carry a gun? Do you imagine needing it some day to save your life? Don't tell me you haven't played some scenario in your mind about what you would do if a bad guy pulls a gun on you. You ever consider writing novels?

[elehhhhna]

76. plus one million

[Hoyt]

102. No more active than the contorted scenarios you guys invent to rationalize toting.

[Hekate]

116. plus a million for this one, too

[kestrel91316]

133. + 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000

[spin]

83. Take a look at the picture of the guy carrying a rifle in the original post. ...

It should be fairly obvious that pointing his rifle at someone would require some thinking. You may not be aware of this but 99.99% of gun owners are aware that you never point a firearm at someone without a damn good reason.

I feel your scenario is a stretch at the best. However I will agree that if some fool points a rifle at me, I will feel threatened. Pointing a rifle is not like sticking a finger in someone's face.

[upaloopa]

86. The point is that we are not safe with people walking around with

loaded guns on their person. We are safer when we are around people who do not carry guns. Now you say you have a right to carry a gun. That means my right to be safe is trumped. Well for now it is but gunners like the guy in the picture are their own worst advertisement .

[spin]

107. I will agree that the guy in the picture is doing no favors for gun owners like me ...

who carry concealed and threaten no one.

Look at just how worried and fearful that you have become of anyone who legally carries a firearm in public.

Over one million residents of Florida have valid concealed weapons permits at this time and probably more than ten million nationwide. Any incident that involves the misuse of a firearm or any accidental discharge of one by a person with a carry permit receives national media attention.

It's easy to convince yourself that your life is in danger from people who legally carry firearms but the fact is that in Florida you have a much higher chance of getting hit by lightning than you do of getting shot by a person with a concealed weapons permit. Of course that assumes you do not decide to attack one with the intention of putting him in the hospital for a long period of time or six feet under and have the capacity and ability to do so.

Just take a deep breath and relax. If you want to worry about people that may hurt you, just think about all the drivers who text while behind the wheel.

[Robb]

109. Lightning? Not even remotely more dangerous.

the fact is that in Florida you have a much higher chance of getting hit by lightning than you do of getting shot by a person with a concealed weapons permit

Florida, 2010: 1 dead, 21 injured by lightning.

Florida, 2010, CCW holders in Florida shooting people:

Emanuel LaBoy Rivera, killed 1.
Thomas Baker, killed 1.
Leavitis Golphin, killed 1.
Trevor Dooley, killed 1.
Leonard Murphy, killed 1.
Gerardo Regalado, killed 4, injured 13.
Charles E. Ingram, killed 1.
Robert G. Webster, killed 1.
Leonel Marquetti, killed 1.
Roger Troy, killed 2 (1 + himself).
James Menard, killed 1.

And that's just what I could find.

It's easy to convince yourself that your life is in danger from people who legally carry firearms

Hell yes it is.

[spin]

110. Florida had a below average year for lighting strikes in 2010. ...

Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, with storms occurring approximately 100 days out of the year, compared to California's low of only 5. Although our entire state rates as a high risk area, the most dangerous area runs from St. Augustine (north) to Lake Okeechobee (south) and from east to west coasts. That puts our Tampa Bay area right in the middle of the danger zone. Daily summertime showers are a fact of life in Florida but should not be taken for granted. Florida ranks number one in the number of deaths due to lightning, 94% of which occur between late May and end of September. An average of 100 people are killed in the U.S. each year (10-13 in Florida) and almost 600 injured (30 in Florida). Lightning kills more people in the U.S. than hurricanes and tornados combined.
http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/Lightning.shtml

Look if you want to spend a lot of time worrying that you will get shot by someone like me, that is your right. Nothing I will say will convince you that the chances of this happening are incredibly slim.

[hlthe2b]

123. Bad analogy--seeing lightening, one rapidly moves to remove themselves from the obvious threat

Seeing this gun slung over the shoulder of a stranger, one is a mere seconds away (as with lightening) from a potential strike... Any thinking person, then, would immediate recognize the threat and remove themselves as quickly as possible. THAT is what THINKING people do when encountering a gun where there is no reasonable cause to have it (not entering a gun store, firing range, loading or unloading from a vehicle with other gun-related transport or hunting equipment enroute to legal use).

So, what reasonable cause is there to need a gun such as this in an office supply store?

[spin]

127. In an area of the country where it is legal to open carry but uncommon, ...

you have to realize that you may encounter an individual attempting to demonstrate his right to carry openly.

if you politely ask him why he is openly carrying a firearm in an office supply store don't be surprised if he replies, "A right unexercised is a right lost."

I live in Florida, one of the seven states that strongly prohibits open carry in public. Obviously my reaction to witnessing a person open carrying a firearm in an office supply store may differ from the reaction of a person in an open carry permissive state such as Montana or Vermont.
(ref: http://www.ibtimes.com/which-states-allow-open-carry-us-full-list-312409)

If you happen to be in one of the many states where open carry is legal, I would suggest that it is not necessary to panic or overreact if you see someone "exercising their rights." Simply observe them for a few seconds and you should be able to determine if they are dangerous or just a "patriot."

[hlthe2b]

128. Getting close enough to observe someone who, within seconds can reveal themselves to be a "crazy"

with a gun and not merely brandishing a gun is fool hardy at best. One never knows and taking the time to inquire or observe could mean the difference between being a victim or not.

That is why this behavior is so unacceptable and those defending it, so fool-hardy.

[spin]

131. If you wish to panic and run or hide that is your choice. ...

Perhaps I differ as I have been around firearms and gun owners for most of my life. If I observed an individual who was open carrying in a state where it is legal and in my opinion he was acting in a rational and sane manner, I would be watchful and alert but basically not terrified.

If something in the way he was acting set off my alarm, I would leave the area.

[hlthe2b]

135. Being smart is not panicking.

Last edited Fri Sep 27, 2013, 02:08 PM - Edit history (1)

and recognizing a visible and obvious threat from a semi-automatic rifle-wielding stranger--and responding quickly to remove oneself from that danger is the ONLY smart course to take.

[spin]

138. I totally agree with that statement. (n/t)

[upaloopa]

126. You talk as if everyone carrying a loaded gun is just some benign thing

that we should pay no mind to. Well I say that if we need to be an armed society then there is something drastically wrong with us. I have not just become worried about people carrying guns. If you carry a loaded weapon into a crowd you bring a potential threat to everyone there. To me it is a selfish ignorant thing to do. You get no respect or understanding from me by carrying a concealed weapon.

[spin]

129. Carrying a concealed weapon in my state is legal if you have a concealed weapons permit. ...

If that law is repealed, I will stop carrying concealed.

You may feel that I am selfish and ignorant to carry concealed and you may have no respect for me. That's fine with me as you have every right to your opinion. However in my opinion, your opinion is largely irrelevant at this time.

If you wish to change my habit of legally carrying a concealed weapon in public, you will have to change the law in Florida or pass a federal law forbidding concealed carry.

[upaloopa]

130. I have every expectation that the law will be changed.

We won't be under the thumb of ALEC and the NRA forever.

[spin]

134. You could be right. I see no problem if you make efforts to change our current laws. ...

Of course those who support gun rights will oppose those efforts.

That's the way our system works (or doesn't work).

[upaloopa]

137. Impermanence is the nature of all things.

Yes we work within the system for change. Right now the money is on the side of gun manufactures.
Imagine a world where campaigns were funded by public contributions only. Then we would see how the public really feels.

[spin]

140. True, but don't forget that there are 80,000,000 gun owners in our nation. ...

That figure does not include the voting age members of their families who enjoy shooting the gun owner's firearms. No matter how you look at it, that is a significant voting block. Often gun owners have a significant amount of time and money invested in their hobby and this makes it more likely that they will show up at the polls than gun control advocates.

Also the fact that each state gets two and only two senators limits the power of the states with larger populations to impose strong gun control on the more rural gun friendly states.

Gun control advocates may win in the long run but it will be a difficult fight.

[upaloopa]

143. There has always been gun control laws until recent times.

I am 67 and watched "gun rights" expand. It wasn't because of 80,000,000 gun owners. It's because campaigns are funded by corporate interests.
It is so easy to see that the NRA constantly drums up fear that guns will be outlawed and like Pavlov's' dog people go out and buy more guns and ammunition. This is a fight between gun control people and gun manufacturers. Gun owners are being played like a fiddle.

[spin]

145. I agree that many gun owners panicked when another assault weapons ban was ...

pushed and this led to the skyrocketing sale of firearms and ammunition.

In my opinion the gun control advocates overreached as they felt that they could pass this new assault weapons ban. Unfortunately they were wrong and our nation lost an opportunity to pass some much needed measures to improve our current gun laws.

You may disagree but I feel gun control advocates should ban the use of the word "ban."

[upaloopa]

148. yes ban is not a good word

I wish both sides could come to some agreement.

[Vashta Nerada]

9. I'd call the cops on him.

I feel threatened by those nutcases.

[Boom Sound 416]

30. Perfect allocation of resources

[etherealtruth]

36. Yes it is! I agree completely

it is the idiots trying to intimidate people by doing this that are squandering resources ... not the folk they are (attempting to) intimidate

[Boom Sound 416]

38. Instead of going after, you know, actual criminals

Or ensuring these ridiculous "safe routes" so children can attend lousy schools on Chicago.

Yeah, the guy in the picture looks real intimidating. Would you feel safer if had a 17 shot semi-automatic pistol under his shirt so you couldn't see the scary rifle.

[etherealtruth]

45. Can you imagine if someone had a chance to stop these lunatics prior to a massacre and didn't

They're all good guys with a gun until that split second they become a psycho with a gun

I would feel much better if no one felt so threatened and afraid in safe low crime situations that they felt they needed to do this.

I could almost understand (ALMOST) if he felt the need to do this in one of the high crime areas in Chicago ... Detroit .... They never seem to want to make their points there

[Politicalboi]

105. "They never seem to want to make their points there"

Because the poor babies might actually get shot. Cowards, the whole lot of them.

[Vashta Nerada]

149. I'm glad you agree.

[Boom Sound 416]

150. ...

[hlthe2b]

124. Perhaps if everyone does so, when feeling threatened by such an obvious sign of intimidation...

the police would work even more closely to outlaw such BRANDISHING of weapons.

I do believe there will become a threshold above which even the most ardent NRA-loving gunner will not prevail above the common sense-wielding general public. How it could not have been reached with all the mass murder--including children--is beyond belief, but it WILL come.

[hunter]

13. I could grab that guy's gun and break it...

... poor fellow wouldn't know what hit him. He doesn't seem "situationally aware" or whatever the hell it is those gun fetishists call it. He wouldn't have time to "twitch" that trigger finger.

Fortunately for him I mostly hang out in "gun free" zones.

Open carry is illegal in my city and that's the way it ought to be everywhere. I like living in a city where the police do not treat people carrying guns kindly.

[derby378]

16. Good luck with that

You'll need a blacksmith's hammer at the very least - I've seen AKs run over by jeeps and tanks that continue to function perfectly.

[GreenStormCloud]

21. You would be the one who went to jail.

The guy with the gun is a jerk, but he is NOT breaking any laws. If you grab his gun YOU are one who commiting an assault and theft by strongarm robbery. You are the one who would be arrested.

It is lucy for YOU that you hang out in gun free zones. Of course, you have no idea whether or not someone may be illegally carrying concealed.

[hunter]

47. Fine with me.

My usual MO is Columbo in case you feel any need to defend yourself against that.

"Hey. Nice gun..." I say and then it's in my hands.

Attitude is everything in my opinion. I get to decide if you get your gun back.

But always without the bullets.

.

.

.

You do see how silly this is?

I'm 6'4" with a berserker heritage. Any one of my wild west great grandmas was ten times scarier than I am. Little old ladies who could kill a man and call their good friend the sheriff-coroner to clean up the mess.

I'm not a pacifist by inclination but by religious obligation. That's probably best.

[GreenStormCloud]

77. You do NOT get to decide if he gets the gun back.

A soon as he tells you to return his gun, you have to do it or be in violation of the law. He gets to call 911. You get arrested. Or you meekly give it back.

And there is the strong likelihood that he may say "No". Then what do you do?

If he follows gun safety, and does decide to let you see it, he will unload it first. So he will keep the bullets.

I do see that the scenario that you imagine is rather silly. I think you have Rambo fantasies.

[elehhhhna]

78. oh hunter you rock

[Hoyt]

103. Just remember, a dick like the toter in OP probably has a pistol stuffed down his pants.

And he's got the NRA approved "stand your ground law" to use as justification to shoot you. He knows that -- like Zimmerman -- he can create a confrontation, then shoot you, claiming self-defense.

[rl6214]

115. Whoa, watch out, we've got a real Internet badass

[rl6214]

114. Yeah, sure you would

[NYC_SKP]

14. Good for them!

Good for Target and good for those who invest so much energy into the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.

It's incredible, just fantastic, this is a game changer!

I feel GOOD! Do you feel good?

[onethatcares]

15. I grew up in the 50s and 60s

and my father and his friends that served in WW2 would stick that rifle up that asses ass.

They didn't have to go around caressing their "guns". They were men.

[Skittles]

55. CORRECT

pathetic what has happened to the "Home of the Brave" when people cannot get a cup of coffee or toner unarmed

[hlthe2b]

125. ^^this^^ Sadly we are losing too may of the true heroic who would tell these cowardly compensating

fools exactly what they are. My late father was one--a responsible hunter--but would NEVER credence such childish gun infatuation...He, his brothers, his own father and uncles saw too damned much in WWII, WWI, and Korea to ever casually carry guns like this and to disrespect the public they suffered to protect.

[Hoyt]

139. For real. My FIL -- retired military and police -- laughed in the face of a ass like that once.

The guys was wearing double shoulder holsters in a family restaurant. My FIL was dying from kidney failure and could not walk without our assistance, but he went crazy when he saw that guy and called him a "silly fool." My FIL had 50+ years combined in Air Force and Sheriff's Department in Alabama. I cheered him. Still makes me proud, although he is long gone.

[Boom Sound 416]

22. The real crime is

That hat!

[ARMYofONE]

26. What Starbucks success?

If anyone happened to read the press release concerning Starbucks' policy change, they'd realize that nothing has really changed. It was a hollow gesture meant to placate the gun control crowd. Will customers who open carry be asked to leave? Nope. Will customers who open carry be served? Yep. Are customers who open carry still welcome? Yep.

Edit: spelling.

[Boom Sound 416]

28. Ding!

[Skittles]

33. the gun control crowd?

how about the crowd that is sick of paranoid gun humping cowards?

[ARMYofONE]

37. You can rock that moniker all you like. I'll stick with "gun control crowd," which is accurate

and not offensive. See, I have this funny notion that it benefits society when those of differing opinions engage one another in a respectful manner, which includes not labeling entire groups of diverse folks with terms like "paranoid" and "cowards."

[etherealtruth]

49. Proud member of the gun control crowd, here!

Call me whatever you like ... I am proud of my convictions and actions

[Skittles]

54. I find it beneficial when nutcases with guns are considered not normal

[Auggie]

34. FYI: Jury results for response #26 alert:

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

Gun troll trollin'

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Thu Sep 26, 2013, 03:01 PM, and the Jury voted 2-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: I'm a "gun grabber" and I still don't see anything over the top here. Please do not abuse the jury system.
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: I am not MIRT.
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: While I disagree with the gun guy, he did not violate any rules.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Will alerters PLEASE READ ALERTING RULES??? The jury system is not a means in which to hunt trolls. There's no disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top or inappropriate violation here.

[ARMYofONE]

50. Seriously? I'm accused of being a "gun trolling troll" for simply pointing out that the success in

getting Starbucks to change its policy was not really a success by any rational measure. Yes, I own guns, but I'm also in favor of reasonable regulations on gun ownership, and do not agree with open carry. Sheesh, people.

[Eleanors38]

120. That's the way the jury system has been played...

I got hidden by referring to Chicago's gun laws as "Jim (large, raucous black bird)." 6-0, even. One juror said he/she didn't understand my comment, but voted to hide it anyway! Maybe the new rules will clear up this abuse. Your comments were completely in order and accurate. Some cannot abide that.

[Lizzie Poppet]

71. And to think they call pro-RKBA folk "delicate flowers."

Awww...poor widdle alerter had to read something they didn't like. How ever did they cope??

[Duckhunter935]

80. Some around here are very quick to name call

and then alert on any post they disagree with. I hope they are called out and they would be banned from alerting for a period of time.

[LittleBlue]

85. I was wondering the same

I didn't follow it closely, but I recall Starbucks didn't do anything.

The headline was surprising.

[Hoyt]

104. Not sure about "welcome," but such gun toters are typically right wingers who

compare their pitiful gun plight to that of the real Civil Rights movement.

[Boom Sound 416]

27. Maybe he should have left it in the truck

So it could have been stolen and then nobody would have to be afraid of the scary rifle

Except the victim of the thief of course, but hey it's doubtful the thief shop's in beloved Staples

[pintobean]

39. Maybe he's not really

an open carry supporter.

[Boom Sound 416]

41. ?

[SQUEE]

136. Yup

I see a very small step from faux poutrage 911 calls to "strapping on" an AK as a false flag...

[Blue Idaho]

56. More scare tactics?

Maybe he could have left it in his truck in a locked gun rack. See there - no reason to create scary scenarios unless you think its the only way you can defend your position.

[Boom Sound 416]

59. That's a very real world scenario

If that scares you, what can I say?

[Blue Idaho]

64. Perhaps - but where is that responsible gun owner I keep hearing about?

Wouldn't a responsible gun owner make sure his weapon was safe to transport? Shouldn't that gun owner take steps to make sure their weapon never falls into the hands of criminals? Isn't that the very definition of a responsible gun owner?

[Boom Sound 416]

75. Yup.

It can't be stolen out of your truck when you just bring it with you.

That's responsible.

Of course you are assuming its loaded and ready. I'm not getting that from the picture.

[Duckhunter935]

81. Right here is one

I do not need to do stunts like these people

[Blue Idaho]

87. Neither do any my gun owning friends.

I live in north Idaho where almost everyone owns a gun. No one up here feels the need to act like this. They laugh at guys like this. Neither do they feel the need to create scary scenarios in order to justify owning guns. They just own them, protect them, and they use them with care and respect. And when they go into stores, they put them in the trunk of their car or a locked gun rack because they (a) feel no need to drag them around and (b) would NEVER let their guns fall into the wrong hands.

[Deep13]

29. perhaps "target" is not the right word. nt

[GreenStormCloud]

31. McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts has same guns policy that Starbucks still does.

Starbuck's didn't change their policy in the slightest.

[Skittles]

32. sick of these f***ing paranoid cowards

[Boom Sound 416]

42. Which would you prefer?

Open carry so its known or concealed so it isn't?

[Blue Idaho]

46. How about none of the above?

There is always another answer - please don't use scare tactics here at D.U.

[Boom Sound 416]

48. Scare tactics?

The discussion is about open carry, yes?

What's the scare tactic? No seriously.

[Blue Idaho]

53. No this is not a discussion about open carry

This is discussion about businesses deciding they have the right to set their own ground rules about guns. You may have a right to carry a gun on the street - but that right does not extend into many places including private property and most schools.

The tone of your posts seem to always set up scenarios that threaten non-gun enthusiasts. I think you know that.

[Boom Sound 416]

57. So we agree

The discussion is about open carry, because if a concealed carrier walks in, who's to know?

I cannot dictate how you interpret my tone, but I can say confidently it's hardly unique.

[Blue Idaho]

60. No.

The larger question is - will business decide that customers with guns are bad for business. Most schools, courts, and government buildings have already decided guns are not welcome. Someone may decide to bring a concealed weapon into any one of these spaces but that doesn't make it right. It just means the individual has contempt for the society at large.

[Boom Sound 416]

62. Your examples are not private businesses

So their's that.

[Blue Idaho]

66. Starbucks isn't a private business?

The other stores mentioned in this thread aren't private businesses? I mention other spaces simply because they show there are plenty of places that already exist where guns are not welcome. I think you should get prepared mentally for more places to not welcome guns as well.

Have a nice day.

[Boom Sound 416]

67. You equate federal court to Starbucks

You could have said a mall.

For the most part it doesn't effect me what businesses do, I don't own a gun.

There's a caveat to that, but for a different thread.

[The Straight Story]

65. ok, here is the thing

You are heading back from hunting and stop off at the store.

If you leave your gun in the car and it is stolen, people will complain about that (it's how criminals get their guns! More laws...like make it illegal to steal them).

Take it in with you, people complain.

Maybe if we stop peddling fear based on what less than one percent do with guns people wouldn't run around scared all day long. One could easily take a knife into the store and slit your throat while walking down the isle.

If you are scared of people why not be scared of other ways they may be sitting around thinking about killing you off?

Ohhhhhh right, the gun itself is what people are really afraid of. No gun? You are a fine upstanding citizen (have a gun? 99% are still upstanding, but we fear them - unless, of course, they work for the government in some way. We trust us some cops, bush, cheney, anyone who has a job paid for by taxes we should trust - the rest of us? hah, enemies one and all).

[Boom Sound 416]

68. Scare tactic!!!

[Turbineguy]

162. Open carry or concealed?

Reminds me of a conversation I had many years ago with a bargirl in the far East. I'd come in for a cold beer. She wanted to know if I wanted company. I told her, no thanks, I have a girlfriend. She wanted to know which bar my girlfriend worked. I told her she did not work in a bar. "Oh, a streetwalker then!"

[Jefferson23]

40. Look what I have, a big gun,while I shop for paper. I can do this b/c I live in an idiotic country.

[lpbk2713]

44. Could he be a recently released Baker Act patient?

Is that an ID bracelet on his wrist, the type used by medical facilities?


Clerk ... "Please. Take your paper and get out of here ... quick."

[Link Speed]

52. Hey! It's Mansfield!

Maybe he's protecting himself from the tweakers.

[Jazzgirl]

70. Oh great. Another place to avoid.

That Staples is the closest one to where I live. I won't be going there anymore.

[BKH70041]

82. Just think of them as a giant hole puncher.

[madinmaryland]

88. That guy is the definition of someone with mental illness and should NOT allowed to own guns.

[Hoyt]

106. Exactly.

[Deep13]

90. How the hell am I supposed to buy post-it notes without an AK-47!!? nt

[TheCowsCameHome]

91. Pop some bubble wrap, and watch him soil himself,

being the coward that he is.

[Cali_Democrat]

92. Yes....because you need a gun when you're buying office supplies

[rdharma]

97. It seems the gungeon crowd are getting tired of their "echo chamber"........

.......and want to bother the adults.

[Duckhunter935]

99. Robb posted the OP

I do not think he is part of the gungeon crowd. You all should get on him to post in one of the gun forums.

[rdharma]

100. No. Nothing wrong with the OP! N/T

[Eleanors38]

121. You post here, we post here. Wanna go back to the old system? I do.

[ecstatic]

112. Thank God for Amazon

As if the inconvenience and chaotic atmosphere at my local retail stores wasn't bad enough... now I have to deal with gun-toting "I might be a good guy with a gun" bully clowns? I'll pass. Those POSs won't be happy until everyone is forced to carry rifles around for his/her own protection.

[question everything]

118. I am so glad that when I go to the gym or to the library

or to many other private places there is a sign: XXX prohibits guns.

At least, for a while.

[Art_from_Ark]

119. The clerk in the background

seems to be saying

[postatomic]

141. And texting his Mom to find out what time dinner is (nt)

[UTUSN]

144. R#16 & K n/t

[War Horse]

146. This is just such a weird pic to me, as someone from outside the U.S.

The thread is an interesting read as well.

I'm Norwegian. I very rarely comment on the U.S. gun debate anywhere, as our cultures are just so different on this particular issue, and I get that. Really I do.

I'm no stranger to guns, but that pic is just so alien to me.

If someone was doing this at my local Staples I'd 1: assume it was a replica, and 2: if it wasn't, I'd either tackle the guy or quietly get out of there and call the police.

Why would someone (open or not) carry a weapon like that? Why not just a 9mm or something? Wouldn't that be much more practical is the issue is self defense?

[Squinch]

155. The NRA told them to do this to "educate" the rest of us about guns. It's alien to most of us, too.

[Generic Other]

156. What happens when he inadvertantly causes a panic?

I was in a store once when a very angry woman burst in screaming for her boyfriend who worked in the store. Her scream set off a chain reaction of very jumpy customers. Some people hid in the aisles, cowering. Kids were crying and mothers were screaming for them. Luckily she took out her rage by returning to her van and smashing other cars in the parking lot instead of harming anyone in the store.

The point is the panic happened because of a single loud voice that sounded very threatening. I fully expected that we might be sprayed with bullets. I think there's the same potential for panic with individuals carrying guns like this even if they don't point them at anyone. What if spotting the gun caused a person to scream, and that set off a larger panic, someone trampled or someone having a heart attack believing the store was under seige by a shooter? Walking into those stores heavily armed like that is no different than yelling fire in a crowded theater. Causing public panic is not protected by the first amendment or the second.

If I drop the items I was about to purchase after seeing this man, and run shrieking from the store, and am then sitting in the parking lot in a state of near shock shaking and crying because I imagined the worst, if medical aid is required, who is responsible? Because that is not an aberrant reaction.

I am surprised anyone would be anywhere near this man in a shop. I would drop my items and flee to the nearest exit and then call the police in a panic. And I would expect them to call in the SWAT team! After all the multiple examples of random shooters, who wouldn't? I don't think this behavior is going to be encouraged by law enforcement. And that is why. It is disturbing the peace.

[kimbutgar]

158. He can't show off his small penis so he has to carry that gun to show he is a big man

If I was in a store and saw a guy with a gun I would leave immediately running and screaming "there's a guy with a gun in the store"!

[DisgustipatedinCA]

159. Anyone else struck by what a cowardly piece of shit this guy is?

People who carry guns, inside their pants or out, strike me as being frightened of their own shadows. Sure, they all have their Rambo jackoff fantasies, but those also come from a place of fear. This guy in the photo, and people like him, should be made to understand in lots of different ways that they're outcasts from society, that they're not acceptable.

As for Staples, their sane customers should let corporate know--not one more cent until you can provide a safe shopping environment.

[Robb]

163. There is a link to contact Staples at the Moms link. Nt