Starbucks and guns
March 31, 2010 by Melita Ellington
Filed under On the Road
As I was reading my e-mails today, I happened across one from the NRA with a “vote now” window, asking me if I would be patronizing Starbucks more because of the anti-gun boycott of said coffee beanery.
What? Starbucks was being boycotted? This I had to see for myself. After a bit of research, I came across this page on Free Republic, which is brief but makes for an interesting read. The readers’ comments, however, had me laughing out loud.
No Guns No Money Business Card -- you can order this from zazzle.com
Of particular interest is a business card that someone posted that I’m seriously considering purchasing. It reads “No Guns? No Money!” I clicked on the hyperlink and found that, indeed, I can order 100 of these beauties for $25. The front of the card shows the relevance of now allowing law-abiding concealed-carry patrons and money-spending patrons. The reverse side of the card reads “Criminals break laws and IGNORE rules! Your rules won’t stop bad guys . . . It may even attract them…Disarmed citizens make easy victims…Either way, Ill respect your wishes. I’ll leave with my gun AND MY MONEY!!! By giving this card to business owners who choose not to allow law-abiding citizens in their establishments, I can make a statement, without uttering a word. Visit Zazzle.com to see the cards and order your own. Made of a recyclable, waterproof material, they’re practically indestructible. That means tearproof!
The Criminal's "Welcome Sign"
I once ate lunch at an establishment that proudly displayed the handgun with the red circle and slash through it. I was with others at the time, and while I quietly patronized the establishment as a law-abiding, concealed-carrying firearms owner, I was doing so against their wishes. I won’t go back. I don’t care to be a fish in a barrel, thank you.
I like the idea of telling establishments where I plan to spend my money, if they feel it necessary to dictate to me what I can and can’t bring into their places of business. Are they willing to take on the liability of my safety when a criminal comes in to harm me and others? I hardly think so.
And while I’d love to write on and on about this, I think it’s time for a coffee break . . . Starbucks anyone?
Deb Ferns on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 2:03 pm
Thanks so much for the great piece on Starbucks and like you I prefer not to patronize “anti gun” locations; which unfortunately includes Costco. And I’m curious if folks put their name on the business cards when ordering or possibly only an email address (far harder to track someone down wit an email.) And even though I’m not a Starbucks fan as I find their coffee too strong I’ve just made plans to meet a gal pal at Starbucks and I’ll enjoy one of their muffins instead!
Anne Vinnola on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 2:19 pm
I will be heading to Starbucks!
Melita Ellington on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 3:37 pm
Nope, Deb – just a generic card that tells the business what you’ll be doing with your money instead of giving it to them because of their choice not to allow concealed-carry in their establishment. And I can attest to the yummy factor of the muffins! And Anne – I did the very same thing yesterday morning! I would have this morning too, but I was running late. Definitely worth leaving a few minutes early!
Kathy Jackson on Mon, 5th Apr 2010 6:07 pm
Melita, great post. I sure wish I’d had one of those cards awhile back when a whole group of us were looking for a place to eat on a Saturday afternoon after a range trip.
We approached the door of one cafe and spotted the No firearms allowed sign on the door. One person rolled his eyes and quipped, “Why don’t they just put up a sign that says, ‘No robberies allowed’ instead?” Chuckles all around.
We never even opened the door, and the group decided to eat at another establishment. It sure would have been nice to take our (large, with good tip) receipt back to the first place along with one of those cards to rub in the message!
As it is, I don’t think that place ever knew how much money walked away from their business that afternoon…
KJ
Melita Ellington on Wed, 14th Apr 2010 10:52 am
Kathy – I just got my shipment of the cards, and they’re great! I gave some to the hubby so that he can walk the talk too. I’m with you — don’t want my gun? Fine. My money goes with the gun! Love me, my money & my gun! We’re sort of a package deal. Thanks for your comments!