Applause, applause and a standing ovation to Howard
Schultz - the founder, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of
Starbucks.
The coffee shop giant - whose brand name is on 20,891 outlets in 62 countries around
the
world... including 13,279 in the United States - is telling its customers that guns are not welcome in their
stores
and outdoor seating areas. Granted...I don't see eye to eye with the
Starbucks boss...on 
all of his political views - after all, he is against "Obamacare" - despite the fact that he supported President
Obama's re-election bid in 2012 - but Schultz deserves kudos galore for
"respectfully asking" his Starbucks guests...to not enter his
cafes...while carrying a gun.Not too long ago...I was shopping in an internationally known discount store when an extremely attractive, middle-aged couple walked passed me. The gentleman was distinguished looking and impeccably dressed. The lady, at his side, was stunning. To say that she was beautiful would be an understatement. She was absolutely gorgeous. Her photograph belongs on the cover of a fashion magazine.
It was not, however, their combined beauty that caught my eyes. It was the very large revolver that was holstered to the man's belt. At first, I thought to myself that he must be an off-duty policeman...or perhaps an on-duty, plain-clothes detective - maybe even an FBI or other federal law enforcement agent. But there was no badge...no shield of any kind...in plain sight...attached anywhere to his clothing.
I, therefore, immediately approached a manager to advise him that a man with a gun was strolling throughout the store. After all...just because the couple was spectacular by appearance...didn't mean they couldn't be the "Bonnie and Clyde" of the "jet set." However...when I described to the manager what I had seen - that is, the gun - he calmly noted that I was in a state, which has an "open carry" law...and, as such...allows anyone with a licensed firearm...to carry it...unconcealed. That being said...it had startled me when I had observed an individual...having a gun parked on his hip...who was not wearing a police officer's uniform...or who was not - at the very least - displaying a cop's badge.
A number of days later...I was making a purchase in a convenience store... in the same state...when another couple entered. They were wearing sweatsuits...and it was evident that they had just come from working out...perhaps at their local fitness center or possibly from jogging in a public park. Both the man and woman - I would guess in their mid to late twenties - had pistols strapped to their waists. I, of course, was now aware of the "open carry" law, so I was not shocked by the two guns. But although I may not have been spooked by the pair of weapons...many of the other customers in the store...including the two clerks behind the counter...were obviously...quite frightened...and I...admittedly...was still concerned.
When the young couple left...there was a whole lot of negative conversation about the guns. Much of the criticism included the discomfort that was forced upon the men, women and children as they were buying their 6-packs of beer, quarts of milk and chocolate candy bars.
It is clearly understood...that both of the couples noted above...were more than likely...law abiding citizens...who presumably had permits...and therefore ...Constitutionally...were allowed to carry their sidearms into the retail establishments. But those four people...and others like them...who wear guns on their person as if they lived in the wild west of the late 1800s...don't they have any regard for the sensitive feelings and psychological emotions of other people? The youngsters - the little kids - not to mention the adults...both male and female...were genuinely shaken up and understandably nervous by seeing guns inside a convenience store. The anxiety in that shop was intense, as most people don't know about "open carry" gun laws.
Just because the United States Constitution provides a Second Amendment right so Americans can own firearms...and just because 44 of our 50 states recognize some form of "open carry" law...businesses such as department and discount stores...supermarkets...convenience stores...and other public establishments...should consider that when most Americans view a gun...they expect it to be carried by someone wearing a badge. There have been too many times - in recent years - where a deranged madman has entered a school...a fast-food restaurant...a movie theatre...or other public place...and has shot and murdered innocent people. With "open carry" laws...how can anyone know...if the person standing next to you on line in the convenience store...is there to buy a pack of chewing gum...or if he is going to kill you? And with a dozen or more people making a quick purchase...are they all thinking the same thing? Is that man with the gun...simply buying lottery tickets...or is he going to shoot to death...each and everyone of us?
Although it is legal...in nearly every state in the country...to walk into a retail store...with an unconcealed sidearm...the "big gun" at Starbucks told Charlie Rose, Nora O'Donnell and Gayle King...on the October 23rd, 2013 edition of CBS This Morning...that "I just don't think a weapon should be part of the Starbucks experience." Howard Schultz says, "We are not pro or anti gun. We just don't think it's part of what we do." Schultz believes - and I think rightfully so - that "most customers of Starbucks...and most of our people (the Starbucks employees)...are somewhat uncomfortable...to see somebody walk in with a gun." Schultz states there isn't a "ban" on guns at Starbucks..."we just respectfully asked people - please don't bring a gun in Starbucks." And Schultz says, "they responded positively."A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates that 66 percent...two-thirds of the people surveyed nationwide...call the Starbucks no-guns request..."a good idea." Among individuals who live in a household where a gun is present...52 percent support Starbucks' position. And the bottom line is...an overwhelming majority - nearly three-quarters of the people surveyed - 72 percent...say that Starbucks' decision to ask customers...to keep their guns away from the coffee shops...won't make any difference...as to where they buy their coffee.
According to a poll released by The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence...most Americans are opposed to "open carry" laws, which permit people to visibly carry loaded guns in public. The survey reveals that 52 percent of the people polled...are against "people in general"...who are openly possessing loaded firearms in public locations. Only 44 percent are in favor of "open carry."
If an American citizen...lawfully wants to carry a gun...loaded or unloaded...in a state that permits it...he or she is protected by the Constitution of that particular state. But must you carry it in to a store? If the business is held up...are you going to risk your life and draw your gun on the robber? If you do...you're a fool. If it's your desire...your thing...to carry a gun...and the law allows it...then no matter what Howard Schultz... I...or anybody else says...you're going to do it anyway. But have some consideration for others. Leave your firearm - unloaded - and locked in the glove compartment of your car. Think of other people. Think of the children...who may get the wrong impression...when they observe you wearing a gun. Just the appearance of such a weapon...could emotionally scar a kid... for life. Don't put people in unnecessary fear. Respect others.
I praise and commend Howard Schultz...and the board of directors of Starbucks...for invoking a policy...that their coffee shops be gun-free zones. Starbucks - as any business in America - has the freedom to insist that guns are not allowed on their property...and all retail establishments throughout the United States...should follow the path...of Starbucks.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
The Controversy will make an effort to publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time to time, on other days as well.
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