Does the debate over firearms always have to include overzealous displays and grant the loudest argument victory?
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In case you have missed the recent news, Chipotle execs have asked patrons to not bring firearms into their stores for fear of upsetting other guests. This was spurred on by a demonstration by pro-gun enthusiasts in Dallas who ordered their burritos with rifles on their backs. In the wake of this, some groups called on Chipotle to ban firearms from their stores. As with every other situation like this, Starbucks had a similar run in with firearm policy a few years back: tempers run high and both sides of the debate are issuing their best statements.
I’ll be straightforward and say that I don’t agree with what this group did in the name of defending their rights. Instead of doing something positive such as trying to have a real conversation about the topic, they gave a bad name to gun owners everywhere. Plain and simple they weren’t thinking nor did they show the appropriate responsibility that should accompany owning a firearm.
This whole debate is not about hurting gun owners; it is about making the citizens of this country feel safer, and sometimes that means not walking around with a gun.
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In regards to firearms I’m not like most people in the country as I spent a year and a half working in a gun store/range and am an NRA certified instructor, so guns don’t make me uncomfortable. If anything I got a little used to having them pointed at me by complete strangers. I own guns, have a license to conceal carry in my home state of Arizona, and do carry on a regular basis where law permits. That being said I would never walk into a public location such as a Chipotle with a rifle slung over my shoulder, let alone holding it in my hands.
As a gun owner and carrier I believe it is my responsibility to be safe and to keep others feeling safe as well. Someday that may mean using my firearm to stop a threat to innocent life; I pray that day never comes, but most days that means obeying the law and even leaving my gun locked at home or in my vehicle when the situation calls for it. Just like someone who is trained in martial arts would never go around almost hitting people in the face and doing high kicks, I don’t think it is necessary or wise to flaunt my firearm and wave it in the face of those around me.
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There is a certain part of this whole argument that comes down to stubborn pride: if someone tells me I can’t do something, I immediately want to do that thing. I think there is a bit of this in all humans (however it does appear that us guys are a bit more prone to it) and when it comes to something as serious as our rights, the reactions can tend to inflame rather than help the situation. This whole debate is not about hurting gun owners; it is about making the citizens of this country feel safer and sometimes that means not walking around with a gun.
Both sides of this debate need to be willing to give a little and listen rather than resorting to shouting matches on the nightly news.
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When I come upon a store that has the signage posted for “No Firearms Permitted” I do not take that as an attack on my person and have the need to show the owner what for, instead that usually means one of two things: going somewhere else that I won’t be breaking the law by entering (in Arizona if it there is a sign posted or the owner has made it clear that firearms are not allowed then it is illegal to bring one in concealed or not) or taking the gun off and locking it in my vehicle. I can live without Chipotle if they chose to make a big deal out of their firearm policy and would be fine taking my business elsewhere, but if they are respectful about it and are doing it for the right reasons (such as not having parents freak out for their children’s safety) then I can handle it maturely and not take it personally.
The pro gun side needs to take some responsibility and approach this from a mature standpoint. Instead of appearing as a threat with all your guns on your body, why not support or create a local firearm education program? Rather than aiming to be the loudest voice with the most lobbyists, let us “gun guys” have the most educated voice and a gentle demeanor. No one will ever feel comfortable with something they always see in a negative light, and guns are portrayed as bad in almost every media format which has skewed popular thought.
Those against guns, to whatever degree, need to respond in kind. All guns are not bad and owning them does not make someone dangerous. Yes there is a time and place for them but that isn’t only in the hands of the military. Both sides of this debate need to be willing to give a little and listen rather than resorting to shouting matches on the nightly news. If you feel the need to protect yourself or your children from guns, then express that in an intellectual manner and not through smear campaigns about the maliciousness of guns.
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The unfortunate truth is that Chipotle will not be the last company forced to make a public announcement about its firearm policies because they felt pressure from one side or the other of the debate. We look upon these businesses as victories for respective sides but they are just businesses and for the most part are just trying to remain profitable. Chipotle was not saying they as an entity hate guns but rather that the executives want to keep making money, and to that end want their costumers to stay happy. Remember; people aren’t against you, they are for themselves.
It is easy to say in hindsight but the reality should be that the men should not have been as extreme in their display at Chipotle. Most likely they will end up hurting their cause more than furthering it, an outcome they might not have had time to consider in their rash thinking. It’s a sad state of affairs to know that those made uncomfortable were most likely afraid to say anything when instead it should have been a pleasant exchange which ended with the gun owners returning sans firearms to enjoy their burritos. Maybe our country can get there one day, and hopefully it is without seeing another person hurt by a gun used nefariously or the lack of one being used for good.
—Photo Credit: John Loo/flickr
Let’s have the same rules for everyone. Any building with a NO GUNS sign means that cops have to leave theirs outside as well. No exceptions.
Great article, as usual Clifton. I agree with all you’ve said. I too am permitted to carry, and like you take that responsibility very seriously. But about real debate in this culture- there isn’t any. All groups, gays, gun owners, gun haters, abortion rights and foes have all resorted to the same wild-assed tactics because they win, you lose. When in reality we all lose by because no one learns a darn thing- just keeps getting their own narrow viewpoint reinforced. So, the tactic due jour is always resorted to in your face, and they don’t realize that any other… Read more »