Today's development in which Starbuck's CEO Schultz made the bold move to tell customers to "Keep guns out of Starbucks coffeeshops" is so utterly laughable that I don't know where to begin. However, I will begin with a question:

Would the Columbine shooters, the Newtown shooters, the Aurora moviehouse shoorer, the DC Naval Yard shooter, and all the other nutjob shooters we've seen in the past and unfortunately will see in the future pay any attention whatsoever to such a CEO's request? Quite the contrary, they will seek out such an establishment.

If I go into a Starbuck's, I will most definitely be armed and will be armed legally in accordance with my CCW permit (and common sense) unless this idiot CEO legally prohibits firearms from his outlets. Then I'll be sure NEVER to enter one because it will NOT be safe.

You have to have a gun with you to get a cup of coffee?

There's a word for people who feel they can't go out in public without
a pistol in their pocket.

No I don't have to, but I choose to no matter where I go because I know that no matter where I go there may be some lunatic who is ready to shoot innocent people.

However, in getting back to this Starbuck's CEO, he is not really an idiot. He is a BUSINESS man, and it is very easy to see through his ruse. He is merely playing on the current Naval Yard shooting to get business from all the anti-gunners in the country. He certainly saw how Chik-Fil-E sales soared after the gay-marriage controversy. He's taking advantage of every anti-gunner in the country. He is truly a clever business man.

Good luck to him and his new customers who buy the brew he sells, no matter how phoney.

You're right motowndowntown, and the word is "Intelligent."

Of course, being in a safe place like MoTown, I'm sure you never never never worry about violent crime.

What a joke.

You are so paranoid that you have to bring a gun no matter where you go? Even if the owners of the establishment have said guns aren't allowed? Would you even insist on going into someone's house with your gun if they've told you they don't allow guns?

First of all Starbuck's CEO did not PROHIBIT guns, he just said he didn't want them in his coffeeshops.

Secondly, I'll ask you a question, but first I'll tell you that before each of my three tours to the Iraqi Theater, I had to pass a firearms qualification for both the M4 (carbine) and M9 (handgun). In all three qualifications I shot a perfect score with the M9.

Now my question: If by chance you were sipping a Latte in a Starbucks and one or more violent criminals came in and began indiscriminately shooting customers and employees, would you rather someone like me be there armed responsibly with a weapon we were qualified to use or would you rather try throwing packets of artificial sweeteners at the bad guys?

This "should" make you realize how misguided you are.

Paranoid? How do you know he's paranoid?
I would consider him prepared.

The CEO of Starbucks never said guns are not allowed he just would prefer people not to be carrying when they patronize the establishment.

What's the point of this thread if it's just about the CEO preferring people not carry guns in Starbucks?

And yes, feeling the need to bring a gun EVERYWHERE is paranoid.

The point is that this CEO made a politically motivated statement that made no sense, and it is a "current event." Thus, it is on the Politics, Current News & Events forum.

Plus, you can say "paranoid" until you go blind, but you never answered my question. Go ahead, give me your answer: You're sitting in Starbucks sipping a Latte, and ...

I'm waiting.

Yep, it's "prepared"... what people need to be now more than ever thanks to idiots who think gun free zones and laws will stop criminal behavior

...and, singmesweet, if you are having trouble reading three posts above, I'll repeat the question again:

If by chance you were sipping a Latte in a Starbucks and one or more violent criminals came in and began indiscriminately shooting customers and employees, would you rather someone like me be there armed responsibly with a weapon I am fully qualified to use or would you rather try throwing packets of artificial sweeteners at the bad guys?

Yes, I'm still waiting, but I doubt I'll get a coherent answer.

I don't go to Starbucks.

You didn't answer mine, either. Would you insist on bringing your gun into someone's house who specifically said no guns allowed?

It's hard to say because I don't know anyone that ridiculous.

His point is simple gun free zones do NOTHING to help prevent shootings, all they do is make it easier for any criminal to come in and open fire at will, cause you know they don't obey any laws. Bans just punish the innocent, never the target they claim it's to stop.

And sure it may just be Starbucks now, but what happens when it spreads? Then what? Do you REALLY want a society where the only ones that have access to weapons are those who intend to do harm by using them vs. protecting themselves and others? I sure as hell don't.

Kleisto, you make good points, but in her case it is a waste of time.

You'll notice that my question to her was not "When she goes to Starbucks..." but "If she were in a Starbucks..." (when the SHTF). Naturally she has her head in a place where she refuses even to consider this serious question.

What if her mother, grandmother, or anyone she knows finds herself in such a situation. I'm sure she wants only to deny the possilbity. It's called living in a dream world. I hope her bubble never bursts.

You refused to answer the question I asked first. And you're being awfully condescending, so you are hard to take seriously.

Are you also for guns being allowed in bars?

I sincerely hope you will leave this discussion with a serious bit of soul searching about what I asked. Do you have/know any children? Do you know any elderly folks? It really pertains to anyone. There WILL be a next time for a criminally violent fool to try to take innocent lives. If only ONE responsible gun owner is armed in such an event, who knows how many lives may be saved.

Forget the bickering and condescension. Simply consider this very real and very serious question. What if someone responsible can save lives by being armed? Again, it's only a matter of time before the next lunatic tries to kill innocent people.

Now for your question about guns in bars. Of course NOT. My concealed carry permit I take seriously. It very clearly specifies RESPONSIBLE CARRY. One stipulation is NO DRINKING AT ALL. I agree with that because when people drink they are not responsible any longer...driving, shooting, or doing anything that can jeopardize anohter.

You may have stong feelings about the evil of guns and those who own them, but lives can and HAVE BEEN SAVED by responsible armed US citizens. It happens every day. Please drop any bias and think about it. Thanks and have a good night. G.

You don't actually know my feelings about guns or gun owners. Thinking someone is paranoid for having the need to have their gun with them at all times, no matter what, does not mean I think guns or their owners are evil. Take a deep breath and calm down.