Saturday I went to a gun store to replace some .22lr ammo I had used that morning. I chose a store I’ve been to many times. I’ve bought ammo and a firearm there, and my son has bought multiple firearms from them.
Beside their front door is now a sign that says something to the effect of "If you smell like [Cannabis] this isn’t the gun store for you". I almost left without going in, but decided to say something.
I went ahead and bought the ammunition I needed, figuring they'd be more likely to listen to a paying customer, and after I paid I told the guy at the register that it’s not a good idea to pick and choose which rights you’ll respect. He looked confused so I pointed to the sign.
I told him once you start saying some rights aren’t worth defending, where does it stop?
I said I don’t even use marijuana but I respect the right of people to choose for themselves. And that it is a human right to use it.
He said it’s not a good idea to shoot if you’re high. I agreed but said that doesn’t only apply to marijuana, and that's not the point of the sign.
He said, “It’s not legal in Texas”. I shrugged and said there are many things government regulates but has no business regulating. I pointed at the boxes of ammo I had just bought, as an example of things government regulates but has no actual authority over.
I told him it’s just not a good look for a business that relies on respect for rights (rights which are unpopular with some) to pick and choose when it comes to rights that are important to other people. And I left.
I doubt I’ll spend any more money there unless that sign comes down. I may not be welcome there now, anyway.
Saw the same kind of sign last week at one I was looking at. Won't go back there, but it's due to their lack of manners and customer service. Plus the sign.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is the employees at this store have always been great-- friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I don't know who the store owner is, but I'm not impressed.
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