Whaddaya know…some correspondence in the Comments section in regard to the recent blog entries on the Appleseed Project led to an invitation to talk about it on Appleseed Radio.  At this time, it’s tentatively scheduled for this coming Tuesday evening, February 16, at 7:00 PM Central Time. I understand that instructions on where to find it are at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AppleseedRadio. Thanks to Mike Adam and Sam Damewood for making it happen. Don’t be surprised if you hear me ask Mike more questions than he asks me; I’m still learning about this way cool outfit. And if you’re free the evening of Sunday the 14th, nothing quite expresses Valentine’s Day sentiment like the true story of a citizen who drew his own gun and shot an armed robber who threatened him and the woman he loved. Mark Walters will host that brave individual to tell his story on Armed American Radio or at WGKA starting at 8 PM Eastern time. I might be on as one of the commentators there, if I can get home to a hard line phone to join in after attending a Glock match with my sweetie. (Nothing quite says “Valentine’s Day Romance” like disciplined gunfire, either.)

On each show, you might hear me sipping a Starbucks Frappucino in the background. It seems that in California, where some gun owners’ civil rights activists are demonstrating for freedom to get concealed carry permits by open-carrying unloaded handguns in public, a chain of upscale coffee shops called Peet’s banned the practice. The open carry advocates moved to a local Starbucks, which welcomed them and their guns, stating that their policy is that Starbucks coffee shops will cleave to the letter of the law. All RIGHT!

The Brady Bunch have a website where outraged anti-gunners can register mass protest against Starbucks’ policy, and implore them to ban guns in their shops. Might be a good idea for folks from our side to let Starbucks know that we appreciate their respect of American law and individual freedoms. The link for that is HERE.

Now, I’m not normally an habitué of Starbucks. I have an unhealthy fear of being called a Yuppie. (The last time someone called me a Yuppie, I was so shocked I spilled my Perrier on my Reeboks.) But ya just gotta support a company that supports gun owners’ rights, even though Paul Helmke and some of the rest of the gun-banning crowd seem to be wetting their panties over Starbucks’ policy.

So, what the heck, see if a nice latte from Starbucks goes down well with a discussion of why individual citizens’ access to firearms is a civil rights issue and a personal safety issue.

Besides, if you listen to me talk on either night, you’ll probably need some caffeine to stay awake, anyway.

Here, Mas open carries in a Starbucks in Arizona. Note that no one seems to care. Pistol is a SIG P226 9mm in an LFI Concealment Rig by Ted Blocker.

1 COMMENT

  3. Thanks for the info sir! I do appreciate your positive efforts of all law abiding citizens for the right to keep and bear arms! My sons an I really seeing you on The Pursuit Channel a while back on Personal Defense TV ‘I believe I am correct’. I always learn something when I read after you, or watch you on TV.
    Thanks!

  4. Starbucks is drastically overpriced. One here – right across street from “authentic Sicilian” restaurant – charges more for various Italian-type coffees than Sal’s does. Guess which one I eat at – and which one I never have.

  5. Mas,
    Just sent a thank you to Starbucks for support of our second amendment rights.

    Thanks for the Appleseed Info and stay safe.

  7. Mas,

    Thanks for the heads up on Starbucks! I sent in a note and will spread the word with my “gun group.”

    -nick

  8. Mas,
    Keep up the great work. I have emailed Starbucks too. We just got the “No Concealed Handgun” signs removed from a local Walmart by contacting their Corporate HQ. Sometimes all it takes is to just make an effort to do something.

    Stay safe,
    Chris Raper

  9. I sent a note to Starbucks thanking them, too. It is not my favorite coffee place, but I appreciate their support in this important issue.

  10. I’m attending an Appleseed Project weekend early next month due in part to your excellent blog entries detailing your experience at one. Thank you for the excellent writing!

    Oh, and just dropped a thank you email to Starbucks. Come together!

  11. Thanks for the recognition Mas!

    Because we are a “may issue” state for CCW, many of us are forced to carry unloaded (although, plenty of ammo at the ready) to provide protection to ourselves and our loved ones. It’s still a minefield of anti-gun state laws that take great effort avoid, we are still able to exercise the 2ndA….even though our state Constitution does not recognize those same federal rights to bear arms.

    Starbucks, while not actually admitting support of gun rights, has stated numerous times that they will defer to federal, state, and local laws concerning firearms. If you are legal to “UOC” in that area where a Starbucks is located…they will welcome your business.

  13. Fownews.com this morning. Unrelated to this post but relevant:Gun rights advocates have a California police detective in their crosshairs after he apparently posted comments on Facebook advocating that “open carry” supporters should be shot.

  14. Thanks Mas. I also send a note to Starbucks. I guess this company now have more customers from the law abiding gun owners demographic in the country if they lose their anti gun customers. So no $ impact but the most imprtant part is for a corporation to support the US constitution these days!!!

  15. Hi Mas, thanks for the great info on Starbucks. I don’t drink coffee much, but I did send a note of thanks and may try them more now. It is always good to support those who support us.

    Fred

  16. I just gave up caffeine a few months ago, partly hoping to improve my accuracy at the range. Thanks for giving me a guilt-free reason to go back to my morning triple shot grande blended no-whip mocha.

  18. Mas,

    Looking forward to hearing you Tuesday night, keep an eye on Sam, he’s a wiley character.

    I will have to go to Starbucks now and enjoy a beverage. I have passed on them in the past, but will support them in the future.

    Hawkhavn

  19. Does this mean that in CA one can walk around with an empty revolver or autoloader but with magazines or speedloaders readily at hand?

    What fun! That should really get the latte-swilling crowd’s panties in a twist

  20. I sent a thank-you note to Starbucks (but didn’t admit I never patronize- I’m not a coffee drinker). I’m just hoping that, the “real plan” is for Starbucks to not “cave into” a demand by a group but later, after the dust settles, quietly post for no guns.
    Time will tell and I do wish Starbucks “stays the course…”

  21. Oops! fumbled my wording. I am hoping that Starbuck’s plan is to NOT later quietly post “no guns.” Sorry if I confused anyone.

  22. Starbucks is also a big supporter of the Israeli “settlement” of occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank. Normally I wouldn’t give a flip but it seems clear Israeli activities and unlimited US support for them are putting this country into the terrorist cross hairs. Would you like a few dead Palestinians with that latte?

  23. Starbucks is a major contributor and supporter of Israel’s Apartheid measures and brutality towards the Palestinian people. Combine that with refusing to send coffee to troops in Iraq a few years back, and its obvious why I boycott their chain.

  25. Hi Mas, just sent a supportive email to Starbucks before I even finished your article. I actually used even the same language you used further down in your article, to the effect that most people in Arizona don’t wet their pants at the sight of a gun. Great picture, hope it was taken at the Starbuck’s I occasionally patronize!

    Vic Safranek

  27. Yep, Starbucks just got an email from me too. I’ll enjoy that dark roast even more next time. Keep up the great info, reading one of your books right now & always look forward to your articles posted on LewRockwell.com. Thanks

  28. Folks, on the complaints re: Starbucks contributing to Brady Campaign and other controversial causes, please post some links or other confirmation here.

    Thanks,
    Mas

  29. Thanks for the word Mass. I’ve been a Peet’s fan for years but the bag in my pantry is the last one I’ll buy unless they change the policy. Not a Charbucks fan, I like my cioffee roasted not burned but kudos to them for doing the right thing. Need to cut costs anyway so it’s back to store brands for me 🙂

  30. Good Post:

    It just so happens that Buckhorn Grill just banned Open Carry after initially welcoming them. Not only that, they bad mouthed Open Carry after over 100 members spent their money there. Imagine that. I’ll bet not one member of Handgun Control spent a dime there. Let’s let Buckhorn know how we feel about their bad manners at Yelp.com

    Link Here
    http://tinyurl.com/yafr853

  31. Darn, guess I’ll have to buy at least one starbucks. I truly don’t care for their coffee. I’ll manage.

    When AZ passed legislation allowing a CCW holder to carry in facilities that sell alcohol by the drink their was general uproar by some of the bar/restaurant owners. State law allows them to post their property No Guns. The ones that posted no guns, seem to get less business than the companies that said they welcomed legal gun owners.

    Hmmm…

  32. Great article… don’t mean to be viewed as a pessimist, but hopefully not one of those “too good to be true moments…” where nobody was paying attention, or just assumed you were “plain clothes” LEO? After all there are those out there who will also ignore public beatings taking place. Keep up the great work

  33. Just left a nice note to Starbucks — and mentioned I’m a shareholder. Thanks for this report–I would never have known.

  34. Thanks for the article. I used to be a “regular” at my local Peets where I would daily order a large latte. They know me so well there that they often have my order ready before I’ve made it through the line to order it. Since they’ve decided to make it their policy to ban people who exercise their right to bear arms, I’m boycotting them. I’ve sent my thanks to Starbucks and I look forward to becoming a regular there.

  35. Mas,

    Thanks for highlighting this stance by Starbucks. Now if we can only get the state we live in – Texas – to allow open carry like you can in your locale – Arizona I suppose, we can do similarly.

    BTW, if you live in Texas or another non open carry state, http://www.OpenCarry.org for petitions to allow open carry.

    Also, Mas we appreciate your support of The Appleseed Project – we took part and loved every minute, encourage others to take part.

    God bless, Alan in Texas

  36. Peet’s has property rights that must be respected, just as if a friend had a no-gun rule for his house. If they choose to keep guns out of their shops or homes, then so be it. Just show the power of the market and take your money and guns to Starbuck’s.

  37. Dang.. Peet’s made a good ‘white mocha frio’.. Thanks to Starbucks for teaching me that coffee can be good.. However I also learned how to make the best budget coffee around.. Maybe we could get Trader Joe’s to carry buckets of Organic Ammo..

  38. Thanks for your great articles.

    I’m glad Starbucks went with gun owners on this one. However, the corporate policy for employees prohibits the possession of weapons. There is no exception for licensed concealed carry nor even for pocket knives. Any help lobbying Starbucks to allow carry for employees would be appreciated (I work there. It is a great place to work).

  40. I live in Indiana–Indy– and regularly go to Starbucks. In the summer I often carry open (with a holster). I also carry a very light weight shooting vest in the vehicle so I someone seems to be upset at the sight of a weapon then I can cover it. I have never been challenged at ANY Starbucks concerning my weapon. Once, the pretty little lady asked with a big smile–“You’re not going to hold us up, are you?”. I replied,”Nope, my bumper sticker says it all”. She asked what it said. Reply–“give me coffee and no one gets hurt” with a big smiley face holding a cup of coffee. She just howled. she was so tickled that I got my coffee for free–they were just ready to dump the pot after 20 minutes. Thanks Mas for your articles, I always pick up a piece of info from every one and I have been a weapons loony for 60 years. Starbucks got a thankyou from me.
    P.S–to Nothanks–Starbucks does not send coffee to the troops, BUT does permit(and encourage) the workers in their shops to give their rations to the troops. I have added 2 5lb bags several times when they were going to ship to the troops. as a 4 tour Vet of the RVN (university of Southeast Asia–Combat PHD) I would have loved to have had someone ship me some real coffee–not mess hall stuff that we used to clean off the light rust on our rifles 😛 Folks, if you want to do a real lift-kicker for our vets–find out when they are going to ship a bulk group ration and kick in a couple of bags. Yea, it’s a little pricey, But what is the price that they are putting on the line for us?????? Sorry to be so vebose

  41. Looking forward to hearing you on the show tomorrow.
    Good also that we have found a store that honors the law as opposed to suffering through it. Thank you for bringing this to our attention and providing the link.
    Now we all need to use it and let Starbucks know that we appreciate their responsible attitude and policy

  42. I’ll be tuning in to hear you and Sam this evening. Think I’ll go get a vente Americano in a short cup now . . .

    cheers, erich

  43. Thank you for the article and the link to the Starbucks feedback form. I have sent them a note expressing my support for them not bowing to anti-2nd-Ammendment hysteria and following the law.

    Thank you, Mas, for the many fine articles that you’ve written over the years.

  44. Where in AZ was this? Growing up in AZ I used to see holsters and 44’s all the time. Sadly no more, but I’m glad Starbucks hasn’t lost their minds.

  45. I roast my own coffee (to perfection, I might add) but I sent a note of support to Starbucks anyway.

    We are often very quick to act when we feel our rights are violated, but I agree that sending positive feedback to let a corporation know that we are happy with their support is just as important.

  46. Blake, my geography-fu for greater Phoenix is not as strong as it could be, but IIRC that photo was taken in or near Scottsdale.
    best,
    Mas

  47. Being British based, the chances of my legally walking into Starbucks with any sort of firearm on my hip are so close to zero as to make no difference.
    Also I’m not really a fan of their coffee; IMHO it’s not very nice and expensive. But it’s an interesting story none-the-less.

    As to a couple of the controversial issues mentioned about Starbucks, http://www.snopes.com , a website dedicated to investigating rumours may be able to shed some light on them.

    The one about the coffee seems to be an urban myth:

    http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp

    And the ones about Israel, well it looks as if Starbucks doesn’t have any branches in Israel.

    http://www.snopes.com/politics/israel/starbucks.asp

    I hope people find these links are useful.

  48. Great job getting the word out about Charbux upholding the law of the land, as against the “sensibiblities” of a bunch of California twits who go into deep shock at the sight of metal and plastic when they come in certain shapes. Good on you all for the positive feedback to them.

    BUT– their coffee is atrocious, and rather too dear. I refuse to patronise them on that basis (hey, if the thing I am buying is not fit to drink, I don’t care WHO sells or what their policies might be.

    As to Peets….. I believe they are making a mistake (and no, I don’t patronise them either, their coffee is only mildly better than that from the Sign of rhe Green mermaid. (I’m with Mitch Gurowitz, myself… I roast my own, and have dozens on hand from which to select).

    I would sronly encourate folks to send word to Peets, expressing your surprise that such a fine business, begun by an individual who has siglehandedly done more to bring us quality coffee there in North America, should opt to surrender the freedoms guaranteed to all by our Constitution for the sake of a few overly sensitive people who hold to the false idea that guns are evil in and of themselves. Perhaps mention of Starbuck’s opposite choice, and the FACT that there have been no incidents other than LE coming by, early on, to “inspect”, and that, in every case, they found all in accordance with the law. Thus, in encouraging the one firm for a good decision and challenging another for the opposite bad decision, the rights and awareness of them for ALL will be enhanced.

  49. I would have rather gotton no response than the generic response i got back from starbucks. It was like a robot sent it out and it had nothing to do with what i said.

  50. Hey Mas,

    I’m new to this site,but have been reading your writings for 25 or so years. I’m also a CPL holder in my home state; as well, my girlfriend and I both go to Starbucks often. SO, I was most delighted to read your report about them, and accordingly emailed the company as suggested. Keep writing-I have learned immeasurably from you, and your stuff is presently helping me teach the other half.

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