Right On Target

Many Americans love their guns and they have the Constitutional right to own them.  OK.  That's the law.  But do they have the right to flaunt them in public?  A group in Texas called Open Carry began toting assault rifles through Target stores and other establishments to make carrying large firearms in public appear normal.  Normal?  What's wrong with these people?  If a shopper in my local Target was spotted even wearing a pistol, let alone strutting around with an AK47, a SWAT team would have the "psycho" taken down and in the clink - fast!  But I live in Canada where law, order and harmony trumps the right of some power-tripper to swagger around the mall toting a killing machine.

I'll tell you what normal is, Open Carry Texas, normal is the response from Target Corp. to your disgraceful public flaunt.  CEO, John Mulligan, said "Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.... we respectfully ask customers not to bring guns into our stores".  That admonition was reiterated by a growing social network in America called "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America",  a gun control group funded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  So far, they have succeeded in getting Starbucks, Jack in the Box and other chains to alter their policies on guns in their outlets.  Founder, Shannon Watts, had this to say:

"Moms everywhere were horrified to see images of people carrying loaded assault rifles down the same aisles where we shop for diapers and toys.  As we look towards election season, we hope our legislators are taking notice that when women and mothers collectively raise our voices - and soon our votes, we are determined to leave an impact."

Good for you Shannon!  Right on Target!