Target announced today that it will "...respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law" (see Target's statement here). Although they specifically mention open carry in their statement, they do not make it very clear whether they would include concealed carry in this request.
I am no open carry enthusiast - for a number of reasons I will not enumerate here, but certainly one of them is that we live in a world of sheep and, as one commenter on the announcement noted, those sheep get scared and like to scare others. When they get scared they whine and cry a lot and no one likes to hear whining. So Target made a gesture - no more, no less.
Let's be clear - this is nothing more than a request. They do not mention whether they will actually post signs to this effect. But even if they do, depending on where one lives, a private entity's sign denying the right to carry on their premises may not have force of law - law defines where carry is and is not legal. In many states, their only recourse should one deign to carry on their property would be to ask the person to leave and then, if they do not, press charges for trespass; that is, for not leaving when asked to do so. We can only guess as to whether Target will want to go down that road. I suspect the individual stores will find this more or less appealing.
Of course, Target insults those who carry firearms by suggesting they are creating "...an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience..." Target desires. What families? So, friendly families do not shoot together? None of your workers own firearms? Firearms owners do not have families and friends they love and cherish? Once more a corporation has succumbed to the illogic and insult promulgated by groups like Moms Demand Action that all firearms owners are crazy and criminal.
If you really want to be both entertained and appalled read some of the comments. Speaking of illogic, one of my favorites, in response to a carrier who says he will be carrying there anyway, says " doing God's work, are you, scaring little kids?" God's work? Oh, dear! You will pardon my saying so, but if the kids are scared it is because you are scared, because you have shared your immature fears with your children. Why would I say this? Because not all kids are scared of firearms - only those whose parents are afraid of them. Be a parent and teach your children, not frighten them. [Of course, these are the same people appalled by legal hunting].
Many of the commenters need to read this blog post. Not because they will agree with it, but because they do not understand the law nor did they read Target's statement without putting their own fears on top of it. This does not "promote public safety."
Please note again from their statement: "But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law." They did not prohibit it, they requested it. This means that, unless they go further, nothing has really changed. Of course, Target is really making a bet here - that bet is that firearms owners are more civilized than their detractors.
For all of this, one thing that firearms owners need to remember is that if we expect people to respect our rights we need to respect theirs. Target's stores are their private property and they have the right to prohibit firearms if they wish to do so. We should remember that the Second Amendment guarantees that the government shall not infringe on our right, not private entities. We may think this is a wrong-headed decision, but a belief in the rights of others must lead us to accept it.
Of course, one thing that corporations like Target need to remember is that we all have the choice as to whether we shop at Target or somewhere else. I absolutely hate the Walmart atmosphere and some of their practices - but perhaps the best way to respond to Target's wishes is to do as they ask; do not bring your firearm OR your money into their stores. Consider how people would respond if Target said gay couples could not show affection, hold hands or kiss in their stores - because it scared my children. [It would not and I would not care - this is simply illustrative].
BTW - note to all criminals - Target has now, nominally, defined itself as a defense-free zone. Of course, this logic is also well-beyond most commenters; as one noted "Thanks Target for creating a safe place to take my family shopping." So, how is it there in fantasy land? Let's be clear - although clarity will make no difference: If true legal prohibitions of carry of firearms, say in schools or even military bases, cannot deter criminals from using them to kill others, do you really think Target asking criminals "please" is going to make any difference? Do you really think the people who want to do you harm are going to care? All this has done is create a target-rich (pun intended) and defense-deprived environment, where all of you can graze together waiting for the wolves.
I wonder though; if I were to go unarmed to Target (which, in truth, I would not) and be robbed in their stores or parking lots, I would have to ponder (should I survive) whether they bear some civil liability for my inability to defend myself. Am I shopping at my own risk or have they put me at risk?
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