A Pack, Not A Herd

A Pack, Not A Herd - Longtime reader MC was flipping through a copy of Lavender - a local gay magazine - when he saw this letter to the editor:

Subject: Lavender

I was in a coffee shop on Saturday night and was flipping through diferent magazines when I saw this Letter to the Editor. I haven’t ever read Lavender Magizine so I do not know if this is a normal editorial, but I don’t think so.

Is That A Gun, Or Are You
Happy To See Me?
By Brent M. Saba

In regard to all the gay bars and predominately gay establishments and businesses in the Twin Cities that have posted signs "GUNS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THESE PREMISES":

You are sending a message to all of the antigay people and those who wish to do us harm by informing them that all of those seen exiting your establishment late at night will be unarmed, and, therefore, an easy target. You are sending a message that we are still unable and unwilling to fight back.

If I personally am ever victimized by such an attack because I chose to leave my firearm secured in my vehicle in order to enjoy an evening in any establishment that is posted "NO GUNS"--gay or straight--I intend to file a lawsuit against that establishment for violating my personal right to defend myself.

Not only are those signs informing that patrons are unarmed and easy victims, it also lets any potential wrongdoer know that the respective business or establishment is also a much easier target for robbery.

Basically, it is a big red flashing neon sign that says, "ROB US"!

It has already happened at eight bars in the metro area, all of which were posted: "NO GUNS PERMITTED."

Wouldn't it be better and safer for all of us if those who hate us and wish to do us harm didn't know whether or not we were carrying a weapon?

It's interesting to me that some of the most ardent supporters of concealed carry reform are the people most affected by violence - women (the Second Amendment Sisters) and gays (the Pink Pistols).