Unlike Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the People of the Gun don’t do organized boycotts. Every time we report on a company that plays ball with the Moms (e.g. Panera), individual commentators announce that they’ll not darken their disarmament-friendly doors again. So what do you think when I tell you that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company has joined forces with a gun buyback program – aimed at vilifying toy guns and video games? True story! “Parents and children may turn in toy guns and video games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Novato [CA] police headquarters; Oct. 11 at Ben & Jerry’s at Bon Air Shopping Center in Greenbrae; Oct. 18 at Town Center Mall in Corte Madera; and Oct. 25 at Sausalito police headquarters. Ben & Jerry’s is donating ice cream for participants.” Because . . .
“Children reflect the culture they live in,” noted Marla Hedlund, development and community relations manager for the Center for Domestic Peace. “This is really all about having a conversation with our community and our children about the culture of violence,” she added. “We’re trying to inspire people to become part of the movement to create peace in a violence-free environment.”
John Slater, owner of the Ben & Jerry’s outlet, said he has worked with the Center for Domestic Peace before, supported its program and was happy to participate. “It’s about raising awareness,” he noted.
Speaking of raising awareness, I don’t expect the NRA to organize a boycott of the Vermont ice cream maker. Maybe that’s because NRA jefe Wayne LaPierre did a mess of video game vilification in his post-Newtown ramble. Anyway you, firearm freedom-loving folks that you are – might want to switch your frozen dessert allegiance. Hmmm. Vermont. Home of Constitutional Carry. Did you know that Häagen-Daz is a made-up name for a company – based in New Jersey? Funny old world innit? [h/t JC]