The Civilian Disarmament Industrial Complex swung into action today. Anti-gun Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) took-up Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense In America’s crusade to pressure the Kroger supermarket chain to ban open carry from its stores. As TTAG tipster BDB points out . . .
“there are no Kroger grocery stores in Connecticut.” That didn’t stop the not-so-dynamic duo from joining Ms. Feinstein in dissing law-abiding Americans acting lawfully – with guns!
“Gun extremists in several states have exploited the current Kroger policy by flaunting assault rifles as they shopped,” the senators wrote in their open letter to the Kroger CEO [full text below via wfsb.com]. “There is simply no reason why someone would need an AK-47 to purchase milk, bread, or other basic necessities at a grocery store.”
I guess they’ve read the The Bill of Needs. Anyway, more proof, if proof be needed, that there’s an orchestrated campaign to infringe upon Americans’ natural, civil and Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms.
Dear Mr. McMullen:
We write today to urge you to adopt a policy that would prohibit the open carry of firearms in your stores. In doing so, Kroger would be sending an important message about your commitment to the safety of your employees and customers. This would follow similar actions by other retailers, such as Chipotle, Sonic, Chili’s, Target, and most recently Panera Bread.
[ED: Chipotle, Sonic, Chili’s, Target and Panera Bread have not banned open carry from their businesses. They have “requested” that customers not carry firearms within their stores..]
As you know, gun extremists in several states have exploited the current Kroger policy by flaunting assault rifles as they shopped. These bizarre displays must be terrifying for Kroger employees and customers. There is simply no reason why someone would need an AK-47 to purchase milk, bread, or other basic necessities at a grocery store. However, the current Kroger policy allows for these demonstrations.
Kroger has a proud history as an innovator within the retail industry. Kroger changed the grocery business by establishing in-store bakeries and deciding to sell meats in the 1900s. These two improvements changed the way Americans shopped – not just in Kroger stores but in all grocery stores as they became commonplace. The company has an opportunity to again be a leader. A change by Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket retailer, could have a similar effect by setting a new customer-friendly standard that other supermarkets follow.
Again, we urge you to implement a new policy that would prevent the open carry of guns in your stores. Thank you in advance for your consideration and we look forward to your prompt response
Sincerely,
Christopher S. Murphy, United States Senator
Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator
Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator