From Mary Keane
Cheyenne [via wyomingnews.com]
This is in open letter to Bruce, who sits at Starbucks every morning with a gun, bullet-proof vest and assault rifle:
I am writing this letter to the paper because I do not feel comfortable saying this to your face, being that you are armed for combat.
I look forward each weekend to spending time at Starbucks with my boyfriend and two dogs. But we decided about a month ago not to go if you were at Starbucks: We do not feel safe with you there . . .
Last Sunday morning, we drove through the parking lot and checked to see if you were there. You were walking away from the store, so we decided to stay.
I wonder if you know that you left behind a bunch of frightened, angry people who spent about 45 minutes talking about you and how frightening you are.
No one feels safe in your presence. In fact, the police were called twice on Sunday morning about you. So not only are you sowing fear and distrust, you are wasting law enforcement resources.
The police officer who came to Starbucks had to spend 15 minutes assuring the various patrons that the police do not agree with what you are doing, but that they have no recourse.
If your fantasy is to act out the life of a gunslinger, there are so many other appropriate places to wear your gear: the Cheyenne Gunslingers, the Otto Road Shooting Range and hunting.
On the other hand, if you want to leave this world a better place, there are so many organizations here that could use your talents, energy and time. I will pray you find a better use for your time that gives people hope and respect rather than fear and anger.
I am also asking everyone that frequents Starbucks and thinks that guns and assault rifles at a coffee shop are inappropriate to email Starbucks corporate headquarters and let them know.
It’s time the silent majority stands up and asks for our right to live our lives without fear to be respected.