A reader who prefers to remain anonymous writes,
I’m a well-dressed man with a fabulous sense of style. I’m a patron of the arts and a philanthropist. I help those in need and perform volunteer work in some of my spare time. I’m in a committed partnership, but occasionally I go down to the club and let off some steam with some buddies. (My partner knows about it and is accepting of my fun as long as I always come home.) But the other day my partner and I were refused service because of something the store owner didn’t like about us. We were asked to leave and were unable to purchase what we needed . . .
“We don’t want your kind in our store” he said with a hint of disgust. His wife nodded her agreement.
Dumbfounded, we left. What could I do? I didn’t want trouble and I didn’t want to involve the police in a matter that should be a non-issue.
After reading my story, do you feel that I have been victim to a cruel injustice? As a law-abiding citizen of this nation, don’t I deserve to have all of the privileges of “normal” people?
I am not talking about being gay.
I am not talking about being black.
I am talking about being a gun owner who carries a firearm in order to protect myself and those I love.
Does that change how you feel? If so, perhaps you should reflect on your pre-conceptions about groups of people.