I could not but help send these people a email either. Below is what I sent...
To LiAnna Davis, Campaign Manager
I will not sign your petition requesting that Starbuck's prohibit open or concealed carry in areas where it is legal. I have no objection to responsible individuals carrying handguns, concealed or otherwise--again, wherever it is legal. Further, I would like to bring some facts to your attention that you may find interesting.
1. According to the Center for Disease Control (latest year available was 2006) you are significantly more likely to be injured in a vehicle wreck than harmed with a firearm accidentally or otherwise.
Firearms 30,896 total reported deaths in 2006.
Vehicles 45,509 total reported deaths in 2006.
Poisoning 37,286 total reported deaths in 2006.
Falling 21,647 total reported deaths in 2006.
I am providing you with the link so that you can confirm my information independently.
http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
I picked using information from 1999 on and then select the check marks you want.
2. Not only are you more likely to be injured or killed in a vehicle wreck but you are also more likely to die from or suffer from household poisoning than be harmed by a firearm. (CDC 2006)
3. It seems if you are looking to save more lives, your time according to the information above might be better spent making people aware of house hold poisoning or driving safety.
I would suggest to you that most people (and I am willing to bet this includes you) that are against firearms have never been to a range and have never fired a firearm under the careful instruction of a knowledgeable person. I would also suggest to you that this is the reason why no one ever seems to want to apply the "gun control" logic to cars and tries to ban cars.
Let me explain: Before you take Drivers Ed and before you ever get to drive a motorized car, a vehicle may seem every bit as intimidating as a firearm. But since you took Drivers Ed under a instructor and you became familiar with driving you lost your fear of cars.
If you took this same type of time with a firearms instructor I believe you would no longer be for firearms control as your fear would fade away as you learn the truth for yourself.
Now for the one question I would like you to ask yourself...
How many people are out there knowingly speeding in cars and doing all sorts of illegal activities? Why are you not for banning cars? As I have stated above your familiar with cars so its just not going to happen. Yet a 2000 pound or more car has a whole lot more potential to be deadly due to its sheer weight and speed and proximity to others.
We don't live in a perfect world but when you take someone right to own or carry a firearm away you can be taking there right to live or feel safe away. How many bad guys stop just because the victim ask them too? Foul language and pleading has proven ineffective against felons. I really wish that every person that was for gun control would put a sign out on there lawn stating that they are unarmed.
Predators go for the weak and who do you think a felon is going to choose? A American that is or might be armed or you?
Thank you for your time and if I can bring any further helpful thoughs or information up please let me know.
BGutzman
SSG, United States Army Retired
Disabled Vet & Father
NRA Life Member and Certified Small Bore Distinguished Expert