Cracker Barrel Anti Gun Policy

[C_Carson]

Evidently, as of the beginning of this year, Cracker Barrel corporate policy is that LACs cannot open carry, due to possibly making other patrons/employees uncomfortable. BUT, concealed carry is apparently okay.

The hubby & I want Constitutional carry, so we can decide to carry how we want rather than having the choice mandated for us, so we will not be patronizing Cracker Barrel anymore since we don't want to put our hard earned money in the pockets of those whom oppose the 2A, but also because we feel its a contradictory (and stupid) policy.

What do y'all think?

 

[Midnight Raver]

Pretty dumb policy. Hell, it is more of a relief to SEE that a law abiding citizen is armed in my opinion. Not that I mind concealed ones either, except when carried by criminal elements.

 

[lafayette gregory]

Many businesses do not recognize the impact of their decisions. If this goes viral on the net, they will change their mind. Soo start posting guys and gals

 

[Schultz]

I have CC'd in Cracker Barrel many times and will continue to do so(love the food). Personally I'm not big on open carry as I don't want to attract attention but thats my opinion.

 

[Frost]

If open carry were legal I would probably still carry concealed more often than not.

 

[Avtomat-Acolyte]

To those that refuse to give money to Cracker Barrel for their slight against the 2nd Amendment....

Do you pay taxes to your state government which, unlike Cracker Barrel, actually infringes upon the 2nd Amendment?

All Cracker Barrel is doing is exercising control over their private property. Your state is enforcing unConstitutional laws inside your home. :geek:

 

[carsontech]

It's those businesses right to come up with their rules and enforce them for there private property. Just like I have the right not to support their business because of there stance on freedom and the 2nd amendment.

My opinion is, if anyone supports and patronize businesses that have any sort of anti-freedom, anti-self defense, or anti-gun policy, that person is hurting the 2nd amendment cause. If no one lets these business know that these anti-gun policies are not ok with them, then the businesses may say, "hey, we aren't seeing any lose in business, so less go ahead and make the rules stricter. Our patrons won't care and we wont lose any money, so lets just go ahead and enforce a no weapons policy, because we feel safer knowing no one is allowed to carry firearms in here. Everyone knows criminals can't carry guns in here because of our no firearms sign, and law biding citizens wont have to defend themselves in our stores because there will be no bad guys with guns..."

Hit these anti-gun businesses where it hurts, their wallet, by not patronizing them. Also, politely, yet seriously, let them know why your not going to patronize their business. Let them know that you will take your money to their competition. Write letters explaining this to corporate, their presidents, and/or managers depending on the stores structure.

This is a "free" country, and people have the right eat where ever they want to. As I said, though, I think it's hurting our "cause" when people patronize places like Costco, Cracker Barrel, ect. I think you should stand up and fight for what you believe in. We need let these politicians and companies know that we do not stand for any sort of ant-gun and anti-freedom laws and policies, no matter how small. Politicians and businesses that back the anti-gun lobby are trying to sneek gun control in slowly, right under our noses. Slow enough just so we might not notice it. Lets not give them any help.

The government's laws can be fought with legislation, businesses can be fought with word-of-mouth and deprivation of sales. That will help get the "word" across to them.

Again, it's the businesses right to enforce these policies, but why patronize them and reverse the message 2nd amendment supporters sent out to. Why reverse the progress we made fighting for our 2nd amendment rights. Why let everyone think we won't stand for anything but complete freedom to carry how we please.

I am just so confused why anyone would see this any other way. No offense to anyone, I am just that passionate about true freedom.

 

[Dirk Pitt]

I am just so confused why anyone would see this any other way. No offense to anyone, I am just that passionate about true freedom.

While I understand what your saying and agree with you fundamentally I can also see the company's point of view and it's a valid one.

Now remember where I come from when I say this, I live in California specifically Los Angeles county so it's almost impossible for me to get a concealed carry license. I'm a Libertarian who believes very strongly in personal freedoms, a minimalist government not interfering with our lives, I'm paranoid (or as I see it prepared) wishing to be prepared for everything from defending myself from ANY potential situation to my being able to live out of my car at a moments notice for no less than three days. So I don't say this as some liberal gun fearing Californicated hippy.

As a business Cracker Barrel needs to think about what's best for them as a business. If customers have told them that people openly carrying guns makes them feel unsafe and because of that they will not continue to patronize their business than as a smart business Cracker Barrel needs to analyze the situation and determine which course of action is best for them from a business stand point. Which is the largest customer base that they stand to lose gun rights advocates or those that feel unsafe with firearms being displayed openly? Or which is an option that can hopefully reach a middle ground? By asking they're gun carrying customer to conceal their weapons to make the rest of the patrons feel comfortable while not banning those who wish to carry firearms from their premise.

Do I like the decision they made? No, but it's more of a result of the society we live in rather than Cracker Barrel wishing to infringe on our rights.

 

[Schultz]

Well put Dirk!

If open carry were legal I would probably still carry concealed more often than not.

+1


Not to sound funny about this but I have always looked at open carry as a "Look at me!" statement. Like I said I would rather not attract attention.

 

[fordnut]

I am afraid that I have to agree with Shultz...I want the right to deceide how I want to carry, but, for myself...most of the time it will be conscealed...

I don't like to put all my cards on the table face up. I would rather look like the sheep than the wolf....if you follow what I am saying.

I feel it is Cowboy like to open carry...Unless I am in the woods or something like that...

Steve

 

[Avtomat-Acolyte]

It's those businesses right to come up with their rules and enforce them for there private property. Just like I have the right not to support their business because of there stance on freedom and the 2nd amendment.

My opinion is, if anyone supports and patronize businesses that have any sort of anti-freedom, anti-self defense, or anti-gun policy, that person is hurting the 2nd amendment cause. If no one lets these business know that these anti-gun policies are not ok with them, then the businesses may say, "hey, we aren't seeing any lose in business, so less go ahead and make the rules stricter. Our patrons won't care and we wont lose any money, so lets just go ahead and enforce a no weapons policy, because we feel safer knowing no one is allowed to carry firearms in here. Everyone knows criminals can't carry guns in here because of our no firearms sign, and law biding citizens wont have to defend themselves in our stores because there will be no bad guys with guns..."

Hit these anti-gun businesses where it hurts, their wallet, by not patronizing them. Also, politely, yet seriously, let them know why your not going to patronize their business. Let them know that you will take your money to their competition. Write letters explaining this to corporate, their presidents, and/or managers depending on the stores structure.

This is a "free" country, and people have the right eat where ever they want to. As I said, though, I think it's hurting our "cause" when people patronize places like Costco, Cracker Barrel, ect. I think you should stand up and fight for what you believe in. We need let these politicians and companies know that we do not stand for any sort of ant-gun and anti-freedom laws and policies, no matter how small. Politicians and businesses that back the anti-gun lobby are trying to sneek gun control in slowly, right under our noses. Slow enough just so we might not notice it. Lets not give them any help.

The government's laws can be fought with legislation, businesses can be fought with word-of-mouth and deprivation of sales. That will help get the "word" across to them.

Again, it's the businesses right to enforce these policies, but why patronize them and reverse the message 2nd amendment supporters sent out to. Why reverse the progress we made fighting for our 2nd amendment rights. Why let everyone think we won't stand for anything but complete freedom to carry how we please.

I am just so confused why anyone would see this any other way. No offense to anyone, I am just that passionate about true freedom.

It also hurts the cause of the 2nd Amendment whenever anyone gives money or support to the NRA, GOP or DNC.

 

[carsontech]

Not to sound funny about this but I have always looked at open carry as a "Look at me!" statement. Like I said I would rather not attract attention.

I feel it is Cowboy like to open carry

I take offense to this.

I am sorry if you have seen or read about an open carriers that might make you think that Open Carrying is a statement to get attention. Then again, maybe I am taking what you said the wrong way.

It is my opinion that if 2nd amendment supporters aren't fighting for true constitutional carry, freedom to carry how one wants without a license, in every state, then were not going to make real progress.

You're all entitled to you opinion, its your right, but I think it would do some good for some of you do research and actually open carry in public a few times before making ridiculous statements.

Here is why I open carry:

1. I have stomach problems, concealed carry of certain modes hurts me
2. Quicker draw than concealed carry, although with practice concealed carry can be almost as fast
3. I believe it's a deterrent, so that confrontation will not have to happen (keep the bad guys away so as to never have to defend one's self)

I like open carrying, and I think everyone should have the right to carry how they choose without having to worry about offending or scarring anyone. Carrying a firearm openly or concealed should not make any difference to anyone, no one should be scarred. We need to educate and train the public, businesses, and the government that we exist, and to get use to it. The sooner they realize that, the sooner we will not be harassed or penalized by businesses barring carrying or certain kinds of carrying.

Back to the "business" thing...

By not patronizing businesses that ban weapons or certain types of carrying, we are sending a message in hopes that stop. With that, there non-carrying patrons will either have to get used to seeing people carrying or get there fix elsewhere. We hope it will be that this will train the public to get used to other law biding citizens carrying.

People carrying a firearm should not be treated like the negros during the time of segregation.

 

[carsontech]

It also hurts the cause of the 2nd Amendment whenever anyone gives money or support to the NRA, GOP or DNC.

Politicians and Pro-gun rights organizations will have there flaws, some are better than others. The NRA hasn't been impressing me lately. There are a few smaller groups that will fight for 100% pure constitutional, god given, gun rights.

 

[Avtomat-Acolyte]

People will always find a reason to be offended or slighted.

People will always find a justification for their preformed suppositions.

It casts doubts of credibility upon protest or retribution when the target is doing something equal to or lesser than other businesses and entities that are ignored.

Cracker Barrel allows concealed carry but not open carry. Time to protest.

Meanwhile, http://www.pinkpistols.org/antigun.html, how many of these companies or organizations do you support either directly or indirectly?

What good is refusing to eat food at Cracker Barrel when you use your AOL-Time Warner internet service to buy a Disney movie? Ever watch Showtime while eating something made by Sara Lee?

Cracker Barrel has the unfortunate happenstance to be the current whipping boy for internet gun nerd rage. This, too, shall pass. I'd prefer that any attack or slander against them were legitimate, i.e. a mention of how sub-par their food and service is along with the offense of having to walk through an overpriced, touristy crap-shop of worthless trinkets before you can even be served or exit.

 

[carsontech]

People will always find a reason to be offended or slighted.

People will always find a justification for their preformed suppositions.

It casts doubts of credibility upon protest or retribution when the target is doing something equal to or lesser than other businesses and entities that are ignored.

Cracker Barrel allows concealed carry but not open carry. Time to protest.

Meanwhile, http://www.pinkpistols.org/antigun.html, how many of these companies or organizations do you support either directly or indirectly?

What good is refusing to eat food at Cracker Barrel when you use your AOL-Time Warner internet service to buy a Disney movie? Ever watch Showtime while eating something made by Sara Lee?

Cracker Barrel has the unfortunate happenstance to be the current whipping boy for internet gun nerd rage. This, too, shall pass. I'd prefer that any attack or slander against them were legitimate, i.e. a mention of how sub-par their food and service is along with the offense of having to walk through an overpriced, touristy crap-shop of worthless trinkets before you can even be served or exit.

I try to not support any place or company with any anti-gun policies. To my knowledge it is sometimes hard or impossible to not support certain companies because of how big or monopolized they have become. But when I have a another choice that happens to be truly pro-gun, then I will take my business to them.

I am sorry you feel the way you do. Its your opinion, and its your right to have an opinion and voice it. I will fight to the death for you to have that opinion.

To your comment about "legitimacy", anti-gun policies are a legitimate reason to not patronize a company. It is my opinion that you are not a 2nd amendment supporter, but merely someone who like guns.

You have seen that there are many pro 2nd amendment website and forums with a section dedicated to mentioning business that are anti-gun and anti 2nd amendment. This is to help others to decide whether they want to patronize that business anymore. Its an individuals right to patronize whoever they wish, but I hope that they choose to go with businesses that do not have a ant 2nd amendment policy.

Those sections wouldn't exist if it was just a fad of "internet gun nerd rage"

Good day sir.

 

[C_Carson]

Wow, quite a few interesting responses! I am not out to change anyone?s opinions, just respond to a few things that caught my eye?

To those that refuse to give money to Cracker Barrel for their slight against the 2nd Amendment....

Do you pay taxes to your state government which, unlike Cracker Barrel, actually infringes upon the 2nd Amendment?

All Cracker Barrel is doing is exercising control over their private property. Your state is enforcing unConstitutional laws inside your home. :geek:

I see your point, but I don't think it's really comparable, as I can choose whether or not to give money to Cracker Barrel, but I cannot chose whether or not to pay my taxes, unless I want to face severe repercussions. We make the effort to change legislation when it comes to government, which in my mind is no different than supporting or not supporting a private business when I disagree with their policies.

If customers have told them that people openly carrying guns makes them feel unsafe and because of that they will not continue to patronize their business than as a smart business Cracker Barrel needs to analyze the situation and determine which course of action is best for them from a business stand point. Which is the largest customer base that they stand to lose gun rights advocates or those that feel unsafe with firearms being displayed openly? Or which is an option that can hopefully reach a middle ground? By asking they're gun carrying customer to conceal their weapons to make the rest of the patrons feel comfortable while not banning those who wish to carry firearms from their premise.

I see your point and understand it, and I am grateful that Cracker Barrel has not entirely banned firearms on their property (although they are within their rights to do so) but to say that one type of carry is allowed when the other is not seems silly to me. If you are still going to allow armed customers into your store, then you are making the choice to trust them as responsible, law abiding citizens. It is not my problem if someone is frightened (this is the grown up world, not daycare), and we cannot change the perception that guns are scary and bad if the sheeple never see a peaceful, normal, armed citizen sitting a few tables away eating a quiet meal. I guess my point here is, they will allow me to carry, but they are telling me how I can carry, and that?s my issue.

I want the right to deceide how I want to carry, but, for myself.
I don't like to put all my cards on the table face up. I would rather look like the sheep than the wolf....if you follow what I am saying.

I feel it is Cowboy like to open carry.

Exactly my point. I want to decide how I carry, not have it mandated by someone else. I think everyone should carry how they feel the most comfortable, and I have no issue with either open or concealed carry; I just don?t want someone else making the choice for me.
I would not want to look like the sheep. When the wolf comes, he will be looking for sheep, and I would rather deter the wolf than have to fight him.
Our CCW class instructor did describe some people who carry (concealed, ironically) as having the John Wayne attitude. I think that is more a mentality rather than the method they?ve chosen, if you follow me. I look at open carrying as a declaration and a warning: a declaration that I believe in my right to self defense, and a warning that I will defend myself.

Meanwhile, http://www.pinkpistols.org/antigun.html, how many of these companies or organizations do you support either directly or indirectly?

I read through the entire list, and here?s my answer:
New Line Cinema, back when LOTRs came out. We don?t go out to movies anymore since it?s too expensive and crowded, so I can definitely say we haven?t given them a dime lately, lol.
We used to buy Sara Lee, but haven?t in a long time and will continue not to.
It also lists Starbucks, but I think that?s inaccurate as Starbucks across the nation have the policy to follow the state?s ruling on carrying.
So in summary?we currently don?t support any of those organizations.

 

[Avtomat-Acolyte]

To your comment about "legitimacy", anti-gun policies are a legitimate reason to not patronize a company. It is my opinion that you are not a 2nd amendment supporter, but merely someone who like guns.

I believe that all American citizens should be issued an M4, 20 magazines and a case of ammunition at age 13 and be required to qualify with it at least once annually, with another case of ammunition being provided upon qualification.

I also believe that the 2nd Amendment applies wholesale to all American citizens not currently incarcerated. Yes, even 'felons' and persons convicted of domestic violence or beholden to a domestic violence protection order.

I believe that the words of the 2nd Amendment are explicit and are not open to interpretation and that every single law written in reference to any weapon is a direct violation of the US Constitution.

Any restriction of any weapon is an explicit crime against the United States. I don't support any of them and support their immediate striking from existence.

Tell me more about how I like guns but not the 2nd Amendment. Chances are that I support it a lot more than you. Do you mind background checks? Do you like that felons can't buy guns? Do you like that 16 year olds can't buy guns? Do you like that your neighbor can't order a machinegun from Amazon.com ?

Which un-Constitutional, anti-freedom laws do you support? Which is "reasonable?" Here's a direct quote of the 2nd Amendment again, just in case you forgot how it goes:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

 

[Schultz]

I take offense to this.

I am sorry if you have seen or read about an open carriers that might make you think that Open Carrying is a statement to get attention. Then again, maybe I am taking what you said the wrong way.

It is my opinion that if 2nd amendment supporters aren't fighting for true constitutional carry, freedom to carry how one wants without a license, in every state, then were not going to make real progress.

You're all entitled to you opinion, its your right, but I think it would do some good for some of you do research and actually open carry in public a few times before making ridiculous statements.

Here is why I open carry:

1. I have stomach problems, concealed carry of certain modes hurts me
2. Quicker draw than concealed carry, although with practice concealed carry can be almost as fast
3. I believe it's a deterrent, so that confrontation will not have to happen (keep the bad guys away so as to never have to defend one's self)

I like open carrying, and I think everyone should have the right to carry how they choose without having to worry about offending or scarring anyone. Carrying a firearm openly or concealed should not make any difference to anyone, no one should be scarred. We need to educate and train the public, businesses, and the government that we exist, and to get use to it. The sooner they realize that, the sooner we will not be harassed or penalized by businesses barring carrying or certain kinds of carrying.

Back to the "business" thing...

By not patronizing businesses that ban weapons or certain types of carrying, we are sending a message in hopes that stop. With that, there non-carrying patrons will either have to get used to seeing people carrying or get there fix elsewhere. We hope it will be that this will train the public to get used to other law biding citizens carrying.

People carrying a firearm should not be treated like the negros during the time of segregation.

Sorry you take offense to it but thats how I've seen it many times. I lived in NC for quite awhile where open carry is allowed and everyone that I saw that open carried had a look at me attitude. As for open carrying myself I don't have to research crap I have done it and don't like it.

As for why you open carry 1. If you have stomach problems try a shoulder rig some are actually comfortable(I use one with my winter piece a 1911). 2. I beg to differ on that statement, Practice, Practice, Practice. 3. Maybe you need to research, It's not always a deterrent.

I think everyone should have the right to carry how they choose without having to worry about offending or scarring anyone.

Your going to get that anywhere you go, Hell nowadays if you look at someone wrong you've offended them. It's never going to change either.

I respect your efforts and you have that right but don't criticize others about what your doing when you don't know what they have done. I've been down this road refusing to patronize establishments that don't allow firearms and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, This is a big country and not everyone is going to share your view.

 

[tigerfan00]

Personally, I cannot stand open carry

I conceal carry just about everywhere I go (cept the gym) but i look at it like this

If I am open carrying, and ANYTHING happens, other patrons of whatever business I'm in are going to look at me to assist in dealing with it...regardless of whether or not a firearm is necessary

If I'm concealed, I can make the decision on whether or not I want to get involved


All of my friends know that I carry, and they also know that I'm not going to jump into a situation unless if there is immediate need to protect someone's life...past that I'm going to be a good witness





Let's say that I'm NOT the law-abiding citizen...and I've reached the end of my rope to where I feel like I need to rob a business

The first thing Im going to do when I walk thru that door is identify any potential problems with my plan and eliminate those problems

 

[Enjay]

You know, I'm pretty sure I would not open carry very often even if SC allowed it. As much as I'm willing to share on here with all of you kind, like minded people, gun ownership and my choice to carry has been a deeply private struggle for me.

I grew up in WI and became interested in guns during the late 80's and early 90's and spent most of my teens and early 20's trying to find someone to teach me about guns and hunting. This was a time when where I lived owning a handgun was looked upon with disapproval by the general population and women who had interest in guns were discouraged. Guns were a man's world and any woman who didn't have a male relative willing to teach her was out of luck.

I would occasionally find someone to go plinking with but other than that I was told either that I couldn't handle the big calibers deer require, or that their wife/girlfriend wouldn't like it if they took me hunting, not even if it was just a day trip. Or both. Mostly I got the impression that I was encroaching upon sacred male territory though. There was one guy who had handguns who was willing to teach me, but after watching the downright stupid shooting out behind the barn with his friends while they emptied several cases of beer I decided these weren't my kind of gun people.

Then the local gun store started advertising a membership discount to their gun club with purchase of a gun, new shooters very welcome, so I decided I'd buy a gun and a membership and learn how to shoot that way. I read some magazines and reviews, decided I wanted a 1911, and in May of 1996 I went to the gun store with the cash in my pocket to buy it. I was shown two "ladies purse revolvers" a .38 and a .22, and was told that was all that he had for me. I pointed at the 1911 and said I'd like to see that one, and he said that's not a ladies gun. I said I'd like to see it anyway and he said women aren't strong enough to handle a gun like that, walked away and went into the office until I left. I was so ticked off, discouraged and sick of the years of girls don't shoot guns that I gave up after that experience. F 'em, guns are dangerous and obviously attract too many idiots anyways. Right? My doberman would take good care of me and if she couldn't I'd throw my (now ex) husband at the bad guy and run like h-e-double hockey sticks.

It took moving to the south in 2002 and marrying my wonderful, supportive, gun owning and cwp carrying 2nd husband to start thinking that maybe gun people didn't all have giant egos and minuscule iq's, maybe I really was allowed to like guns. It took a few more years before I decided that it was okay for me to handle a handgun, and then a few more years before I decided that I was allowed to have my CWP too. Even though everywhere I went in the south I was met by (intelligent, kind, SAFE!!) gun people who welcomed me and encouraged me I had to convince myself that not only was it ok, not only was I really allowed, but that it was my legal right to own and carry a gun if I chose to. I really had taken all that rejection much deeper to heart than I realized, and I am far from a wilting flower who gives up easily.

How does that all tie in? Well, I fully and completely support people who choose to open carry and will vote to support open carry, but it's not something I'm interested in doing. I don't necessarily believe that people who choose to OC are trying to attract attention, but they do get more attention than someone CC'ing and I don't want that. Some have said that because I had such a difficult time that I should get out there and OC to try and help change the way society views gun ownership and encourage those that are like I was, and that my friendly, open personality would make me a natural at it, but right now I'm not up for being a public advocate. I simply don't want to risk opening myself up for that kind of damage again. When someone else brings up the topic of weapons and ccw I'm more than willing to expound upon my views and opinions most of the time, but that doesn't mean that I tell them that I have weapons or a cwp. I don't want to have to explain my motivations or defend my decisions any more unless I decide to put myself out there for it and these days I'm disinclined to open myself up for that kind of interaction. I want to buy my groceries, haul my kids, eat my dinner, walk my dogs, go to the gym, and sit in my yard knowing that I have the skills and tools at hand to keep myself and my loved ones safe without feeling obligated to be an ambassador too. And I would not make a good one. Somehow I don't think a narrow-eyed look and a wary, defensive, don't even think about jumping my case attitude when asked why I'm open carrying would give them the warm fuzzy feelings we want them to have about armed citizens.
I'm all for freedom of choice and fully respect and support your interest in open carry, but I do hope that if you can't understand it, you'll at least respect my right to chose not to.
Thanks for the interesting discussion!
Enjay