Gun rights activists recently held “Starbucks Appreciation Day” events in stores across the country to thank the coffee giant’s policy against an outright ban on firearms. But Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz isn’t happy about it. Yesterday, Mr. Schultz penned an open letter asking that customers keep their firearms away. “[O]ur partners (employees) who work in our stores have been thrust unwillingly into the middle of this debate,” Schultz complains. He then issues a “respectful request that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas.”

The stupidity gets worse. “First, this is a request and not an outright ban,” Schultz continues. “Why? Because we want to give responsible gun owners the chance to respect our request (emphasis added).” In other words, we won’t ban guns that the constitution allows you to bear – as long as you keep them away. And if you don’t, then we’ll need to consider that option. Because our feelings matter more than your rights.