In recent years, an eruption of mass shootings at schools, malls, movie theaters and other places of business have plagued our great country. These senseless attacks instilled a certain level of fear among the American people, who have every reason to be on heightened alert when in public places. That’s why it is so disturbing that a pro-gun group at Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in Texas decided that the best side dish for a delicious burrito is an AR-15 assault rifle.
Why? Because America.
No matter how much you support the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you cannot find one good reason to bring a gun of that size — or any gun for that matter — into a restaurant or similar public place. The sudden terror you bring upon restaurant patrons should weigh heavier on your conscience than your Second Amendment rights.
Sadly, that’s not the facial expression worn by two young men who brandished their assault weapons as they sat down for a burrito. They appear quite proud of the fact that — for no other reason than they could — they decided to bring their guns to a restaurant.
You can support the Second Amendment, own guns, use guns and love guns without scaring the burritos out of every customer. We’ve grown far too accustomed to hearing about mass shootings in public places, and if most people see two young males enter a restaurant armed with assault rifles, they’re going to think the worst.
Shout freedom from the rooftops all you want about the right to bear arms, but there’s nothing in the Constitution that allows you to terrify families and children all in the name of the Second Amendment.
We also can’t forget that a private business on private property has the right to tell its customers to leave their guns at home.
Chipotle — a private business — issued a statement earlier this week banning guns from all locations, unless carried by a law enforcement officer. Surely some will cry foul, claiming that Chipotle is violating their Constitutional rights: Hopefully they understand that Chipotle has every right to ban guns as a private business.
For responsible, law-abiding adults, you can purchase large guns, use them and protect your property and family from harm, but we do not need your guns in a popular restaurant where folks just want to enjoy their food and time with family and friends.
Gun owners want us to respect their rights, but it’s due time they respect the rights of every American who doesn’t want to feel threatened or uncomfortable in public.
Most gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens who would only use their weapons when threatened or harmed, but we must find common ground and understand that there are some places where we should leave our weapons at home.
If you somehow feel that you must bring your gun — especially a large assault weapon — everywhere, perhaps you need to understand that more often than not, the only weapon you’ll need at a Chipotle is an antacid to calm the heartburn.
Americans have the right to bear arms, but we also have the right to feel safe while we consume a meal, go shopping, see a movie or do just about anything else in public. Carrying an assault rifle with you might meet one part of the Constitution, but how about having some empathy for those around you?
Next time you’re at Chipotle, leave the guns and take the burritos.
[Joel Mendelson is a UF graduate student in political campaigning. His columns appears on Thursdays. A version of this column ran on page 6 on 5/22/2014 under the headline "Leave the guns, take the burritos"]
