The National Gun Victim’s Action Council (NGAC) plans to lead a national boycott of Starbucks Coffee on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th, to try to force a change in the company’s “open carry” gun policy at hundreds of its retail locations. Starbucks currently allows guns to be openly carried by patrons in its stores in the states where it is legal to do so.
According to Elliot Fineman, CEO of the NGAC, “Starbucks allowing guns to be carried in thousands of their stores significantly increases everyone’s risk of being a victim of gun violence.” Fineman further claims, “Open and conceal-and-carry are among the reasons there are 12,000 gun homicides each year in the U.S.”
However, Christopher Schreiner, guitarist of the popular pro-American rock band Madison Rising disagrees. “Mr. Fineman needs to realize that his position on this is flawed, and affected by his obvious naiveté,” said Schreiner who, along with his band mates openly showed their support for Starbucks by releasing a photo of themselves with Starbucks coffees in hand behind a mural from their recent music video, “Right To Bear:” http://youtu.be/2cQ7ldhD05E).
But Schreiner’s passion and interest in the gun-rights issue extend far beyond his membership in the NRA and the band’s recent song about the Second Amendment. Last year, Schreiner’s 31 year old cousin Neil Godelski was shot and murdered on his way home from work by a 16 year old with an illegal handgun.
“Society failed this kid and two lives were lost. Certain people blame guns, but the perpetrator wasn’t a responsible gun owner or an NRA member. He was a delinquent. Madison Rising is fighting for the rights of law abiding citizens, and those rights should not be infringed upon, compromised or lost as a result of the egregious actions of criminals.”
On January 30th, the band released a music video for their current single “Right To Bear.” The song and video have already generated considerable controversy regarding the Second Amendment the ongoing issue of open and conceal-and-carry gun laws around the country.
Madison Rising promotes the principles of liberty, independence, smaller government and personal responsibility. Madison Rising’s debut album is mixed by legendary (multi-Grammy winning) music producer Ron Saint Germain. Madison Rising has been a top 100 selling rock act on iTunes and Amazon charts.
