Drizzt
July 31, 2003, 11:12 AM
Business Owner Sends a Different Gun Message
Sign declaring "Guns Welcome" adorns head shop storefront
Melissa Ellefson
With the hundreds of signs declaring that businesses and office buildings "ban guns on these premises," the sign "GUNS WELCOME" in one downtown Duluth store stands out.
The owner of the Last Place on Earth has something to say about Minnesota's new handgun permit law. "Being a hunter and a gun owner, I like to support stores that allow us to carry guns if we have the right to," said Jim Carlson.
Carlson stocks incense and alternatives in one of the most liberal places in town, but he also holds a firm belief in the right to carry a firearm. He's not in agreement with a group of business owners making it clear that weapons are not welcome where they work.
"It's their opinion that they don't want people with guns and a lot of people probably respect that, and maybe not even shop at their businesses because there are a lot of hunters and there are a lot of gun owners in the Northland," said Carlson.
The Last Place on Earth is well known as a peace-loving operation, but Jim Carlson is one of the few business owners willing to publicly welcome guns into his store.
Mayor Doty says the tongue-in-cheek sign leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
“I don't think that's being representative of the community,” said Mayor Doty.
While the sign may be business smart, Carlson says that's not his main goal. "I wanted people to know that with the new law and people starting to carry guns and all the places in town that said you're not welcome—you are welcome here."
http://www.kdlh.com/news/headlines/408967.html
Sign declaring "Guns Welcome" adorns head shop storefront
Melissa Ellefson
With the hundreds of signs declaring that businesses and office buildings "ban guns on these premises," the sign "GUNS WELCOME" in one downtown Duluth store stands out.
The owner of the Last Place on Earth has something to say about Minnesota's new handgun permit law. "Being a hunter and a gun owner, I like to support stores that allow us to carry guns if we have the right to," said Jim Carlson.
Carlson stocks incense and alternatives in one of the most liberal places in town, but he also holds a firm belief in the right to carry a firearm. He's not in agreement with a group of business owners making it clear that weapons are not welcome where they work.
"It's their opinion that they don't want people with guns and a lot of people probably respect that, and maybe not even shop at their businesses because there are a lot of hunters and there are a lot of gun owners in the Northland," said Carlson.
The Last Place on Earth is well known as a peace-loving operation, but Jim Carlson is one of the few business owners willing to publicly welcome guns into his store.
Mayor Doty says the tongue-in-cheek sign leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
“I don't think that's being representative of the community,” said Mayor Doty.
While the sign may be business smart, Carlson says that's not his main goal. "I wanted people to know that with the new law and people starting to carry guns and all the places in town that said you're not welcome—you are welcome here."
http://www.kdlh.com/news/headlines/408967.html