Not to get flamed here, but some perspective is called for. Has anyone considered that, whether we like it or not, it is fully within Autozone's purview to have this strict no-guns policy and to stand by it.
I'm betting Mr. McLean read and signed documents stating that he understood company policies and recognized that violation of policy could result in disciplinary action or dismissal. Such a document is nearly always part of the hiring process. Which of us would run a company without making our policies clear to employees and making sure they understand them?
In the eyes of those of us who support the RKBA, and who commend Mr. McLean's brave action, Autozone executives have committed a blunder. Many supporters of gun rights claim that the action against Mr. McLean is unjust and that their no-guns policy is wrong-headed. We may argue that Autozone executives would have been far better served to make an exception in this case and made it clear why they were doing so. But that would carry risk, setting a precedent with which they would forever be dealing. (I might have suggested, had I been a board member, that Mr. McLean could be let go as a matter of policy but also be presented--as a private citizen rather than as an employee--an award for bravery and a commensurate monetary prize.)
Our voices shouting "Boycott Autozone!" might make a little difference to Autozone's bottom line, but nothing's stopping antis from shifting all their business to Autozone in support of their anti-2A position. Our outspokenness may also give the antis another example to cite as so-called proof that gun owners are all dangerous kooks who wish to enforce their will on everyone, and that the 2A is out of step with modern, polite society. In the eyes of RKBA opponents, these same executives have rightly demonstrated the folly of thinking anyone can just use a gun to sort out life's problems.
Here in Virginia, organized protests are being set up, and that's good in principle. But imagine the press response: "Gun-toting protestors assault innocent citizen who tried to enter an Autozone..." This won't actually happen, but facts don't matter anymore to the most of what we call "the press." All it takes is one anti to make such a claim.
The fact that they're wrong doesn't change the fact that their voices get heard. Never mind the untruths; they have 1A rights just as we do.
Write your letters, but be respectful. Shop elsewhere for auto parts and supplies; I will, too. Meantime, I wonder: What are this store's other employees and other Autozone employees doing to help their new hero? Are they still showing up for work unarmed, or are they standing with Mr. McLean, forcing store shutdowns by refusing to report for work until the action is reversed? And what are we as THR members doing to directly aid of our fellows who finds himself unemployed three weeks before Christmas?
