Starbucks had been trying to play Switzerland in the gun debate by being aggressively neutral and serving everyone.

Now we have an open letter from their CEO asking for people not to bring guns into their stores.

Few topics in America generate a more polarized and emotional debate than guns. In recent months, Starbucks stores and our partners (employees) who work in our stores have been thrust unwillingly into the middle of this debate. That’s why I am writing today with a respectful request that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas.

I can understand Starbucks wanting to get out of this debate, but caving in isn’t the answer. The gun rights faction is surprisingly fickle with their dollars and they have long memories. (Ask S&W and Ruger about overcoming the effects of their previous stances).