Just walked away...

[Paladin132]

I went shopping in Knoxville for new clothes. I have been very fortunate to be hired full time after three years and need a few more nicer shirts and pants. As I approached the door, carefree and looking forward to buying three or four of each and then going home for the WVU kickoff I was stopped dead in my tracks as I was denied service, as well as entry to the East Town Mall.

I have not been there I suppose in forever and only once that I can think of. It was nearly abandoned this morning, but there at the door I was barred entry.

I felt offended. I should not perhaps but I did. I felt violated. I was not bothering anyone, but going through my life.

I was stopped by a small red sticker that told me that entry into the premises was relegated to those that forgo their rights to self defense by carrying a legal weapon.

I have heard all the arguments, but let me state if it is a business that is open to the public they should not have the ability without proving intent to harm to charge someone with a felony. Signs should have no force of law.

I was scared. I could have walked by it and been a felon in the same stride as Dahlmer or Hassan and just because I was caught up in enjoying my morning.

Some day those that say well its business they have rights are going to realize that can no longer carry their weapon in a park for a afternoon stroll, into a restaurant for a great meal, or into a store to purchase clothes. It is coming. Seattle is trying to get all business to do it as the council won't pass a law banning weapons.

On that day I will not tell you I mentioned this. Instead I will merely shrug and wish that we had found a better way to convince people that we are not bad people and that we are among then daily - and that criminals do not respect the laws that we do.

[Monkeyman2500]

Law abiding, background checked, tax paying citizen = bad guy.

[china coaster]

Wal-Mart?

[Fallguy]

Not advocate anything, but it wouldn't have been a felony

[Paladin132]

Fallguy, as I understand it in Tennessee that the sign carries with it the force of law and that it is not a misdemeanor. If I am in error I apologize, nearly sure it is though. 

[East_TN_Patriot]

East Town Mall is now posted???  If there is a mall around Knoxville where I feel compelled to carry a firearm, it's that place.  Very unfortunate because I shop there more often than I do West Town.

[East_TN_Patriot]

Fallguy, as I understand it in Tennessee that the sign carries with it the force of law and that it is not a misdemeanor. If I am in error I apologize, nearly sure it is though. 

Per TCA 39-17-1359  "(2) Possession of a weapon on posted property in violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fine only of five hundred dollars ($500)."

 

And, of course, you'll likely lose your carry permit.

[Paladin132]

Hrm... Thanks, I was wrong. Either way, criminal record which is not something I want - and as you say looking your right to carry. 

 

And yes, it is posted now on the main entry next to Belk. I did call and tell the store manager that they had denied me service and that I had intended to purchase some clothing. 

Edited August 31, 2013 by Paladin132

[Dolomite_supafly]

That is a recent posting. It wasn't there a few weeks ago. I too had to go back and put my gun up.

I think from now on I will let any merchant in the mall that is the last time because the property is posted.

[Paladin132]

Please do sir. I think that we should be respectfully vocal about the fact that if lawful gun owners are not welcome, that we get the message. 

 

Anyone have any suggestions around Morristown or Knoxville to buy decent mens business clothing?

[viscero]

Most of my recent clothing buys have been either Walmart, Sams Club, or Amazon.com.  Wally and sams for the lower end more casual stuff and Amazon for the nicer things.

[macville]

Please do sir. I think that we should be respectfully vocal about the fact that if lawful gun owners are not welcome, that we get the message. 

 

Anyone have any suggestions around Morristown or Knoxville to buy decent mens business clothing?

 Kholes has some nice clothes and sometimes great deals on the clearance rack.

[Monkeyman2500]

If they post it I don't shop there. They won't get my business. I really haven't had any problem with that. Maybe I just shop at trashy places. :)

[Clod Stomper]

I wonder if West Town is now posted as well. They're both owned by Simon, I think.

When I rarely go to a mall, I've been going to West Town. The scenery is much nicer.

[runco]

I know I am in the minority, but its rare that I make a purchase at any brick and mortar stores for any merchandise due to issues like above and plus I don't want the hassle.  If it wasn't for perishable groceries, I would buy them online too.  Only internet retailers, local restaurants, gas stations and on an occasion Armslist/Craigslist gets my money.  Maybe society doesn't want me or my money anymore.  When the UPS man says that he can't deliver unless my door has a gun buster sticker, then I know the SHTF has truly happened in my world. :rofl:

[rugerla1]

It's ridiculous that we even have to pay attention to things like this since the ones that will cause the havoc they don't want, will carry right in without a second thought...No inconvenience to them at all.

[VERO1]

I don't think the Morristown mall is posted. I'll check for you when I get over there Sunday.

[Guest nra37922]

Why the heck would anyone go to East Town Mall?  If your familiar with Hickory Harlem Mall you see what East Town is becoming. 

[Paladin132]

It was on the way home to watch football and I wanted some clothes for the coming week is my excuse. 

[daddyo]

I do more and more of my shopping online. Saves gas, time and money. Plus, I don't have to worry about violating silly "gun free" zones.

 

Winning!

[gun sane]

It's amazing how crossing the threshold of a posted store, bank, school or government building will transform you from a law-abiding citizen into a potential mass murderer.

[Mike.357]

walk into the mall through Sears.  I don't think they are posted.  And therefore other postings don't seem legal.

[Clod Stomper]

walk into the mall through Sears. I don't think they are posted. And therefore other postings don't seem legal.

That's what I do. But the only reason I go to East Town mall anymore is to get a haircut. Last time I suggested to her that she move somewhere else.

[Guest nra37922]

Not saying to break the law but if you go through Sears and carry well concealed who's to know?  Course with the East Town area you're outgunned anyhow unless you carry like Voldemort,and even then.....

[10-Ring]

You are not breaking the law.  IIRC every entrance must be posted.  Sounds to me like East Town is improperly posted.  I lived over that way for a few months, I wouldn't go anywhere in that area unarmed.