DC's Mayor, Marion Barry, has stated in the past that he is determined to eliminate guns from our community.  Maybe His Honor should meet with Safeway Inc. Managers.  Our local  Safeway (the only Grocery Store in my local community) sells gun magazines.  In fairness, the Store Manager, Mr. R. Cofield is determined to rid his store of the material, but Safeway Inc. does not seem to understand.

During a previous conversation with Mr. Cofield, I expressed my dismay at the insensitivity of Safeway selling gun magazines in an area of DC rife with murder by illegal guns.  Mr. Cofield (a Black Man) not only understood and supported my position, he removed the material from his shelves and asked that I remove any others I find during future visits.

Per our verbal agreement, over the years (3 or 4), I have deposited said magazines to the Manager's booth, and explained Mr. Cofield's request.   Recently, I have begun to notice an influx of Bow and Arrow Magazines, while noting the decrease in gun magazines.

Why is it necessary for me, or anyone else, to inspect the magazine rack of an alleged respectable nation wide chain grocery store?  There is something insidious in a major grocery chain selling weapon magazines in a community rife with gun related crimes.  And by the way, will we start seeing bow and arrow murders in the 'hood?  How many inner city people hunt with bow and arrows?  Why are those magazines in inner-city DC?

I urge all to inspect their Safeway, Farm Fresh, Giant, A&P, etc.,  grocery chains for this offensive material.  If found, make your thoughts and objections known to the Store Manager and get their name.

If resistance is shown, the next step should be a letter writing campaign to your local  Senior Vice President.  Dr. Calvin Rolark said "Only we can save ourselves".  This wise Brother understood what The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and others have taught.  We are responsible for our community.  If we do not clean it up, who will?
 

Feel free to use or adapt the following letter.

Jim Donald
Senior Vice President
Division Manager
Safeway Inc.
4551 Forbes Blvd
Lanham MD 20706
 

Mr. Donald;

In a community plagued with crime and death, it is insensitive for Safeway, INC., or any other grocery store to sell gun, rifle, or bow and arrow magazines.  This is the last type of material needed in the Metro DC area.  I am sure you are aware of the number of gun related crimes and death we are currently experiencing.  I am also sure you, the board members, and share holders of Safeway Inc. stock would be very concerned if it was able to be proven that a weapon used in a crime was purchased through a magazines purchased in your store.

Guns, Rifle, Soldier of Fortune, or any other weapon selling magazines are offensive and deadly to our community, and I urge you to immediately cease it's distribution.

Tyree