Posted on 09/14/2019 9:20:27 AM PDT by Callan
The chief executives of major US companies sent Senate leaders a letter on Thursday, urging Congress to expand background checks on all gun sales and issue stronger “red flag” laws. The letter, first shared by the New York Times, is backed by 145 CEOs of well-known retailers, technology companies, and financial institutions, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Levi Strauss, Reddit, Twitter, and Uber.
The move demonstrates how top corporate leaders are taking a united stance toward gun violence in the wake of recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Gun violence is “a public health crisis that demands urgent action,” the executives wrote in the letter, adding that they have a responsibility and obligation to stand up for the safety of their employees, customers, and people across the country.
“Gun violence in America is not inevitable; it’s preventable,” they continued. “There are steps Congress can, and must, take to prevent and reduce gun violence.”
Recent polls show that Americans across party lines support initiatives that could curb gun violence: A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll shows bipartisan support — even among a majority of gun owners — for increased funding for mental health screenings and treatment, universal background checks, red flag laws, and requiring gun licenses. A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll also showed similar results, with 86 percent of Americans supporting extreme risk “red flag” laws that allow guns to be taken from people deemed a danger to themselves or others.
Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, told NPR that “the congressional crowd is very much out of step with where public opinion is on [gun control].” In the Thursday letter sent to Congress, executives maintained that their requests are in line with public opinion: “These proposals are common-sense, bipartisan and widely supported by the American public.”
However, companies are aware of the potential for backlash, Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh told the New York Times. “This has been spun by the N.R.A. as we’re trying to repeal the Second Amendment,” Bergh said. “Nothing is further from the truth.”
When Dick’s Sporting Goods decided to stop selling assault-style weapons and raise the gun-purchasing age to 21 last year, the retailer was threatened by customer boycotts online and reported slow sales. But it’s recently seen strong earnings — which suggests that brief spat of outrage had no long-lasting impact on the company, according to the Washington Post.
While Congress is deadlocked between the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-held House of Representatives (which has passed a universal background checks bill and introduced legislation on an assault weapons ban), corporate actions appear to be more effective — or at the very least proactive — in reducing the possibility of gun violence. In today’s highly politicized environment, brands have become markedly more explicit about their views.
Last week, Walmart announced it will reduce gun sales in stores nationwide: The retailer will stop selling short-barrel rifle ammunition, handgun ammunition, and handguns in Alaska (the last state where Walmart has them available). It will also ask customers to stop openly carrying guns in its stores as well as at Sam’s Club, even in states where open carry is legal. Retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger also joined Walmart, asking shoppers to not openly carry firearms in stores.
Gun violence has emerged as one of the nation’s most pressing political issues, according to public opinion. And while lawmakers can’t seem to come to a consensus, it seems as if some corporate leaders have: It is time for the Senate to take action.
Ah, a good list of businesses to avoid, shun, belittle, and f*rt in the general direction of.
All potential algorist hypocrites. It’s good that they identified themselves. I’m sad that I won’t be wearing Levis in the future, but you know, I can probably find some LL Beans or Carhartts to take their place.
I think one of the most insidious trends from the Left is demanding that everyone make politics personal. Instead of letting companies and individuals make public whatever they do best, the Left demands you reveal your personal political and social opinions and then proceeds to punish or reward you depending on political correctness. Now, of course a lot of people are more than willing to speak up but I believe a lot of companies, entertainers, artists and authors would prefer to avoid politics. I know I would were I in the public eye. It is tainting every corner of society today.
Sure, let’s implement more of the laws that have failed to prevent this problem, and make law abiding citizens even more vulnerable to these lunatics.
We should find 300 ceo’s that demanding no new gun control laws.
Fools Against Guns.
FAGs, for short.
Why do people here believe it will be different when they take over?
It is not a matter of gun violence but violence of all types wrought by the insane and enemies of the state. Restrict guns and leave the populace defenseless against these elements.
Thanks for the link!
It made for interesting reading.
The names on that list...color me underwhelmed.
That is what they are after. Read the Communists Goals from the 1920s. The total and complete disarming of the public to render them unable to defend themselves. And the sheep fall into the trap everytime. They swallow the bait hook, line , and sinker. From mouth to asshole. This time will be no different. The only question remaining to be answered is which bait will they use.
“...I can probably find some LL Beans or Carhartts to take their place.”
And they’re way better pants, too.
They remind me of the CEO in ROLLERBALL.
Vast majority of these are nobody nothing companies that will be out of business in 5 years. Levis I don’t by. Über I don’t use. Dicks will file for bankruptcy in a few years Twitter, Redit and Pintrest are bulletin boards and nothing more. But seeing what a bunch of weak kneed Pussys we have elected, they my cave. Who knows. I do know that these companies overwealmingly support DNC mutts and causes.
Put one of these over Chicago to track/catch possible suspects/murderers.. Stay away from 2A.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13BahrdkMU8
Issue a red flag on the entire city of Chicago.
CEOs? Oh, you mean big donors ready to line congresscritters’ pockets.
These multinational corporations can kiss my American ass. I will be reading that list and purchase accordingly.
Even if you outlawed guns today, with 300 million or so currently in the US, how long would it take to round them all up? And how would you do it? House to house search? And chances are the criminals would end up with most of what is left. Not a good idea. Remember prohibition? That law was well observed was ‘t It?
Does anyone seriously believe these CEOs give a damned about gun violence on the common people, aka the public? Their expressed concern is more than likely based on their own personal safety concerns from the common citizens.
“Why do people believe it will be different when they take over?”
I don’t. I subscribe to the notion that man in his or her normal state is fallen, venal, self-centered, power-hungry, and evil until they are changed through the grace of God. Since Leftists have purged God from their acceptable sphere of influence, they remain as above. And “public service” does nothing to moderate their natural tendencies other than to empower them to realize their designs. Man is fallible and groups of men and women are just as fallible, if not more so.
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