Posted on 10/06/2004 7:17:33 PM PDT by Republican Extremist
Regarding this thread http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1231976/posts, where I outlined Leatherman Tools support of the treasonous John Kerry, I received this e-mail from them today:
Dear Sir or Madam:
I assure you I have personally read your e-mail. However, due to the volume of messages received, I cannot give a personalized response to each to you.
However, here in a nutshell is a general response:
Because I publicly stated how I am going to cast my vote, almost all of you have threatened a boycott against my company.
So be it.
I took a position, and now I will accept the consequences.
I am still going to do my absolute best to make great tools and hope that you and all Americans, of every political affiliation, will find them of value. If not today, someday. Tim Leatherman President Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
I just double checked my comment on the leatherman being issued to the Army troops and saw I was wrong. It is a Gerber product that is being issued.
I apologize to the Leatherman fella I called a war profiteer and now am happy to say he isn't getting a dime from Iraq and just like France, Russia, and Germany won't be getting any of my tax dollars.
Bought a Leatherman years ago and hardly ever use it because Gerber is better.
Interesting read.
More on Leatherman Tools endorsing Kerry
I will never buy one of his products, and he can take it to the bank.
Several years ago I bought Mr. FourPeas a Gerber. It's a great tool. He's been very happy with it.
Dear Sir,
You are of course free to express whatever opinion you like - even if it does cost you your company.
Why can't these fools just keep their opinions to themselves, just shut up and sing do business (so to speak)
I was in a mechanized infantry unit in the mid 70s (retired from the Army in 1992). Somebody had a leatherman and tried to use it on a bolt in the engine compartment. The bolt won and the leatherman broke off. Since then I've never bought nor used one. I don't trust them. They aren't "G.I. Proof" and are, thus, useless in the field. I needed tools 100% working 100% of the time.
Me too. Has Mr. Gerber announced how he is going to vote?
I think there is something distasteful about boycotting businesses simply because of the political views(and contributions) of their officers. Rich people and corporate leaders have a right to their opinions--even when they differ tan mine.
And I sure hate the practice I'm seeing of people asking for boycotts on no evidence (starbucks) or to get even with policies that are prudent at law (Costco).
I think Some are taking this a bit far. Why should Someone's business fail because they support or endorse a certain candidate? this is America... he should be able to vote for the wrong candidate if he wants to.
It just seems ridiculous to want a great American company to fail because the CEO is a lib.
Never owned a Leatherman, but my brother gave me a Gerber multi-tool for Christmas 2 years ago. It came with the pocketknife, which I use on a daily basis. Brother is on his 3rd, wore 2 out, but still swears by them.. So do I....
Can't argue with that. I don't like his decision, but I do like his honesty.
Just sent this e-mail:
Dear Mr. Leatherman,
I was very disappointed to hear of your endorsement of John Kerry. As a result, the Leatherman Wave I carry on my belt is the last Leatherman I will own. Also, I will no longer give several Leathermans a year as gifts.
You may wish to research what happened to Smith & Wesson when they practiced politics repugnant to their customers.
I hope that you will reconsider and apologize for your decision. If not, I suspect you will find that you need your customers more than they need you.
Sincerely,
[Slings and Arrows]
The Leatherman Super Tool is a whole lot heavier than an original Leatherman -- hold them side by side and there's really no comparison. My Super Tool has always stood up to the abuse from this GI so far.
Remember that Leatherman is headquartered in a VERY LIBERAL STATE RUN BY LIBERALS TRADITIONALLY FOR A VERY LONG TIME --- (Oregon). I would submit that his announcement was purely political (brilliant, right?) to provide some favor for his company's status in Oregon.
A state which continues to drive businesses out through their liberal goverment agenda --- a mini-California, if you will.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.