[Hard Way]

The following is the text of the email I just sent to Leatherman:

Tim,

I am in need of a new multi-tool, due to loss of my old one. I'm a part-time rancher, shade-tree mechanic, and volunteer firefighter. I was set to buy the "Wave".

I could not believe what I read today, that you are endorsing Kerry Edwards. Holy cow, what a statement! Oh well, Gerber makes a pretty good tool too.

[Osage Orange]

Here's the following e-mail I just rec'd from Tim Leatherman. Appears like he got a alot of negative e-mails..!! Hehehehe....( BOLD IS MINE..)

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.

------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Kerry / Edwards

To Whom it May Concern:

I just read that the Leatherman Co. and it's owner is supporting Kerry / Edwards in this years election.

You just lost a customer....and I will be very vocal in letting my friends and family members know where you stand.

You are certainly free to spend your money however you see fit.........And so am I.

Sincerely,

Osage Orange

[eaglesiniowa]

What's the email address? I want to send him a note that basically says I know a lot of military types - both from my service time and my son's - and I want them all to know this guy's stand and let them buy from Gerber.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Oh well, Gerber makes a pretty good tool too.

I switched to a Gerber 2 years ago, and I like it alot better than the old leatherman I had.

[Buzwardo]

I received the following from Columbia Sportsware after emailing them a letter of complaint:

Thank you for taking the time to contact Columbia Sportswear and share your concerns regarding a recent article about executives offering presidential candidate support.

Please let me assure that Columbia Sportswear is a bi-partisan and public company that doesn’t affiliate with political candidates or organizations. However, as an outdoor company we are concerned with outdoor issues that effect the environment and our consumer’s ability to enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, we’ve ensured that Columbia representatives have been in attendance during each candidate’s visit to the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, the article that announced our support for the Kerry campaign was a misprint and should have only announced personal support for Kerry on behalf of Peter Bragdon – a company executive. In addition, it should be noted that other company executives including our CEO and President, Tim Boyle have personally supported the Bush campaign both verbally and monetarily. In conclusion, Columbia Sportswear did not and will not endorse a candidate for President of the United States.

Thanks again for you inquiry and the opportunity to respond to your concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding Columbia Sportswear or our products.

Best wishes,

Kim Schamp
Public Relations Specialist II
503.985.4833 FAX 503.985.5959