More and more Companies are refusing to stay silent as the debate over gun control rages across the United States. Some are taking a stand against the use of assault rifles, such as the AR-15 used in the Parkland school shooting that took away 17 lives. Others are changing the minimum purchase age of firearms as Congress continues to drag its feet on legislation. Finally, some companies are taking the NRA to task.
These are the four biggest companies to make a change or announcement regarding the Gun Debate in the past two weeks.
DICK'S Sporting Goods
On the final day of February - two weeks after the Parkland shooting - DICK'S Sporting Goods joined the list of companies changing their sales practices. They committed to banning assault rifles at remaining stores that didn't remove them following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. They also won't sell firearms anymore to anyone under 21 years of age. High capacity magazines are out as well as the sporting goods store responds to the gun debate.
We deeply believe that this country's most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe. Beginning today, DICK'S Sporting Goods is committed to the following: https://t.co/J4OcB6XJnu pic.twitter.com/BaTJ9LaCYe
— DICK'S Sporting Goods (@DICKS) February 28, 2018
Delta Air Lines
Delta became one of several companies to rebuke the NRA, ending special discounts for members of the pro-gun lobby.
That decision hasn't been met lightly, though. Lawmakers in Georgia - where Delta is based - forced through legislation that punishes Delta for their stance by rejecting a big tax break they were scheduled to receive. That, in turn, will probably affect their business practices, which could affect employment, which could lead to some interesting votes at the midterm election.
GOP lawmakers in Ga. pass bill denying tax break for Delta Air Lines after the company cut ties with National Rifle Association. https://t.co/wazCRZTDpI
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 1, 2018
First National Bank of Omaha
The bank was one of the first to fold under the pressure of anti-NRA protesters. They decided to end a special credit card discount for NRA members.
They claimed "customer feedback" was the reason for the change. Just like with Delta, there has been a counter-protest against the bank, which is more than just a regional company in Nebraska. It's the largest private bank in the entire country, so their stance in the gun debate matters.
Customer feedback has caused us to review our relationship with the NRA. As a result, First National Bank of Omaha will not renew its contract with the National Rifle Association to issue the NRA Visa Card.
— First National Bank (@FNBOmaha) February 22, 2018
FedEx
Unlike most companies in the news, FedEx went the other way in terms of their ties to the NRA. Rather than severing their relationship with the gun lobby, FedEx reaffirmed it.
They claimed that the decision came from an apolitical mentality. That ignores the political nature of the relationship in the first place. Nevertheless, their stance in the gun debate has been lauded by some and torn down by others, including many calling for a boycott.
Dear @FedEx. I will be cancelling my account due to your disgusting cow-towing to the @NRA.
— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) March 1, 2018
