The list of businesses dropping the NRA is growing
No, no, no; Dick’s take is so much bigger than that. Dick’s did not aim at the NRA, Dick’s took DIRECT ACTION, changing their own gun sale policies and calling on politicians to change the laws. (That’s the TL;DR.)
Dick’s Sporting Goods has said:
“We at DICK’S Sporting Goods are deeply disturbed and saddened by the
tragic events in Parkland. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the
victims and their loved ones.But thoughts and prayers are not enough.
We have tremendous respect and admiration for the students organizing
and making their voices heard regarding gun violence in schools and
elsewhere in our country.We have heard you. The nation has heard you.
We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and
appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are
responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem
that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the
lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of
America – our kids.Following all of the rules and laws, we sold a shotgun to the
Parkland shooter in November of 2017. It was not the gun, nor type of
gun, he used in the shooting. But it could have been. Clearly this indicates on so many levels that the systems in place are not effective to protect our kids and our citizens. We believe it’s time to do something about it.Beginning today, DICK’S Sporting Goods is committed to the following:
- We will no longer sell assault-style rifles, also referred to as
modern sporting rifles. We had already removed them from all DICK’S
stores after the Sandy Hook massacre, but we will now remove them from
sale at all 35 Field & Stream stores.- We will no longer sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age.
We will no longer sell high capacity magazines.- We never have and never will sell bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly.
At the same time, we implore our elected officials to enact common sense gun reform and pass the following regulations:
- Ban assault-style firearms
- Raise the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21
- Ban high capacity magazines and bump stocks
- Require universal background checks that include relevant mental health information and previous interactions with the law
- Ensure a complete universal database of those banned from buying firearms
- Close the private sale and gun show loophole that waives the necessity of background checks
We hope others join us in this effort to let our kids know that their pleas are being taken seriously.Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland
will never happen again. They may be correct – but if common sense
reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth
it.We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe.
Sincerely,
Edward W. Stack
Chairman & CEO
DICK’S Sporting Goods”
