Rifle company executive ousted after announcing Obama support
October 30th, 2008 . by TexasFredWASHINGTON — Montana gunsmith Dan Cooper has been ousted as chief executive of the rifle company that bears his name after pressure from gun owners who are angry that he is supporting Democrat Barack Obama.
Cooper, founder and part owner of Cooper Firearms Inc., told USA TODAY in a story published Tuesday that he has voted for Republicans for most of his life, but he is backing Obama “probably because of the war. And also because the Republican Party has moved so far right in recent years.” Cooper said he was attracted to the Democrat’s message about “the retooling of America, which involves the building of middle-class jobs and helping American small business be competitive with those overseas.”
Cooper contributed $3,300 to Obama’s presidential campaign, according to election records complied by the non-partisan CQ MoneyLine.
The USA TODAY article sparked outrage from some gun owners and bloggers, including an open letter on a blog called Firearms and Freedom, urging people to boycott the company’s products. Many gun enthusiasts believe Obama will try to restrict their right to bear arms, although he has said he respects the Second Amendment.
The company posted a statement Wednesday night on its website that said:
“The employees, shareholders and board of directors of Cooper Firearms of Montana do not share the personal political views of Dan Cooper. Although we all believe everyone has a right to vote and donate as they see fit, it has become apparent that the fallout may affect more than just Mr. Cooper. It may also affect the employees and the shareholders of Cooper Firearms. The board of directors has asked Mr. Cooper to resign as President.”
Full Story Here:
Rifle company executive ousted after announcing Obama support
And to the company I say KUDOS, it’s about time people took issues such as this to heart!!
Just because a person claims to be pro guns and pro 2nd amendment doesn’t necessarily make it an absolute that they are RIGHT thinking Conservatives, case in point, this story and the donation to the Obama campaign.
U.S. Citizen wrote about this too, Message from Cooper Firearms of Montana, USC didn’t opine on the subject and I am not going to speculate as to his feelings, he can do that here and on his blog, but I have a pretty good idea as to what his feelings are.
Obama is NO friend to gun owners, I don’t care what the words say, the man IS an anti-gun guy, his past actions and speeches attest to that fact. He WILL, almost as soon as he assumes office, assuming that he does win, he will try his level best to infringe on the rights of LEGAL gun owners and sportsmen. He will attempt to reinstate the assault weapons ban, of that there is NO doubt. He will tax guns and ammunition to the point that it will be nearly impossible to afford to go shooting at the range or to go hunting!
Dan Cooper is a gullible idiot. Bob Ricker, executive director of the American Hunters and Shooters Association, which has endorsed Obama, is another gullible idiot. I can’t possibly imagine that any REAL gun person would see supporting Obama as being PRO gun.
Supporting Obama and claiming that you’re PRO gun is about as ridiculous as the accusations that I was against Class III weapons and was advocating more restrictions. Sheer stupidity reigns supreme in this election cycle…
Someone had a sign up that said:
A gun guy voting for Obama makes as much sense as a pig voting for Farmer John…
KUDOS to the Rifle Company and when I can get my cash UNSTRAPPED, I will be looking into their product line.
David Codrea (War on Guns) points out that we don’t have enough information yet to be certain that Dan Cooper won’t still benefit financially from sales of Cooper rifles, and turn around and use that money to support liberty destroying politicians.
A gun owner supporting Obama is like a chicken supporting Col. Sanders.
Also, gun sales are increasing at the threat of an Obama presidency.
http://hillbuzz.wordpress.com/2008/10/29/this-is-fascinating-gun-sales-increase-could-predict-obama-defeat/
“Cooper contributed $3,300 to Obama’s presidential campaign, according to election records complied by the non-partisan CQ MoneyLine.”
That’s either a typo, or a clear violation of campaign contribution rules that limit donations to $2,300.00
Investigation???
A gun owner supporting Obama is like, well like a Pro Lifer supporting Obama….the connections just can’t be made.
As one of my commentors on my post about it, “it’s like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders”. Glad to see many good blog posts like this on it.
More gun owners hopefully know where to shop now.
I know I won’t be buying any Cooper products. Ousted or not, he still will stay on as a shareholder and will reap any profits from the company. (or losses)
This may relate to a post @ Ol’ Broad - See ref “spread the wealth”
thanks Fred
Mr. Ol Broad
Hey Charley!! Good to see you man, don’t be a stranger…
I agree, he will still have a load of stock. If he sells out, well then I will reconsider.
Looks to me like words and actions have consequences. And his quote about Republicans “too far right”?? They’re not “right” ENOUGH!!
BZ
Gawfer I thought that too, but it’s only per election per se, so $2300 for the primary, $2300 for the general, you can give per candidate ,
unless of coarse your a Muslim in a cave for Obama, then you can give as much as your stolen credit card number will allow.
As for the Obama loving unemployed CEO, I say don’t let Barney Frank get you in the a** on your way out the door….