Rifle maker bounces boss who supports Obama

[Newsjock]

Source: USA Today

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, 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."

... In a portion of the interview that was not included in Tuesday's story, Cooper said, "I don't believe that what's being said about Obama and his policies about guns are accurate. I have had a conversation with the senator … he is a stanch supporter of the right to hunt and the right to bear arms."

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."

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-30-gun-ceo-ousted_N.htm

[MrScorpio]

1. Never ask the question, "How stupid can right wingers get?"

The answer morphs better than anything

[saigon68]

43. Cooper makes one of the best products in the world

Oh well. I'm sure he'll start another company

[roguevalley]

58. ask him to resign? I wouldn't.. Perhaps they need some emails.

[LynnTheDem]

2. I assume all employees understood the threat; support a (D) and yer out.

It's way past time the thugs get beaten black and ...BLUE.

[jeff30997]

3. It's simple:

If you are a gun owner and supporting Obama then boycott Cooper Firearms co.

[Duke Newcombe]

12. Co-signed...in flippin' full!!

Great rifles, stupid company. None of my lucre will they get. EV-ER.

[Mojorabbit]

14. Send them a note

telling them so.
[e-mail]
Let them know there are a lot of Dems who support the second amendment. It is unamerican for something like this to happen.

[eagertolearn]

19. I've been saying this same thing and have even responded to the NRA

challenging them on all their crap they have been saying about Obama and guns. It is obviously GOP backed because they are so into the scare tactics and the "threats" of Obama to their right to bare arms. This is so ridiculous! Another right wing group who has been fooled by their leaders. My husband and son have guns and hunt and they are very liberal! There is no way that my husband would ever join the NRA. He is very insulted by all the crap the are shoveling out to their members (when I wrote them an e-mail I got on the e-mail list and it is so full of the scare tactics to the extreme).

[BlueCollar]

35. done...n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Wow..and these are the same people who are afraid that Obama is going to shred the Constitution???

What the hell does one call it when one's political views can cost someone their job....or the CEO job of a company he helped found?

Kind of brings to mind what happened to Chris Buckley...so what if his father founded the magazine. Kick him out if he is not reciting the party line...

:wow:

[napi21]

5. As CEO and part owner, can't he just fire all the stupid ungrateful employees?

There aren't many people who love their guns more than my husband, but the other day he said "If I didn't have a lofetime membership in the NRA, I'd tell them to GTH!" The NRA & people like those at this cun company are talking like insane people!

[Chulanowa]

9. It's the shareholders, not the employees

My step-grandfather stands staunch by the Republicans because the Democrats "want to take my guns". He dropped that line at the dinner table once and I looked him in the eye, and told him "Karl, I've seen your guns. We would need a power chisel to get through all the rust that's fused them to their display hooks"

[Robb]

41. LOL!

My buddy's wife said "Maybe we'll get lucky and Obama will take your guns," referring to her husband's awful collection of sub-standard, poorly-maintained and rarely-out-of-the-safe hunting rifles. :D

[Bake]

50. The CEO reports to the board of directors.

Only the board has the power to fire a CEO. Now, the CEO usually nominates his pals to the board, and they are elected by the shareholders. Hence most CEOs are well-entrenched.

Bake

[immoderate]

6. Can't make this stuff up.

--IMM

[tularetom]

7. That's a shame - I met Dan Cooper some years ago

I bought a "Varminter" 17 caliber rifle to control gophers that were digging up my pasture. Being left handed there were not many quality small caliber bolt action rifles available. I'd have to say it's one of the finest guns I've ever owned. Later we were driving through Montana and I happened to see a sign that said Cooper Firearms so I stopped went in and talked to a guy in the office who turned out to be Dan Cooper himself. I had no idea he was an Obama supporter (in fact I had never heard of Obama myself at the time) but I was impressed with his customer relations skills and courtesy to take time to talk with me.

I have e mailed the company to inform them of my disappointment in their action. They need to know that not all gun owners are a bunch of narrow minded troglodytes. I told them I was disappointed that they held such a low opinion of their customers and I was personally insulted by their action.

[Mojorabbit]

10. They make a rifle

hubby wants for Christmas. I am going to email them too. Hubby is not getting it after all.

[Cha]

83. Put your money or not where your

heart is!

Is there no recourse for Dan Cooper? Like after Obama becomes president and doesn't take away their guns?

[OffWithTheirHeads]

8. Well, I love my guns but guess which guns I won't be buying

Cooper (not that I've ever heard of them) will not be getting my dollars.

[Adam42069gc]

11. Asshats!!

Pathetic ass nutjobs!!! Maybe they should pray for him...LMAO

[Laelth]

69. Welcome to DU!

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Sodbuster]

13. I had not heard of this company either but if Mr. Cooper sets up another

firearms company I would definitely think about buying one of his rifles.
So a guy works his life building a company and you support someone on the wrong side and he gets shitcanned?
Free speech as long as you agree with the politburo eh repugs?
Bastards.....

[awoke_in_2003]

18. I agree...

Dan Cooper is a big name, he will get backing.

[Greyhound]

81. All that $$ they get for going public isn't free, he sold control of the company when he took it.n/t

[susanwy]

15. Bummer

Makes a fine rifle, but we won't be buying one again. I'll drop them an email as well. If I'm not mistaken, Cooper got in trouble a couple of years ago for questioning the NRA's stance against ANY common sense gun regulations. He had to fight to keep his job then!

One of the proudest moments of my life was watching my Dad tear up his life long NRA card and send them a letter telling them to stuff it. He was fed up with their absolute defense of the flooding of cheap handguns into the country and their support of the foreign companies that produced the junk guns.

[Mojorabbit]

17. The sad thing

is this part of the statement on the website
"Dan Cooper has spent all of his working life producing the highest quality rifles built here in the USA. He started with nothing but the American Dream and built that into firearms company anyone would be proud of. We firmly believe Dan stands by the 2nd amendment.
We wish him all of the best in his future pursuits."

This man built this business and because some website got all upset about his interview and wrote the company, he loses it all. I am a Dem and proud gun owner and this really really upsets me.

[susanwy]

54. CORRECTION

It was hunter Jim Zumbo that got in trouble with the NRA after he publicly criticized the use of military-style assault rifles by hunters, especially those gunning for prairie dogs. He was fired from his job and denounced by the NRA.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022301709_pf.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022301709_pf.html

Another bone head move by the NRA, kinda shot themselves in the foot as this guy really promoted responsible hunting. Hunting is a dying sport and the NRA would do well to promote that NOT get everyone fired who disagrees with ANYTHING they say. I myself sighted in a few rifles in my day on a prairie dog or two, but I know what he means. It has become a blood sport with people going out and popping off 30-40 at a time.

[krispos42]

16. What's next, loyalty oaths?

And how, pray tell, are the gun makers going to be able to afford guns under McCain???

Credit card? :rofl:

[llmart]

40. That's what's so stupid about these gun owners......

they can't even see the connection between the fact that people can't afford to buy their stupid guns and whatever else they sell because the Repukes have totally trashed the economy. And make no mistake about it - it's not the wealthy people who buy these guns. Most of them are just middle class wage earners who no longer earn a wage.

And what can you say about the NRA except for they need to go away too. I remember when the first Bush denounced his membership because of their "jack booted thugs" comment. However, knowing him, he probably just said he did.

[Mojorabbit]

45. The custom versions

of these guns are real pricey. I know because I have been saving up for one for my husband. The finished product is almost like jewelry in workmanship.

[BlueMTexpat]

20. The "employees, shareholders and board of directors" are very short-sighted.

Here are some gun owners who see beyond the tip of the muzzle and realize that there are bigger issues involved (h/t to Left in the West). Thus, they support Obama and see no dichotomy in so doing.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/general/news/story?id=3670834

These individuals are not only gun owners, but "sportsmen." I am not now nor have I ever been a gun owner, but I have plenty of family members who are and who use and maintain them responsibly.

[Mojorabbit]

38. I have already emailed them

but someone who has not ought to send them this link.

[Laelth]

70. Welcome to DU!

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[KillCapitalism]

21. These people are very ignorant of constitutional law.

I hear quite few gun owners talk about how Obama will have the power to repeal the 2nd Amendment all on his own.:crazy:

[NeoConsSuck]

22. Rifle maker bounces boss who supports Obama

Source: USAToday.com

WASHINGTON — 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, 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.




Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-30-gun-ceo-ousted_N.htm

[sandnsea]

23. Oh man, the hub knows him

Cooper Firearms is in the town we used to live in. He made the guns for a winter Olympic event one year. This is just nuts. I wish I had the money to buy a gun right now. :(

[machI]

24. I don't understand the Republicans and their emphasis on gun issues

Only the Republicans have been making an issue out of guns this election. Obama has stated he will not pursue new gun legislation and hunting firearms will always be safe.

The Republicans are desperate. They are trying to manufacture wedge issues this year from dead ones out of the past.

[pipoman]

28. Got a link?

I have never seen Obama say, "he will not pursue new gun legislation". Had he said that, in no uncertain terms, I doubt we would be seeing this story. He has stated support for a new assault weapons ban and has made statements suggesting that urban areas should have different gun regulations than rural areas. If he has stated 'he will not pursue new gun legislation', that is news. The rank and file of the Democratic party don't believe gun control legislation is a priority or even should be in the platform (as it is), new gun legislation = a replay of 1994 in 2010.

[susanwy]

53. I don't have a link, but

I seem to recall him stating this after the recent Supreme Court ruling in the DC gun ban case. That case changes things, in that it will be much tougher now to have different gun regulations in urban areas.

IMHO, the answer lies in stopping the import of the cheap handguns and semi-automatics (that can be easily modified into full automatics) from foreign companies and the destruction of every firearm used in a crime. That way you get the guns that are traded outside of the law and used in inner city crime off the streets.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

62. You've got your facts wrong.

Semi-automatics, that can be easily modified into full automatics, are already illegal, can't be imported and are treated as machine guns in the eyes of the law.

David

[susanwy]

64. I disagree

a semi-skilled gunsmith can modify the civilian versions of semi-automatics to increase the magazine size or make them fully automatic, especially on the cheaper weapons. This WAS, of course ILLEGAL with the Assault Weapons Ban of 2004, but it didn't stop that from happening once the weapon was imported.

In fact, the EXPIRED Assault Weapons Ban did not outlaw fully-automatic weapons, only those models that met certain criteria like size of magazine or that could be switched between fully and semi-automatic. The AWB also limited the magazine size of semi-automatic and fully-automatic weapons not specifically banned and specifically banned the import of certain magazine parts.

Nineteen models of firearms were defined by name as being "assault weapons". Various semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns were classified as "assault weapons" due to having various combinations of features. But, as usual these cheap gun manufactures found away around the ban, which expired and has not been re-instated.

In March 2004, Kristen Rand, the legislative director of the Violence Policy Center, criticized the soon-to-expire ban by stating "The 1994 law in theory banned AK-47s, MAC-10s, UZIs, AR-15s and other assault weapons. Yet the gun industry easily found ways around the law and most of these weapons are now sold in post-ban models virtually identical to the guns Congress sought to ban in 1994."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_Weapons_Ban#Definition_of_assault_weapon

I say, cut off the imports of these cheap weapons and the parts to modify them, and regulate the production of any kind of automatic weapons in the US. I think that the AWB was somewhat effective and I'd like to see some form of it back in place. But, it was also easily circumvented and the NRA and gun manufacturers will find ways around any ban. I think the answer lies more with just limiting the sale of them to registered gun owners and cutting off the supply from cheap imports of all guns that seem to always end up ILLEGALLY in the hands of criminals. These companies make millions off the misery of others. If we spent as much money stopping the flow of illegal guns as we do the war on drugs, we'd be a much better off.

My brother-in-law owns several legal semi and automatic rifles and handguns and is a competition target shooter and derives enjoyment from this perfectly legitimate sport.

[pipoman]

66. It is an urban myth

virtually all "assault weapons" available are absolutely not convertible into fully automatic without the same level of skill and equipment that it would take to make one out of raw steel. Using quotes from "Kristen Rand, the legislative director of the Violence Policy Center" is no different than if I try to support some absurd contention using Wayne LaPierre of the NRA. The VPC web site is so chock full of lies it makes the NRA web site look like gospel truth. How about we look at someone who really knows? How about 20 year San Jose, CA police armorer, an LA County Armor, and the Director of the BATFE? Take 11 minutes to understand the issue. If you think these experts are full of it I am interested to hear why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTjBxW6Df_A

Los Angeles Detective Jimmy Trahin testifying before the California State Assembly,"in my 12 years within the unit, considering the enormous amount of firearms we have taken into custody, and that's over 50,000 I would say, and these include ones from the hardcore gangs and the drug dealers, our unit has never, ever had one ak47 converted, one Ruger Mini 14 converted, an H&K 8193...never converted, an AR180 never converted, so this media blitz of these military style assault weapons being converted to fully automatic is not true."

Don't believe him? Find one story about any criminal being caught with a converted semi auto to automatic weapon. Can't find any? Why not just outlaw the raising of unicorns too.

If a conversion did take place, the holder of the weapon would face 10 years in prison for each gun and for each prohibited part not yet assembled.

Look, I can understand where you are coming from, but you have been mislead by people like Ms. Rand and the VPC. The whole bit about outlawing lower end guns is the equivalent of the Saturday night special crack down of the 1970's. There were no results beyond making self defense much more difficult for poor people who can't afford a $1,000 gun. It is not much different than a poll tax, making exercise of rights cost prohibitive for the poor.

[susanwy]

75. I'll give you the point

on the Rand quote, not the best choice to support my argument.

But, the point was that gun manufactures altered the banned weapons to remove the restrictions and make them legal again. I still believe that the AWB was poorly written and that cheap weapons can be modified. I can't speak to statistics on the numbers or if they are used in a crime.

As far as putting cheap weapons out of the hands of poor people who wish them for self defense, well I think the benefit to society of getting these weapons off the street outweighs the risk of increasing the cost of weapons to the point the poor can't legally afford them. Follow the money, someone is making a lot of money selling guns to people who shouldn't have them (not just the US but the world in general) and if we can affect the flow of these cheap weapons then that would be a good thing (Lord of War, Nicholas Cage, is one of my favorite movies). But, the gun manufacturers and the NRA (and their lobby) don't want the profit to stop. I'm a strong believer in the second amendment not because I think gun ownership should have common sense regulations, it is because I don't trust my government (the last eight years has been a good example why).

BTW - ammunition is more expensive today than actually buying a gun. This is making it tougher for younger people of more modest means to completion shoot.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

76. How much ammo are we talking about buying?

[susanwy]

80. Over time competition shooters

go through a lot of ammo and costs have risen about 20% this year alone. Thus, making it harder for middle income people to be involved in the sport. Of course getting started the rifle or handgun is expensive, but over time you'll spend much more on ammo if compete in the sport.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

82. I know of very few competition shooters who don't reload.

and they are all sponsored.

David

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

73. Your brother in law must be extremely wealthy.

You are right about 1 thing the AWB did not outlaw fully automatic weapons. The National Firearms Act of 1934 regulates automatic weapons. All NFA items must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Private owners wishing to purchase an NFA item must obtain permission from the ATF, obtain a signature from the county sheriff or city or town chief of police (not necessarily permission), pass an extensive background check to include submitting a photograph and finger prints, fully register the firearm, receive ATF written permission before moving the firearm across state lines, and pay a tax.

David

[susanwy]

74. Actually he is quite wealthy

and has passed all required checks, travels around the country competing in competition shooting.

And had voted republican all his life, except this year, he is voting for Obama!

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

77. Organized competitions using automatic weapons?

[susanwy]

79. No

automatic weapons are not used in shooting completions. But, some of the weapons banned in the AWB were used in competition.

I double checked with my brother-in-law and he has not owned a fully automatic weapon (i.e. one that could be switched from semi to fully automatic) since 1994, when the AWB took effect.

I stand corrected.

[aquart]

25. What "gun owners believe" has so little relationship to reality

That I personally don't feel comfortable knowing they have guns.

[Demeter]

33. That Is My Queasiness, in the Nutshell!

That, and the very unhealthy attitudes they express towards owning a weapon designed to kill, and their attitudes towards abstract People, in general.

[Xipe Totec]

26. Joe the Gunsmith - Victim of Republican hate mongering n/t

[pipoman]

30. Joe Biden - author of assault weapons ban #1 and current assault weapons senate bill n/t

[Xipe Totec]

49. Cooper makes assault weapons?

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

61. Why would you assume that?

[Xipe Totec]

63. Not assuming, asking

Since the reply to my previous post mentioned assault weapons.

Otherwise, why bring it up in the context of Cooper Rifle? :shrug:

[pipoman]

67. Maybe I misunderstood you

but it sounded like you were saying that people who believe Obama/Biden will attempt to enact/support gun control legislation are merely "Victim(s) of Republican hate mongering". I don't know if Cooper makes any scary looking guns or not but it is (or should be) apparent that Obama/Biden do support gun control legislation as part of the Democratic platform and based on their past voting/legislative records. People who believe this issue is important are probably not going to buy guns from Cooper because of this public admission by the company CEO. A historical example would be Smith & Wesson's financial beating for making a deal with the Clinton Administration and building their guns with internal locks.

[Xipe Totec]

68. The CEO is Joe the Gunsmith

He's the one who got canned for his political beliefs.

This is thrashing the first amendment for the sake of the second.

Not a good trade in my opinion.

For the record, I support the constitution. ALL of it. That includes the first and second amendment.

I also happen to be a hunter and I'll be damned it I will ever buy a gun from Cooper rifle after this.

[Laelth]

71. I hear ya, but the 1st Amendment didn't get trashed.

The 1st Amendment says the government can't make a law that abridges the freedom of speech. The Cooper Company is not the government, and no law was passed that forbade Mr. Cooper from speaking (or donating money, which the SCOTUS says is speech). The company made an economic decision. They didn't want to take a financial beating (like Smith & Wesson did) due to the fact that their CEO supported a gun-controlling Democrat. This company is free to make that (probably wise) economic decision, and they didn't violate anyone's rights when they made it.

I agree that it stinks, but the Constitution was not violated.

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[TomInTib]

27. Company statement (and they make damned fine rifles)

http://www.cooperfirearms.com/

These guys make rifles that can flat-out group (affordable, too).

[Dissent Is Patriotic]

29. Holy cow! I just read the statement! Is that legal? n/t

[michreject]

31. Yes

If your stock goes public, then the company is controlled by the BOD.

[xxqqqzme]

55. Amazing - what

happens when Obama's elected, will their heads explode? That's going to be one messy board room.

[madrchsod]

32. i`m sure big ed is going to be all over this today...

these "hunters" who did this are the dumbest fucking people in america...they deserve the republican party.

voting against their self interest is a perfect example of why they should never own a gun.

[Roland99]

37. He freaking FOUNDED the company!!! OMG the fear and ignorance never ceases to amaze me.

sad...so sad.

[tanyev]

34. So this company only wants customers from 'Real' America?

Good luck with that.

[Vinnie From Indy]

36. I am shocked that extremist right wing morons would do such a thing

It bears repeating again and again that much of the madness on the right wing is due to the gargantuan AM hate radio effect. The Rush "Pills" Limbaughs of this world stoke the fires of hate with lies each and every day across America. Most of these idiots feed at these troughs of lies because they are either too lazy or ignorant to think for themselves.

[Doctor_J]

39. This is what the Nazis did

Anyone who didn't vote correctly was not allowed to work

[progressivebydesign]

42. The FOUNDER of the company was ousted for his POLITICAL views?? OMG.

The NRA and their cronies are out of control. What a bunch of throwbacks. I hope their company tanks.

[slackmaster]

44. I believe he is the son of the founder

In any case, clearly his position was not much more than figurehead.

[KellyW]

46. No he founded the company in 1990

And has clearly been the driving force behind it.

http://www.cooperfirearms.com/history.html

[Mojorabbit]

47. The article

says he was the founder.

[slackmaster]

48. Then he founded poorly

:shrug:

[tabasco]

57. You like to keep digging.

Even when you find you're in a hole.

[slackmaster]

59. My Give-A-Shit-O-Meter seems to be pegged on zero for some strange reason

:shrug:

[Name removed]

60. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JJ]

51. Obama should offer Dan Cooper a job...

in his administration.
Or at least bring him along on the campaign.
Dan the gunsmith.

[denverbill]

52. Fine. He should start a new company called 'First Amendment Arms'.

There are plenty of liberals who shoot. He'll get lots of business.

[ingac70]

56. He should make them buy out his portion of the company...

then sue to remove his name from it.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

65. Mr Cooper should tell them to STFU

and if they don't like it then threaten to outsource to China (you know, the Amerikan way!)

[NoodleyAppendage]

72. Apparently being a Repuke is like being a made member of the Mafia. Once you're in...you're in.

Repuke Law #1

Any demonstration of conscience or thought will be punished.

Repuke Law #2

Think for yourself or cross party boundaries and you will be excommunicated.

[Vidar]

78. Cooper is right and I have tremendous respect for the stand he took.

It's a shame that so many gun owners are ignorant redneck assholes. The one year I lived in Texas was one year too long.

[superconnected]

84. Republicans do not believe in any freedoms America stands for - not

freedom of religion, freedom to vote for who you want and not have an autocracy, freedom of speech, etc.

I see evidence of this repeatedly.

[Odin2005]

85. Damn, I bought my hinting rifle from those guys.

Frickin NRA bastards. :grr:

[Lorien]

86. Not a big supporter of first amendment rights, are they?

Those clowns think that the second amendment is all that matters-damn the rest of it.