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Main Forums => Politics => Topic started by: Perd Hapley on May 02, 2018, 09:43:20 AM

Title: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Perd Hapley on May 02, 2018, 09:43:20 AM
Quote
Dick’s Sporting Goods, which announced in February it would no longer sell rifles to anyone under the age of 21, hired three Beltway lobbyists to lobby Congress for gun control, according to federal records reviewed by The Federalist.

http://thefederalist.com/2018/05/02/dicks-sporting-goods-hired-four-democrat-gun-control-lobbyists-april-records-show/

Wow. I'm sorry I ever spent a dime there.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: lupinus on May 02, 2018, 09:51:38 AM
Guys, seriously, you've convinced us your name is accurate.

You can stop anytime.

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Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Ben on May 02, 2018, 09:52:00 AM
Wow. I never shopped there much, but am also sorry I gave them any of my money. I hope their stock plunges, and at this point, if down the road they reverse with a "sorry, we made a mistake", well, too late. You know the old saying - "Fool me once..."
Title: Re: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: lupinus on May 02, 2018, 09:59:38 AM
Wow. I never shopped there much, but am also sorry I gave them any of my money. I hope their stock plunges, and at this point, if down the road they reverse with a "sorry, we made a mistake", well, too late. You know the old saying - "Fool me once..."
Yep.

I have my choice of Walmart, a local place, academy, dicks, and soon a sportsman's Warehouse. All clustered less then five minutes from each other. And that assuming traffic is bad and I catch at least one red light, otherwise five minutes is probably a stretch.

I had occasionally gone into Dicks as they carried a couple fishing items that no one else stocked locally. Everything else, one of the others carried so I bought them elsewhere. And the few products I did stop in for occasionally I can easily enough order online.

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Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 02, 2018, 10:13:00 AM
May they go out of business sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Ben on May 02, 2018, 10:27:14 AM

I have my choice of Walmart, a local place, academy, dicks, and soon a sportsman's Warehouse. All clustered less then five minutes from each other.

We had a Sportsman's Warehouse open here (again!) last December, and this time their location is just a couple of blocks from Dick's. I need to start paying attention on if their parking lot begins to fill up.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on May 02, 2018, 03:01:10 PM
Just remember they own Feild and Steam too. We no longer darken the door of either establishment.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Jim147 on May 02, 2018, 04:30:45 PM
About 15 years ago I went to Dick's because they had a rifle I wanted on sale. I couldn't get any service from the lazy staff so I drove 2 miles down the road and bought it. I've never been back since that day. Too many other choices out there.

jim
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Fly320s on May 02, 2018, 04:37:04 PM
The article didn't make clear that the lobbyists Dick's hired were actually hired to lobby for more gun control.  All it says is "for lobbying related to gun control."  Is that pro-gun control or anti-?  Not enough info to be sure.  Is there another source?

Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: TechMan on May 02, 2018, 04:54:49 PM
The article didn't make clear that the lobbyists Dick's hired were actually hired to lobby for more gun control.  All it says is "for lobbying related to gun control."  Is that pro-gun control or anti-?  Not enough info to be sure.  Is there another source?



Fly320s, I think with this current action and what is cited here: http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/28/news/companies/dicks-sporting-goods-wall-street/index.html (http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/28/news/companies/dicks-sporting-goods-wall-street/index.html)

Quote from: From Above Link
Dick's CEO Edward Stack said on CNN's "New Day" that the company was moved by the Parkland students' pleas for gun control.

"We concluded if these kids are brave enough to organize and do what they're doing, we should be brave enough to take this stand," Stack said.

I think we can draw a good conclusion, though I maybe wrong.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Fly320s on May 03, 2018, 08:15:23 AM
Fly320s, I think with this current action and what is cited here: http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/28/news/companies/dicks-sporting-goods-wall-street/index.html (http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/28/news/companies/dicks-sporting-goods-wall-street/index.html)

I think we can draw a good conclusion, though I maybe wrong.

I agree with you that Dick's probably is lobbying for more gun control laws, or at least the kind of gun control laws that will benefit Dick's in some way.  I'm just a bit wary of completely condemning a company before we know they are actually guilty.

The whole episode with Yeti coolers comes to mind.  Did they tell the NRA to pound sand?  Or did they just let a contract expire?  We are still trying to sort out exactly what Yeti is up to.

As for Dick's, I stopped shopping there many years ago, long before they went full-retard, so this news about Dick's lobbying for gun control doesn't change my opinion of them at all.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Jamisjockey on May 03, 2018, 08:24:45 AM
Considering what the average Dick's gun counter looks like, I bet it's a small part of their business.  They focus on team sports and golf.
I don't see any gun laws affecting their bottom line too much. 
With that said:
Considering statements made by them after Parkland, the conclusions jump themselves.  In the words of their CEO
Quote
"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."
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on May 03, 2018, 06:29:33 PM
Springfield just posted this on FB:

Quote
Springfield Armory® Severs Ties with Dick’s Sporting Goods

Springfield Armory announces its decision in response to Dick’s Sporting Goods’ attempts to deny Second Amendment freedoms

GENESEO, IL, (05/03/18) – Springfield Armory is severing ties with Dick’s Sporting Goods and its subsidiary, Field & Stream, in response to their hiring a group for anti-Second Amendment lobbying.

This latest action follows Dick’s Sporting Goods’ decision to remove and destroy all modern sporting rifles (MSR) from their inventory. In addition, they have denied Second Amendment rights to Americans under the age of 21. We at Springfield Armory believe that all law abiding American citizens of adult age are guaranteed this sacred right under our Constitution.

It is clear where Dick’s Sporting Goods and its subsidiary, Field & Stream, stand on the Second Amendment, and we want to be clear about our message in response. Their position runs counter to what we stand for as a company. At Springfield Armory, we believe in the rights and principles fought for and secured by American patriots and our founding forefathers, without question. We will not accept Dick’s Sporting Goods’ continued attempts to deny Second Amendment freedoms to our fellow Americans.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: cordex on May 03, 2018, 08:48:07 PM
Springfield just posted this on FB:
So now Springfield thinks that people should cut ties with people whose lobbyists push anti-gun garbage?
 :lol:
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 03, 2018, 10:21:46 PM
So now Springfield thinks that people should cut ties with people whose lobbyists push anti-gun garbage?
 :lol:

You noticed that, too, eh?

Pot, meet kettle.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: DustinD on May 03, 2018, 11:28:04 PM
http://concealednation.org/2018/05/springfield-armory-completely-cuts-off-dicks/ posted for the headline.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Perd Hapley on May 04, 2018, 12:18:20 AM
The article didn't make clear that the lobbyists Dick's hired were actually hired to lobby for more gun control.  All it says is "for lobbying related to gun control."  Is that pro-gun control or anti-?  Not enough info to be sure.  Is there another source?


I had similar thoughts, but it's The Federalist. It seemed to me The Federalist knows how these things work, and is a reliable source. If it looks like anti-gun lobbying to them, I'll heed what they say. And wouldn't a pro-gun lobbying effort use terms like gun rights or constitutional rights, instead of "gun control"?
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Fly320s on May 04, 2018, 07:17:35 AM

I had similar thoughts, but it's The Federalist. It seemed to me The Federalist knows how these things work, and is a reliable source. If it looks like anti-gun lobbying to them, I'll heed what they say. And wouldn't a pro-gun lobbying effort use terms like gun rights or constitutional rights, instead of "gun control"?

Yes.  There is too much smoke for there not to be a fire.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: T.O.M. on May 04, 2018, 09:33:18 AM
Reminds me of when I was in law school, and a lobbyist talked to our Legislation class.  Talked about how he went to a junior state legislator one, and convinced the legislator to introduce a bill to prohibit radar and laser detectors.  Lobbyist then went to the different manufacturers of the devices and offered his services, for a fee, to lobby against the bill.  Said that little game bought him a Porsce and a Rolex.  As bad as lawyers may be, lobbyists are worse.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: just Warren on May 04, 2018, 04:27:33 PM
Dick's has been ousted from the NSSF.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Angel Eyes on May 04, 2018, 04:36:15 PM
Dick's has been ousted from the NSSF.

Good.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on May 04, 2018, 05:27:43 PM
So now Springfield thinks that people should cut ties with people whose lobbyists push anti-gun garbage?
 :lol:

*shrug* Springfield knows they screwed their pooch on that one and there guns are nice enough that I'm willing to let them come crawling back into the fold should they continue to keep their noses clean.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Unisaw on May 04, 2018, 09:18:41 PM
I’m apparently the only one who doesn’t know what Springfield did.  Can someone fill me in?
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: RoadKingLarry on May 04, 2018, 11:18:56 PM
I don't remember the details either but I remember the Zumboeing they got.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: bedlamite on May 04, 2018, 11:42:15 PM
I’m apparently the only one who doesn’t know what Springfield did.  Can someone fill me in?

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/05/john-boch/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-made-campaign-contributions-to-anti-gun-rights-politicians/
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 05, 2018, 01:57:28 AM
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/05/john-boch/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-made-campaign-contributions-to-anti-gun-rights-politicians/

I think Springfield and Rock River more than "funded" the IFMA. I think they were instrumental in creating it. The real flap wasn't about IFMA contributing to anti-gun politicians. Many lobbyists donate to both sides just to keep the doors open. The issue that brought all this IFMA stuff to light was that IFMA's lobbyist, on behalf of Springfield and Rock River, was working behind the scenes to promote passage of an anti-gun bill ... but with an exception made for Springfield and Rock River.

When caught with their fingers in the cookie jar, both companies adopted a plausible denial strategy and claimed that, "Golly, we certainly didn't know he did thaaaaaat."
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Angel Eyes on May 09, 2018, 05:20:47 PM
Quote
Effective immediately, O.F. Mossberg & Sons will not accept any future orders from Dick’s Sporting Goods or Field & Stream, and is in the process of evaluating current contractual agreements.

“It has come to our attention that Dick’s Sporting Goods recently hired lobbyists on Capitol Hill to promote additional gun control.” said Iver Mossberg, Chief Executive Officer of O.F. Mossberg & Sons. “Make no mistake, Mossberg is a staunch supporter of the U.S. Constitution and our Second Amendment rights, and we fully disagree with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ recent anti-Second Amendment actions.”

http://resources.mossberg.com/mossberg-terminates-relationship-with-dicks-sporting-goods?ecid=ACsprvsDlnCeYuskPyKDfzLdL9IXnZdQr7Q00oYRRn_jlqAmtaclaC6IPY6Cyk-_x9-_-3ZShOTl&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=62795014&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_RQGVoOihqDu4cw1MgiwdjRhIZpnZ8pRG1ZsmAATqapkCjoAVWrn_6QBpEe3VFOjcoKIqPorD0hBKQL-OFIpAgcZrQVg&_hsmi=62795014
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: freakazoid on May 09, 2018, 08:42:42 PM
Recently read that Mossberg is now refusing to sell firearms to Dick's.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on May 09, 2018, 09:30:18 PM
Dad saw something on Youtube that Hornady was also jumping the Dick's ship, but I can't find anything in their press releases.

I hope they do it. They're the kind of company that would.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: RoadKingLarry on May 09, 2018, 10:13:18 PM
Looks like all the big guns are leaving Dick's in the dirt.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: lupinus on May 09, 2018, 10:35:11 PM
These developments give me happy warm fuzzies.

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Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Angel Eyes on May 10, 2018, 12:31:21 AM
Looking forward to a Dick's-less world.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: cordex on May 10, 2018, 12:53:08 AM
That's great and all, but I don't think guns are a big part of the Dicks Sporting Goods business strategy.  If Nike or UnderArmour or someone decided to cut ties then they might feel that pain.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: freakazoid on May 10, 2018, 04:08:48 AM
That's great and all, but I don't think guns are a big part of the Dicks Sporting Goods business strategy.  If Nike or UnderArmour or someone decided to cut ties then they might feel that pain.

Pretty sure Under Armour has shown that they would support Dicks.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Brad Johnson on May 10, 2018, 10:52:39 AM
Dad saw something on Youtube that Hornady was also jumping the Dick's ship, but I can't find anything in their press releases.

I hope they do it. They're the kind of company that would.

Hornady Ammo pulled the plug on official relationships with New York state. Wouldn't surprise me if they jumped on the Dick's Sporting Goods bandwagon, though.

Brad
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: cordex on May 10, 2018, 11:35:03 AM
Pretty sure Under Armour has shown that they would support Dicks.
Only when properly fitted.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Angel Eyes on May 10, 2018, 05:27:03 PM
Add Hi-Point to the list:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2018/5/9/hi-point-firearms-inland-mfg-cease-sales-to-dicks-sporting-goods/
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: just Warren on May 10, 2018, 05:31:45 PM
A chain sold Hi-Points?

Dick's could stop selling all firearms and firearms accessories and ammo and probably survive as a concern.

Title: Re: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: lupinus on May 10, 2018, 06:30:32 PM
A chain sold Hi-Points?

Dick's could stop selling all firearms and firearms accessories and ammo and probably survive as a concern.
Sadly you're right. Guns and accessories aren't their biggest sellers, though they do seem to do a decent bit in hunting accessories seasonally.

But, if they're going to be dicks about it, I'd rather they really what they sow and the I dustry at large cuts ties with them and they don't make a dime from something they apparently despise.

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Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Ben on May 10, 2018, 06:54:08 PM
Vista Outdoors should pull out of Dick's. That would take Camelbak and a host of other non-gun stuff away.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Doggy Daddy on May 11, 2018, 05:58:16 PM
Looking forward to a Dick's-less world.


And how can they even compensate when nobody will sell them guns?   ???
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 11, 2018, 06:06:10 PM
And how can they even compensate when nobody will sell them guns?   ???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ0D3C6oxEk
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Ben on May 30, 2018, 09:15:17 AM
Well, Dick's hasn't taken a hit. Their stock earnings numbers were out this morning and they are up 19% for the reporting quarter. It could be that their political stance won't hurt their numbers until next quarter, but I'm sure the progressives will be giddy over this.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: MechAg94 on May 30, 2018, 10:40:44 AM
SA and Rock River hired a more or less Democrat lobbyist so they should get access to illinois state level politicians (I don't have too much issue with that part).  They got caught setting up a carve out in a new state gun law that exempted them.  They both claim the lobbyist did it.  Most people think they knew about it or they certainly should have.  

IMO, our goal is to make sure the members of our industry behave and don't think they can sell us down the river (or anything going in that direction) without consequences.  I am not one to permanently ban a company.  If they behave and learn their lesson, I have no issue going back to them.  Dick's seems to have a history of pandering to anti-gunners. 
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: MechAg94 on May 30, 2018, 10:46:44 AM
Are Field and Stream stores separated from Dick's Sporting Goods in some areas?  The only locations I see around Houston, they are just one big store with a Dick's sign on one the right and a Field & Stream sign on the left.  The one time I visited, all the guns were on the Field & Stream side.  In this area, I think they have only been around for a few years.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: TechMan on May 30, 2018, 12:00:42 PM
Are Field and Stream stores separated from Dick's Sporting Goods in some areas?  The only locations I see around Houston, they are just one big store with a Dick's sign on one the right and a Field & Stream sign on the left.  The one time I visited, all the guns were on the Field & Stream side.  In this area, I think they have only been around for a few years.

Yes, there are stand alone Field & Stream stores.  I know of 2 in my area, Northern Kentucky and south of Dayton Ohio.
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: MikeB on May 30, 2018, 02:07:15 PM
Well, Dick's hasn't taken a hit. Their stock earnings numbers were out this morning and they are up 19% for the reporting quarter. It could be that their political stance won't hurt their numbers until next quarter, but I'm sure the progressives will be giddy over this.

From an article I read that is there projected profit per share while actual first-quarter same-store sales fell .9 percent and this was the third straight decline. For all we know this is Dick’s claiming profits that may never come.

Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: Brad Johnson on May 30, 2018, 05:12:46 PM
A year ago they were trading at just over $38. A month ago they were at $35. Today they closed at $30.48. Stock price dropped sharply last August but was slowly rising right up to the AR fiasco. It's been in decline since. Their stock earnings may be up but their company value is steadily dropping.

That's usually not the recipe for increasing dividends. I wonder if they bulked up dividends with cash reserves to give the appearance of company health.

Brad
Title: Re: Dick's Sporting Goods lobbying for gun control.
Post by: MikeB on May 30, 2018, 05:17:03 PM
A year ago they were trading at just over $38. A month ago they were at $35. Today they closed at $30.48. Stock price dropped sharply last August but was slowly rising right up to the AR fiasco. It's been in decline since. Their stock earnings may be up but their company value is steadily dropping.

That's usually not the recipe for increasing dividends. I wonder if they bulked up dividends with cash reserves to give the appearance of company health.

Brad

That or I wonder if they are using destroyed inventory as future write offs on taxes to project extra profits per share? Would work for this year, but not actually a sign of healthy growth.