Cooper Rifles? Not on my radar!

I sent him an email - no more Cooper rifles for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:
Did Senator Obama say anything that suggests he would infringe on our right to keep our firearms? Just asking.

This was taken from http://www.gunbanobama.com/ which is an NRA-ILA project, and it is available in PDF form at: http://www.nraila.org/media/PDFs/2008Obamafactsht.pdf

FACT: Barack Obama opposes four of the five Supreme Court justices who affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms. He voted against the confirmation of Alito and Roberts and he has stated he would not have appointed Thomas or Scalia.17

FACT: Barack Obama voted for an Illinois State Senate bill to ban and confiscate "assault weapons," but the bill was so poorly crafted, it would have also banned most semi-auto and single and double barrel shotguns commonly used by sportsmen.18

FACT: Barack Obama voted to allow reckless lawsuits designed to bankrupt the firearms industry.1

FACT: Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and discredited Clinton Gun Ban.15

FACT: Barack Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.3

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a 500% increase in the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.9

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership.2

FACT: Barack Obama supports local gun bans in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities.4

FACT: Barack Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.5

FACT: Barack Obama supports gun owner licensing and gun registration.6

FACT: Barack Obama refused to sign a friend-of-the-court Brief in support of individual Second Amendment rights in the Heller case.

FACT: Barack Obama opposes Right to Carry laws.7

FACT: Barack Obama was a member of the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation, the leading source of funds for anti-gun organizations and "research."8

FACT: Barack Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within 5 miles of a school or park, which would eliminate almost every gun store in America.9

FACT: Barack Obama voted not to notify gun owners when the state of Illinois did records searches on them.10

FACT: Barack Obama voted against a measure to lower the Firearms Owners Identification card age minimum from 21 to 18, a measure designed to assist young people in the military.11

FACT: Barack Obama favors a ban on standard capacity magazines.12

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory micro-stamping.13

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory waiting periods.2

FACT: Barack Obama supports repeal of the Tiahrt Amendment, which prohibits information on gun traces collected by the BATFE from being used in reckless lawsuits against firearm dealers and manufacturers.14

FACT: Barack Obama supports one-gun-a-month handgun purchase restrictions.16

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on inexpensive handguns.9

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on the resale of police issued firearms, even if the money is going to police departments for replacement equipment.9

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory firearm training requirements for all gun owners and a ban on gun ownership for persons under the age of 21.9

1. United States Senate, S. 397, vote number 219, July 29, 2005. (http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00219)

2. Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in "Obama had greater role on liberal survey," Politico, March 31, 2008. (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9269.html)

3. United States Senate, S. 397, vote number 217, Kennedy amendment July 29, 2005. (http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00217)

4. David Wright, Ursula Fahy and Sunlen Miller, "Obama: 'Common Sense Regulation' On Gun Owners' Rights," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com, 2/15/08. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/02/obama-common-se.html)

5. Illinois Senate, SB 2165, March 25, 2004, vote 20 and May 25, 2004, vote 3.

6. "Fact Check: No News In Obama's Consistent Record." Obama '08, December 11, 2007. (http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/12/11/fact_check_no_news_in_obamas_c.php)

7. "Candidates' gun control positions may figure in Pa. vote," Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and "Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns," Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04. (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html)

8. 1998 Joyce Foundation Annual Report, p. 7.

9. "Obama and Gun Control," The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999. (http://www.volokh.com/posts/1203389334.shtml)

10. Illinois Senate, May 5, 2002, SB 1936 Con., vote 26.

11. Illinois Senate, March 25, 2003, SB 2163, vote 18.

12. "Clinton, Edwards, Obama on gun control," Radio Iowa, Sunday, April 22, 2007. (http://learfield.typepad.com/radioiowa/2007/04/clinton_edwards.html)

13. Chicago Tribune blogs, "Barack Obama: NIU Shootings call for action," February 15, 2008, (http://blogs.trb.com/news/politics/blog/2008/02/barack_obama_comments_on_shoot.html)

14. Barack Obama campaign website: "As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment . . ." (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/urbanpolicy/#crime-and-law-enforcement.)

15. Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes (http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Gun_Control.htm and http://www.ontheissues.org/IL_2004_Senate_3rd.htm) Oct 21, 2004.

16. Illinois Senate, May 16, 2003, HB 2579, vote 34.

17. United States Senate vote 245, September 29, 2005 and vote 2, January 31, 2006 and Saddleback Forum, August 16, 2008.

18. Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, March 13, 2003. To see the vote tally go to: http://www.nrapvf.org/Media/pdf/sb1195_obama.pdf.

Paul (Shlomo) Helinski
GunsAmerica
Where America Buys and Sells Guns.
http://www.gunsamerica.com

This is interesting.

http://www.thehuntingshack.com/cooperarms.htm

Perhaps we should all rely on past experiences in this election year .

A government big enough to give you everything is also big enough to take every thing from

YOU also !. Thomas Jefferson

What I find amusing is why or how any of you believe any politician an especially a Lawyer !.

After all they are professional liars are they not . I agree with Roger post in the Political

forum so blood pressures may be raised over there !.

It looks like I am not alone in removing a Cooper from mky wish list.

New update on the Cooper website. Sounds like full CYA mode. Sounds like the employees are seeing the reality of their boss impacting their life.

http://www.cooperfirearms.com/

Dan Cooper has been asked to resign by the board of directors.

Cooper Firearms is back in good standing in my eyes. The employees and board of directors clearly don't share his views. I'd like to see USAToday do a follow up story on this and highlight how seriously the gun community takes anyone opposed to the 2nd amendment.

quote:

Originally posted by farrknives:
Dan Cooper has been asked to resign by the board of directors.

WOW.....because of support for Obama.....Has the Smith & Wesson lesson been learned?

Upon reading this thread last night, I took it upon myself to email cooper firearms. Below is a copy of the email I sent under the heading:

Unbelievable !!!

What are you thinking??? I just can't believe that anyone in the firearms industry is actually backing Obama. He has voted against the 2nd Amendment and firearms rights every chance that he has been given. You have just likely put yourself out of business, and you deserve it !!!


Sincerely,

Rich Lessard, Pres.
HUNT-TECH Guns & Archery

Here's a copy of the email I received back today from Dan Pickett at Cooper Firearms :

In response to the recent article highlighting Dan Cooper’s personal political donations, the board of directors, shareholders and employees of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc would like to issue the following statement.



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 of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc.



Daily operations will continue with the competent staff currently in place in Stevensville, MT producing the finest, most accurate rifles money can buy.



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.



I guess he really shot himself in the foot with this one!! Now the damage control begins !!

Does this mean he's gone, or not? If he is still a major shareholder, money from our gun purchases is still going to support Democrats.

Question is... is it too late? is the damage done?

If it goes out of biz in the next two years I would not be shocked.

He was listed by the company as President and CEO. I wonder why they haven't mentioned him being asked to leave the CEO position.

Does he have a Board position?

Is he still one of the owners?

I can understand when one has strong beliefs about an issue that one would not want to support or patronize a company that supports contrary views. I don't know if it is in the American spirit, but that aside, why don't one you ask the question that just begs to be answered: Why would a gun manufactor support a presidential canidate that was anathemna to gun owners? Either Cooper is not to bright or maybe, just maybe, your fears about Obama and his gun policies are misplaced. As a aside, that so called quote from Obama to Jack Lott is simply b.s.--- proof that much that is passed on blogs are the fanatisies of Roswell types.

"Resign as President" does not mean the same thing as SEVER ALL TIES - which is what is required. So long as Dan Cooper remains involved with Cooper Firearms and reaps monetary benefit from the sale of it's products, 2nd Amendment supporters are not going to be satisfied.

It's a shame. I was going to buy one this spring.

"We wish him all of the best in his future pursuits."

This means he no longer CEO either. This is a polite way of saying "Adios".

All,

i had to vent on this one . How anyone can support a socialist in America is beyond me . The idea of the American dream is to work hard and benefit from your efforts. Obama has ran a brilliant campaign. He is a great sales man. he has told the lazy and minorities that they will get money from the rich. He was involved with the questionable Acorn and voter fraud. After the election more fall out will follow after the media stops protecting him.

How can Dan Cooper support this guy. Poor judgement , other motives . Only Dan knows .

At least now the rest of us know Dan!!


LUX

From Jim Shepard and The Shooting Wire today:

"Did He or Didn't He?
Internet chat rooms and discussion boards are boiling over after a report by Ken Dilanian of USA Today said Dan Cooper, "chief executive of Cooper Arms, a small Montana company that makes hunting rifles" was a supporter and donor to- the Obama for President campaign. According to the USA Today story, Cooper donated $3,300 to Senator Obama's current campaign and had donated to his 2004 Senate campaign after he was "dazzled by Obama's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention." As you can imagine, this hasn't gone down well with gun owners.

But is the report true? This statement posted on the Cooper Firearms website would seem to indicate otherwise:

"Regarding the USA Today Article. Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. did not contribute and does not support in any fashion the campaign of Senator Obama. Nine months ago Dan Cooper (personally) made an online donation to the campaign in an effort to help defeat Hillary Clinton and in protest of American plant closures and the shipping of jobs overseas. Three months ago he made yet another donation to the McCain campaign and the RNC totaling over twice that given to Obama campaign. There is no doubt that the article in USA Today has caused a considerable response. To this end we are encouraged and stand with our fellow NRA members and supporters of the Second Amendment and against those who oppose it."

The end of this story is far from written, but were Cooper's actions were not inaccurately reported in order to fit inside the "More executives sold on Obama" headline, Mr. Cooper is only beginning to feel the ire of already angry gun owners. When your name is on the sign, there is precious little discrimination between your personal actions and those of your company. We'll keep you posted."

Just passing it on, don't shoot the messenger (me).

Dan Cooper's donations are listed for all to see at the Federal Election Commission website. If Mr. Cooper has an issue with the quotes attributed to him, he has not voiced a complaint about it.

The initial response (quoted above) on the Cooper Firearms website was pulled as soon as it was exposed as being patently false and completely disingenuous. A new spin on things was trotted out late this afternoon.

Cooper rifle buyers are not too happy about Cooper's idea for spreading their wealth around to a politician who has been opposed to lawful gun ownership his entire political career.

Of course Cooper Firearms did not contribute to Obama. Corporations are not allowed to make political contributions. Officers can be encouraged to do so by management though (and secretly reimbursed later)

The new Cooper reply:

"In response to the recent article highlighting Dan Cooper’s personal political donations, the board of directors, shareholders and employees of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc would like to issue the following statement.
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 of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc.
Daily operations will continue with the competent staff currently in place in Stevensville, MT producing the finest, most accurate rifles money can buy.

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."

quote:

Cooper rifle buyers are not too happy about Cooper's idea for spreading their wealth around to a politician who has been opposed to lawful gun ownership his entire political career.

yup.

1) I doubt Cooper will stop being paid by the corporation.

2) He has already made a sizable donation with what are profits from gun buyers. Hussein appreciates your support- maybe it'll be your share of the donation that puts Lil Barry over the top and into the White House.

3) I doubt Cooper will stop donating.

I hope it puts a thrill up his leg.

I'll never even touch one of his damned products again.

"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."


Ya think?

Reading this recent article leads you to believe that law-abiding sportsmen who have aquired firearms legally will not lose their right to bear arms. Obama also believes that it's up tot state and local laws to make sure that criminals and the mentally ill can't purchase them.

I cut & pasted some interesting Q&A.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/article_gallery/Barack-Obama-on-Sportsmens-Issues

OL: And if you are elected president, what steps will you take to protect the right to keep and bear arms?

OBAMA: I will uphold my Oath of Office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, which, of course, includes the 2nd Amendment. I will prohibit the confiscation of legally acquired firearms, and defend the rights of Americans to own and use guns.

OL: Following the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the 2nd amendment, you were quoted as saying: "As President, I will uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen. I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne." How can you support the 2nd amendment yet ask that it be applied in different ways for the people of Chicago and the people of Cheyenne? Please explain.

OBAMA: I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment. It's important to keep in mind what the Supreme Court said in its recent ruling. Justice Scalia, who wrote the Court's opinion, said, "The right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited." The 2nd Amendment does not constrain a state or local government's ability to make sure criminals don't have guns and that the mentally ill aren't buying handguns.

This right is not unlimited in the same manner that the Constitution confers private property rights, but local governments can establish zoning ordinances.

I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets, while ensuring that sportsmen, and law-abiding gun owners' rights to bear arms are protected.

OL: Your record indicates that you strongly favor strict gun control in the United States. If elected president, will you push to permanently reinstate the Assault Weapons ban? If so, why?

OBAMA: I don't agree with the premise of your question. It is not correct to say that I "strongly favor strict gun control." I favor a common sense approach to guns that respects the right to bear arms, and allows local areas to put in place regulations aimed at protecting citizens. What works in New York City may not work in Wyoming.

I believe that the federal government should protect the rights of law abiding Americans to own and use guns to hunt, target shoot, protect their families and for other purposes. That said, I don't think that AK-47s should be in the hands of criminals on our city streets.

quote:

Originally posted by mmaggi:
Reading this recent article leads you to believe that law-abiding sportsmen who have aquired firearms legally will not lose their right to bear arms. Obama also believes that it's up tot state and local laws to make sure that criminals and the mentally ill can't purchase them.

I cut & pasted some interesting Q&A.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/article_gallery/Barack-Obama-on-Sportsmens-Issues

OL: And if you are elected president, what steps will you take to protect the right to keep and bear arms?

OBAMA: I will uphold my Oath of Office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, which, of course, includes the 2nd Amendment. I will prohibit the confiscation of legally acquired firearms, and defend the rights of Americans to own and use guns.

OL: Following the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the 2nd amendment, you were quoted as saying: "As President, I will uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen. I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne." How can you support the 2nd amendment yet ask that it be applied in different ways for the people of Chicago and the people of Cheyenne? Please explain.

OBAMA: I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment. It's important to keep in mind what the Supreme Court said in its recent ruling. Justice Scalia, who wrote the Court's opinion, said, "The right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited." The 2nd Amendment does not constrain a state or local government's ability to make sure criminals don't have guns and that the mentally ill aren't buying handguns.

This right is not unlimited in the same manner that the Constitution confers private property rights, but local governments can establish zoning ordinances.

I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets, while ensuring that sportsmen, and law-abiding gun owners' rights to bear arms are protected.

OL: Your record indicates that you strongly favor strict gun control in the United States. If elected president, will you push to permanently reinstate the Assault Weapons ban? If so, why?

OBAMA: I don't agree with the premise of your question. It is not correct to say that I "strongly favor strict gun control." I favor a common sense approach to guns that respects the right to bear arms, and allows local areas to put in place regulations aimed at protecting citizens. What works in New York City may not work in Wyoming.

I believe that the federal government should protect the rights of law abiding Americans to own and use guns to hunt, target shoot, protect their families and for other purposes. That said, I don't think that AK-47s should be in the hands of criminals on our city streets.

What he states in this interview doesn't mesh with his actual voting record in the state of Illinois. Actions speak so much louder than words, Mr. Obama.

In the last ten years or so,I have change my jeans, my vodka(back to buying French now...but that another story)music, and even my Ketchup. I will now change my Tac20 plans. I have a vote and a wallet, this is part of my freedom of speech.

Obamas gun control will come from congress, he will veto the first draft and sign the second. It will limit ammo, what guns and how many.

Obama and all his idiot sheep-minded minions always spout that SAME qoute about the criminals and AK47's over...and over...and over...and over....and NEVER once mention the fact that full auto weapons HAVE been under strict regulation and control since what, 1932?? Anyone who has a full auto without the proper Tax Stamp, is a criminal. Its not like thats going to stop crooks from getting them.

quote:

Senate campaign in 2004, after he was dazzled by Obama's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention.

What's a gunmaker doing at a Democrat National Convention??

Cooper Firearms still will not answer questions about Dan Coopers resignation. Apparently he IS the board of directors. For the employees sake I wish someone would buy him out.
He could take his money and move to Cuba and start manufacturing firearms in a good socialist country where there are lots of customers.

I sincerely feel empathy for all those fine employees at Cooper Arms . Yet supporting any political

candidate from a public business stand point is IMO Ignorant business practice !.

It's kind of like pushing a particular religious cult or belief on to customers with whom your conducting

business with . A Extremely Poor Idea as was Mr. Cooper's careless disregard for his valued employees

financial well being . Perhaps it's time has come to pressure businesses who make careless mistakes

with regards to their financial standings . It may very well force his removal or sales of his company .

I will never buy a Cooper and will tell everyone I know he supports gun control.

Intresting topic, but what does this have to do with medium bore's

Move it to the political forum, seems like other topics get moved prompt by admin, wonder why this one has not?

Ed

quote:

Originally posted by 505ED:
Intresting topic, but what does this have to do with medium bore's

Move it to the political forum, seems like other topics get moved prompt by admin, wonder why this one has not?

Ed

Interesting point.....this topic is on almost every forum of AR.....and none of them are moved!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Originally posted by 505ED:
Intresting topic, but what does this have to do with medium bore's

Move it to the political forum, seems like other topics get moved prompt by admin, wonder why this one has not?

Ed

Interesting point.....this topic is on almost every forum of AR.....and none of them are moved!

Because it's relevant to all our interests.

Why it probably hasn't been moved.......it is important to diclose this information to all of AR I for one am glad it is on so many threads so that people will learn of this news.

quote:

Originally posted by El Deguello:

quote:

Senate campaign in 2004, after he was dazzled by Obama's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention.

What's a gunmaker doing at a Democrat National Convention??

Maybe he watched it on television.

Better to lease a Cooper gun cuzz looks like Obama wants to take them away.

quote:

Rifle maker bounces boss who supports Obama

Lop-sided article from USA Today- now we're McCarthyites for deciding how we spend our money, according to that dickhead "Bob Ricker, executive director of the American Hunters and Shooters Association":

quote:

the American Hunters and Shooters Association, which has endorsed Obama. "That's really why our organization was formed, was to deal with this craziness. If you're a gun owner, but you have a contrary view to some of these wackos, they will go out and try to destroy you."

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


jackass.