The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: PegLeg45 on November 13, 2012, 03:30:29 PM
-
I've been following closely several exchanges on both Thunder Ranch and Tom Gresham's Gun Talk pages on FB about the Wounded Warrior Project. It seems that after much digging around, Mr. Gresham had indeed discovered the the WWP has a policy in place that deems it against their values to do business or participate with any entity involving firearms and the related industry.
The hypocritical thing is that WWP routinely accepts donations from the firearms industry, such a very large recent donation from Khar Arms......also, WWP only actually gives about 15% of every dollar donated to use for what it should be used for.
Below is an exchange between Tom Gresham and the WWP as posted on FB:
Wounded Warrior Project Email Exchange
by Gun Talk on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:56am
After Sunday's show, we've gotten many emails about Tom's remarks after WWP declined an interview request on Gun Talk Radio because it's a firearms-related show. We've also seen the forums that are suggesting many things that are not true. So, I'm going to lay it all out right here.
We thought it would be great to book the WWP on the Veteran's Day show to promote the organization, so I contacted them. I was flabbergasted when their PR contact, Leslie, sent me an email saying they could not participate because our show dealt with firearms. Knowing that WWP has a booth at SHOT show and various gun shows across the US, takes wounded warriors on hunts and range days, raffles guns and accessories as fundraisers, etc., their policy didn't make much sense. I forwarded the email on to Tom to get his take.
-Sarah
The following is the complete email exchange:
====================
Hello, Leslie:
Sarah forwarded me your email after I asked her to invite the Wounded Warriors Project to join me on "Tom Gresham's Gun Talk" radio show.
I'm stunned at your email saying that the WWP doesn't participate in an interview or activity related to firearms. Inasmuch as there are 90 million gun owners and most of them support wounded veterans, I think they would be shocked to hear that they are, by way of their hobbies, somehow not worthy of helping with the Wounded Warriors Project.
Does your policy apply also to police agencies and the military, since they are "related to firearms?"
I'm hoping that we have misunderstood your email. Can you confirm that it is, in fact, an official policy of the Wounded Warriors Project to not do interviews with or participate in any activity related to firearms?
Thank you.
Tom Gresham
============
Good afternoon --
While we appreciate your interest in Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) you are correct that we decline the media opportunity.
Please note the following notice that appears on our website which also applies to WWP public awareness policy and inquiries from media outlets:
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/additional-opportunities.aspx
WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.
Thank you for your inquiry.
LESLIE A. COLEMAN
public relations director
O: 904.405.1433
M: 904.654.8138
F: 904.296.7347
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
====================
Thanks for confirming that, Leslie. It was a simple opportunity to promote the WWP on a national program in an effort to send donations your way.
I'll pass along the info that you don't want or need the help of America's gun owners.
Best regards,
Tom Gresham
=====================
Good morning --
This policy is not a judgment on those who own and use firearms – clearly every member of our armed forces has been trained in the use of firearms and then called on to use them in the course of their service to this country.
Our position regarding firearms and alcohol is in response to the struggles that many injured service members face with substance abuse and suicide and the roles those items often play in those issues.
Thank you.
LESLIE A. COLEMAN
public relations director
=============================
Hello, Leslie:
Thank you for that explanation.
I do think -- and I'm being as kind as possible -- that it's the nuttiest thing I've heard in years. Suicides are not linked to firearms. Japan has a much higher rate of suicide than does the U.S., and they have essentially no firearms. Suicide is a serious issue irrespective of the methodology used.
This explanation doesn't pass even the most simple "does this make sense" test.
Your policy does, in fact, brand firearms and the companies which make them as undesirables, and by association, you are saying that those who own and use firearms for recreation, hunting, self protection, and other safe and legal uses are to be avoided.
It's certainly your option to ostracize the firearms industry, the 90 million gun owners in America, and the media which support firearms safety training.
At this point, I feel an obligation to make sure the millions who listen to my radio show and watch my two national television series know about your policy.
I cannot fully express how much I feel you are doing a disservice to our wounded veterans, and how disappointed I am to discover this bias at the Wounded Warriors Project.
Sincerely,
Tom Gresham
https://www.facebook.com/notes/gun-talk/wounded-warrior-project-email-exchange/10151354082553313
This from Thunder Ranch:
Official: Thunder Ranch will no longer be doing any fundraising for Wounded Warrior. This due to the main reason is they will do not want support from the guns period because guns are used by our military to kill themselves. What do they save themselves with? Nerf guns? Also the fact that very little of our money is actually getting to the families that need them. We will find charities in the coming months to help us all give but for now all money raised with our current DVD sale will go to our Seal team family... the Reece Petersen Trust fund. Thank you as always for your support. We will continue to do the best job we can to put as much money as we can to helping our military. Clint and Heidi
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thunder-Ranch/120548841302589
Here is a site that has info and ratings on different charities:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531
-
The business about hopolophobia is just goofy and stupid. The fact that only 15% of the donations go to help the vets is criminal.
If the percentages were reversed and they only kept the 15% it would only be disgraceful.
-
Well, good!
I am glad somebody is catching on.
I will be back later with some screen shots of their tax returns. What their execs get paid is insane!
-
GREAT find Peg - now everyone needs to copy this and paste it to every and any forums even remotely associated with firearms.
-
Peg, thanks for the eye opener! I have contacted the WWP and notified them to remove my name from their solicitation list. I have heard a lot of great things about the work of the Gary Sinese Foundation. Does anyone have any experience or background on this organization. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
-
Well, I always thought WWP was a good thing....at least what they were supposed to be doing was great...but they only did 15% of it and alienated the majority of the folks who would support Veterans to the greatest extent.
Reminds me of that magazine company a few months back that published an anti-gun statement....from a promising business to kaput in a couple of weeks.
The guys at the magazine and WWP seem to have the same question.. Where do I aim? Half way between my toes and my ankle?
-
Just posted the link on my FB page to spread the word....I will never give them a dime! >:(
-
The fact that they choose to distance themselves from firearms and alcohol business doesn't drive me away.
and TG got his answer, then intentially baited her by saying "you don't want or need help from gunowners". This is out of line in my opinion. You don't like her answer, fine, don't support WWP. They also stay away from religious programs as well. Is anyone crying "I guess you don't want or need help from Catholics" She even said that it wasn't an indictment or judgement, and gave the reasons why they took that route.
There are alot of orginations I do not support because I disagree with some of their activities. So don't support them if you don't agree their politics. But to not support them because they didn't want to come on his show is a silly reason, and doesn't make them anti-firearms or anti-firearms industry.
and as a side note, I have no affiliation with the WWP. But I was in training for 8 hours today and drove for another 6,so I'm just cranky!
-
The fact that they choose to distance themselves from firearms and alcohol business doesn't drive me away.
and TG got his answer, then intentially baited her by saying "you don't want or need help from gunowners". This is out of line in my opinion. You don't like her answer, fine, don't support WWP. They also stay away from religious programs as well. Is anyone crying "I guess you don't want or need help from Catholics" She even said that it wasn't an indictment or judgement, and gave the reasons why they took that route.
There are alot of orginations I do not support because I disagree with some of their activities. So don't support them if you don't agree their politics. But to not support them because they didn't want to come on his show is a silly reason, and doesn't make them anti-firearms or anti-firearms industry.
and as a side note, I have no affiliation with the WWP. But I was in training for 8 hours today and drove for another 6,so I'm just cranky!
You miss the point, they like us well enough when they are taking our donations .
-
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt112/gryphon1994/WoundedWarriorIncome2011.jpg)
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt112/gryphon1994/WoundedWarriorSalaries2011.jpg)
-
Haven't given to WWP but do give to Semper Fi fund (sons a Marine), Thanks for the charity link, made me feel better after reading the WWP letters & their tax returns. Upper management gets a healthy pay check and the wounded soldiers get squat! Shame on WWP.
-
Always check a 503(c) tax returns. You would be amazed at how little some give. Operating costs is one thing, but some of them are so out of line its not even funny. I guess thats why I give to charitys I know, and local. even then its not tipically money. Its my time/ services.
-
You miss the point, they like us well enough when they are taking our donations .
I realize that. and while I can see an argument to be made for hypocrisy, them choosing not to use a firearms related show as a marketing vehicle doesn't necessarily make them anit-gun. they very well could be, but I don't think that act is enough to make that conclusion.
-
I realize that. and while I can see an argument to be made for hypocrisy, them choosing not to use a firearms related show as a marketing vehicle doesn't necessarily make them anit-gun. they very well could be, but I don't think that act is enough to make that conclusion.
Well, if they are going to distance themselves from us I'm going to return the favor.
-
Well, if they are going to distance themselves from us I'm going to return the favor.
Maybe this outfit was where O'Reilly got his informed opinions on firearms.. :( ::)
-
You want to help our wounded warriors? Do it by working for the staff that help them. I work for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda IT department. I managed their BRAC expansion and integration with Walter Reed Army a medical Center.
What do I do? I help enable the providers and staff to provide the best medical possible. I help provide devices and access for warriors to speak to their families across the country. I try to make their lives a little better, one smile at a time.
The WWP is rarely seen on campus. You know the largest campus of wounded warriors in the world. That says something.
-
Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks. O'Reilly and Beck used to tout the WWP on their programs. It's a shame the project rips us off like many or most charity organizations. Americans are the most giving people in the world and easily fleeced because of it. Wonder if Trace is paid for his singing? Hey, Respen33, understand that the Walter Reed Hospital is a joint Army/Navy venture. Is there a way that civilians can donate directly to the care of our wounded warriors? If so, the hospital needs to make that known.
-
Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks. O'Reilly and Beck used to tout the WWP on their programs. It's a shame the project rips us off like many or most charity organizations. Americans are the most giving people in the world and easily fleeced because of it. Wonder if Trace is paid for his singing? Hey, Respen33, understand that the Walter Reed Hospital is a joint Army/Navy venture. Is there a way that civilians can donate directly to the care of our wounded warriors? If so, the hospital needs to make that known.
Well technically WRNMMC is a JTF CAPMED venture with Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy playing nice but those of us who worked at the previous National Naval Medical Center we would call it a hostile take over. :o
to make a direct donation to the Wounded warriors at our hospital you may go to [url]http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/WarriorCare/Shared%20Documents/OnlineDonationForm.pdf/url]. Its an online donation form that goes to a former Chief I used to work with heavily in Casualty Affairs.
For general information on the site and ways to help(if you are medical, civilian, contractor there are openings all of the time) you may go to [email]http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/SitePages/home.aspx/email]. There are two sites technically; Bethesda and Ft. Belvoir. So if you are looking for something closer to VA then Belvoir (FBCH is the acronym) is your site.
Aiming high, staying army strong, maintaining a global force with a human touch, always the first to fight. We are united together to provide World Class Medical Care to everyone who defends our freedom.
-
You want to help our wounded warriors? Do it by working for the staff that help them. I work for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda IT department. I managed their BRAC expansion and integration with Walter Reed Army a medical Center.
What do I do? I help enable the providers and staff to provide the best medical possible. I help provide devices and access for warriors to speak to their families across the country. I try to make their lives a little better, one smile at a time.
The WWP is rarely seen on campus. You know the largest campus of wounded warriors in the world. That says something.
Absolutely.
Check with local VFW and American Legion to find vets recovering locally and help there. There are many who need modifications done in their homes to accommodate wheelchairs and such....spend it where it can count and be felt.
Getting hot in the kitchen?
More:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wounded-warrior-project-faces-fallout-after-snubbing-gun-talk
-
Just received an auto reply e-mail from them, I'll just leave this here
If you are a member of our Advance Guard Monthly Giving Program with an account change or update or if you have a donation question or want to support WWP through a one-time or monthly donation please call 1.855.GIVE.WWP (448.3997).
-
I'd rather give to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
They sponsor shooting acitvities that anyone can participate in and are quality people, both staff and members.
http://www.pva.org/site/c.ajIRK9NJLcJ2E/b.6305941/k.9CF4/Shooting_Sports.htm
Charity Navigator gives them VERY high ratings in transparency but low ratings in finances resulting in 0 stars.
(the ratings weigh $$ and transparency backwards IMHO)
They need money!
Here's a link to a story about Charlie Oman who shoots trap events with only one arm:
http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E&b=6350111&ct=12490989¬oc=1
-
Seems common sense has broken out over at WWP
http://www.examiner.com/node/55389381
“We welcome the opportunity to have a warrior on Mr. Gresham’s show to discuss how hunting or events of the like have supported their recovery,” Hay affirmed, reversing the position articulated by the group’s public relations director. “We responded too quickly to his request and should have delved a bit deeper.”
-
Translation:
Ooooops! We just bit the hand that feeds us. Time to back peddle and cover our butts.
-
Yeah...but the whole foolish stance on their part put a spotlight on how little they end up giving to the Warriors.
One for you; one, two, three, four, five, six for me, one for you, one, two, three..........
That revelation is one they cannot back peddle out of.
-
Agree with Solus. It's time we stand up to charities such as this. They prey on the sympathies and patriotism of the American people and steal. I will give them neither a dime nor a minute of my time.
-
It is like any time light is shed on your activities. It has been said that it is easier to maintain a reputation than to repair it. I compare it to putting toothpaste back in the tube. There is a reason they load those things through the big end!
-
More clarification......which is unrelated to the whole gun industry thing, but tangent to the OP..... I inquired about the percentage of monies used by WWP for actual help for vets.
Below is my question and their reply, including the link to their financials info page.
Me:
As a non-profit organization, how much of each dollar donated goes to expenses and salaries?
How much actually makes it to those that deserve it?
I am more concerned with that aspect than the gun-thing. I read it is only 15% going to use for the Warriors who need it. If that is the case, I find that appalling.
WWP:
Hi Chuck, you've definitely been given some mistaken information. 82.8% of all contributions go to programs for Wounded Warriors and their families. You can review all of our financial information, which also includes detailed breakdowns for all of our program areas on our website here: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/financials.aspx
Thanks for taking the time to make sure your gifts were being used responsibly!
-
Don't take their word for it.
Tyler posted their tax report, do the math.
Line 12 Total revenue Prior Year Current Year
$ 40,943,594 $ 74,058,348
Line 18 Total Expenses Prior Year Current Year
$34,388,498 $ 57,757,314
Less than 20% Less than 33%
-
Not defending them Tom, but you're using the wrong numbers to determine the percentage going to Warriors. That should be the total expenses minus salary and fundraising/total expenses. You posted the percentage of revenue to assets remaining, ie profit.
-
OK, As long as some one does the math.
I don't feel like going back and doing it over.
Tyler posted the returns on the 1st page of this thread.
-
Its still around half, but I'm on the tablet and using the calc while looking at a web page ain't happening
-
I'd have to open another window for Tyler's info, plus a calc.
As you say, Ain't happening. ;D
-
When I get the chance I'll find my CFC paperwork. They are required to list what percentage of revinue is "overhead"
-
I donate blood at the red cross, no one is going to skim off the top of my pint. Also free cookies and juice.
-
I donate blood at the red cross, no one is going to skim off the top of my pint. Also free cookies and juice.
The Transylvanian food bank thanks you. ;D
-
I donate blood at the red cross, no one is going to skim off the top of my pint. Also free cookies and juice.
Well, they do sell the blood that is donated to help cover the expenses of the organization.
-
Well, they do sell the blood that is donated to help cover the expenses of the organization.
Worse than that, in the name of political correctness they will accept blood from anybody. Even if you tell them your blood is bad, or they have you on the list of rejected blood they will still run you through the process, recognize you with awards and pins, and then they will dispose of your donated blood back at the lab.
I can accept their charging for the expenses incurred, but the waste of collecting known bad blood is appalling!
I know this, because following a health issue I had a naturally occurring enzyme in my blood that put me on the lifetime reject list. I am fine, the enzyme is gone, but I will never come off the list. They still encourage me to give, because if I go and give it raises the local numbers and looks like "the thing to do" and everybody does it. By the way, they handle hepatitis and HIV the same way.
-
Here's an update on this story from Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/wounded-warrior-flap-a-misunderstanding-blown-out-of-proportion-says-official?cid=db_articles (http://www.examiner.com/article/wounded-warrior-flap-a-misunderstanding-blown-out-of-proportion-says-official?cid=db_articles)
-
FTA:
“We don’t get involved in gun issues,” Hay said in an exclusive telephone interview. “That’s not our platform.”
Gresham’s loyal followers obviously have a different perspective. One can safely conclude that henceforth, WWP is going to be ultra-sensitive to anything that may remotely appear like an affront to the firearms community, which includes a lot of veterans, sons and daughters of veterans and mothers and fathers of veterans…and families of those who never made it home.
This year, according to Hay, total cash contributions hit $144 million with expenditures of about $90 million, and the budget for 2013 projects $185 million in revenue, of which $163 million will be spent.
As for the alleged misunderstanding, it began with an exchange of e-mails between Gresham and Leslie A. Coleman, WWP public relations director, who explained, “WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.”
Hay told this column that Coleman made a mistake and blamed part of the misunderstanding on the fact that she is apparently new to the job. Hay added that Coleman is the mother of a wounded warrior.
Further, Hay said that when WWP makes a mistake, they acknowledge it. This was a mistake and a misunderstanding, she reiterated.
“That’s why Steve is going on the show,” Hay noted.
Excellent damage control, IMHO.
FWIW, if I were the CEO or EVP for the organization, I'd have said and done the same thing after the fact too. ::) ::) ::)
-
FTA:
Excellent damage control, IMHO.
FWIW, if I were the CEO or EVP for the organization, I'd have said and done the same thing after the fact too. ::) ::) ::)
I would make one change, instead of
"Leslie A. Coleman, WWP public relations director,"
it would read
"Leslie A. Coleman, WWP former public relations director,
It's one thing if a machinist scraps a part or breaks a tool, but when the person in charge of making you look good causes that kind of sh!tstorm it's a whole new level of messed up .
-
Still doesn't change the statistics on how much help they actually provide.
-
Still doesn't change the statistics on how much help they actually provide.
Yep. Only getting 15% to those in need is appalling. Even a Democratic government can do better than that.
-
Head honco tried to go on and make nice
http://traffic.libsyn.com/guntalk/121118guntalkA.mp3
started weasling like you can't believe
:(
they're on the excrement list until further notice
-
Dave from )owner of?) Cheaper than Dirt has posted that he is pulling CTD's sponsorship from WWP now too.
Good for you Dave!
http://networkedblogs.com/F5KZM
I left a comment praising his act, but also reminded him to give credit where credit is due. He talks about hearing and reading but fails to give Tom credit for bring it to light.
None the less.... I fully support what he has decided to do.
-
I read their original stance and their current CYA gun world PC stance not as anti-gun, but as trying to appear neutral in all things politics. They have allowed their logo on clothing and accessories for years, and they have allowed their name to be a part of shooting events as a fund raiser for their cause for years. For that reason I stay neutral on this big business flap.
However, you can not hide the facts exposed by this PR fiasco: They are not about distributing raised funds to those they claim to assist. They do a very good job of operating in a profitable realm while providing good and well paying jobs. They are also building a large cash reserve: Look at the amount raised, less their expenses, less their disbursements, and you will see a large amount of money sitting in cash accounts. This is what happens when an organization either starts with the wrong mindset, lives in the for profit world too long (hires too many for profit leaders), or loses sight of its mission. This fiasco shed light on the fact that I can help our returning veterans, wounded and not, in better ways locally. If everyone helps their locals everyone will be served in a personal and truly helpful manor.
-
I told several people about this at our large Thanksgiving gathering. They were shocked and pissed about WWP'sd 15% delivery rate.
I think some will tell everyone they know.
-
Tom Gresham's final word (I suppose) on the whole WWP flap.......
Many thanks to Warhawke for sharing it on FB.
November 27 : 2012
A Self-Inflicted Wound?
Publisher's Note: Over the past weeks, we've followed the discussion and controversy surrounding the Wounded Warrior Project following their taking a pass to appear on Tom Gresham's Gun Talk. Today, Tom Gresham brings us his complete take on the WWP controversy. (Originally published in Shooting Wire, Wednesday, November 21, 2012.)
Does the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) have a bias against guns and gun makers? Two weeks ago that would have sounded crazy, but this week many shooters are convinced that it's true. Hundreds of hunts and shoots are held as fundraisers for the WWP, and gun companies donate to WWP for its projects. How could it be that this $185 million (2013 projected revenue) outfit could be anti-gun?
It started with a simple invitation -- I wanted someone from the Wounded Warrior Project to join me for the Veteran's Day episode of my national radio show, Tom Gresham's Gun Talk. I had no idea it would turn into a national dustup which now has the gun rights community in a turmoil -- so much so that people are burning their Wounded Warrior Project shirts.
We were disappointed when the Leslie Coleman, PR director for WWP, said they couldn't come on the show, but that happens. Schedules don't mesh, things happen, but that's not uncommon. No big deal. Except that Ms. Coleman said they were declining because we "are related to firearms."
"While we appreciate the interest in having a WWP representative on your show on Veterans Day we are not able to participate in interviews or activities with media/organizations that are related to firearms," said Ms. Coleman in her email.
That really rocked us because we knew of all the firearms-related activities used to raise money for WWP. I asked for clarification, and Coleman reconfirmed their position. That Sunday I talked about it on the air and sent out a tweet (@guntalk) with the information. Some doubted that I had reported it correctly, so we posted the entire email exchange on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/notes/gun-talk/wounded-warrior-project-email-exchange/10151354082553313
That lit the fuse, and hundreds (if not thousands) of gun rights supporters contacted WWP for clarification. The response was . . . a bit bland. Mostly it was along the lines of "We support the Second Amendment . . .," but the WWP web site specifically called out the firearms industry as one it would not "co-brand" with. That is, it would not allow the use of its logo on guns (and it turns out, on knives, either.) The other industries it won't co-brand with? Alcohol and sex.
Coleman's explanation that guns are used in suicides, and suicide is a big issue for returning vets, set off a firestorm of response. WWP quietly started making changes to its web site, removing mention of firearms, or changing it to "weapons." Online firearms boards documented the changes, posting the before and after. The pressure mounted on WWP.
By midweek, with the help of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, WWP offered to put its CEO, Steve Nardizzi, on Gun Talk Radio to explain what they now called a big misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion. I welcomed the chance to clear up this mess, which no one wanted. I hoped that Nardizzi would announce a change in the policy.
He didn't. Once on the air, he said they support the Second Amendment (which really did remind me of when President Obama starts a sentence that way), and that they participate in hunts and shoots as fund raisers. Yes, we knew that. But what of the policy blocking the use of the WWP logo on guns? In fact, the policy prohibits the use of the logo at fundraisers where there is shooting, though that seems to be flexible.
No, he said, they would not "co-brand" with firearms or knives. The return on investment just wasn't there, he explained. I asked why they would turn down the money from such a program when it didn't interfere with their larger projects (ketchup, clothing, etc.), and he explained that co-branding requires much internal coordination with lawyers, PR people, and others to manage it, and that I wouldn't understand it. Hmmm.
What if we offered to cover all their internal expenses, and then co-brand (use their logo on guns and knives) as a way to contribute to WWP, I asked. Would that be okay? I never got a straight answer to that.
There was much back and forth, with it quickly taking on the feeling of dealing with a politician who has to be there, but who doesn't really want to answer the questions. To get the full flavor of the interview, you can download it or listen online. http://tinyurl.com/cugy6ft
Nardizzi even went on the offensive, saying he can't believe we would withhold donations from wounded vets because we don't get anything out of it (use of the logo). This feigned indignation didn't fly. I explained that we have many avenues for donating to our veterans -- WWP is only one of many -- and that just because someone decides not to support a group which he thinks has taken an anti-gun stand doesn't mean that person isn't going to continue to contribute -- just to other groups.
Having been in the gun rights fight since before the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968, I've seen a lot of changes. For decades I've said this fight really is a struggle for public opinion. We have made great strides. Forty years ago a majority of the U.S. population thought that handguns should be severely restricted. That's not the case now. Through education and exposure the public recognize gun owners as "normal" people just like them. This is huge.
On the other hand, there is a major push to demonize and marginalize gun owners, gun makers, and the shooting sports. It is in this light that I see the WWP policy of prohibiting gun and knife makers from using the WWP logo. What are they telling the world?
Take the longer view. Ebay blocked firearms from being listed. Paypal blocks the use of its service for buying guns. Google blocks guns, dealers and makers from searches in its shopping service. We have reports of banks closing the accounts of gun makers simply on the basis that they won't do business with the firearms industry.
Each of these is a very public way of saying "We don't do business with 'those people'." Each is a way of saying that reasonable and responsible people should have nothing to do with the firearms business. We are being put into the same box as pornography.
Sure, the Wounded Warrior Project is only too happy to take our money. They "allow" shoots and hunts as fundraisers, but they don't want their logo associated with us. They are saying in a very public way that they refuse to be associated with us.
Some have suggested that there is pressure from the board, from big donors, or from elsewhere, to prevent the use of the WWP logo on "weapons." Honestly, I don't know and don't care. I just know it to be a continuation of the demonization of firearms, the firearms industry, and those who use guns responsibly.
There is no doubt that the WWP does good work. That's why I'm left disgusted and sad at this whole affair. But I know that we never win when we shrug and put up with this kind of treatment.
Throughout last week we continued to hear from people and groups which have been rebuffed by WWP because the groups were involved in firearms. One significant donation from a company in our industry was returned because it came though a faith-based foundation.
One element of this rather sad tale has been gratifying. The firearms community responded instantly to this with questions and pressure -- so much so that WWP recognized they had to go public to answer the charges. The connectivity of the gun rights movement through the internet made that possible. It has changed the game.
I had hoped that WWP would come to its senses. Once it became clear that the policy would not change, many identified and donated to other groups which help vets, and which are only too happy to be associated with guns, hunting and shooting. Last Sunday I had someone from marineparents.com on the radio show. Each week for the rest of the year, we'll have various groups which help wounded veterans on the radio to help them get additional exposure.
On Gun Talk Radio I created a "No Shrug" policy. We will always speak up. No longer will we just shrug when faced with a distorted media report about guns. No longer will we just go about our business when a politician makes outrageous claims about gun owners. No longer will we continue to give money to, or do business with, any outfit which in any way labels us as "undesirables." To shrug and just go on is to not just accept the demonization, but it actually agrees with it and supports it.
No longer.
--Tom Gresham
http://www.thetacticalwire.com/features/226813
-
Looks like the guys running this outfit just realized they had another foot they could shoot.
Church Says Wounded Warrior Project Refused Their Money
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/wounded-warrior-refuses-to-accept-money-from-church.html
-
Looks like the guys running this outfit just realized they had another foot they could shoot.
Church Says Wounded Warrior Project Refused Their Money
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/wounded-warrior-refuses-to-accept-money-from-church.html
Major gunshot wounds to both feet may not be lethal, but they now know what many of those they claim to be helping are going through.
-
The important thing to remember here is to disassociate the true wounded warriors from the WWP and help the public do the same. And...., it really hacks me to know that only $3,750 of what we raised for the true wounded warriors and their families at USSA trickled down and that $21,250 stayed at the office.
We tried to get on their calendar and they never responded or called back so....to the organization that calls themselves WWP screw them....especially with their politically correct can't accept church funds.
So...who does get the most money back tot he wounded and their families? Of that who supports the 2nd Amendment....I'm furious...can't think and don't want to or research. Any answers out there?
-
I am glad you replied Rastus.
I knew that this was an important project to you, and I wondered what your take or position was. I think you made it clear.
Thanks!
-
I agree, Rastus.
If I had found that WWP was anti-2A and the whole raft of PC anti-most everything that is decent, I'd have still continued to contribute IF they were genuinely helping the wounded vets with near 90% or more of the donations.
And as you have illustrated, they are actually hurting those vets by siphoning off contributions to organizations who would have more honorably help them..
-
Looks like they want a Do-Over on the church donation too.
The Wounded Warrior Project has apologized for rejecting donations from a Baptist church and said the incident was “blown out of proportion” even though the organization’s website states that religious donations are not accepted.
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/wounded-warrior-project-apologizes-for-rejecting-church-donation.html
-
Has anything changed with these guys at WWP?