FedEx Stands With the NRA...Well, Sort of

FedEx issued a statement saying that they are a common carrier and won’t refuse to provide services because of political differences, hence they won’t be severing business ties with the National Rifle Association. By doing so they made themselves a target for the sort of angry anti-gun activists (most of whom probably think Christian bakers should be forced at gunpoint to cater gay weddings.)

FedEx responds to questions on the National Rifle Association, gun safety and policy https://t.co/qYgmbyQ5jk pic.twitter.com/02q1hD2Q9s

— FedEx (@FedEx) February 26, 2018

It was by no means a statement of support for the NRA however.

FedEx Corporation’s positions on the issues of gun policy and safety differ from those of the National Rifle Association (NRA). FedEx opposes assault rifles being in the hands of civilians. While we strongly support the constitutional right of U.S. citizens to own firearms subject to appropriate background checks, FedEx views assault rifles and large capacity magazines as an inherent potential danger to schools, workplaces, and communities when such weapons are misused. We therefore support restricting them to the military. Most important, FedEx believes urgent action is required at the local, state, and Federal level to protect schools and students from incidents such as the horrific tragedy in Florida on February 14^th.

FedEx is a common carrier under Federal law and therefore does not and will not deny service or discriminate against any legal entity regardless of their policy positions or political views. The NRA is one of hundreds of organizations in our alliances/association Marketing program whose members receive discounted rates for FedEx shipping. FedEx has never set or changed rates for any of our millions of customers around the world in response to their politics, beliefs or positions on issues.

Since the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida that occurred on February 14, the anti-gun left has been on a full court press to demonize the NRA and blame them for the crime. A large part of that includes using intimidation tactics against businesses and organizations that provide group discounts or other benefits to NRA members.

Naturally, FedEx’s statement riled meme-warriors on the Alinsky-ite left.

#BoycottFedEx #BoycottNRA pic.twitter.com/3jPEQWr2qH

— #HumanCapitalStock nº129132141 (@Sergio_Septum) February 26, 2018

https://twitter.com/MamaRose2017/status/968256986709155841

#BoycottFedEx #BoycottNRA pic.twitter.com/wgU3RUassv

— #HumanCapitalStock nº129132141 (@Sergio_Septum) February 26, 2018

Here’s a good example of the intelligence present in the “blame the NRA” crowd.

https://twitter.com/tessareasoner/status/968245541154050048

I wonder if the ironically named Tessa “Reasoner” asks for non-AAA member discounts when she travels. Bless her heart.

Because they're owned by a wealthy Republican. pic.twitter.com/Qpop8f6SZU

— Candace G-G 😷💪🎭 (@cangia48) February 26, 2018

FedEX is owned by a huge republican donor so is anyone really surprised? The financial hit you will take for this will be epic. I am now a UPS/USPS guy all the way. I’m

— LS (@LivitUpLeo) February 26, 2018

FedEx has been a publicly traded company since 1978.

https://twitter.com/MoscowMuleMarie/status/968274817312018433

Excellent point! I’ll just do UPS. You’re so helpful! #BoycottFedEx

— Liz B (@EHBartels) February 27, 2018

The “boycott all the things” mentality almost always descends into this sort of stupidity. While the idea that Liz B is going to be receiving and paying her gas bill by UPS is humorous, it’s just not real. Boycotts tend to evaporate once they become inconvenient.