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  • Page 1 — you take it with NRA
  • Page 2 — do not be dragged into controversy
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    The dispute over toilets shows how companies in US can intervene in politics if y want to. Almost exactly two years ago, state of North Carolina passed a law that caused great resistance. It forced transgender people in public buildings to use only toilets that correspond with sex on ir birth certificate. This is finally “common sense”, said n Governor Pat McCrory.

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    Not only activists and human rights organizations opposed scheme, and many companies also rejected law – and acted. The payment service PayPal dashed plans for a company headquarters in state, College Basketball League withdrew from North Carolina, production of a television series was relocated, Ringo Starr and or artists said concerts. Overall, news agency AP predicted North Carolina’s revenue of at least 3.76 billion dollars to escape. A lot of money for a US state. In view of se figures, Congress in Raleigh agreed to delete law again.

    It was a mixture of sustained social and economic pressure that forced retraction. Proponents of stronger gun laws in US now hope that momentum from North Carolina can be repeated. The attention of survivors of school massacre of parkland has been taking place for weeks. However, many companies are now making it clear that y believe that more regulation of firearms is necessary.

    Company Partners run NRA like this

    It started with discounts. Several companies announced in past weeks ir partner agreements with weapons lobby NRA. Previously, ir five million members received a number of perks for renting a car or insurance. The activists applauded move, but opposition did not wait long.

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    For example, airline Delta quickly felt wrath of NRA supporters. The state of Georgia raised tax relief, which airline had previously benefited from. The Republicans in capital Atlanta left no doubt that reason for cancellation was announcement of Delta to let NRA members fly no more discounted. It also did not help that this discount was only used by 13 people and was only offered for travel to annual meeting of lobby group. The slashed tax relief cost Delta now about 40 million dollars.

    This did not, however, prevent or companies from taking similar measures. The worry is too great that links to NRA will fall back on ir own business. The weapons lobby has lost a considerable degree of public approval in recent weeks. Skepticism is now also felt in groups that have not yet been noticed by a progressive worldview. Several retail chains have already announced that more stringent rules on arms sales will be laid down in future than required by law.

    The beginning was made by sporting goods dealer Dick’s. In future, assault rifles will no longer be sold in stores, weapons and ammunition only to customers with an age of more than 21 years. Walmart, world’s largest retailer and a reliable donor for Republican congressmen, also raised age limit for arms purchases. The dealer does not offer assault rifles anyway.