Tag Archive for: 2nd Vote

Company Contrast: Vista Outdoor

Each week 2ndVote takes a look at popular companies that either score well or score poorly. We then provide alternatives that either better align with the 2ndVote values, or that should be avoided to the best of your ability. This weekly series is called The Company Contrast, and the company we will be focusing on this week is Vista Outdoor, Inc (3.49).

Vista Outdoor, Inc started as an ammunition manufacturer ATK in the early 2000’s. After many years of serving hunters, civilians, and law enforcement ATK spun off the ammunition and outdoor business into Vista Outdoor in 2014. Vista Outdoor today is a huge holdings company that owns some of recreational shooters favorite brands. CCI, Federal Ammunition, Speer, and many more brands are owned by Vista. Starting in 2016 Vista started acquiring all manner of sports and outdoor equipment manufacturers. These brands produce everything from camp stoves to GPS systems. Vista has an unsurprisingly good score for their support of the second amendment, but also practices sensible environmental stewardship. They also partner with the salvation army which is Christian and pro-life organization. Hop on over to https://vistaoutdoor.com/brands/ and see if their brands have what you need for your next trip into the great outdoors.

REI (2.01) is both a used outdoors equipment market and an online shop for gear. REI started as an outdoor enthusiasts co-op in 1938. The company has shifted more focus on family camping and outdoor wear in the years since the founders were just trading climbing equipment. REI has received a low score in Life, 2nd Amendment, and Environment due to support for policies like cap-and-trade. REI also ended a business relationship with a supplier due to that company’s ties with the NRA. Since this company leans to the liberal side on several important conservative issues, it might be a good idea to look at different marketplaces for used gear. There is also a huge variety of conservative companies that make new equipment for adventures in the outdoors. New or used, there’s plenty of higher scoring brands that deserve your hard earned money.

EDITORS NOTE: This 2ndVote column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

Religious Liberty Coalition Director Reminds Us to ‘Stand Together’ to Protect Religious Rights

Pastor Todd Coconato’s acceptance of the role of Director for the Religious Liberty Coalition (RLC) comes at a time where discrimination against people of faith has intensified. We are proud to be affiliated with the RLC, which works to protect religious freedom at a public policy level and affirms that religious liberty is an “inherent human right.” As government officials and corporations continue to take actions that suppress the rights of pious individuals, a commitment to preserving religious principles has become increasingly more critical.

Lawmakers have been using the coronavirus to restrict the First Amendment right to worship. The state of California has been particularly egregious when it comes to subjecting churches to unfair rulings. The Grace Community Church in Los Angeles cannot hold indoor church services, and the San Francisco County Department of Health will not even allow outdoor worship services if more than 12 people are present.

State and local officials have decided worship attendance is too dangerous, but massive Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests can take place without any excessive restrictions, and bars can have people in them up to 50 percent capacity.

Unfortunately, these attempts to limit religious liberty are not new. Influential corporations like Amazon (1.29) and Apple (1.00) took a clear stance against traditional religious values when they signed an amicus brief that urged the Supreme Court to rule against Jack Philips –  a Christian baker who declined to make a cake for a gay wedding. The backlash Philips faced exposed how corporations often use their platform to enforce a left-wing agenda.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Christians who disagree with his secular views are pushing “hate,” and they have “no home” on his company’s platform. Ironically, Cook has no problem doing business with the oppressive Iranian regime. Much like the officials limiting church services, behavioral standards are whatever Cook selectively determines them to be, and religious people happen to be an easy target.

We have to stand together to protect our religious liberties. If you or your church are interested in learning more about the Religious Liberty Coalition, please email Todd.Coconato@RLCUS.org

EDITORS NOTE: This 2nd Vote column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.