Another missive from Smitty....
----- Forwarded message from Smitty <76543a@mpinet.net> -----
From: Smitty <76543a@mpinet.net>
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 17:14:05 -0500
To: paulf@quillandmouse.com
Subject: Gun Rights and Dell Computers
Reply-To: 76543a@mpinet.net
X-Mailer: KMail [version 1.3.1]
Message-Id: <20020305221925.KDEG681.fl-mta03@there>
Paul,
Thought this might be interesting for the slug-pol list.
(I am contemplating resubscribing. Been finding some interesting stuff
lately!)
Smitty
Subject: "SUPERDELL" Show CCW permit- -get big discount!!
CommentMax
Gun Rights and Dell Computers
Dr. Michael S. Brown
March 4, 2002
>From the "NewsMax.com" website:
http://www.newsmax.com/commentarchive.shtml?a=2002/3/3/221301
Dell Computer Corporation has been riding high lately with an advertising
campaign based on the slogan "Dude, get a Dell!" Last week, Dell stumbled
into a confrontation with American gun rights activists that illustrates
interesting changes in the nature of that community.
Millions of politically active gun owners are now linked via a sprawling
and unorganized network of Web sites and e-mail distribution lists. Valid
information and rumors both propagate at light speed. On Feb. 26, an e-mail
spread through the network like wildfire.
Jack Weigand is a highly respected Pennsylvania gunsmith and president of
the American Pistolsmiths Guild. He sent out a message describing his
unpleasant encounter with Dell.
He reported that Dell canceled his order for a laptop computer because the
name of his business, Weigand Combat Handguns, suggested that he might be
planning to use the computer for criminal purposes. They also rudely
neglected to inform him of the cancellation.
Stories like this are a serious hot-button issue for gun owners, who are
sick and tired of being demonized for the last couple of decades.
Connectivity, computer skills and hard feelings are a potent combination.
Within hours, Dell was inundated with hostile e-mails and phone calls.
Dell's damage control team moved quickly. An apology from Dell was
forthcoming on Feb. 28, but not before angry net-gunnies were further
incensed by the discovery that Dell was listed on an obscure Web site that
allows Dell customers to donate a portion of their payment to Handgun
Control Inc.
Dell's rather lame apology claimed that its cancellation of Mr. Weigand's
laptop order was a misunderstanding motivated by its desire to comply with
federal export laws designed to keep high technology from falling into the
hands of terrorists.
The company offered Weigand a free computer, which he respectfully declined.
There is no way to know how much this fiasco cost Dell, but it has provided
an unexpected windfall for a flamboyant computer retailer in Utah. Dell
Shanze, owner of Totally Awesome Computers (totallyawesome.com) received
plenty of free publicity when his gun-owning customers posted their praise
of his pro-gun policies.
Millions of gun owners now know that Dell Shanze, affectionately and
ironically known as "SUPERDELL," encourages his employees to carry their
lawfully owned handguns on the job in his nine retail stores.
In an e-mail interview, Shanze recounted his background on gun matters. It
seems that he once bought a shipping and packaging store that had been
robbed three times. (No doubt he got it at a good price.) He carried a gun
openly on his hip and never had another robbery attempt. Even though he no
longer owns that store, it still remains unmolested by criminals.
He explained that his philosophy is based on his own experience: "Good guys
with guns are legendary in the minds of bad guys and just a rumor of an
armed business owner will prevent the vast majority of any robbery
attempts." None of his stores has ever been robbed.
As if this weren't enough to earn the loyalty of computer-savvy gun owners,
he also offers $100 off any computer purchase if the customer will bring in
their handgun and concealed weapon permit. Out-of-state purchasers can
simply fax their permits. Many gun owners are now saying, "Dude, get a
SUPERDELL!"
Corporate managers should take note and avoid repeating past errors. Any
sign of prejudice against lawful gun owners now risks a confrontation with
millions of net-wired activists.
Dr. Michael S. Brown is an optometrist and member of Doctors for Sensible
Gun Laws, www.dsgl.org. His e-mail address is rkba2000@yahoo.com and he is
not affiliated with any company mentioned in this column.
References:
"Dude, Don't Get a Dell"
http://www.sierratimes.com/02/02/27/arjw022702.htm
Jack Weigand http://www.jackweigand.com/Dell.html
SUPERDELL http://www.totallyawesome.com/
Dell Computer Corp. http://www.dell.com
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