Republicans double down on a fight they can’t win
Delta, which is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, ended a discount program for NRA members on Saturday after public backlash following the shooting earlier this month at a high school in Parkland, Florida. In response, Casey Cagle, Georgia’s Lt. Governor, who is running for governor as a Republican this year, tweeted on Monday that he would block any legislation that includes tax benefits for Delta until the airline renewed the partnership.
“I will kill any tax legislation that benefits Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA,” Cagle said. “Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.” The Georgia legislature is considering a broader tax bill that includes a provision to exempt Delta’s purchases of jet fuel from the state’s sales tax, a move that could save the airline about $40 million. The exemption was first offered in 2005, when the airline was struggling, and repealed in 2015. Cagel’s opposition of this bill effectively kills it.
NUMBER ONE: Beyond STUPID to align your business with ANY political/social issue UNLESS your customer base is 95% in agreement with you! Smith & Wesson should support the NRA. Delta should not ever side either way.
NUMBER TWO: The government threatening to penalize a company for its political views is unconstitutional. For a party so hellbent on protecting our second amendment rights, it doesn’t seem to bother them much to forget the first amendment. As an elected official he swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, not “Conservatives.” Cagel seems to be serving the NRA and his party instead of the people of Georgia who elected him.
This might be one of the dumbest things I have heard anybody from the GOP say all year. Dear God, it’s only February and it wasn’t even Trump.
Delta employed more than 33,000 people in Georgia in 2015, is one of the largest employers in the state. After insulting their entire corporation, we will see for how long. Corporations are allowed to pay to play. They are supposed to be protected when they realize the team they play for isn’t winning.
I’m a musician and voice over artist. I’m living blue in a red state. Bless your heart.