Staples Disqualifies Gun Stores, Lumps Firearms Together With Illegal Drugs

Staples is currently conducting a “PUSH It Forward Contest,” which awards a $50,000 marketing campaign to the small business that wins it. However, as Maple Creek Gunsmithing in Fremont, Neb. learned–small businesses that sell guns are not allowed to take part in the contest.

As Todd Starnes posted on May 30, after entering Staples’ contest, Maple Creek Gunsmithing received the following email:

We’re sorry, but your small business entry into the Staples PUSH It Forward Contest has been rejected for the following reason(s): Entry contains content that promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of the foregoing);  promotes any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous; promotes any particular political agenda or message; is obscene or offensive; or endorses any form of hate or hate group.

Wow. If your business promotes illegal drugs or firearms, Staples doesn’t want you to enter their contest.

Does Staples know firearms and illegal drugs are fundamentally different? Firearms are part of America’s heritage and are protected by the Second Amendment while illegal drugs are just that–illegal. Illegal drugs are indicative of deviant behavior while firearms are indicative of the freedom George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to secure (see Declaration of Independence).

Or think about it this way–whether they realize it or not, Staples is literally barring businesses that are framed around one of the most famous amendments in the Bill of Rights. 

What’s next? Will Staples begin rejecting contest entries of businesses that exercise free speech (First Amendment) or which stand up for private property (Third and Fourth Amendments)?

Throughout the centuries Americans in uniform have sacrificed their lives in military service to defend the Second Amendment, yet Staples apparently can’t see the difference between having a Glock model 19 for self defense and having a meth lab in one’s basement for illegal activity. Shame on Staples.