Citibank anti-gun – again
Couple years back, I cancelled a credit card I had with Citi for 17 years over their anti-gun policies. Now, they’re at it again:
A letter, dated September 30, 2010, was received October 4. It confirmed that the “account was opened in error . . .” going on to say, “Our policy restricts us from lending to businesses in your industry.” Oddly, a disclaimer appears at the base of the letter, saying that federal law prohibits discrimination in lending “on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age; because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program . . .” The letter was from Home Depot Credit Services, Citibank (South Dakota), N.A., Creditor.
Warne Scope Mounts makes scope mounts and associated hardware. They don’t make firearms, ammunition, magazines, barrels, bolts, sling swivels, springs or anything else. Founded in 1991, Warne employs approximately 50 people who are involved in manufacture and shipping of the several hundred thousand mount sets that are sold per year. A considerable part of their business is OEM for many of the top industry rifle and scope companies.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:33 am
But Citi is perfectly happy to charge interest when one BUYS a gun with a card……..
October 8th, 2010 at 10:16 am
It would be interesting to see if they extend credit to Boeing or GE or any other defense contractor.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:18 am
What a stupid ass policy.
Firstly, its bad business to isolate any business partner when there is an opportunity to make money. Second, This open Citi up to the possibilty of a huge lawsuit. Finally, its just a dumb to say no to someone purely for ideological reasons.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:20 am
BTW – I bought a handgun not too long ago using my Citi card. š
October 8th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Meh, you’ll pay them no matter what they do with your money. Thanks to Uncle Sam, you don’t have a choice.
October 8th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Read the comments on that older SayUncle post and you’ll see a link to a SAF boycott back in 2000
http://www.saf.org/viewpr-new.asp?id=19
October 8th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I avoid this entirely by not using credit.
October 8th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I’ve been approached by recruiters representing Citi several times over the past few months. I can generally tell from the job description that it’s Citi, and once the headhunter confirms it, I decline to send a resume because I fundamentally disagree with their business practices, TARP goodies, and their unconstitutional discrimination practices. I have the benefit of an income now, and I can afford to be principled…not that I’d work for them if I didn’t.
It’s always fun to listen to the response of the recruiters, especially if they’re not ‘from here’.
October 8th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
While it was Citibank that did this, they were able to do it because Home Depot chose them to handle their credit accounts. So really, we should start letting Home Depot know that either they find another bank or we find another home improvement retailer.