XPost: alt.freespeech, alt.survival, alt.politics.usa.constitution
XPost: soc.retirement
American denim giant Levi Strauss & Co. announced Tuesday that
it is launching a series of new initiatives to benefit groups
working to prevent gun violence.
Levi Strauss�s CEO and President Chip Bergh wrote in Fortune on
Tuesday that the company �simply cannot stand by silently when
it comes to issues that threaten the very fabric of the
communities where we live and work.�
�You may wonder why a company that doesn�t manufacture or sell
guns is wading into this issue, but for us, it�s simple,� Bergh
wrote. �Americans shouldn�t have to live in fear of gun
violence. It�s an issue that affects all of us � all generations
and all walks of life."
Bergh said it was his responsibility to speak up for important
issues since he leads a �values-drive company that�s known the
world over as a pioneer of the American West and one of the
great symbols of American freedom.�
He added that he is not advocating to repeal the 2nd Amendment
nor calling gun owners irresponsible.
"We can�t insulate ourselves from every threat," Bergh wrote.
"We can�t 'harden' every place we gather � whether it be our
schools, workplaces, shops, churches, or entertainment venues.
But we can take common-sense, measurable steps � like criminal
background checks on all gun sales � that will save lives."
Levi's, therefore, announced a new three-tiered initiative to
support gun violence prevention.
The company will donate more than $1 million over the next four
years to nonprofits and youth activists that work to end gun
violence, establishing the �Safer Tomorrow Fund.�
The blue jean manufacturer also partnered with gun control group
Everytown for Gun Safety and other executives to form Everytown
Business Leaders for Gun Safety.
Bergh called the group a coalition of business leaders who
�believe, as we do, that business has a critical role to play in
and a moral obligation to do something about the gun violence
epidemic in this country.�
Levi�s will also double all donations made by their employees to
the Safer Tomorrow Fund.
Bergh acknowledged that the decision to advocate for gun control
is a controversial one.
�While taking a stand can be unpopular with some, doing nothing
is no longer an option,� he wrote.
http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/404902-levis-teams-up- with-gun-control-group-we-simply-cannot-stand-by-silently
�
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)