Nun activists cleverly invest in Smith & Wesson to push for gun control
Activist Nuns Take a Stand Against Smith & Wesson’s AR-15 Rifles
A group of passionate Catholic nuns, who happen to be shareholders of Smith & Wesson, have filed a lawsuit with a bold mission: to put an end to the company’s production of “AR-15-style rifles.” These nuns, however, seem to lack a basic understanding of firearms, as they claim that these rifles serve no purpose other than mass murder.
But here’s the thing: despite their misguided statement, there is no evidence to support their claim. In fact, out of the 20 million AR-15 rifles currently owned by civilians in the U.S., not a single one has been used in a murder.
The lawsuit argues that the company’s leadership has knowingly violated laws and failed to address lawsuits related to mass shootings, leaving shareholders exposed to potential liability. The case was filed in Nevada, where Smith & Wesson is incorporated.
This lawsuit, known as a “derivative” lawsuit, allows shareholders to hold company boards accountable if they fail to fulfill their duties. The suit highlights several shooting incidents in which the criminal used an AR-15 or a similar rifle.
It’s important to note that the plaintiffs won’t personally profit from this lawsuit. Any damages awarded by the court would be paid to the company itself.
Attorney Jeffrey Norton, representing the nuns, argues that Smith & Wesson’s board is turning a blind eye to the potential harm caused by their marketing and sale of weapons designed for mass killings. He compares it to the pharmaceutical industry’s negligence in the opioid crisis.
In response, Smith & Wesson’s CEO, Mark Smith, dismisses the lawsuit as frivolous, claiming that the plaintiffs are not acting in the best interests of the company or its stockholders.
While the nuns may only own a small fraction of the company’s shares, their determination to hold Smith & Wesson accountable for their actions is commendable.
The Nuns’ Powerful Statement
“As Catholic Sisters and women of faith who believe in the sanctity of life, our hearts ache at the exponential rise in gun deaths and mass shootings in our country that have ravaged the lives of so many children, women, men, their families, and communities. AR-15-style rifles, like those manufactured by Smith & Wesson, have been the weapon of choice for killers responsible for the deadliest mass shootings in American history. By design, they inflict the greatest number of casualties with maximum bodily harm in the shortest amount of time and are easily modified for automatic fire. These rifles have no purpose other than mass murder. They are not the sporting rifles that members of our own families and other responsible gun owners value.”
The nuns, as responsible shareholders, have sponsored resolutions to shed light on the company’s practices and potential risks associated with manufacturing AR-15 rifles. They have even called for a third-party Human Rights Impact Assessment to evaluate the company’s practices. While the board recommended voting against these proposals, a significant portion of shareholders supported them.
Now, with the help of legal experts, the nuns have filed a derivative complaint against the board and executive officers, accusing them of prioritizing short-term profit over long-term risk. They argue that Smith & Wesson’s relentless marketing and sale of AR-15 rifles, even if illegal, attracts dangerous buyers and contributes to a growing stream of killings.
The nuns urge Smith & Wesson to return to its roots as a responsible gun manufacturer and cease the production and sale of military-grade assault weapons. They pray for an end to the devastating mass shootings that have plagued our nation.
These courageous Catholic Sisters, including the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Sisters of Bon Secours USA, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary, U.S.-Ontario Province, are determined to use their shareholder activism to promote corporate responsibility.
Source: Activist Nuns Strategically Buy Smith & Wesson Shares to Force Gun Control Policies (The Western Journal)
What are the responsibilities of gun manufacturers in prioritizing public safety over profits?
R numerous mass shootings. It is our moral duty to speak out against the production and sale of these weapons that serve no purpose other than to cause destruction and death. We, as shareholders of Smith & Wesson, must hold the company accountable for its role in perpetuating this cycle of violence.”
The nuns’ statement carries immense weight, as they represent a voice of morality and compassion in a world plagued by gun violence. Their decision to take legal action against Smith & Wesson is rooted in their belief that gun manufacturers have a moral responsibility to prioritize public safety over profits.
This lawsuit presents an opportunity for a crucial discussion about the role of firearms in society and the responsibilities of those who manufacture them. While the Second Amendment grants Americans the right to bear arms, it does not absolve gun manufacturers of the consequences of their actions.
Smith & Wesson, like any other company, should be held accountable for any negligence or complicity in the misuse of their products. The nuns’ argument is not aimed at denying individuals their right to own firearms but rather at emphasizing the need for responsible manufacturing and marketing practices. They propose that Smith & Wesson should place greater emphasis on producing firearms for self-defense and legitimate sporting purposes rather than weapons that are frequently associated with mass shootings.
Furthermore, the nuns’ lawsuit underscores the importance of ethical corporate conduct. Shareholders have a responsibility to ensure that the companies they invest in uphold ethical standards and prioritize the well-being of society. The nuns are fulfilling this duty by challenging the practices of Smith & Wesson and demanding accountability from the company’s leadership.
Some may argue that this lawsuit is an infringement on individual liberties and the free market. However, it is crucial to recognize that this legal action is not an attack on the Second Amendment or an attempt to ban firearms. It is a plea for responsible manufacturing, marketing, and sales practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals.
The nuns’ courage to challenge a major firearm manufacturer highlights the power of grassroots activism and the potential for change from within. By utilizing their shareholder position, they are utilizing a peaceful and lawful avenue to challenge the status quo and advocate for a safer society.
A Call for Change
This lawsuit is not the end; it is the beginning of a broader conversation about gun violence and corporate responsibility. It serves as a call for lawmakers, gun manufacturers, shareholders, and citizens alike to come together and address the pressing issue of gun violence in the United States.
The nuns’ activism reminds us that change often starts with a few impassioned individuals willing to stand up against injustice and demand accountability. Their efforts should inspire us all to question the status quo and work towards a more peaceful and safer future.
While the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, it has already achieved something remarkable—it has ignited a dialogue about the responsibilities of gun manufacturers, the impact of their products on society, and the role of shareholders in promoting ethical business practices.
Whether or not this legal action yields the desired results, the activism of these nuns has already made an indelible mark on the national conversation surrounding gun violence. Their bravery and commitment should serve as an example to us all, urging us to examine our own roles in promoting a safer and more compassionate society.
Conclusion
The activist nuns who have taken a stand against Smith & Wesson’s production of AR-15-style rifles represent a powerful force for change. Their lawsuit challenges the company’s practices and demands accountability for the role that these weapons play in perpetuating violence and mass shootings.
This legal action is not an attack on gun ownership rights or an attempt to inhibit the free market. Instead, it is a plea for responsible manufacturing and business practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals.
The nuns’ activism reminds us that change is not only possible but also necessary in the face of mounting gun violence. It sets an example for all citizens, shareholders, and corporations to reflect on their responsibilities and actively work towards a safer and more compassionate society.
Ultimately, it is the collective effort of individuals like these activist nuns that has the potential to bring about a world where gun violence is no longer a daily reality.
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