GE Capital plans to end a program that helps gun customers finance purchases, according to reports.
The financing arm of General Electric Co. said through a spokesman that the shift comes as a result of the tragic events in Newtown and subsequent legislative changes and industry changes. GE and GE Capital – headquartered in Fairfield and Stamford, respectively – were particularly close to the Dec. 14 shooting, and many employees live in that area.
GE Capital had been one of only a few financial services firms to finance gun purchases. According to reports, GE Capital ceased to provide financing for new gun-buyers 2008, and has since only operated the lending program for existing gun-shop customers.
The decision to end the program altogether will reportedly affect fewer than 75 customers.
Following the announcement, several groups reportedly announced plans to boycott all of GE’s products.
I join the boycott of GE products and services. Gun shop customers are law-abiding citizens purchasing legal products. They are not the violently mentally ill and inner city youth street gangs that commit the vast majority of homicides. GE’s mindless decision hurts only good people while doing absolutely nothing to reduce violent crime.
If this nation’s 100 million firearms owners join the boycott, GE’s management might wise up.
Bill Welch