Goodyear Bans Guns

[Pat McGarrity]

PLEASE SEE MY LETTER BELOW FROM 9-8-04. SINCE THEN, I'VE CONFIRMED THAT THEIR DISCRIMINATION/CRIMINAL ENABLING POLICY IS A NATIONAL CORPORATE POLICY. I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH GOODYEAR AGAIN.

September 8, 2004

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
P.O. Box 8010
Ann Arbor, MI 48107

Dear Goodyear:

Last Friday morning, I stopped by your store at 3084 S. Perkins Rd. in Memphis, which is mentioned in your e-mail solicitations to me. I was going to get a tune up for my truck that has the tires, brakes and oil change I purchased there recently. As I started to enter the store, I was appalled to see your sign discriminating against me. On the door is a sign (that doesn't meet Tennessee State code for posting) that bans the carrying of firearms.

First, let me point out the obvious; a criminal predator that is going to commit armed robbery isn't going to change his plans based on your sign. Instead, now you've increased your likelihood of violent crime by advertising to criminals that you and your customers are easy prey. Crime statistics and common sense back this up. It's a fact, the store there is in a crime ridden area. Unfortunately, I work in that area too. That is why I'm always armed, and have been armed every time I've done business in your store. That wasn't noticeable, because like the other legally armed carry permit holders, I'm responsible and discreet.

You have every right to conduct your business as you see fit, however, as long as I'm being discriminated against, and you don't show an interest in the safety of your customers, I won't be doing business with you. Neither will my coworkers, family members or friends. Please remove me from your electronic and snail mail lists. Additionally, your business will be added to the list of businesses that discriminate against gun owners on the Tennessee Firearms Association website. If this is a Goodyear corporate policy, then that will apply to all of your stores in Tennessee.

In Liberty,


Patrick McGarrity, Jr. - TFA/GOA
Bartlett, TN 38134

Cc: Tennessee Firearms Association Message Board