Adjam5 Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 I saw a Instagram post of Realtree Nike sneakers...Really...Realtree is in bed with Nike? The anti American company that supports and employs Colin Kapernick? The company that embraces a man who disses America at every turn and used that controversy to try and sell sneakers with it. Is that all we are about in todays world? Money? (stupid question huh?) Is anyone shocked that Realtree would do this? I am...because hunters/shooters and consumers of Realtree are not the people who generally buy Nike. What is Realtree thinking? But then again...It is all about money. Right Realtree? Nike? Really Bill?...Really Tyler or whomever is running this company now. Now...I know how I feel about Kapernick, the NFL and all who take his side. I have family in the Military and in Law Enforcement and I am all about freedom. Kapernick/Nike can do what ever he/they like and I will support their right to do so. Even if I do not like it. But I have some of that freedom also. To not support a company that supports someone I do NOT support. Now more than even hunters, shooters and Americans need to put your money where your mouth is. Too many sneaky enemies like Dicks and Gander mtn. trying to undermine our rights and system. If Realtree is in bed with Kapernick/Nike...I really have to be a man of my word and say goodbye to Realtree. It breaks my heart. Really does. I feel like I just found out there was no Santa Claus ☹️ . Betrayed. It has been my favorite camo pattern since Jim Crumleys Treebark in the late 80's. I cannot accept Realtree selling out to Nike and Kapernick. Realtree has picked a side...so have I. Am I missing something here? Please enlighten me. Kapernick is part of the problem in this country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 Not sure how much they thought this one out...but I DONT have to buy Nike and I wont, why has been touched on above. As for RT...I do not know the facts why, but not jumping ship just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 No clue on this one Anthony, sounds like a good topic for Scott or someone from Ga to do some splaining on. But yes, totally agree with where you are coming from on nike and kapernick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted March 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 William...It really breaks my heart to read this. I love Realtree. Always loved Realtree and went out of my way to buy ONLY Realtree. This hurts. I agree...They have some Splainin to do Lucy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkoholic Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 I'm sure it is all about the money. Realtree should have put a little more thought into the decision, but maybe they were looking beyond politics. Just the thought that the sneakers are an overpriced product made by slave laborers with questionable materials should have been enough for Realtree to shy away from this partnership. I am not sure how many people will be influenced by the Nike/Kapernick connection, but that connection may actually increase sales as many people wear camo who are not part of the outdoor lifestyle. I do not feel that this business decision in any way puts a Realtree approval stamp on the politics of Colin Kapernick, nor do I think that disagreeing with someone should be a call for censorship. One's decision to buy, or not to buy, based on a difference in opinion not related to the object is an interesting subject. Would you disassociate with an old friend if they started associating with someone you didn't like or agree with? Is the money received by Realtree for the right to use their pattern being used to push the politics of dissension? I believe that Realtree as a company stands behind the outdoor lifestyle and the rights that we have in this country to live the way we do. Do I agree with everything they do? No, but I can say the same about the NRA, RMEF, and any other organization that promotes hunting, fishing, conservation, and our freedoms which allow us to lead the lives we do. In truth, I do not buy solely based on a camo pattern as the quality of the article is much more important and all the pattern does is inflate the cost. The best quality materials assembled by superior workmanship would be where I would want to see "my" pattern highlighted and with the consideration of the demographics to which it will be marketed. No Nike for me and that's based on quality, not politics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted March 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 (edited) 32 minutes ago, elkoholic said: I'm sure it is all about the money. Realtree should have put a little more thought into the decision, but maybe they were looking beyond politics. Just the thought that the sneakers are an overpriced product made by slave laborers with questionable materials should have been enough for Realtree to shy away from this partnership. I am not sure how many people will be influenced by the Nike/Kapernick connection, but that connection may actually increase sales as many people wear camo who are not part of the outdoor lifestyle. I do not feel that this business decision in any way puts a Realtree approval stamp on the politics of Colin Kapernick, nor do I think that disagreeing with someone should be a call for censorship. One's decision to buy, or not to buy, based on a difference in opinion not related to the object is an interesting subject. Would you disassociate with an old friend if they started associating with someone you didn't like or agree with? Is the money received by Realtree for the right to use their pattern being used to push the politics of dissension? I believe that Realtree as a company stands behind the outdoor lifestyle and the rights that we have in this country to live the way we do. Do I agree with everything they do? No, but I can say the same about the NRA, RMEF, and any other organization that promotes hunting, fishing, conservation, and our freedoms which allow us to lead the lives we do. In truth, I do not buy solely based on a camo pattern as the quality of the article is much more important and all the pattern does is inflate the cost. The best quality materials assembled by superior workmanship would be where I would want to see "my" pattern highlighted and with the consideration of the demographics to which it will be marketed. No Nike for me and that's based on quality, not politics. .Yes...I have stopped being friends with those who kept company I did not approve of...Easy decision to make. Hunters buy more camo and specialty camo than non outdoor people...Hunters are Realtree's Core customers. Hunters are known to be conservative people. I am not calling for censorship. It is a awareness level I have raised. Maybe we need to look into how Realtree makes political donations and and what party they go to. Maybe Stacy Adams is getting pac money from Realtree. It was found out, accidentally that Benchmade gives 90% of their political donations to the democratic party....Who do you think buys their products? Hipsters? Don't be asleep at the wheel. It is a different game today. Insurance cos are shutting down the NRA. A lot is happening. The decision to buy and not to buy IS directly related here. I see this as a big violation...I don't like that the flag is burnt either. But it is a right to do so. But I also have the choice to not support what does not support me. Would it be OK then if Realtree did a Jane Fonda Line...Or a Glen Bergdahl Line of camo? I mean...You don't have to like everything they do...right? Edited March 30, 2019 by Adjam5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkoholic Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 8 hours ago, Adjam5 said: Maybe we need to look into how Realtree makes political donations and and what party they go to. Maybe Stacy Adams is getting pac money from Realtree. It was found out, accidentally that Benchmade gives 90% of their political donations to the democratic party Since it is illegal for corporations and unions to donate money for individual campaigns, I find it hard to believe that a company (Realtree) would be willing to contribute "soft" money to further the liberal ideas expressed by the democratic party considering the conservative nature of the Realtree staff. I could see them supporting a specific candidate, but as a corporation, could not directly donate to their campaign. I have voted for a few democrats here in Montana, but then the democrats here tend to foster more conservative views. Ah yes, Hanoi Jane, much like the media of today, the media at the time made more of the story than there really was and it was mostly lies if the people involved can be believed. Glen Bergdahl doesn't ring a bell in my mind unless you mean the deserter Bowe Bergdahl. I firmly believe that a company should make business decisions based on financial standing and keeping the company running and their employees working are more important objectives than worrying about ruffling someone's feathers. Remember, Realtree does not make anything and Nike paid them for the right to use the copyrighted pattern(s). Nike sales have been booming since the Kapernick ads and I would venture to say the camo sneakers will add to that boom. If you decide not to buy any Realtree adorned product then the thousand or so companies licensed to use said designs will also be impacted. I do not agree with Colin Kapernick and his misguided actions. He did stand firm in his believes in the face of adversity and that I have to give him credit for. That fit with Nike branding. I do not think Realtree went to the dark side with this licensing agreement. Now, about the NRA. The liberals are finding that one of the best ways to gain control is hit the opposition in the pocketbook/wallet. The NRA needs money to fight for your rights and with over 100 million gun owners in the US, one has to wonder why there is only 5 million NRA members. When the second amendment falls by the wayside it will be from the lack of support from the millions of gun owners who are letting the NRA members carry the load. Many do not like the NRA constantly asking for money, but one does not have to give every time and if one likes to own a firearm then giving a little every now and then should be an easy decision. So, don't buy those Nike's, give your money to the NRA instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted March 31, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 LOL...Yeah I meant Bowe Bergdahl...I worked with a Glen Bergdahl. Sorry about that. (Im still laughing). I have found out where many "Outdoor " companies donate their money and to what party. Look here. https://www.opensecrets.org/resources/ Here is Benchmades contribution past...all democrat donations. We know where the democrats stand now don't we? https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/totals.php?id=D000047693&cycle=2018 Hanoi Jane is still feeling the sting. One town in Seneca, NY last week rejected her being entered into the Womens hall of fame because of her past. Some people do not forget that easily. She should feel the sting her whole life. There are no do overs in life. You get one shot. She blew it. I feel Kapernick dirties Realtree and anything he is involved with. My money is where my mouth is. NIke or ANY company that supports what I do NOT support will not get my money. The NRA gets my time. I am on the Friends of the NRA committee here in my county over 15 years. Raised over 500k in our small county over that time. The NRA/ILA gets my money, often. Yes, sometimes I feel the NRA is too soft and there is some things I do not like about them. But they are the ONLY Game in town protecting gun owners rights. There is no formidable alternative. There are other camo patterns out there, unlike only one NRA. I do not think Realtree gave it much thought about the licensing agreement. $$$$$ thats all. Hey, they are in business right. Business is just that business. Look Realtree is a great pattern, that is why I love it. If Kapernick makes these sneakers popular and they sell...Realtree is helping the cause of a crap bag like kapernick by making him a successful endorser. Nike sees money well spent. When people like him, are part of what is wrong with this country, and... he is being promoted and paid( in a way) by a company we love and like. We are helping our own demise. I don't know...I am trying to find something good in this and cannot. The only answer I think I can accept is ..."It was a hell of a lot of money". The only answer that would make sense. There is no way Realtree chose to be on the side of that crap bag...could they? Naaaa. I appreciate you engaging me in this discussion and sharing your thoughts. These are what these BB are for right? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkoholic Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 10 hours ago, Adjam5 said: I appreciate you engaging me in this discussion and sharing your thoughts. These are what these BB are for right? Yes, discussion is good and I wish there was more of it. Agreement is not necessary, but just listening, and understanding, to each others thoughts can go a long way in keeping society functioning. One last thought. I do not know Colin Kapernick, but he appears to be against racism and social injustice. So am I. He is also against police brutality, but I think in that case he should try being a policeman for a week or so. I feel he picked the wrong avenue to present his stance. America, the United States, was and is not perfect. In a country where twelve of its presidents owned slaves (8 while holding office) one can hardly claim we, as a country, are a shining example of all that is good. Our history is laden with ill will, which began with the arrival of the Puritans. I love this country for the good that it stands for and the rights that we have, but to overlook the bad, now and in the past, does us no good. I do have an issue with any person or corporation that strives to limit our individual freedoms and rights as outlined in the Constitution. Unfortunately, the future will be controlled by a young, urban population who see life a lot differently than we do. That's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 I can see Dave's points, but agree also with a lot of what Anthony says. Forgiving/forgetting a wrong of the magnitude of traitor jane in my book is impossible to do. We had soldiers giving all for her to have her rights. She fully well knew what she was doing. My dad was a Vietnam veteran, he passed in 1971 in an accident a couple years after being out of the service. My step father was also a Vietnam veteran, I knew as a kid, at probably 6 or 7 years old, that jane fonda was not liked in our household and can remember some comments about "traitor jane". In my opinion kapernick is a turd. His protest in my opinion did not start with intents of being anti american, it is that he allowed that narrative to evolve and not set the record straight that irritated me and the fact that he continued even after he knew that people saw his kneeling as an insult to our flag and all it stands for. Supposedly his reason/rationale for kneeling was to bring attention to the problem with innocent black men being shot by cops. With his platform as an nfl qb he could have found a much better way to get his message across than dishonoring the flag even though I do not believe that was his initial intention. It was just a bad way to draw attention to a cause by disrespecting the flag. He went about it all wrong, however he got more attention than he probably ever thought he would. All the bandwagon nfl players who took their knees rather than salute the flag that followed suit and not standing and saluting our flag were just as bad of figures as kapernick. These players knew that a large number of people in this country were taking their kneeling as disrespect and yet they continued rather than find another way. Nike capitalizing on kapernick and the nfl's players acts of disrespect are low. As Dave points out the licensing agreement allows the user to use the pattern, may not be any more to the story than that, just business and making money with no other shared interests, and doubt there is any link to the turd. I don't think by realtree allowing the use of their pattern that they are necessarily selling out, but sure would be nice to hear from someone at realtree for some insight. I did email Scott a link to this thread when I first posted, maybe he will see it tomorrow and either post here or have someone post. We are all different and have different perspectives and opinions and different situations that hit us harder. To what point you go with boycotting products, whether to hold realtree responsible for kapernick's actions due to their affiliation with nike, well that is up to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 Great points Dave and William. Thank you for the replies. I am interested in a official reply also. Thanks for forwarding it up the ladder. My middle son AJ is police officer in one of the toughest places on earth. The South Bronx in NYC. Any idea how I fear for his life each day he goes to work? Fighting people who hate the police. These same people become emboldened by Kapernick and respond to his endorsements and stand with him. Furthering his cause and influence. I have a nephew in the Sandbox now, The Army. Who I will do anything to support. I have some skin in this game. These are two of the reasons why kapernick is so revolting to me. Giving Kapernick ANY voice is giving a platform to a liar and a ungrateful POS. We all know police are not the blood thirsty killers the press makes them out to be. Yet, Kapernicks position is that the Police are lawless killers( The Ferguson incident) and are racist and Nike says... we agree with you. Here is money. We like dirty goods. It might make us money hiring bad controversial people...and people just eat it up and pay it no mind. Then the perps become the victims and the cops become the perps. I expect a sneaker company to do that. Not a company like Realtree which I thought had conservative values. Look what happened to Yeti and the NRA. Look at what happened to Benchmade with helping the Oregon PD destroy firearms. Extreme pro 2A people went over the top, saying Benchmade endorses gun grabbing. They were helping the PD destroy crime scene firearms. In my eyes no big deal. But what was found out in addition to the gun destruction was that benchmade gives 90% of their political donations to the democrats. Nuff said. The NFL and many other big companies did not want to touch this guy and Realtree said yes? Was kapernick even thought of when making this move? So Nike makes money, Kapernick makes money...Realtree makes money and the respect for the United States and the people who keep it safe goes straight into the toilet. Just want to make sure I have it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted April 1, 2019 Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 Had several long discussions about this on FB last year when this was a hot topic. Most said everyone will forget and buy Nike's in a year. I said we'll see... clearly there are those of us still around that have not forgot. I love RT but if I saw Nike in RT or Converse in something else... the choice would be clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted April 1, 2019 Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 6 hours ago, fly said: on FB last year when this was a hot topic LOL I just heard about it when Anthony posted it here!...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammerforged Posted April 1, 2019 Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 I have never owned anything Nike and have no intentions of doing so, especially now that they are employing Kapernick. I am surprised that Realtree licensed Nike to produce these given Nike's liberal stance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted April 3, 2019 Report Share Posted April 3, 2019 I'm not going to second guess Realtree's business practices regarding who they license their camo patterns to, etc. A large part of RT's business is licensing their camo to other companies...be it camo drinking cups or camo shoes. I'm not a fan of Nike either, especially since their Kapernick deal. I'm not going to throw RT under the bus because they entered into what will probably be a very lucrative business decision with Nike. As many of you know, hunter numbers (as a whole) have been falling each year. I know for a fact overall treestand related companies business fell the last 2 years. Millennium is about the only one that's shown growth during that period but it's been from declining sales by other treestand related companies, not from new hunters needing treestands. Some of you know I'm one of the owners of Millennium...that's how I know that. We communicate with competing treestand company managers and obviously retail companies too that sell competing products. Excluding Millennium, other competing treestand companies sales have fallen 20% to 25% in each of the past 2 years. I don't know the status of RT's business but I wouldn't be surprised to hear their total net income fell the last 2 years too. Now...I'm willing to bet there are multiple other companies RT licenses their camo patterns to that hunters wouldn't care to support if they knew the details of the political stance of all those in control of those companies. Like it or not...all companies are in the business of making money. We wouldn't be here talking about this if RT didn't. That's the way it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2019 I will second guess ANY company that I do purchase products from. It is my right as a consumer to NOT buy anything from a company that does NOT stand for what I do. According to some of the replies. It looks like others do also. I could care less about how lucrative of a deal Realtree got into. I care about respect for Law Enforcement, our military and fellow Americans. To support a company that supports Kapernick is supporting Kapernick. Just in case you do not know. Who do you think Realtrees customers are? Hipsters, the misinformed and low information voters who give kapernick a platform? They believe his rants about how bad America is. Hunters are their main business. Yes Conservative people who reject kapernick. Hunter numbers have been falling? Really? And Nike is just the sneaker to revitalize those hunter numbers eh? Will they make me a better hunter? LOL. Sure, I understand it is all about money. I said that. But at what cost? That is the way it is IF their customer base does NOT abandon them for their actions. Ask Yeti...Ask Benchmade. They have customer loyalty problems because of their actions. I do not think you read the whole thread Rhino. If you or Realtree thinks I will support a man who disrespects America and is getting rich off of it, Y'all are plum crazy. So sales are down..we need to get back in the groove. I got it! lets sell out to people who hate America...Sounds like a good plan. So are you to sell out next? Who will sell out and say this means nothing and contribute to your own demise. Kapernick is part of the problem in this country an if we all become complacent because of money...Then we should get what we ask for. If money is all they are about then, it looks like I am done with Realtree. The only way I cab see Realtree out of this is saying... Oops! Our bad. We will donate ANY money we make in our deal with nike to wounded warriors and families of slain Law Enforcement. Still waiting for a official response. They are most likely waiting to see if this goes away and see how many are on their side. Playing politics. This has NOTHING to do with recruiting hunters. I have no idea where that even came from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 (Crickets.....) Gonna sit on this a little longer before I decide to wipe my hands of it all and Realtree. On the bright side...I am hoping to meet up with Ross while I am down in Texas next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 6 hours ago, Adjam5 said: Crickets.....) thats better than crabs right? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 Oh yeah....no doubt. Unless it is the crabs that Lewis gets from Nova Scotia ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 I'm surprised Scott not got back to us here, dont think they pay much attention to the Forums anyways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 Just now, Mathews XT Man said: I'm surprised Scott not got back to us here, dont think they pay much attention to the Forums anyways That makes me sad...How many of us here are keeping this board on life support? Maybe they do not care about the 8 active people on this BB ? I am here since 2005! Long time. I would say that would make me a Loyal customer...Right? That is just here on this BB. Not how long I have been purchasing Realtree licensed products. Everyday I am finding out this ain't the same company anymore as when it was Friends, Family and Realtree. Now it is about Money. Money and MO Money. Integrity cannot be repurchased once it is lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted April 9, 2019 Report Share Posted April 9, 2019 16 hours ago, Mathews XT Man said: I'm surprised Scott not got back to us here, dont think they pay much attention to the Forums anyways I know he read my email, or at least he replied to it, but don't know if he ever read this thread or not. Speculating whether Scott has any dealings or knowledge into this is just that, speculating. Maybe he passed it along to someone else or maybe he has forgotten with other stuff going on. Dunno, someone on facebook that is friends with Tim Andrus might message him and get him to see if he can get any insight from the folks at realtree. As far as the business end of things, honestly kind of doubt it would be much if different anywhere else. Big enough money comes along and offers a deal or in this case wants a licensing agreement and you don't take, the next company in line likely will. Sure if anyone dug enough they could find mossy oak with some questionable agreements/dealings as well. Thankfully this forum has continued and hope it does despite any of this. Still a lot of really good people here even though they may not post so much anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted April 9, 2019 Report Share Posted April 9, 2019 Honestly, I'm just glad Real tree gives us a FREE platform to use. I wont buy NIKE PERIOD! Give up RT? NAAW, I aint goin anywhere. Would hate to see Anthony leave us tho. I do see both sides of this issue, Valid points for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 Hey guys...I don't want to leave...But with my convictions. I feel I am being chased. Just the same way the Gov of NY said...If you are pro gun, anti abortion and right of center...NY is NOT the place for you. No problem...I am moving to Texas. Realtree...If you dislike America hating and cop hating sports players...Realtree and Nike is not the brand for you. That is how I am reading it. Maybe there is a reason why this BB dropped off the map as far as participation goes. Others just may not be as vocal as me. I know some of y'all a long time and while I am not in here everyday, I can tell each of you a lot about your family as you could mine. We all grew here together and learned about each other. I may just stop buying Realtree and X them out my life, but continue to drop in here and see my friends. I have turned down money in the past that I felt was not right to take. Integrity cannot be bought back , no matter how much money you make. No official response, makes me think Realtree could give a Rats azz about what its supporters think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2019 And Companies like Realtree and Nike pay me. Thank you SUCKAS! Signed Colin Kapernick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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