Too much blame game...not enough coherent PR on either side. Yeti should definitely have had the foresight to see the potential blowback, given the hypersensitivity of the NRA and its ability to detonate a semi-nuclear reaction. Yeti didn't mean to do it, but they fired a round through their own foot. The NRA deserves to be chastised for reacting so aggressively to a company which had been a staunch ally (apparently) and helped its cause through financially favoring its members. Yeti has every right to run its company as it sees best. They didn't come out against the NRA or the 2A in any way, but the NRA managed to accuse them of exactly that. The read-between-the-lines stuff is for conspiracy theorists who think that...because a company doesn't continue to kiss the ring of another...they're behaving in disloyal fashion and have turned against their longtime ally. Yeti didn't do that of course, but they're getting all the blame for it. Well...plenty of it anyway....
Now the NRA has the appearance of acting like a tyrant out to just punish their former ally. I would hazard a guess that this doesn't end up helping the reputation of the NRA...an organization I once held in very high esteem for its honorable ways. I am disgusted by this, because I want the NRA to be unquestioned, ethical and honorable in it's ways...its reputation. To me it's not about sucker-punching any perceived threat as soon as declared. The whole NRA > Yeti debacle feels exactly like that's what took place. NRA's tactics may make it a strongman, but I think it doesn't play well with many sportsmen and the general public. People root against bullies....it's a natural tendency we'd best not forget.
I really REALLY could not care less what brand of cooler you or anyone chooses. Same with backpack, boots, bow, gun or breed of dog. If you think a brand of cooler is best for you, then buy it. You can buy Brand-A's cooler without throwing shade on Brand-B. But something tells me there's an inordinate amount of resentment or even hatred toward Yeti which preexisted this whole NRA deal. I suppose that's because people often tend to hate a winner or the 800 pound gorilla. Maybe it's the price. I happen to think a $160 pair of rubber boots from China is a rip-off, as they'll last me 5 years max and they have about $12 worth of raw materials in them. A good cooler...choose your brand...might cost you hundreds but will be around for decades if you give it basic care. A $4000 refrigerator will puke on you before your good cooler. It's only priced too high for you...or me...but not for everyone.
We are all losers when these entities spend time attacking each other and defending their ground. I don't come away from this feeling good. As I've said before: the winners are those who despise guns, hunting, the NRA, and not those of us who devote our lives to being sportsmen and sportswomen. People are assailing both the NRA and Yeti over this...and that's only good for my enemies. Thanks.