BS: My own personal boycott

Subject: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 04:43 AM

I'm declaring my own personal boycott. I can't stand the way the Americans are acting. By the Americans I don't mean American people per se; I mean their government, their corporations, their military.

So I'm cutting three symbols of America out of my life. I won't drink Coca-Cola (or Pepsi for that matter) while this bullying is going on. I won't wear denim. And I won't eat in McDonalds or any of its copies.

I'm not asking anyone to join me; this is my own personal protest, the only way I can speak to my heart of how I feel.

I had an email today from a friend, a farmer in the wilds of rural Ireland's mountains. He wrote:

--
And then we can still feel lucky not to live in Iraq. Got an e-mail there just now telling how the war there had already started. Airfields and air defence are already being bombed on a daily basis. Commandos are dropped on Iraqi soil most nights by helicopter to do unspeakable things. Anybody with a computer and a net connection gets personal messages to make him aware that all his moves are being followed.
--

All I can hold to is the words of the stoic Epictetus when he was threatened with exile or beheading:

"So be it. Behead me, if it is better for you that way. When did I tell you that I was immortal? You will do your part, and I mine. It is yours to kill, mine to die without quailing; yours to banish, mine to go into exile without groaning."

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Schantieman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 10:07 AM

I don't drink Coke or Pepsi, or eat in MacDonalds partly coz I don't want to ruin my health/ lose my remaining holey teeth/ consume "milkshakes" thickened with lard / keep myself awake all night with caffeine (usually!) and partly coz they typify the modern multinational profit-driven cynical-exploitation-of-the-consumer-istic organisation which I hate so much.   Not that I have anything against Americans, either generally or individually although some of their leaders have left something to be desired over the years!

Denim originated in France, I believe. It was originally the fabric de Nimes a town in the deep south. Making it into jeans may have been an American invention ?????

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 10:42 AM

Steve: you beat me to providing the derivation of 'Denim' serge de nimes then let the side down suggesting the Americans invented 'Jeans' cotton Jean from French Janne (from L: Genoa)

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: MMario
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 10:46 AM

what got invented were "levis" - specifically I believe it was the idea to use the sturdy cloth and reinforce various points with the studs

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 11:02 AM

Do better to cut out trainers instead of denim. Drink beer instead of fizzy stuff that rots your teeth. And eat Fish and Chips.

Except it's no good doing a boycott when you end up doing exactly the same stuff you were before.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 11:06 AM

Just remember, not all Americans are greedy corporate fat cats or crazed consumers who buy everything and patronize every company they are told to on television. Despite the statistics, some of us even vote, despite not knowing if our vote is counted or if there are any candidates to vote for. (I'm almost 54 years old and it's been very seldom that I've been able to vote FOR someone, rather than for the most harmless of several choices.)

I haven't watched television since 1983. I very seldom drink soda of any kind (or bottled fruit drinks, bottled "tea" or sports drinks, for that matter). The big companies not only have given us no real choice as to flavor (cola is cola is cola is terminally boring), but I'm really only interested in the carbonation so I buy seltzer. (Don't get me off on a rant about how the big companies have limited our choices in EVERYTHING over the past 30 years!) We maintain a low profile, heating with wood and having a composting toilet so we use considerably less water than most Americans. We shop wisely for necessities and seldom in national chains, preferring small local independent businesses (while there are some still around before Walmart destroys them all). Yes, I like "things" (to keep, to give away, to resell) but I prefer to hunt them down via antique shops, junk shops and yard sales. We drive used but gas-economical cars. And since we can't afford health insurance (or health care), we don't get sick.

There's a big water company (not American owned) trying to make major inroads into the aquifer that lies under the town I live in. None of this water would be marketed in this country, but in Europe. The big companies (multi-national) would love it if we all had to pay for water

By the way, an "oxygen bar" just opened locally -- that idea started in Japan. No thanks. I don't need to pay good money to get a hit of "flavored" oxygen especially while I've got the wind coming through my 33 acres of trees.

Greed and consumerism are rampant, but not just in this country and not, of course, in everybody. And George was appointed, not elected, and it was probably the result of the Demublicans and the Republicrats being so much alike no one could tell the difference, or cared. Sure would be nice if somebody started representing "the people" that they like to talk about so much instead of Big Oil, Big Business, Big Communications, Big Religion, etcet etcet.

I think I'm done now. Rant over (for the time being, at least).

Gonna go sing some songs. (Old ones, recycled ones, the People's music!)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Peg
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 11:49 AM

no doubt you will feel healthier eliminating Coke and McDonald's from your diet! This stuff is deadly. It's believed we have an epidemic of adolescent obesity in this country because, in addition to getting far too little exercise, kids eat fast fod and drink sugar-laden soda every day...

Seems to me that your boycott is not just about these internationally recognized products but a boycott of what has sadly become an American way of life: ingesting chemically-flavor-enhanced garbage (it tastes good because it is injected with flavoring, not because that beef is fresh or those fries are wholesome) and caffeinated sugar water and thinking this is somehow an acceptable stand-in for human nourishment. It isn't.

Boycotting can be about a partcular brand name. Nike has been boycotted by activists for some time because of its refusal to make its products in the USA, and its exploitation of workers in Asia for pathetic wages and working conditions. Gillette tests some of its products (cruelly and needlessly) on animals. Nestle headed a poorly-planned program of distributing dried baby formula in countries where no safe source of water could be found to mix it, so babies were being poisoned from polluted water. Coca Cola was boycotted for years because of their business holdings in South Africa during the height of apartheid.

I wish more people would think in terms of boycotting; if our votes don't mean much in this country, where we spend our money still seems to...

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Schantieman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 11:53 AM

Hey, Bat Goddess, you sound like my kind of person.

I yearn to live that sort of simple life!   Yes - I know it's complicated to do coz you've got to do everything instead of buying it. Some my best friends have just (a year ago) bought a house with an acre of land. They're growing most of their fruit & veg., also eggs & sheep nearby. I was helping them dig a pond last week.

Get away from dependence on big corporations!

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: alanabit
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:04 PM

I like this positive thinking. When enough of us refuse to buy the garbage of the multi national corporations we will smash their malignant power. The politics which they hold in place will go under with them. I am under no illusions that my failure to contribute to their profitability will make much difference. I can at least exercise my choice not to give them any more than I need to. I wonder if there is any people in the world which could more benefit from the fall of American fast food chains whan the Americans themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Schantieman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:15 PM

It needs a bigger contribution than just a few or even all of us Mudcatters.   How can we spread it?   There are millions of people out there who live on fast-food, cook-chill meals from the supermarket and fizzy drinks. I don't much mind if they kill themselves by it but I do mind if they (a) restrict my choice to eat proper food (b) make my daughter eat it and (c) leave the wrappers lying about in the street. Rant rant rant.

Thank you.   I'll get back in my pram now.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Peg
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:25 PM

good point about the wrappers in the street, Steve. Fast food means no real observation of "meal time." Eating crap on the go is a way of life now and I think this somehow makes it okay in the mind of a slob (who clearly does not care about him/herself) to litter everyone else's space with their trash...it makes my blood boil, really.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Schantieman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:35 PM

And spitting on the pavement. (TB is on the increase again)

And riding bikes on the pavement.

And calling me 'mate'.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:38 PM

Didn't MacDonalds announce recently that they were having to close down some of their restaurants? Also, that they were adding supposed "health foods" to the menu? NOT defending them, just pointing out that they may already be feeling a crunch from better choices by consumers (hate that word. Sets everone up to think in terms of consuming which can be so destructive!)

I have shunned commercial cleaning products for years because of unnecessary and cruel animal testing. It's easy to make up your own safe cleaning supplies and it is another way to vote with your money to not support the multi-national bullshit.

Another terrible thing about soda pop is the phosphorous robs your bones of calcium, esp. important for women.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Dead Horse
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:39 PM

Dear GUEST,JTT, I hope the action you are taking makes you feel as if you are doing something worthwhile in your life.
Personally, I think anyone who believes ANYTHING that comes out of Iraq needs a full frontal labotomy, but at least you are starting to think for yourself.
I wont be joining you in your protest, as I actually like the taste of Coca Cola, and I use it to cure the indegestion I get at times.
I dont eat McDonalds, I prefer Burger King on the rare occasions that fast food becomes necessary.
I look bad in jeans.
I also think we in the west have an awfull lot to thank the USA for. Walking away from the likes of Saddam & his cronies, thus giving them even more power & prestige, would be a disaster for the entire world, not least his own people who he seems to be hell bent on destroying.
But at least you are starting to think for yourself.

One day you will learn to come to the correct conclusions.........

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:46 PM

JTT, you're on the right track, but perhaps fine-tuning your boycott would make a bigger impact. Why not redirect some of the savings into organizations you think are working best in your behalf, or investing in some way at your home so you're a bit less dependent on oil or chemicals? It's not just driving less, or driving more economically, it could mean something as simple as composting instead of buying fertilizer for the yard or garden. The petro-chemical companies (get it?--oil AND chemicals) might notice either way. Buy the materials to build a good compost heap, or get a tumbler for your compost if you need to protect it from rodents.

I also avoid most of the soft drinks and fast food these days, but for a different reason. I send some cash each month to a friend whose business is struggling to recover from the Sept. 11 events--he lives in lower Manhattan and is self-employed, eating rice pudding three times a day. I can't afford to send much, but I feel it would be unconscionable to continue eating fast food and drinking junk soda while my friend slides into malnourishment for lack of variety in his diet. The good news is that he is close to getting the business back up and running again.

My kids know where the money is going, and don't complain about the lack of McDonalds or Burger King. It means those rare occasions when we do go out, it's a real treat.

And for an idea of just what is in those fast, genetically modified, sugar and salt charged meals, take a look at Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: M.Ted
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 01:05 PM

Talk about self-absorption!!!! Your response to the Iraq situation is to change your diet and dress habits! No wonder the world is a mess!

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Mudlark
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 01:27 PM

It is a lot easier to change one's own lifestyle, than to take on corporate/political systems. I avoid nearly all food processed and packaged not just for boycott, and health, reasons but also to avoid the waste inherent in this type of food/drink. I rarely shop in box stores because I try to avoid adding to corporate coffers and because I dont want to lose the luxury of choice; and I shop locally not only for those reasons but to maintain my local economy, because what consuming IS necessary is on a much more human, and sustainable, level. I don't use any cleaning products, other than vinegar, and garden organically, for health reasons...mine and the planet's. I limit my use of plastic as much as possible, and that of gasoline...and water...and electricity...because of the expense...to me and to the planet. I heat with wood, sold to me by a guy who plants trees in clearcut areas in trade for the wood in the slash piles left behind. If I did any of this in hopes of making a difference to the corporate world I'd soon give up in dispair...doing these things enhances MY quality of life. And because this life style does save me some money, like SRS I spend that money instead on donations to environmental causes. All a drop in the bucket, I know, but it makes me feel better.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 01:34 PM

Good point, M Ted. How do you think I should fight the power of corporate and military America?

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Frankham
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 01:49 PM

Hey Peg and Bat Goddess, if you decide to run for office, I'll vote for you. I'll even campaign door-to-door. :)

I live in the land of Coke and it's a shame what they're doing to the children of America.

Don't know if I can give up my blue jeans, though, but I can pick and choose companies.

M.Ted, you know it's possible a change in diet might affect the brain cells which means better decision making for a better world. You might want to read a book called "May All Be Fed" by Gabriel Cousins.

My view is that working to be stronger and healthier as a person can ultimately affect how we respond to the world.

Coke, Pepsi, Walmart, MacDonalds, Fox Network, Exxon, Enron,
World Com, Arthur Anderson, SUV's.....and then there's the Bush Administration.....it's a polluted world and it's all connected.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST,Wordless Woman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:15 PM

Some of us have never embraced the concepts put forth by the marketing and advertising industries that we are just one purchase away from happiness. As for fast food, I can agree that it's sometimes faster than cooking but it's not really food – at least not tasty, nutritious food.

JTT, a boycott can only be effective if those you are boycotting know that you are boycotting them and why. A gentle plea: Please use US government instead of Americans; we don't all deserve to be lumped in with that lot.

Peace to you.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: alanabit
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:22 PM

Couldn't agree more. Why "wordless"? I'm listening!

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:30 PM

Good for you, JTT. Boycotts can and do work if enough people participate in them, and if they handle the PR effectively. You might want to check and see if there are already any ongoing boycotts that you can be a part of that will be more likely to have some kind of impact than what just one person alone can have.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Kim C
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:45 PM

Coke & McDonald's aren't holding a gun to anyone's head, forcing them to consume their products. If children aren't eating properly, their parents need to be paying better attention.

Remember, too, that Coca-Cola and McDonald's and all these greedy evil corporations, supply jobs for people. Maybe you wouldn't want bottle soda, or flip burgers, but for some people, that's the only thing standing between them and the street.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Schantieman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:47 PM

Nestle?

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: M.Ted
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:48 PM

JTT,--

I am a great believer in Buckminster Fuller's idea that an individual who with a positive vision can make more difference than politicians or corporate executives--

For a number of years, I was involved with the "World Game" which was used to teach school kids how to use their own personal skills to devise solutions for world scale problems--the program integrated the game with core curriculuum--science, math, social studies--

(WG wasn't just presented to kids--and for a while, there was an online version--sadly, though, World Game is no more)

Frank,

Do you mean "May All Be Fed" by John Robbins--I am not a big Robbins fan, but his works, as well as well as many other, such as "Diet for a Small Planet" were among the resources that WG used to help devise solutions for global problems--

Pete Seeger used to call us every so often to get copies of a chart that we created comparing the cost of solving problems to the current world military expenditures--not suprisingly, it would be way cheaper to solve the problems that cause the wars than it costs to prepare for the possibility of war--

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: M.Ted
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:50 PM

Oopa, forgot to say that wars themselves cost extra--

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 02:51 PM

Yup, Kim C, thanks--THAT'S the thought I had earlier that I forgot to mention in my post. Lots of high school kids depend on jobs at McDonalds. Take a look at the book citation above--these companies have been waging war on the American diet for decades, but heck, they have finally stopped cooking fries in lard. Maybe getting them to shift their offerings is the best you can hope for. Stop the GM wheat, sugaring the mayo, salting the meat.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: boglion
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:11 PM

I've been running a personal boycott of all things French since Chirac blew up the South Pacific some years ago testing his Weapons of Mass Destruction. I'm going to keep to that one while Chirac is still in power.

If I keep adding to this list I'll run out of things to buy.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST,Wordless Woman
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:15 PM

Good point, Kim C. Around here, many senior citizens augment their meagre social security cheques with earnings from fast food joints. Still, it never is tasty.

I'm Wordless because my initial posting was to ask for lyrics to a song. And I'm trying to honor Joe Offer's request that we guests use the same nom de web for each posting.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: NicoleC
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:23 PM

Is running out of things to buy such a bad thing?

There are almost always local farmers and meat producers for food -- you'll get fresher, healthier, better tasting and cheaper food while getting the warm and fuzzy feeling of supporting the local economy and not contributing to the pollution of intercontinental food transportation.

The rest is mostly just aquisition. The vast majority of what we buy isn't a need, it's a want. McDonalds french fries included. If you want McDonalds to stop selling so much junk food, about the only thing you can do is stop buying it yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: jimmyt
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:25 PM

I am curious, JTT, Are you an American?

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST, Ernest C
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:33 PM

Sounds sort of useless to me. If you really want to boycott, try China. Of course, then you couldn't buy much of anything when you go into Walmart.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: KateG
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 05:18 PM

I'll agree that Coke (and all its clones) and McDonald's (and its clones) are a blight on the American culinary/health landscape even if they do provide jobs -- but then so did the mom and pop diners the fast food joints replaced.

Jeans, on the other hand, can probably be considered the American national folk costume. After all, they had their roots in 19th century workers clothing. They may not be as elegant as a sari or a kilt, but they are just as distinctive. Yes, they are often manufactured by companies with questionable business practices...but that is the fault of the company. Choose your lable wisely, avoiding sweatshop perpetrators and the fancy-schmancy ego lables (is there anything in between?), and you are continuing a great American tradition.

KateG

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 05:52 PM

All about Conscientious Consuming including how to start a personal boycott and how to make them work, etc.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: jimmyt
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 06:08 PM

Wanna do your part? Pay Taxes and vote

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 06:41 PM

JTT: You're off to a good start. I think that boycotts can bring about changes. Rememeber the "Boycott Grapes" from the early 70's. No? Well I do. Ceasar Chevez, a union organizer who was trying to help the migrant laborers in California organized it and it got good publicity and support.

The problem this time around is narrowing down the folks who are more guilty than others which isn't as easy. While I agree that McDonalds is killing off their customers by fillin' 'em up with greese and fat, I don't think they need be targeted over displeasure with American foriegn policy. I'm not sure who is but I am sure someone does.

Anyone have any ideas on a better target.

The obvious target is the US Governemnt itself. We Americans give them a lot of our money and expect some return on the investment. Hmmmmmm? What if everyone just quit paying taxes?

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Gareth
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 06:49 PM

Personnally I have boycotted any Fench products for the last 20 years, or so - ever since I had the misfortune to work for a French owned company.

Just remember :-

The French have never honoured or kept any teaty or obligation unless it was enforced by -
A Welsh Long Bow,
A British Broadside,
or a Prussian Bayonet.

Yup, call me a bigotted warmonger, and where the french are concerned I am.

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 07:08 PM

Buying what is good for you is just plain smart. In our Capitalist society, our most important 'vote' is our spending dollar. The money we spend accumulates in certain areas, and those 'areas' buy legislation.

When we spend wrecklessly, we squander our 'votes'. When we buy products with which we make ourselves unhealthy, we are buying influence for the people who would have us be sick. The buck stops here, where the consumer is joyfully engaging in genuinely healthy behavior. "Accept no cheap subsitutes for your well being".


Saying that McDonalds is good for the subsistance of people who would otherwise be on the street is a 'deliteful' thought... Or that McDonalds stock is an acceptable sorce of income for our retired elderly... Boulderdash I Say!

One could jump to conclusions immediately here, and say that Cancer is good for the economy, and that the community centered general stores of old were holding back 'progress'... ttr

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Kaleea
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 02:47 AM

Denim was first made for the working folks of Genova, Italy. It was sturdy cotton cloth, of the color blue. If you boycott denim, you are telling the common folks of Genova that you do not know the origins of the working man's fabric.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 06:22 AM

Gareth, by that reckoning you should have been boycotting USA goods forever as there is not one treaty with the Native Americans, that I know of, that the US government didn't break.

In general it saddens me that so many are ready to denigrate other cultures and countries, esp. when it is because they had the "Gaul" to stand up to the shrub. There is much I love about the French and their country, not least of which is my life partner is descended from very early French explorers to Canada.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 10:41 AM

Kaleea: if you go back to the first couple of posts you'll see the real origin of 'denim'. You've combined two different materials.

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 12:17 PM

Bobert -- Hmmmmmm? What if everyone just quit paying taxes?

They already have . . . aided and abetted by Dubyah and friends.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Gareth
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:03 PM

Kat,

Nothing to do with the oportunist, and unpricipled actions of the french over Iraq, my detest goes a lot longer and deeper, from the days of watching a french owned company tear up every negotiating agreement and "dump" on its UK based staff.

It reminds me of the story of the French solidier talking to the Irish mecenary.

Frenchmen "Why is it you only fight for money, whilst we French fight for honour?"

Irishman " Perhaps its because we both fight to gain somehing we lack"

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: jimmyt
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:48 PM

Bat Goddess, I certainly haven't seen a lack of taxes paid on my part. I work half the year before I see any profits as the first half goes to the government. The perception that most people get out of paying taxes is quite a myth

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:55 PM

Sorry you feel that way, Gareth. Insert any two ethnicities in your joke and someone will think it fits.

I hope your feelings re' the French don't extend to individuals just as I hope people do not judge Americans by their government or multi-national corps.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 02:02 PM

Nope, I'm not American. And no, I don't want to hurt any American people. But the multinational companies and the US government and its military are conjoined; these are the subject of my personal boycott.

As I say, it's just me. And perhaps there are more effective ways - I just don't know any.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 03:11 PM

jimmyt -- I'm certainly not getting any tax breaks and I work well into the year before any of what I earn doesn't go to taxes.

It's just that the system is supposed to be that those who have the ABILITY (ie, they're making more money) to contribute are taxed a higher percentage of their income. That's why it's called a "graduated" tax. Seems to me that an awful lot of rich individuals and corporations are not only getting out of their responsibility to pay taxes, but are collecting "corporate welfare" as well -- which is considerably more than the total of the services or welfare paid to the poor.

And then the IRS goes through all the trouble to audit me to find I owe $8.00 more.

My personal boycott is not shopping at Walmart or patronizing other businesses that destroy small businesses.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: jimmyt
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 03:14 PM

You might be better serving if you try to make the world better by volunteering in whatever country you live in. Get involved with orphans or the elderly or aids victims or the homeless. Donate money to these worthy causes, write letters to your politicains telling them of your thoughts. SOrry but this boycott of these companies sounds like it is an attention getter. I am in America. I am an American, and proud of my heritage as a place that has welcomed people from everywhere in the world to come and live. I am not a pain in the ass flagwaving nationalistic nutcase, but I have travelled a fair amount in the world and am happy to go home to the USA. I do not agree with every political decision that this administration or the last one either makes or represents, but in my country, we have the freedom to effect change by voting. It still is a majority rule country, so not everyone gets there way all the time.

Subject: RE: BS: My own personal boycott
From: leprechaun
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 03:40 PM

Believe me, I'm not happy about it, but just to even things out for our maligned U.S. Corporations, I'm going to quit buying Perrier and Roquefort cheese.

While I'm at it, I think I'll quit buying tofu, alfalfa sprouts, and raw carrot juice.

I'll even forego those birkenstocks.

Nosirree, no more whole wheat for me.