Olivia Jane, at Daily Kos, endorses the boycott of Whole Foods… to which I say:
Dear Olivia Jane:
You and many readers of Daily Kos are furious that Whole Foods CEO John Mackey expressed – in the pages of the Wall Street Journal – his opposition to greater government involvement in health care.
Exercising your rights and abilities as consumers, you are therefore boycotting Whole Foods. You’re using your freedom to avoid paying for products offered by someone whose attitude toward government you disapprove of.
Isn’t freedom wonderful?!
But I must ask: do you endorse my freedom to boycott paying for products offered by those whose attitude toward government I disapprove of? Like you, I have very strong opinions about the proper role of government, and also as in your case, a famous chief executive is now endorsing government policies that I find reprehensible.
Will you champion my freedom to stop supporting, with my money, President Barack Obama’s services? Will you come to my defense if I stop paying taxes to support those policies of Mr. Obama with which I disagree – policies such as the economic ‘stimulus,’ more vigorous antitrust regulation, and cap and trade? Indeed, will you defend me if I boycott – if I choose not to pay taxes to support – Obamacare?
If you will support me in my boycott, then I applaud your principle and, although I disagree with you about Mr. Mackey’s political views, fully support your freedom to boycott Whole Foods. But if you will not support me in my boycott, then can you tell me on what principle you would stand to defend your right to boycott supermarkets if someone (say, Mr. Mackey) managed to secure legislation that obliges you to shop at Whole Foods?
I await your reply.
Donald J. Boudreaux
……..
Doug Bandow, at the American Spectator blog, proposes that opponents of Obamacare do the opposite of boycotting Whole Foods — that is, go out of our way to shop at Whole Foods. The Boudreaux family is in! (But a question is raised. What’s the opposite of boycott? ‘Girlcott’?)
And here’s John Stossel’s take.
Update: And here’s Sheldon Richman’s take.
Another update: And here’s Max Borders’s take.
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I'm a shopper at Whole Foods and 100% STAND BY MR. Mackey's right as a US citizen to have his opinion on the TERRIBLY DESTRUCTIVE “Obamacare” being shoved down our throats. The left-wing Marxists in this country think that if you disagree with Obama your a right-wing nut. What is NUTTY is my car was defaced in the parking lot of Whole Foods in Lexington, KY for a bumper sticker. My car was marked up with a Sharpie Black marker for having a sticker that said, “Obama Marx '08 ” The person porceeded to destroy the sticker and my paint job. All I can say is this person made the mistake of letting himself get caught in a parking lot with NO SECURITY CAMERAS. He got what he deserved. How dare people that preach tolerance, free speech, gay right's, ect.. do these things. It's only tolerance, free speech, and ect for them(Socialist Marxists). Liberals are for themselves and protecting THEIR rights they agree with and trashing others(ie : Second Amendment).
AS Michael Savage say's , ” Liberalism is a MENTAL DISEASE “
GO Libertarians ! ! !
Bravo! You are so right about our inability to make our beliefs known with a boycott. I guess the Town Halls are the closest we can get with health care – we need to do them for everything! I'm especially pleased when people suppport WF because my son works there.
To jcrowe,
I am a bit shocked that someone would use my personal e-mail account as a forum to repute my comments instead of keeping it on the blog that my comment was posted on but whatever. As for my assumption that only Republicans oppose President Obama, don't you think your being a little picky? Sure there are “libertarians”, “fascists”, “communist” and all manner of people who oppose our President but the vast majority belong to the Republican Party and you know it.
As for the “rampant misuse of power” you speak of, kindly let me know what you're talking about. We had an election and President Obama won. He, like a majority of the population in this country (at least until the Insurance Industry and its allies misrepresented the End of Life Counseling with “Death Panels” propaganda) is trying thropughlegislation, to bring a public healthcare option to this country so that those of us who work in small companies or are self employed can actually afford coverage for ourselves and our families. He is working through Congress to try and achieve this as is our system. How is this “a misuse of power by the government”? Is medicare, social security, road building, the military etc. mususes of power? The CEO of Whole Foods needs to pay his taxes or face a penalty just like I had to during the Bush Administration. You remember the Bush Administration, the one that really did misuse government power.
And yes, there is a big difference between President Obama and the Bush Administration and if you are too ignorant to tell the difference then I truly do feel sorry for you.
Again, you seem to misunderstand how Disgus works. It is Disgus, not me, that automatically sends an email to the address you registered with. Also, you might want to look up the difference between 'repute' and 'refute'. The rest of your post is a rehash of if not a direct repeat of what you posted before…e.g. tedious and repetitive. If you wish to respond with more than boilerplate, there may be something to discuss. Otherwise why are you bothering to waste your time?
I'M IN!!! ALL THE WAY!!! I already liked whole foods, but found it a bit pricey. I'll be there more often now!
I agree that both Whole Foods and health care can be boycotted, depending on the political persuasion of the person concerned. Also, we should not have to put tax dollars towards abortion, invading other countries, death penalty etc. that we may disagree with. Everyone should be taxed according to the code but we should have some say as to where that money gos. It would be interesting to see how it would change our foreign and domestic policies. I think it would make it far more democratic as it would reflect the interests of truly the people rather than lobbying groups.
I am a customer of Whole Foods. I will remain a customer. I eat healthy to stay healthy. I am blessed with good health. If I could dedicate my insurance premiums pay for one psychosis, it would be to the care of the liberal mind for assuredly it is sick.
Isn't ironic that where the liberal – left wing idiots can't compete they demand government to enter the fray. Every liberal that has a better idea on health care can enter the health insurance industry by forming their own companies or not-for-profit healthcare network. Recruit doctors, nurses, and other administrators to provide the type of health care they believe the American people desire.
But since they can't compete in a fair and free market, they must use the strong arm of government (completely contray to the Constitution of the United States) to force their why into an industry in which they can't succeed.
What is going here in the United States. Have we lost our First Amendment rights. The CEO of Wholesale Foods can't say he disagrees. This guy gives a lot money to charity an everyone chastises him and throws him under the bus. What is happening to America today? We can't disagree with this administration. Asking for our e-mails if we don't support their reforms. Let me quote something from a important person:
Senate Speech 10 October 2002, by Hillary Clinton.
“I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration you're not patriotic. We should stand up and say, “We are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration!”
I'm an American and I have a right to debate and disagree with any administration just like Senator Clinton!
So for Russel Mokhiber, an attorney who is very angry and mad because a CEO doesn't agree with him is very childish in my opinion. And not every employee in Whole Foods agrees with him either. Not only is he is against people that disagree with him, but also embellishing the true facts as well.
I would not support your decision to to “go out of our way to shop at Whole Foods” because that would be counterintuitive with my decision to boycott it. Right?
Nevertheless, even though I will not be joining hands with you and with your lovely I'm sure kin-folk I want to wish you good luck on your cause. And you will need it…
Based on the comments that I've seen and heard first hand in a couple of town-hall meeting the people who appear to oppose most vehemently the president's health care reform efforts are definitely not Whole Foods crowd. So, my effort to boycott likely has better chances to succeed than your effort to support.
What ?!?!?!?! How does my logic make the government redundant? You took a leap there some where.
And, btw most companies will not let you speak if you own a single share of stock, and some are squelching the voice of all share holders. A single share of stock gives you zero real input into the operation of a company. Where you spend your money makes a much stronger influence on corporations.
I am a conservative that shops at whole foods, I think it is funny that people think that only librals shop at whole foods. So if only Librals shop at whole foods and also work there aren't they hurting their own group with the jobs that will be lost by the librals that work there? Also where will the Librals shop now? I am against the reform and think it is sad that people are so stupid to think that more government involvement is the answer. Where is all the money going to come from to pay for all this government involvement? Pretty soon we won't be a free country anymore, we will be like country we came here to get away from in the first place.
Yeah, shithead. I'd agree with you. If you were making a bit of sense, which you aren't. Are you this drunk and/or stoned all the time, or just an idiot by nature?
You go right ahead and stop paying taxes, drug addict. Of course, that means that you'll have to walk naked and barefoot to your drug supplier, which will not be a store, since if you don't pay taxes, you don't get to use roads, or anything delivered over them. Also, your drugs will not be inspected or approved. Have fun.
I personally would rather not have my taxes going to pay the school board, the city council, the county commission, and all their half-wit relatives “working” as “staff.” So, which government agency is paying YOUR salary, Donny boy? Because I bet your “job” can be eliminated without affecting the economy one bit.
Yeah, sure. Every idiot thinks he's a star now with youtube. Here's a hint, you rightwingnut dork FUBARs: PEOPLE WITH ACTUAL PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS DO NOT POST ON YOU-FREAKING-TUBE.
Oh, get off this parroting of Rush Limpdick and “government intrusion” line of sewage already. The truth is that the insurance companies are paying billions to mislead idiots like you, because they have hundreds of billions in profits at stake.
You want government intrusion? Wartime-deserter George and his rescinding of our rights in his bullcrap “war on terror” was intrusion. Not to mention treason. Dickless Cheney and his “I can spy on your phone and e-mail any time I want, while my people are burning my own records by the billions” is intrusion. Not to mention a felony.
All dimwits who whine that cutting back on insurance company powers and profits so that more people can afford health care is “government intrusion” are too stupid to be allowed to even have an opinion, much less vote, drive, or be around children. Just go jump off a building already. Stray cats aren't all that picky about what they eat.
This present administration and their lackeys are vehimently saying anyone who disagrees with them is unpatriotic and must sit down and shut up. They are trying to intimidate us with the “Fairness Doctrine” and so-called “Hate Crimes Act” where they can declare that if you speak up, you speech can be silenced under one of these acts. The decision as to whether it is covered under one of these acts will be determined by the ultra liberal judges they will appoint. The liberals I have dealt with, believe that only their ideas MUST AND ONLY WILL BE ALLOWED.
A Boycott of a Grocery Store Chain? Who was the moron that thought this one up? I recall a very powerful Government that once tried to control every aspect of it's constituants. It was highly feared by many because of it's size and military strength, and yet people allowed it to continue to control then for many decades. As a matter of fact, those that spoke out against this government were severly punished or put to death. This government even played a role in the arrest of the most perfect human to walk the face of the earth, eventually causing his death. One must ask themselves, how many Ceasars tried to Rule their masses before they were finally wiped out? We live in the fast diminishing World Power's control, and given the freedom to express our beliefs. Yet when one simple man states his opinion against this government, the masses want to hush him up because he mentions that people need to better themselves rather than sit in their homes and accept “hand-outs” from this government we live under. It appears we are no longer satisfied with prosperity, our values have changed to Greed and getting anything we can for free. But the masses will continue to hush those that tell us these truths, because it simply hurts our conscience. I applaude Mr. Boudreaux on his comment here, it is truely amazing how simple minded some people can be. This must be exactly what is meant by leading the sheep to the slaughter. Follow the masses so you don't become one of those being Boycotted for having common sense and quite possibly, Morals. Welcome to the new “Roman Empire.” (Did I mention that Empire was wiped out in the past?)
If you pay into social security, medicare, etc as a working person, then it should be available to you to the amount that you paid in, wherever you live, once you retire.
That is not “government money” that was supposed to be a system where the populace has a forced small savings account to assist them in old age.
Sure, healthcare in America could use an overhaul. You can blame private industry or the government….your choice. My main fear, however, is that the result of an overhaul will put the government in charge of part, or all of, healthcare in this country. Forget “death panels” and other such shrill claims. Does anyone REALLY want the government in charge of the MONEY?? They spend like money can just be printed when we run out of it!! Oh, crap……they CAN do that already can't they??? God help us all!!!
It seems that Mr.Boudreaux didn't get the memo (although most news organizations have been broadcasting it for months now) that we are no longer able to have dissenting opinions in this country because if you do you are labelled as some kind of subversive. It is now “un-American” to think or believe in anything that is not endorsed by the Democrats that are currently in power.
As a Democrat, I felt no fear in speaking out against the policies of administrations that I did not agree with, never once fearing that I would be persecuted. Not any more.These days I find myself guarded against saying anything against the policies of the Obama administration because of the fanaticism of his “followers”. Its always easy to belittle and label those that don't agree with your beliefs….its' easy to forget that the American colonists showed up at their town meetings to vent their anger and frustrations over the policies of the English….I'm sure King George and his government called them crazy mobs too.
Some suggest that there will be a revolt in this country….The revolt will come on the 2nd Tuesday in November….it is on that day that the voices that are being stifled will be heard….the first to hear the People will be the members of Congress…and then 3 years from now this administration will again hear the People speak….
I DONT CARE WHAT MACKEY SAID OR DIDNT SAY
I WANT TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR OWN POINT OF VIEW WITHOUT RETALIATION FROM SPECIAL INTREST GROUPS WHO SAY BOYCOT HE DIDNT AGREE WITH ME
I HOPE 1 DAY YOU RETARD LEMMINGS GET THE FULL EFFECT OF THE BILL OF SALE ON ALL THE BULL SHIT THE SPECIAL INTREST GROUPS ARE SELLING YOU AND I HOPE IM NOT HERE WHEN THAT HAPPENS
It obvious Alex that you lift a small bubble and don't realize what is actually going on in the Uinted States. I was a democract, then a republican and now an independent. I served my country and honored my oath against foreign and domestic faithfully. When was the last time you actually believed that the elected officials actuallly honored their oath to defend the U.S. Constitution of the United States. Lately I seen none of them do that. The truth fact is that nobody wants to hear the truth and only cares about the propaganda that is going on with the state run medias (CNN. NBC, ABC & CBS). Whats going on with Whole Foods is just the beginning. Are youy going to stop shopping at Home Depot too? The co-founder disagrees too. Where is it going to stop? I know how, people like me and many millions of frustrated people that are real Americans from all affiliations who are being labeled mobs and strongly disagrees on how our country is being turned into a European Socialist Society or eve worst communism. Obviously you haven't seen the Czars that have marxist and comunist beliefs. So my mob name is LIBERTYJOE!
By the way, the Whole Foods that I go to, they have actually gained customers and the sales are booming, so much for the boycott!
DON''T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE AMERICAN SPIRIT FOR FREEDOM AND THE FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS THAT WE HAVE CHERISHED FOR OVER 200 YEARS IN OUR REPUBLIC!
Hey lets support whole foods . This guy told the world the truth and OBAMA doesn't like it
Do you know what OBAMA stands for
One Big Ass Mistake America
Hey lets support whole foods . This guy told the world the truth and OBAMA doesn't like it
Do you know what OBAMA stands for
One Big Ass Mistake America
The citizen is free to move to any country he likes. But I understand that libertarians are so terrified of moving to a nation that has an actual free market, for example, Somalia, that it is completely out of the question that they could even possibly leave. Unfortunately for you, your bogus claim that the citizen “has no freedom of choice” when in fact he does have freedom of choice, is the fallacy.
Are you muirgeo's cousin? We've already proven that Somalia is nothing like a free market. Troll.
The citizen is free to move to any country he likes. But I understand that libertarians are so terrified of moving to a nation that has an actual free market, for example, Somalia, that it is completely out of the question that they could even possibly leave. Unfortunately for you, your bogus claim that the citizen “has no freedom of choice” when in fact he does have freedom of choice, is the fallacy.
Are you muirgeo's cousin? We've already proven that Somalia is nothing like a free market. Troll.
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