Consequences of Republicanism

Blogswarm Against The War

2008-03-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

Do you write a blog of your own? If so, I encourage you to participate in the blogswarm against the war on March 19. This will be the 5-year anniversary of Bush's unjust war in Iraq, and we must make sure this remains a critical issue in the November election.

Tags: Iraq war, Iraq, Bush

Fox Attacks Decency

2007-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wouldn't it be nice if we could somehow opt out of Fox when we pay our cable or satellite TV bills? Here's a petition with that goal in mind.

Tags: Fox, Bill O'Reilly, decency, cable, petition, activism, media

March to End the War and Impeach Bush and Cheney

2007-10-27T07:40:00.000-05:00

From Impeachbush.org:

October 27: March to End the War and Impeach Bush and Cheney

San Francisco
11am at the Civic Center

Los Angeles
12 Noon at Olympic & Broadway

Seattle
12 Noon at Judkins Park

Chicago
1:30pm at Union Park

New Orleans
2pm at Washington Square

Salt Lake City
11am at the Utah State Capitol

New York
12 noon at Union Square

Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Meet at 201 SE 24th St at 11am / Rally at 12:45pm at Welcome Park

Orlando, FL
12:30pm at Lake Eola Park

Chatanooga, TN
12 Noon at Coolidge Park

Boston
12 Noon at Boston Common

Tags: Bush, Cheney, impeach, activism, politics

Shopping Blue

2007-07-29T08:37:00.000-05:00

Many Americans don't feel like there is much they can do to influence the political process other than casting votes, and yet, many don't even bother to do that. Some degree of learned helplessness is certainly understandable, however, there is another important option too few of us utilize. By supporting companies who in turn support progressive political candidates and refusing to shop at those who support right-wing fanatics, we exert an important influence.

Take the example of home improvement stores. Many larger communities have both a Home Depot and a Lowe's. Which one do you choose when you need supplies? Unless you support the antics of one Bill O'Reilly, you might want to think twice about spending your money at Home Depot.

But this story has a far more important implication than where you shop. You see, Lowe's responded to pressure from the progressive community to end support of Fox "News." Compare this with the reaction of Home Depot. Why is this so important? Because it tells us that organized letter-writing campaigns, combined with a willingness to shop elsewhere, can lead to positive change.

I take three important lessons from this:

Support companies whose policies you agree with and who support progressive causes while refusing to support right-wing fanaticism (this support includes where you shop, word-of-mouth, etc.).
Inform companies with disagreeable policies that they risk losing you as a customer and why (this involves writing letters, blogging, e-mailing, etc.).
Don't give up. It may not always work quickly, but few companies want the combination of negative publicity and loss of business.

H/T to Pharyngula

Tags: Home Depot, Lowe's, Bill O'Reilly, progressive, activism, Fox News