Posted on 12/20/2004 1:49:33 AM PST by Commie Basher
For book lovers out there who are still stubbornly insisting that the rise of Christian fundamentalism homophobic right wing government is not necessarily a good thing, I bring glad tidings: You can do something about it and simultaneously take care of all your holiday book shopping needs, thanks to a new website that reveals the political donations of major retailers.
For example, wondering whether to buy books online at Amazon.com or at BarnesandNoble.com? Does it make the decision easier for you to know that 98% of B&N's corporate political donations went to the Democrats, while 61% of Amazon's went to the Republicans?
Or maybe you'll be encouraged to get offline entirely and shop at an old–fashioned brick and mortar store upon hearing the news that Borders gave 100% or its donations to Democrats?
Those are some of the revelations to be found at Buyblue.org, a new website founded by a group of people who met through the political blog The Daily Kos.
"It is about corporate transparency, but it is also about bringing political power back to individuals," one of the founders, Raven Brooks, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Brooks, a computer systems analyst in San Francisco, says, "Where you spend your money every day matters. Nine times out of 10, corporations act contrary to consumer interests, but we still patronize them and don't hold them accountable."
Innumerable retailers are listed at the site, from Wal–Mart (red) to Foot Locker (blue) to Costco (blue) to Sears (red) and The Limited (red).
The Amazon numbers may be the most surprising on the site, however. As one entry on Buyblue's blog notes—an entry entitled, "Say it ain't so, Jeff"—"It seems counterintuitive for a company patronized by so many progressives to turn around and donate their money to causes antithetical to their constituents¹ values."
The entry also details what those constituents can do about it, however, and as it turns out, there's quite a bit more that can be done beyond merely shopping at a competitor whose views are more simpatico.
For one thing, Buyblue provides visitors with a list of alternative retailers. And what if an Amazon customer, say, "also wants to lodge a protest at this company he has been supporting for years thinking they espoused progressive values?" There's information about how to do that, including the e–mail address of Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos.
And what if Bezos "chooses to respond with Amazon's customary 'don't let the door hit you on the way out' form letter as a reply"? Information is available about the companies that invest in Amazon, and how to contact them, too. There's also information about groups gathering to "protest Amazon's finance of a right wing agenda," and info about the boycott those groups are planning "in a couple of weeks."
As the site explains, the theory behind Buyblue is that "when politicians and corporations collude to form policy very rarely are the long term effects on individuals taken into account. We need to change that and this is our seat at the table."
Reasonably enough, the theory continues, "Corporations are profit–making machines that have no allegiance to law or country. The only way to make them act ethically is to make it profitable to do so. By withholding and subsequently returning our revenue we will provide the financial incentive necessary for to move corporations toward sustainability. By aggregating our effort through Buyblue.org we will be able to show them the exact amount of revenue they stand to win by acting ethically. This is no different than any other free market business negotiation."
Of course, Amazon has avoided the seemingly logical dictates of sound economic principles before—they've survived for ten years without making a legitimate profit, after all. Still, it will be interesting to see what happens if their clientele is reduced to the folks they've been donating money to—you know, the ones who only read that one book.
I've met Mr Bezos personally, and he really is an interesting man, and one who made his dream a reality, and we Americans are all the better for it.
And seeing this here from Moby makes me all the more confident in suggesting we FReepers make sure to spend our money at Amazon over BN...
as there are no barnes and nobles here in Iraq I have had to use Amazon, otherwise, I dont make a distinction.....
Still, it will be interesting to see what happens if their clientele is reduced to the folks they've been donating money to—you know, the ones who only read that one book."
You have to love the way the elite's pea brains work. They can't come up with any ideas of their own so let's attack the evil corporations.
Of course, I only shop at Amazon anyway...;)
As for me, goodbye Barnes and Noble, hello Amazon :)
What about starting a buyred.org?
Unfortunately Amazon.com is in partnership with Target, so I had to cancel my $100.00 order.
No need. The buyblue.org people are doing the work already. Nothing says you have to use the site the way they intend.
Hubby and I both opened a new Visa charge card with Amazon yesterday. He ordered a new router/tools and I ordered 3 books. Special offer, $30.00 refund when you first use their new Visa credit card. My bill ends up being $1.80. He also received an additional $25.00 off for buying over $199 worth of Bosch tools.
Glad to read this story. Makes sense that a "red" company would offer "cuts" to increase business. Offer incentives instead of whining that folks aren't spending this year and woe is the economy.
They learned a lesson from our President?
Musical Instruments are a new Amazon 'beta' feature and I was looking for a particular model of Epi Les Paul guitar. Amazon didn't have it but one of the partnered store did. I called the store and they said, sure no problem you can use your Amazon Credit accout direct with us. I almost went on a buying spree :-)
(I need want a new amp and a Tele too)
Same here. I spend LOTS of money on books, and am happy for the excuse to quit giving money to Barnes and Noble. And isn't it interesting that Wal-Mart gives more to pubbies than rats? Wasn't Sam Walton supposed to be one of xxx42's particular Arkansas "success" stories, after all?
Good post. Glad you found the buyblue site interesting.
The Red Businesses, as reported by the Center for Responsive Politics:
WalMart, $467K, 97% to republicans;
K-Mart, $524K, 86% to republicans;
Home Depot, $298K, 89% to republicans;
Target, $226K, 70% to republicans;
Circuit City Stores, $261K, 95% to republicans;
3M Co., $281K, 87% to republicans;
Hallmark Cards, $319K, 92% to republicans;
Amway, $391K, 100% republican;
Kohler Co. (plumbing fixtures), $283K, 100% republicans;
B.F. Goodrich (tires), $215K, 97% to republicans;
Proctor & Gamble, $243K, 79% to republicans;
Coors, $174K, 92% to republicans; (also Budweiser - sd)
Brown-Forman Corp. (Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Bushmills, Korbel wines - as well as Lennox China, Dansk, Gorham Silver), $644, 80% to republicans;
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (chicken), $366K, 100% republican;
Outback Steakhouse, $641K, 95% republican;
Tricon Global Restaurants (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), $133K, 87% republican;
Brinker International (Maggiano's, Brinker Cafe, Chili's, On the
Border, Macaroni Grill, Crazymel's, Corner Baker, EatZis), $242K, 83% republican;
Waffle House, $279K, 100% republican;
McDonald's Corp., $197K, 86% republican;
Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Bahama Breeze), $121K, 89% republican;
Mariott International, $323K, 81% to republicans;
Holiday Inns, $38K, 71% to republicans
Thank you for your service.
I only buy on Amazon anyway. Also it's a good tool, checking out what's the best sellers, and customer comments. A very intelligent review of Elfreida Jelinik's book (won the Nobel prize) with startling information about her.
Mike, are packages getting through for Christmas? Sent one to my adopted soldier- hope it arrives in time.
they seem to be. I wouldnt know because I told my wife and everyone that I didnt need any since I will be home in about 3 weeks.
I dont have the time to put into boycotts.
Isn't Borders affiliated with Amazon? When you go to borders.com, you are taken to Amazon's site...so is one supporting Amazon or Borders in that case I wonder.
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