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Lipton responds to Dixie Chicks furor...
Corporate e-mail in response to my complaint.
| March 27, 2003
| WorkingClassFilth
Posted on 03/28/2003 6:19:30 AM PST by WorkingClassFilth
Dear Consumer,
Thank you for your recent note regarding remarks made by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. It is important for us to hear from our consumers and listen to their concerns.
As you can imagine, we did not expect a political controversy to arise when Lipton became a sponsor of the Dixie Chicks upcoming "Top of the World" concert tour. In this time of national crisis, we believe it is important for Americans to come together behind the values of freedom, democracy and tolerance that have made the United States of America into the country it is today.
We have every reason to believe the Dixie Chicks sincerely regret the distress Ms. Maine's comment has caused. In a subsequent statement, she said, "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."
The Dixie Chicks have in the past shown their love of America in very public ways, such as by singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in January, for an audience of 930 million people worldwide. The strong bond they have forged with the public - country and popular music fans alike - is reflected in part by the People's Choice award they won for "Favorite Musical Group," and the fact that their upcoming tour sold out in record time. The band's popularity and success were further recognized when the Recording Academy awarded the Dixie Chicks four Grammy Awards.
While we respect the right to free speech for all Americans, we believe it is important for artists such as the Dixie Chicks to recognize the impact their points of view can have on their fans, especially in these uncertain times.
We value your comments, and equally, the constructive spirit in which they were offered. Thanks again for your time and for allowing us to clarify the situation. We'll be certain to share your thoughts with the Dixie Chicks.
Sincerely,
Linnea Johnson Director, Consumer Services
TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: celebritypolitics; dixiechicks; leftisthate; lipton
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To: antivenom
Doesn't Lipton also sell other beverage products? Help me out here.
21
posted on
03/28/2003 6:41:00 AM PST
by
lmavk
To: WorkingClassFilth
Well, thank you very much for that link to unilever.com. I learned a lot. How European, how global.
The Dixie Pix would not have said those things to ANY audience if she had not believed them. So saying that she's sincerely sorry if I'm upset does not change anything, her feelings and her willingness to express her feelings in a foreign venue. And Lipton's request that we be "tolerant"...I've had it. My tea bags are going back to the company. I can live without them and as much as I hate to give it up, I'll find a replacement for my favorite Ragu.
Hey, Lipton, it's my right and my choice not to purchase your products or those of your parent companies. I'm sure you can tolerate that!
22
posted on
03/28/2003 6:41:06 AM PST
by
NTegraT
To: WorkingClassFilth
I received the exact same response in the form of an e-mail. My guess is that due to contracts signed with DC they can't drop the sponsorship.
23
posted on
03/28/2003 6:43:22 AM PST
by
duckman
(ta ra ra boom de ay, lets bomb SADDAM today.)
To: governsleastgovernsbest
I can see your point, but I would have to say that your interpretation is probably predicated on good-will and reading words for their face value. I suppose I'm too far gone for that.
I cannot read these words from Lipton's PR people without hearing the echoes of political calculation and precise word-smithing for a maximum impact of 'commited-non-commitment.'
Like you, I detect the vibrations of a spider in this web of prevarication. As you note, a small example of the disingenuousness is cited by the singing of the National Anthem as some kind of proof of patriotism. Well, 'scuse me, but I can remember the 'patriot' Rosanne Barr's disgusting rendition of the Star Spangled Banner all too well. Furthermore, awards given by entertainment industry mean less than nothing to me. The spectacle of Hollywood in recent days is evidence of this.
I guess as far as I am concerned, when entertainment figures take their popularity and use it as a platform for their ignorant and definitely anti-patriotic views their status as entertainers ends and they become just one more parasite on the Nation that gave them opportunity in the first place.
To: WorkingClassFilth
This is a copy of the letter I sent.
Ms. Linnea Johnson
Director, Consumer Services
I have just finished reading your letter on Liptons continued support of the Dixie Chicks. Frankly, the stance of Lipton makes me sick. Ms. Maine made the conscious decision to travel to a foreign country, and to be a spokesperson for the Dixie Chicks (and by proxy, Lipton). Her comments were an insult, and while I support her right to free speech, there are also the issues of responsibilities assumed when doing so. If she lamented about how the world needs more leaders like Hitler Stalin, and Saddam, would Lipton still support her? I mean, she DID say she was sorry. Well, she apologized after she found out that she had cost her group sales and endorsements. Good grief, if I opened my mouth and said Good Morning, and it cost me $1, Id apologize too.
I find her apology completely devoid of emotion, regret or selflessness. Her apology is simply a disingenuous attempt to recover funds, sales and promotional money potentially lost by her rant.
This is a great country, and living in Texas; we have the best of all possible worlds. Mild winters, warm springs, and hot summers. We also have a choice of several products that we use to quench our thirst on these hot summer days. For the first time in my life; my family will try an assortment of new teas. Lipton will no longer be consumed, nor welcome in our home. Naturally, exercising my rights of free speech, I will encourage my friends, relatives and neighbors to try the alternative teas; all readily available at our supermarkets, at prices that are competitive to yours.
Isnt America grand? We all have the right to live as we please, to act as we please
then again, we are held accountable for our decisions in life.
25
posted on
03/28/2003 6:47:29 AM PST
by
Hodar
(With Rights, comes Responsibilities. Don't assume one, without assuming the other.)
To: WorkingClassFilth
I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect.
Bullfeathers! Think X42.
26
posted on
03/28/2003 6:48:22 AM PST
by
Aeronaut
(It's all about You, Lord.)
To: duckman
This isn't a one time slip of the tongue. Don't forget that Natalie dissed Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue: The Angry American" as well. I see a pattern here.
27
posted on
03/28/2003 6:51:14 AM PST
by
Semper Vigilantis
("We have wakened a sleeping giant, and filled him with a terrible resolve." ADM Yamamoto Dec 7 1941)
To: WorkingClassFilth
Dixie Chicks sincerely regret the distress Ms. Maine's comment has caused.Correct. They don't regret the remark, they "regret the distress it caused."
28
posted on
03/28/2003 6:51:34 AM PST
by
j_tull
(My words but a whisper, your deafness a SHOUT!)
To: Hodar
Excellent, excellent letter. Very well done, this really does make the key points.
29
posted on
03/28/2003 6:53:48 AM PST
by
sd-joe
To: WorkingClassFilth
Unilever owns Ben and Jerry's, Dove Soap, etc,etc,etc.
They are a multi-national and it's likely they really could care less about what Natalie Pasdar (her husbands father is from iran)says. They think they are too big to be messed with.
To: WorkingClassFilth
Luzianne is sometimes a little harder to find, but the better taste and the Vichy Chicks make it worth the effort.
Luzianne Mail Order
So9
To: WorkingClassFilth
Here's what I just sent:
Anti-American Dixie Chicks Tour
Below is your canned response youve been sending out regarding the Dixie Chicks (the face of your company) disgusting, anti-American remarks on foreign soil.
In reading this response it is apparent to millions of Americans you support Natalie Maines opinions and statements.
Good enough. We will not forget. It wont be just Lipton tea that will suffer; it will be all your products.
Looking for an example? Call the CEO of KMart and ask them how they now feel about their relationship with Rosie ODonnell. Worked wonders for them. Their going out of business. Millions of Americans stopped shopping there permanently.
Natalie Maines and the Dixie Chicks insulted America. There apology was canned and contrived. Doublespeak. Your continued support of them helps us better understand who and what you are.
We had a tea party at our house last night. It was very similar to the Boston Tea party and your product was the guest of honor. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
32
posted on
03/28/2003 6:56:20 AM PST
by
schaketo
To: WorkingClassFilth
The Dixie Chicks have in the past shown their love of America in very public ways, such as by singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in January, for an audience of 930 million people worldwide. And for an appearance fee of how much? Or did they do it out of the goodness of their carbonated li'l hearts?
33
posted on
03/28/2003 6:56:23 AM PST
by
strela
("a' poppin' off at Pop's Sodium Shop")
To: WorkingClassFilth
34
posted on
03/28/2003 6:57:42 AM PST
by
IncPen
(Get 'em, boys!)
To: mgist
Yeah, you and me and about a zillion other "Dear Consumers." A mass mailing without personal consideration for specific comments, insightful thought or reasoned discourse. A bland product marketed for the undiscerning minds. Typical cover for thoughtless spokespeople from anonymous corporations.
To: sd-joe
Thanks, please feel free to cut'n paste at will. Change whatever portions you like.
Remember the key idea in movements like this. Typically, when poor service is given, less than 4% will tell management. The other 96% will tell everyone. So, each letter actually represents many, many more opinins than just yours. So, phrase it accordingly.
36
posted on
03/28/2003 6:58:42 AM PST
by
Hodar
(With Rights, comes Responsibilities. Don't assume one, without assuming the other.)
To: strela
Good point! I wonder how much they got paid for singing the anthem! I can't stand to see all of these people making money off of our patriotism. :(
37
posted on
03/28/2003 6:58:49 AM PST
by
Laurie S
To: WorkingClassFilth
I just dumped all my Lipton tea in the local "harbor" (my toilet)!
To: Aeronaut
I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. I think what was meant to be said was 'I respected X42, until he demonstrated (repeatedly) that he was unworthy of my respect'. I respected Clinton for the first month or so.
39
posted on
03/28/2003 7:01:55 AM PST
by
Hodar
(With Rights, comes Responsibilities. Don't assume one, without assuming the other.)
To: big gray tabby
It appears that Lipton has a response prepared for reasoned comments and I commend them also for their thoughtful approach. They didn't ask for this. I beg to differ. As long as companies sponsor anything, they have the responsibility to own up to what comes out of what they sponsor.
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