Ms. Linnea Johnson
Director, Consumer Services
I have just finished reading your letter on Lipton’s 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, I’d 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.
Isn’t 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.