I doubt that gas station owners, truck drivers and clerks "aligned themselves" with Venezuela. More than likely they are just Americans trying to make a living.
Now I'd like to ask you all if you own anything or have ever bought anything made in a communist country? (Actually this question is rhetorical as I am not confident of receiving honest replies to it)
By the way, even the Sage of Monticello finally realized that boycotts do more harm to one's own citizens than they do the boycotted country -
During the second term, France and Britain were still at war, and they soon began blockading each other's maritime trade routes. The United States economy suffered greatly by blockades done on both sides. In addition to blocking trade, the British Royal Navy began impressing, meaning boarding ships and getting sailors who might have deserted the Royal Navy.
This led to an increase of tension between the United States and Great Britain. It got worst when the British started to attack American ships in American sovereign waters. Jefferson responded by boycotting British goods, while using the time to increase military and naval reserves. Yet the boycott wasn't as effective since both the Brits and French continued to disrespect American ships. Jefferson then called and passed the Embargo Act of 1807, which basically shut down American imports and exports, causing a perilous economic situation. As the economy collapsed - most hurt was the merchant center in New England - smuggling began more extensive. Jefferson repealed the Embargo Act in his final days as president.
Furthermore, our nation's greatest President lifted the boycott of wheat sales to the USSR in 1981 and lifted the trade boycott against Poland in 1987.
I have to wonder if you all would disparage him as you do those Americans, directly or indirectly, earning money from Citgo?
Boycotts are the only way the average person can have any real effect on a huge corporation. It is a perfectly acceptable option to exercise.
Are you saying we don't have a right NOT to buy from these people if we don't like what they are doing? YOu bring up the issue whether people have bought items from a communist country (ie China) yet if I am to take your logic to its conclusion we should never use boycotts to express our anger or our opposition to a company.
Y'know back in the old days people burned down businesses they didn't like. Accidents, yeah, that's what they were. You'd prefer something like this instead of simply not buying their products?
Fact is, it's not only the best thing we can do, it's the only option that will ever hope to get their attention. There is no better way. If there is, let me know because I will do that instead.
If you find out that your company works for Osama Bin Laden, what would you do?
Tell your neighbor that you are just an employee?
Quit man!