The Govt has used IMPAC cards for years now and I certainly haven't seen any instance of attempts to influence a company's policies because of a transaction. I've used Govt cards since 1997 at a variety of stores throughout the US. Maybe we needed a printer and it was cheaper to go to Best Buy rather then through GSA. If so, you take the IMPAC card to Best Buy and save taxpayer's money while getting a good product immediately. You can replay that scenario thousands of times at thousands of local vendors with just the military and our day-to-day needs. READ local vendor here folks supporting local jobs by decentralizing the buying process. We spend those dollars, that will be spent no matter what, and help people keep their jobs. To stiffle that process is beyond common sense. There are strict purchase rules, and we do get audited, but I can say I feel comfortable being a good steward of the taxpayer's dollars. I can't see a valid reason to shut us out of HD. I can only see being discriminated against because we're part of the Government. That could delay purchases and maybe drive prices higher, or worse if homeland security is affected. Count me in for cancelling my personal HD credit card and shopping at Lowes.
I was at the Pentagon when the terrorists struck. Both the Salvation Army and the American Red cross were quick to respond and provided food and drink free to all the rescue and relief workers. They expanded their operations over the days to include free drinks, food, change of clothing, sleeping bags, rain gear, you name it, they got it for us, all free to those who were helping. As far as the gun control crowd rasing money on the graves of the victims, I've written to TNT expressing my disgust and to helping.org asking if it's their policy to funnel money to organizations not dedicated to relief efforts. I'm still waiting for a reply.
