Stop Funding Our Enemies, posted 29 November 2016

Every day, we read about another attack on a fundamental aspect of democracy.  It could be transferring wealth and political rights from the masses to the rich and powerful, promoting voter suppression, dismantling public education, weakening governmental functions or discriminating  against women or ethnic / religious minorities.  We can only vote for elected officials every two years, but every day, we make decisions that, in effect, support or oppose American values.  It’s our choice – I suggest we take some time to analyze how we spend, and stop funding our enemies.

It’s relatively easy to do the research online (try to use only reputable sites), and I suggest to go slowly or you may quit out of frustration.  Sometimes we have to buy from a company against our principles, but remember, the goal is to get better, not to be perfect.  Here are some suggested steps.

1. Transfer assets and credit cards from major banks to credit unions.  The big banks destroyed the US economy and made the last recession much worse than it had to be.  Why are we rewarding them by being their customers?  It is a hassle to transfer, particular with automatic deposits and withdrawals, but at least for me, once done, I have had no problems.  In fact, every time I make a deposit, write a check or use bill pay, I feel I have won a small victory against corporate greed.

2. Dissociate yourselves from Fox "News”, which lies repeatedly without shame.  They are far from balanced.  Those who watch are supporting Robert Murdoch and his ideology.  Unless you are a scholar, I suggest you rid them from your life.

3. Support companies that pay their employees a living wage, and avoid the rest (to the extent possible - sometimes we have to make a purchase).  As a CEO for 40 years, I make a choice on how I want to run the business, which includes pay and benefits for my employees.  I remember reading an article written by a CEO who was disturbed that his full time employees had trouble making ends meet due to their low salaries.  He decided that he would simply have to find a way to run the company and make sure his valued employees were paid and treated fairly.  Trader Joes and Costco management have made this decision.  Unfortunately, Kroger, Meijer, CVS and other companies have apparently decided to pay the least amount possible, while providing exorbitant pay packages to upper management.  As a result, I do not shop at Kroger, Meijer or CVS.  I do not want to support management that shows this type of disdain for their employees.  You can do your own research at payscale.com and glassdoor.com; search terms are Kroger employee pay, CEO pay ratio, CVS CEO pay.

4. Boycott evil.  I try to boycott anything to do with Trump, David and Charles Koch, and Richard  & Betsy Devos (Amway), even their charitable activities.  You may disagree, but I do not want to be associated with evil people in any way - how do I know I will not be influenced by them?

5. Become more politically active.  Our elected officials need to know what we think about policies important to us.  We must communicate with them regularly.  This is our job, and the direction our country is going is partly because we have failed in this way.  I try to make a least one communication per month.  Facebook doesn't count - we have to contact elected officials who make policy decisions, whether city, county, state, federal or other.  Two paragraphs by email is enough.  It may not change their mind, but it has an impact.

6. Finally, it is important that we register to vote and actually vote, and encourage others to do so.  It is embarrassing that US turnout rates are so low - we should do what we can to make them better.

What are you doing?  Let others know by responding here.