Seriously, what's wrong with a series of broad, highly focused boycotts?

[darthmix]

With the democratic political structure reeling, as it is, I'm trying to think of things that we can do as people to empower them by 2006 or 2008. Why not organize a series of boycotts targeting corporations that contribute heavily to the republican party?

I understand there will be hurdles. I think the trick would be to focus on ONE target, with all its many branches, at a time. It'd be a matter of doing our homework, setting up a website explaining the cause, spreading the word to like-minded internet outlets, independent media groups, even Air America. We pick our target, set a start date for the boycott, and keep it up until that company cries uncle (whatever we decide that means.) Then, onto the next target. It'd at least let some companies know we're watching and make them think twice about supporting the Republicans. There are lots of * haters out there, and I bet we could reach them.

I'd be happy to work on this, but I'd need lots of help. Does anyone else think this is a good idea, at all?

Maybe Republican donor groups is too broad, or would be perceived as too partisan. Could we target war profiteers?

Just brainstorming...

[LSdemocrat]

1. What exactly would be our objective?

[darthmix]

4. To let companies know there will be consequences for supporting

the republicans, and for supporting the war. To take some of the economic wind out of the Republicans' sails. And of course to discourage companies who engage in socially irresponsible practices. The usual reasons for a boycott.

I just think at this moment we have a chance to engage a big chunk of the disenfranchised and frustrated democratic base in something like this. Focus on one company at a time, and let everyone get into that rhythm.

It'd also be great activism-building.

[Francesca]

2. please keep brainstorming

I think I speak for more than just myself that having something to do would be cathartic and frankly I want something to do..

[Sara Beverley]

10. I hear ya!

Me too.

[Downtown Hound]

3. Nothing, I think it's a good idea

[hollywood926]

7. Bump...let's keep this going....

Let's start with a list of corporations that donate heavily to the Repugnant Party and whittle it down to the most high profile ones! I'll have to do some research, since WalMart is the only one that pops into my head right now. And Diebolt!

And Clear Channel!

[NuttyFluffers]

5. How about: "No Thanksgiving/Christmas/Holidays" this year

No usual spending for those holidays. just treat them like normal days, or spend at least 1/2 as much as you would normally. America with an ignored holiday season is an america deeply hurting in its pocket.

i know i have nothing to be thankful for this year and have no interest in getting gifts for others as if everything is still OK. no, the world has gone to shit, and if the fundies want to spend money on the holidays go ahead. i on the other hand will take their gift and give them nothing in return. no decorations, no great feasts, nothing. if i don't work to stop it now, then when?

[mcg]

13. I've thought of that, no Christmas spending, and after all...

what does consumerism have to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus?

We've been drinking the corporations' kool-aid for too long.

[K8-EEE]

6. Yeah, I think there should be a forum where you can look up...

suggestions from other DUers on where to spend your money.

[itzamirakul]

12. I Would Like to Go After Rush Limbaugh's Sponsors

I am a firm believer that Rush Limbaugh started and whipped up this frenzy of racism that has glued together the middle of America. He has continuously used words like "whining" whenever we had a just complaint about anything. He has made fun of everything that the Democrats have done or tried to do. I would like to target his sponsors for supporting a drug-sucking, lying, immoral bigot. I would like to see us use the same tactics that we used on Sinclair Broadcasting. After Rush, we can go after, O'Reilly. After we finish with one or two, I am sure that the rest will get the message.

Our goal has to be to get those sponsors to provide EQUAL TIME for more than one liberal radio station and more on air personalities that reflect our point of view.

[Abelman]

8. This would work

But we need a central place to find details on the web.

We need to centralize the Democratic presence on the internet.

[AmandaRuth]

9. i agree, i read on another thread that if Dem's

are going to win, we will have to approach things like a business. That would include specific boycott targets. May I suggest repuke media for a start. Or perhaps specific reverse boycotts, supporting companies that advertise on air am for instance

[UNIXcock]

11. I don't get it fellas

... Your not gonna hurt repukes, they'll just lay-off the workers to buffer their bottom line. And still, half the voters will continue giving their business to them. Three-fourths of us would never adhere to it strictly enough to even make the needle wiggle.

... How about educating the working class, give your time to the poor and needy, involve them rally them and get your converts to "pay it forward"

[itzamirakul]

14. IT WORKED ON SINCLAIR BROADCASTING

I say, don't knock it 'till you've tried it.