Ben and Jerry's Ethical Dilemma

[cmf]

My husband came home from work today and told me something interesting happened at lunch. He went to lunch at the combined mess on his base and noticed a new feature - a Ben and Jerry's ice cream station. He got a Peace Pop, and noticed many other sailors doing the same.

He said that he was going to write Ben and Jerry's a note of thanks for spreading the message of peace to the military.

I said that he should write Ben and Jerry's a letter critcizing them for selling out by contracting with the Navy.

Who's right?

[JohnKleeb]

1. I wouldnt criticize them really

I am pretty much a dove but I have the highest respect for those who serve. BTW did you know that Ben and Jerry is endorsing Dennis Kucinich? :) I saw Ben speak at an anti war rally in October and he talked about what Dennis talks about.

[Syn_Dem]

2. I'd have to side with your husband on this one...

Ben and Jerry's sellout? I find that highly unlikely

[onehandle]

3. Ben and Jerry's isn't owned by Ben and Jerry anymore...

You'd be talking to Unilever. A 45 Billion dollar international corporation.

[AquariDem]

14. Damn, I forgot...

They used to be my perfect idea of an independently-owned, liberal company. Excellent workplace practices. Big involvement with progressive causes. What the hell happened??

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Are you against...

Those young men and women eating good ice cream that comes with a subtle social message? Shall we abandon them to either no good ice cream or Halliburton Ice Cream, in the ever popular Napalm flavor?

At the end of the day, Ben and Jerry's is a business, and supposed to make money. I see this as one of the great non-issues, bobbing in a sea of important stuff that needs attention.

[WindRavenX]

13. hear, hear

Well said.
Focus on 2004- not the ice cream of choice by our military.

[fleetus]

18. Actually...

I'm a little bit jealous they get to have Ben & Jerry's. :) Chubby Hubby beats Agent Orange flavor any day.

And, sure it's a non-issue, but my husband and I were laughing over our "dilemma" and wanted other's opinions. That's why I decided to post it on the Lounge.

Edited: This is CMF speaking, not fleetus. I forgot to log him out.

[newyawker99]

19. Hi fleetus!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[veganwitch]

5. actually...

i heard that dean (the milk producers) or someother big nasty bought them out.

[dflprincess]

6. Didn't Ben & Jerry sell Ben & Jerry's a few years ago?

Or am I mixing them up with another ice cream company?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. Unilever owns Ben & Jerry's

I think they sold a few years ago

[prolesunited]

9. You're right. Here's the scoop ;-)

April 12, 2000: Ben & Jerry’s announces the company’s acquisition by Anglo-Dutch corporation, Unilever. Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors approve Unilever’s offer of $326 million ($43.60 per share, for 8.4 million outstanding shares), as well as a unique agreement enabling Ben & Jerry’s to join forces with Unilever to create an even more dynamic, socially positive ice cream business with a much more global reach. Under the terms of the agreement, Ben & Jerry’s will operate separately from Unilever’s current U.S. ice cream business, with an independent Board of Directors to provide leadership for Ben & Jerry’s social mission & brand integrity.
http://www.benjerry.com/our_company/about_us/our_history/timeline/index.cfm

Home page with contact info:
http://www.benjerry.com/index.cfm

[AquariDem]

15. Why do I always post a question

before reading the entire thread? :shrug:

[1monster]

7. Your husband...

It's so deliciously subversive, selling Peace Pops to the Navy to sell to the soldiers. }( I have nothing against contracting to sell food for the armed services as long as quality goods are ordered and delivered. Those guys have to eat too, and why shouldn't they have a treat every now and then. :9

[JohnKleeb]

10. my bad folks

Ben and Jerry themselve endorse DK but there are new owners I forget.

[fleetus]

11. Update from the husband.

Just to add a little bit more to the story...

(since it is my story after all)

My friend across the table from me was eating one and I thought it was called "Chocolate Cookie Dough Peach Pop." I thought peach and cookie dough together sounded kind of nasty, but still I was amazed to see that Ben and Jerry's was at the galley. When I got to the freezer I was amazed that it was actually called PEACE pops! Reading the box it said (I saved part of the box for my intended letter)

"the name become synonymous with portable ice cream euphoria packed with a message supporting a progressive peace-building initiative."

I was just totally amazed that something called a peace pop had worked its way into what is such a (seemingly) hawkish environment.

In my letter I plan on encouraging Ben and Jerry to continue expandinging their message... possibly to the White House snack shop (if there is one?).

Anyway, thanks to those who are siding with me so far on this "issue."

Oh yeah, regarding the sell off of B&J, my friend mentioned at lunch that he heard B&J was bought by the man.

[jmm]

12. Welcome to DU!

I think the letter is a great idea.

[nkrnkr]

16. Ben & Jerry's

Apropos of nothing, last year I was in Baltimore, and took a water taxi from the harbor over to a restaurant with a number of friends. On the way back, the "captain" in pointing out the B&J's in the harbor, proceeded to lambast them as "cop killers", stating that they encouraged the murder of police officers - how, she wasn't exactly clear. I have been very aware of Ben & Jerry's roots and philosophy for years, and don't remember cop killing as a corporate value. Oh well... We never could figure out what she meant, just listened to her vent without comment - after all we weren't wearing life jackets. Anyway, we hadn't thought about stopping there before, but mmmmmmm boy that Ice Cream was good. (I had the classic - Cherry Garcia.)

[ComerPerro]

17. Interesting post

Welcome to DU

[newyawker99]

20. Hi nkrnkr!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: