Response from General Mills re Sinclair's broadcasting of SILENT HONOR

[flpoljunkie]

My answer to General Mills:

NO General Mills, I do not understand your choosing to "stand with freedom of the press." You are, with this statement, choosing to stand with Sinclair broadcasting who is abusing the public airwaves to influence a presidential election. This is unconscionable in a democracy.
________________

Dear________,

Thank you for contacting General Mills.


Many consumers have written to share their views on this issue.  Some have   urged General Mills to use its influence as an advertiser to ensure that the media reports the news in an unbiased manner. Some have urged General Mills to continue advertising, and have threatened to withdraw support for our products if we alter our advertising plans.  Passions run deep on both sides, particularly this close to an election.   


Whenever possible, General Mills does strive to preview the programs on which our advertising appears.  We do so to assure that we do not advertise on programs inconsistent with the family-oriented nature of our products. This works well with entertainment programs produced and available for advance screening, but pre-screening of news broadcasts is usually not possible.


Our view in this area is clear.   We believe one of the fundamental elements of our society is the freedom of the press.  Companies such as ours, in our view, should not attempt to influence, control or pre-empt the content of news through the leverage of advertising sponsorship. To do so would undermine that fundamental freedom.


From time to time, any one of us as viewers may consider a particular news story to be inaccurate or imbalanced.  News organizations do err.  Judgment is not always well applied.  One major news organization recently acknowledged that errors were made in stories relating to the current presidential election.  When such errors occur, certainly a price is paid in terms of reputation.  But errors and questionable judgment are an acceptable price to pay, in our view, to assure the presence of a free and independent media in our society. 


As viewers, each of us is free to make a choice.  We can choose to patronize or not patronize programs with our viewership.  We can choose to patronize or not patronize particular television stations, or even entire networks. 


Similarly, advertisers may choose not to sponsor certain broadcasts, a particular network or specific publications because of their journalistic standards and judgment. But advertisers should not attempt to control or pre-empt news programming prior to broadcast or publication. That, in our view, would be inappropriate.


In this instance, as in the example cited earlier, passionate voices are calling on advertisers to insert themselves into the election by threatening to boycott those who remove or who do not remove their advertising.


We choose to stand with freedom of the press.


We welcome the views that you and others have shared with us.  You may rest assured that we will remind the networks we sponsor that the integrity of their reporting reflects on the companies that advertise during their broadcasts.


Hopefully, you will understand our views – and the importance we place on a free press.


Again, thank you for taking the time to contact us and share your views.


Sincerely,



                                        General Mills

[XanaDUer]

1. Well. hopefully they will understand us not buying their products

freedom of the market, ya know.

[mcg]

44. List of their brands to boycott:

* Pillsbury
* Cheerios
* Green Giant
* Old El Paso
* Yoplait/Colombo
* Häagen-Dazs
* Wheaties
* 8th Continent
* Betty Crocker
* Big G Cereals
* Bisquick
* Bugles
* Cascadian Farm
* Chex
* Forno de Minas
* Frescarini
* Fruit Snacks
* Gardetto's
* Gold Medal
* Hamburger Helper
* Jus-Rol
* Knack & Back
* La Salteña
* Latina
* Lloyd's
* Lucky Charms
* Muir Glen
* Nature Valley
* Pop Secret
* Progresso
* Totino's/Jeno's
* Trix
* V. Pearl
* Wanchai Ferry
* Diablitos Underwood (Venezuela only)

[Cookie wookie]

66. Looks like I won't be baking

with Gold Medal Wondra flour this Thanksgiving. Tradition for 30 years of great pie crusts but the family will all understand!!

Take that! Pow!

Freedom of the press. Right. Influencing an election with lies is "freedom of the press." Baloney.

"Cheer-io, GenMills."

[Laelth]

82. Makes me mad!

This is not a freedom of the press issue ...

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press"

Think about it:

Is General Mills Congress?

Is Sinclair Congress?

Are WE Congress?

No, no, and no!

General Mills and other companies who hide behind "freedom of the press" obviously have no respect for us, think we're ignorant, and think they can pull the woll over our eyes.

Don't let them. Write back and remind them of what the constitution says. Also remind them that FCC regulations and Federal Eection Laws clearly prohibit using the public airwaves for free political ads. and prohibit in-kind contributions to political parties.

The law is on our side! The whole "freedom of the press" issue is a somke screen.

:mad:

-Laelth

[Dob Bole]

81. NOOO....not Hamburger Helper!

I guess I will be buying the off-brand, "Burger & Cheese." And I like Gardetto's mustard pretzels too...need to find a replacement...

[lukasahero]

87. Damn, Häagen-Dazs is gonna hurt

Oh well, I don't use most of these anyway! Sorry dude - wrong answer!

Freedom of the press? Don't you mean freedom of the mega-media-conglamerate? This ain't no news story wanker! And you can kiss my consumer dollars buh-bye.

[BUSHOUT]

2. Why aren't they on the top ten??? n/t

[Guaranteed]

3. Well then- BOYCOTT ON!

No more Cheerios for me!

[Carla in Ca]

49. Anything, anything to get Kerry to the WH!!!

(are my Cocoa Puffs still OK?)

Edit:

Yep, I found them, oh well, back to Grape Nuts!

[Sugarbleus]

67. I'm in. Our huge TV of nine years just went out. I WAS going

to shop at Circuit City for a new one. NOT NOW!

I purposely AVOIDED Circuit City when shopping today. I believe they were on the boycott list for Sinclair??

Now I have to give up Cheerios? Ok. Kelloggs, I assume is NOT on the boycott list? If not, I'm doing just fine. :D

Freedom of the Press my Ass!! I wish.

I'll be sending my letter to GM as well. Thanks ya'll :hi:

[CO Liberal]

4. I'll Remember That Next Time I'm Shopping

It looks like the Big "G" stands for nothing......

[XanaDUer]

7. GOP

Eom.

[Sparkly]

5. Email link for them? n/t

[flpoljunkie]

9. Email address for Consumer Services at General Mills

[e-mail]

[Sparkly]

22. Thank you! :)

[Sugarbleus]

72. Just wrote my letter to respond to the response from GM given here.

LOVED TYPING EVERY WORD OF IT. :evilgrin: :hi:

[Caution]

6. this is BULLSHIT

General Mills is basically saying that they are accepting the Sinclair line that this is a "news" program when it so clearly is nothing more than a campaign ad.

[bush equals idiot]

12. You have seized on the nub of it.

This is garbage, not news. It is the gestapo version of free press.

They think this is all going to blow over. I hope all Dems are doing what I am. I'm carrying this list in my wallet. There is going to be hell to pay at the stockholders meetings of General Mills if we truly blacklist these products from our memory.

And I have a l-o-n-g memory.

[Laelth]

83. Agreed. Not news.

The events described in "Stolen Honor" happened over 30 years ago. By definition, "news" is supposed to be "new."

:mad:

-Laelth

[BUSHOUT]

8. Please indluce all contact information.....nt/

[BUSHOUT]

10. Contact information:

General Mills
general comments: 1-800-248-7310
Corp Head: 763 764-7600
612-540-7092
http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/contact_us/contact_us.aspx

[e-mail]

[MinnesotaMike31]

11. The headquarters is right accross the street from me....

I think i need to go over there in person to tell then my thoughts!!!

[MinnesotaMike31]

16. give me some ideas for a freeway overpass sign!

there is a freeway overpass sign right by their building... any ideas for a good freeway blog?

[BUSHOUT]

17. GENERAL MILLS SUPPORTS ILLEGAL ELECTIONEERING.

or

GENERAL MILLS = ANTI-DEMOCRACY

[MinnesotaMike31]

18. Bush Backers? is that too extreme?

[BUSHOUT]

23. No...this isn't a Bush vs. Kerry thing...it's Sinclair vs. America.

Electioneering is an assault on American democracy.

We can fight it without dragging Kerry into it.

[MinnesotaMike31]

24. Very good point Bushout. I stand corrected.

Thanks!

[Carla in Ca]

55. How about this...

'Say cheerio to General Mills'

[Media_Lies_Daily]

13. Morons.

[sendero]

14. In response to GM's middle finger...

... my wallet will never open for their products again. This might require fussing with some of my kids about buying a differnt cereal, they'll get over it.

And like I said, I still boycott Exxon, this will be a lifelong spending choice on my part. :)

[BUSHOUT]

15. GENERAL MILLS BRANDS.....get ready to add to lifetime ban list.

GO HERE FOR FULL BRAND LIST

[CitySky]

20. thanks

This is helpful. I've bought four labels on that list in the past couple of months, but can switch to other brands.

(OK, am a little bummed about the Yoplait/Colombo, but I'll do it.) :thumbsup:

[HuskerDem]

Blue bunny lite 85 - tastier and healthier than Yoplait

My fave: Blackberry Creme

Most GM products are scientifically engineered death vessels anyway.

[flpoljunkie]

25. Thanks for the link to the full list. Consider them off my grocery list!

[Sugarbleus]

74. I just wrote them and told them they are off my list and

also told them, 'doing this IS EASIER THAN I EVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE'. Told them to have a great day. LOL

[sherilocks]

39. Some of these are tough, but when the going gets tough......

Cascadian Farms is organic, I'll have to check my health food store and let them know my feelings.

Green Giant is the only other product, plus cereal, that I buy regularly. No more.

[Carla in Ca]

52. And the companies of the other brands will see the difference

and will know why, don't you think?

[spooky3]

60. Here are more specific names of cereals

http://www.oligopolywatch.com/2003/10/11.html

Damn, they bought Pillsbury in 2001 and make Yoplait. I can live without all the other products but I like Pillsbury products and Yoplait. But I'll find an alternative.

[BUSHOUT]

65. Holy SH&T! That demonstrates the reach of this company. They better stop

supporting illegal electioneering....it hurts American democracy.

[treehuggnlibrul]

19. How FREE is the press when it's forced to air propaganda?

General Mills invokes Freedom of the Press like a blanket to cover the truth. They know full well that this is NOT news, it's not even a documentary. It's being shown ONLY to impact the election in a way that Sinclair wants it to be impacted.

Guess I'll be adding them to my list of contacts and items I won't buy.

Edited to add: I would wager that Jon Leibeman isn't the ONLY journalist who felt forced to air this crap...

[high density]

21. Freedom of the press?

Blaming this on CBS is not going to work. Sinclair Broadcast Group has no reputation to lose at this point.

A company that supports the smearing of a decorated veteran, senator, and presidential candidate will not get my money.

[npincus]

26. Captain Crunch has just walked the plank

in my house.

[trogdor]

35. Captain Crunch is a Quaker product

[npincus]

51. oh, crap! You ruined my joke! What about the Lucky Charms leprechaun?

[spooky3]

27. Any company run by such illogical managers doesn't get my business.

"Illogical" is the kindest word for it.

"Dishonest RWers" may be closer to the truth.

[KT2000]

28. General Mills=Obese Children

What would anyone expect from a company that sells crap to feed to America's children. Their carbo/high sugar kibble for kids - that they advertise directly to the children is a contributing factor to our current epidemic of obese children suffering diabetes and childhood artery disease.
'REW 'EM

[Sparkly]

29. Here's my email

Subject: A "Free" Press?!?

General Mills,

It's not a "free press" when it's illegally pushing campaign propaganda the night before a presidential election.

It's not a "free press" when media consolidation is abused for political purposes.

It's not a "free press" when lies and libel pose as journalism, harming the individuals accused.

It's not a "free press" when the democratic process itself is poisoned by underhanded, illegal tricks like this one.

This is much more than simply "imbalanced" or "inaccurate" -- it is ILLEGAL political propaganda and it's harmful to American democracy! Nobody should be "free" to engage in defamation of character; "free" to ignore campaign finance laws, or "free" to breach the public trust. You aren't sponsoring a "free press," you'r sponsoring a free PASS for the Republican party.

I've enjoyed General Mills cereal nearly every morning for many years now, but I've purchased my last boxes of Cheerios and Fiber One. Shame on you.

Sincerely,

[BUSHOUT]

30. Amen! DOWN WITH SUPPORTERS OF ILLEGAL ELECTIONEERING!!!

Defend Americas democracy!

[helnwhls]

47. I'm using this in my reply to general mills

Boycotting them will hurt. I never realized how many of the general mills products I use. After I got the same lame response as started this thread, it made the decision to boycott easier.

[Hans Delbrook]

62. Here's mine

This is the e-mail I sent them:

I, and my entire family, just want you to know that we are joining in the complete boycott of your entire product line due to your support of Sinclair broadcasting. I understand that you claim to be unable to tell the difference between ILLEGAL ELECTIONEERING and freedom of the press.

Well, we now cannot tell the difference between your company and a propaganda spewing machine.

Be assured that I have a very long memory. I still participate in the Exxon boycott after all these years.

I have printed out the list of your products and I will carry it with me always so that I may avoid all of them - forever.

This is a bigger loss than the ordinary consumer since I cater and make wedding cakes in my spare time. I will be sure to spread the word of your betrayal to all my friends and customers as well.

[Willy Lee]

84. That is a great letter.

Powerful and to the point. Kudos!

[trogdor]

31. As much as we all love Lucky Charms...

...I think we'll be buying the store brand from now on.

[mcg]

40. it's now Unlucky Charms

[HFishbine]

32. "the integrity of their reporting reflects on their advertisers"

'nough said.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. Here is my email. And I just returned from a cereal return trip to Kroger.

As a lifetime consumer of General Mills products and a mother of two small children, it is with some regret that I inform you that neither I nor my family will be using your products.

You have not made a choice to stand with free speech. You have made a choice to allow media monoplies' attempts to sway public opinion in the middle of a very close presidential race. This is not a choice I will support or finance. No matter how you spin it, Sinclair broadcasting is closely affiliated with the Bush campaign. This "mockumentary" is an affront to decent consumers everywhere.

Thank You,

XXXXXX

[brook]

37. Good letter!

I sent one too - attached the file with their product list and told them I would be sharing it with others in a lifetime boycott. We have such a wealth of products to choose from - changing brands isn't a 'biggie'.

[ScreamingMeemie]

38. More and more, I am turning into an Aldi's shopper. Which pretty

much negates any of the major corporations as they sell their own brands only. I only buy GM on sale. It was on sale today, but not worth it anymore. :hi:

[Norquist Nemesis]

69. Becoming avid Aldi's shopper here too

And with all of this stuff going on like GM, it's not just about the money I save (I've cut my grocery bill by at least 45-50% shopping at Aldi's).

[ScreamingMeemie]

80. And the products are just as good, if not better. There is something to

be said about getting a loaf of bread for 39 cents, and three green peppers for a dollar. I will never go back to exclusively shopping at the big boys (Kroger, Farmer Jack and Meijer in my area) again. :hi:

Plus my son loves getting to keep the quarter from the grocery carts.

[Carla in Ca]

54. Here is my email

I appreciate your stand for free speech, but you could, at the very least, require an 'equal time' clause into your ethics for advertising. I think the omission is telling and I will not give any of your products equal time in my home!

Thank You,

[gcomeau]

34. Everyone e-mail them with THIS.

Point out Leiberman's testimony. They can't argue with that.

This is NOT an issue of freedom of the press. The PRESS is speaking out againt it, their corporate BOSSES are forcing this program on them.

LEt General Mills try arguing with the testimony of Sinclair's OWN Washngton Bureau cheif.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/19/politics/main650166.shtml

"They're using news to drive their political agenda," says Leiberman. "I don't think it served the public trust."

In the interview published Monday, Leiberman, 29, called the planned Sinclair program "biased political propaganda, with clear intentions to sway the election."

"I really feel like I can sleep at night and I can be OK with my decision" to criticize Sinclair publicly," added Leiberman. "I know I stood up for the principles of objectivity. In journalism, all we have is credibility and objectivity."

[The Wielding Truth]

77. It is pure corruption .It suppresses freedom of speech that he was fired.

[LaPera]

36. I will never ever watch a Sinclair broadcast or support ANY station

they own.

[BUSHOUT]

41. FULL CONTACT INFO........LET THEM KNOW...

They are being watched by MAINSTREAM AMERICA now. They are expressing thier support for illegal electioneering by an avowed partisan force. It's an attack on Americas democracy, and they've chosen to take part.

General Mills
general comments: 1-800-248-7310
Corp Head: 763 764-7600
612-540-7092 ?? (came off of boycott sinclair webpage)

http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/contact_us/contact_us.aspx
(website has an online contact form also)

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

[gcomeau]

42. My letter.

I have recently become aware that you are defending advertising with Sinclair broadcast group as a stand for "freedom of the press".

It is no such thing. These are the words of Sinclair's OWN Washington Bureau Chief, Jon Leiberman, just before he was fired by Sinclair for exposing their tactics.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/19/politics/main650166.shtml

"They're using news to drive their political agenda," says Leiberman. "I don't think it served the public trust."

In the interview published Monday, Leiberman, 29, called the planned Sinclair program "biased political propaganda, with clear intentions to sway the election."

"I really feel like I can sleep at night and I can be OK with my decision" to criticize Sinclair publicly," added Leiberman. "I know I stood up for the principles of objectivity. In journalism, all we have is credibility and objectivity."

Defending this BLATANT abuse of the public airwaves is NOT standing up for freedom of the press. It is ASSAULTING it. This is not a news program; this is a propaganda piece being forced ON a news program by their corporate owners.

You are not going to be able to excuse supporting this behavior with an empty appeal to the defense of journalistic integrity. Journalistic integrity is what inspired that Sinclair Bureau chief to speak out, and subsequently lose his job. THAT is defending freedom of the press.

What you are doing if you insist on supporting these people with your advertising dollars is undermining and destroying freedom of the press. And I will have no part of it.

Unless and until you decide to do the right thing you will receive no further business form me or my family. Or anyone else who values my opinion, which will be freely and widely distributed.

-Grant Comeau

[eleanor]

43. I got the same response

from GM and basically wrote back that I wasn't buyin' what they were sellin'. Responding using Lieberman's words is a great idea. Wish I'd thought of it!

[BUSHOUT]

50. Good. Telling us they're supporting "freedom of the press" is an insult.

eom

[expatriate]

45. This does not surprise me in the least

Many moons ago, I worked for a subsidiary of General Mills, called Wallpapers To Go. Let's just say that this attitude and decision on General Mills' part is absolutely par for the course. They treated their employees like shite, and their management was about as corrupt as management can be. When they weren't ripping off their employees, they were busy ripping off their customers.

Glad I'm a proud Aldi's shopper here in Australia. We get General Mills' crap down here too, but their products aren't big sellers.

[mmonk]

46. Did you tell them they are not an

independent press? They are a partisan press passing a distorted slam piece against a candidate to sway an election and receive favor in government contracts.

[CitySky]

48. I just sent an email

acknowledging that while GM's directors and largest shareholders might be among those who woud prefer a fascist state, I'm not. No more GM products for me.

[MinnesotaMike31]

53. I'm walking over there at noon tomorrow & giving my Cheerios back!!!

[ms.smiler]

56. I think I'll mail my remaining Cheerios to their headquarters. n/t

[lakeguy]

57. awesome idea

what would GM think if they started receiving their own products mailed back to them?

[HuskerDem]

58. see if you can get a friend to take photos and post them

That would be FANTASTIC!

All of DU would love you for it. :loveya:

[BUSHOUT]

59. See post 15 for list of brands and link to detailed list. n/t

[misterphelps]

61. "General Mills Puts Pigs Blood in Wheaties"

I'm sure they'll have no problem with publishing this...
"Freedom of the Press", you know

[GeoK]

63. Woot! I sent 'em one too

Here is what I said,

I am boycotting your company

In response to your stance on Sinclair Broadcasting, my family and I will not be purchasing any of your products, period. Obviously your concern does not justify the end means. If one wanted to produce a film stating General Mills products are dangerous to your health, I am sure you would step in and do something to prevent it from airing.
Democracy and freedoms are at stake which provides you the freedom of speech. I guess your concerns are centered more with stockholders than with freedom.

Respectfully,

George L. Stanton and family

Man, did that feel good! :kick:

[BUSHOUT]

64. Let me repeat the CONTACT INFORMATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are expressing thier support for illegal electioneering by an avowed partisan force. It's an attack on Americas democracy, and they've chosen to take part. Visit their website and be familiar with their products. Any company that stands with anti-democracy forces will suffer, and the world will improve!

General Mills
general comments: 1-800-248-7310
Corp Head: 763 764-7600
612-540-7092 ?? (came off of boycott sinclair webpage)

http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/contact_us/contac...
(website has an online contact form also)

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Send them a message.

[flpoljunkie]

85. Thanks.

Sinclair will now broadcast this smear of John Kerry disguised as a news story--undoubtedly picking out the most vile smears of the Swift Boat Liars for Bush.

This not not good enough!

[KT2000]

68. My reply to GM too

"Thanks for your lame reply. Using a broadcast empire for the purposes of spreading propaganda right before an election is apparently an activity supported by General Mills. Don't tell me that pre-empting regular programming for a propaganda film is a question of free speech. The purpose is to sway voters with lies at a time that will be too late for rebuttal.

By the way - I really hope your corporation is looking at the role you are playing in the epidemic of childhood obesity - diabetes and artery disease in children.

I will be exercising my free speech in promoting healthier choices for children's dietary needs and requesting that studies be undertaken to identify what role your high carb/sugar loaded kibble for kids is having on their health.

Your corporate values are disgusting.

[BUSHOUT]

70. AMEN NICE REPLY!

They think a "corporate" brush off serves the purpose. Nope.

GM will be marked for life if they stand against American democracy.

:nuke:

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JCMach1]

73. Bring on the JUNGLE OATS

It's South African oatmeal for me now!

[Name removed]

76. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Quixote1818]

75. Keep this kicked to the top!

[BUSHOUT]

86. kick. Sinclair and General Mills: partners against democracy. n/t

[Name removed]

78. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[secular_warrior]

79. If they were standing with freedom of the press they would oppose Sinclair

because Sinclair is breaking journalistic ethics, democratic ethics and American ethics.

Sinclair's airing of GOP anti-Kerry propaganda is clearly an abuse of the freedom of the press. They are claiming this is "news" when it is really editorializing/propagandizing. Sinclair is behaving in a manner no different from the state run media in third-world dictatorships.