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Friday, August 9, 2019

Unfriend Friday

It is very difficult to separate a business from the actions of the proprietor/owner. Growing up in the south in the 50’s-60's many businesses places signs prominently, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.”  This was code speak for "Negros not welcome". The owner had spoken.

Trump has repeatedly claimed he’s “the least racist person.” His history suggests otherwise. His most recent statements of “Send Them back”, and passive and weak condemnation of white nationalist speaks loudly of his divisive attitudes. At best he is pandering to his largely racist base.  

Stephen Ross - Miami Dolphins Owner
Wednesday it became public knowledge from several media sources that Stephen Ross, owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins*, will host a luncheon on Friday, according to the invitation, at which attendees will pay up to $100,000 for a picture with the President and $250,000 to listen in on a round-table discussion. This money will go to Trump’s reelection campaign. The Washington Post first reported the fundraiser, sparking the outrage.

Along with the Dolphins, Mr. Ross is the owner of the luxury gyms SoulCycle, Equinox and Blink Fitness. After news of the fundraiser emerged, anti-Trump activists called for boycotts against Equinox and SoulCycle, two fitness brands in which Ross, 79, a longtime GOP donor, is an investor.

LGBTQ publications seemed to be especially offended.

The Advocate magazine noted that while Equinox has "sold itself" as an LGBTQ-friendly business.  [In contrast] the Trump administration has stripped "Obama-era protections in schools for trans youth," banned transgender troops and opposed the Equality Act, "amid other outwardly hostile stances toward the LGBTQ community."

I personally am not a huge sports fan. However, do enjoy the American pastime of “Sunday Afternoon Professional Football”. I have attended games in Miami and do watch the Dolphins when the opportunity availed itself. It is my local team. I have a Dolphins jersey with my name that I would proudly wear on game day while stocking up on chips/dip, soda and sandwiches at my local market.  

In his statement Wednesday Mr. Ross said, “I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education, and environmental sustainability.” 

I am sorry Mr. Ross, your level of support for Mr. Trump and what he represents, speaks otherwise.  You cannot have it both ways.

I can no longer support an owner’s business that is so counter to my personal views. People cannot vote out the president at the ballot box until next November. I can vote with my pocketbooks sooner.   







*Ross is also the principal owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Since January 20, 2009 he has owned a 95% share in the franchise. (Wikipedia

2 comments:

  1. YOU GO GURL!
    As I have stated before, 'An injury to ONE is an injury to ALL'.
    NOW you have embarked on the next step. Walk away from establishments whose interests are contrary to yours and your peeps WITH YOUR WALLET (purse?) FIRMLY CLOSED.
    This establishes the existence of THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE ECONOMIC WORLD.
    It is called OPM -- 'Other Peoples Money'.
    NO business can exist without 'Other Peoples Money'.
    Imagine persons of like mind organizing to withhold business from businesses 'that just dont get it'. Businesses, especially large business are 'cash flow dependent'. If the effort is large enough, soon they WILL 'get it'.
    For those of us who are 'mature enough' to recall 'The Exxon Valdese' disaster involving an Exxon oil tanker running aground and fouling Prince William Sound. To say the least, EVERYONE was seriously pissed. Without organizing, motorists simply moved their fuel purchases to non Exxon affiliated stations. Soon large banners were posted on Exxon affiliated stations, pleading for business patronage, reminding motorists that these small businesses, affiliated to the Exxon brand, did not cause the oil spill.

    If you want to move an intransigent business:
    KICK "EM IN THE WALLET!

    This kinda begs what to do to a 'certain so called 'news' outlet'.
    If like minded souls contacted -tweeted?- their ADVERTISERS (the broadcasters revenue source), and told them 'we will NOT do business with you as you peddle your wares on 'that network and outlets', so that their revenue stream started to dwindle, SOON 'that network' would have a 'Come to Jesus' moment and consult various 'Journalism School Scholors' in order to actually commit "Journalistic Integrity". What if 'crap news broadcasters' had to hold a bake sale to raise funds to 'keep the transmitter warm'?

    As for 'go-rillaVelma' 'we have a few 'almost dead' bank accounts at "BFD NATIONAl BANK", where they dutifully send us various account statements each and every month, costing them $, for years. The real money went elsewhere.
    I get regular mailings from "The Gun Nut Club" as well as various right wing outfits and various crackpot religious orgs, and when they send me 'prepaid mail return' envelopes, I feel obligated to send them back, with more junk mail from other advertisers inserted, and maybe a nasty note as well.
    We DONT shop at 'crap mart', nor at 'holier than thou' Chicken, where they 'only serve the right wing' ;-).
    The only thing my efforts lack is A UNIFIED LIKE MINDED GROUP EFFORT!
    Anybody get the picture?
    The BEST opposition is one where the resistors are as 'Fire Ants', where all subjects know 'just what to do, and how to do it all at the same time. If you ever had the unfortunate experience to be standing on a Fire Ant Mound'... All the ants--hundreds-- quietly climb up your leg, and at the release of a pheromone signal, they all STING AT THE SAME TIME!
    An injury to one .......
    V.

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