Vote With Your Dollars

The elections are finally over and the votes have been counted. We have done our civic duty for the next couple of years. Right?
That all depends on what you think it takes to stay politically involved. Yes, we get to have our voices heard every election cycle (if we choose to participate) but how do you voice your opinion in between visits to the ballot box? This is America, people. We vote with our paychecks!
We go to work day in and day out, and get our hard earned paychecks at the end of the week. What we choose to do with those dollars and cents can make a big impact, especially to local businesses.
Call it a boycott. Call it informed shopping. Every dollar you spend is a little mini-vote for businesses and the organizations they support. Don’t believe in testing cosmetics on animals? Buy your mascara from a company that makes a point of developing cruelty-free make-up. Think factory farming is wrong? Get your eggs from a free-range farmer.
Support a ban on gay marriage in the state of California? If not, you might want to think about where your money is going and who exactly it’s supporting.
Since the passage of Proposition 8, many gay rights advocates have called for the boycott of businesses that supported the ban. Some websites have posted lists of supporter’s names, business addresses and phone numbers in an effort to inform the public. One such site, run by Californians Against Hate, has published a “Dishonor Roll” of businesses that gave over $5,000 to the cause.
The information is no secret. Everyone who officially donated to a political cause has their name listed with the California Secretary of State. These are public records open to anyone who may be interested.
Marjorie Christoffersen, partial owner of El Coyote restaurant in West Hollywood, gave $100 to the “Yes on 8” campaign at the behest of her church leaders. She donated in her name - not that of her business, but the damage has been done.
Gay and lesbian leaders have called for a boycott on the historic restaurant and neighborhood staple. Some may “boycott” the restaurant while others say they simply no longer feel comfortable or welcome.
Other companies have been outspoken in their opposition to the controversial ballot initiative. Computer companies Google and Apple, both based in California, gave significant amounts of money to the “No On 8” campaigns. Google donated about $140,000 and Apple contributed $100,000.
Apple released a statement early in the campaign, “…we strongly believe that a person's fundamental rights - including the right to marry - should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.”
In this politically charged climate, where you choose to spend money does have meaning and repercussions. Consumers can find out more about political donations from corporations at http://www.goodguide.com/contributions.
Whether you love your job or loath it, the money you earn there is yours to spend at the end of the week. Make sure you’re spending it with businesses that support your ideals. You never know who’s going to donate it to a cause you don’t believe in.