by Sandy » Sat Jul 21, 2012 11:04 pm
"Harmful" isn't the word I would choose to describe the Family Research Council. There are some positions they take that I support, or at least, agree with, others I don't. But as far as boycotting a business that contributes to them, I'm not going to do that. I don't support the Mormons, but if a Marriott hotel gives me the best rate, I'm not going to Hilton across the street.
I support businesses for very simple reasons. They have a product I need or a service I need and the price is right. There are thousands of stories circulating about what someone who owns stock in some business does with his profits. That's their choice. I'm not going to punish myself by paying a higher price, or getting less service just because of the political inclinations of people who may own a share of the business. Not all of the information out there is accurate, anyway. I remember a few years back a rumor circulating that McDonald's gave a portion of its profits to the Church of Satan. They had trouble squelching it, and it cost them a lot, even though it wasn't true. There are too many causes and agendas to keep up with and be consistent.
Truett Cathy is a great example for other businesses, proof that you can do business ethically, and without profiteering, and still make a reasonable profit.