"Amazon.com Is For Republicans-Starbucks gave every single frothy dime to

[LaPera]

Democrats!

Barnes & Noble Online is for Democrats.

Walmart is for Republicans, Costco is for Democrats.

Geico insurance is for Republicans, Progressive insurance is for Democrats.

Microsoft is for Republicans, Apple is for Democrats.:bounce:

Etc...You get the picture? Buy Blue!
(http://www.buyblue.org/directory/)

"Amazon.com Is For Republicans Attention, liberal shoppers! Next year, screw those GOP-supportin' companies, and try buying blue"

"Do you care much that greasy ol' Pizza Hut gave tens of thousands in PAC money to the GOP last year? How about the fact that Taco Bell stopped pumping out their happily toxic semirancid meatlike substances just long enough to write a fat check to the conservative Right? Isn't that weirdly fascinating, in a depressing and indigestible sort of way?"

Does it matter a whit that, say, Fruit of the Loom underwear gave nearly 100 percent of its corporate donations to tighty-whitey-wearing Republicans, nearly every one of whom I'm guessing wouldn't know appetizing undergarments from a flap of burlap and some string?

Do you think maybe it should? Matter, that is?

it spawned a Web site.

And the site, called www.buyblue.org (along with its more detailed but less intuitively named counterpart, www.choosetheblue.com), spawned a mini movement and the mini movement spawned this very column and now you are right now encouraged to go see for yourself and discover the moderately shocking truths regarding which big shiny companies suck up to the happy sneering homophobic enviro-slappin' warmongering Repubs and which give thousands to the whiny limping kick-us-when-we're-down Demos.

Another amazing example? Starbucks. And as much as I despise their ruthless march into funky neighborhoods and strip malls across the nation, the coffee monolith does indeed have truly fabulous employee benefits and incredible customer service, and now you learn that they gave 100 percent of their donations, every single frothy frappaccinoed dime, to the Democrats. It's true. So leave that hideous Folgers and the Sanka swill to jittery BushCo. Go get yourself a peppermint mocha and feel good about it."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2004/12/22/notes122204.DTL

"Amazon.com Is For Republicans Attention, liberal shoppers! Next year, screw those GOP-supportin' companies, and try buying blue"

"NEXT YEAR" IS THIS YEAR!! MARK MORFORD WROTE THIS COLUMN, ONE YEAR AGO IN THE SF CHRONICLE...(DEC. 22, 2004)

BUY BLUE!!!! :bounce:

[Touchdown]

1. But, B&N doesn't give me "Touchdown's Store"

Amazon knows me personally, because they gave me my own store.:crazy:

[wryter2000]

3. Yeah

Barnes and Noble won't sell you patio furniture, either. They're a bookstore. We used to like those.

[LaPera]

7. Well perhaps "Buy Blue" is outdated?

And shouldn't be considered?

Even if it means, shopping around a bit more, or even paying a bit more?

[wryter2000]

2. So, why are we linked to Amazon?

When are we going to link with Barnes and Noble?

[LaPera]

4. Watch it! They may lock this thread...

But, it's the truth, so I don't think they would.

[MissMarple]

6. Good question.

Does B&N offer a similar deal?

[mattclearing]

26. The OP is wrong about Amazon.

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[Der Blaue Engel]

5. Oh how I wish someone could make a blue Amazon

There's just nothing like it. Can't we turn them blue? Hold their heads under water until they do? :evilgrin:

[mattclearing]

27. There's already one:

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[Der Blaue Engel]

35. Wow, good to know!

Thanks, TB!

[Speck Tater]

8. Thousands of liberals make their living on Amazon

I am one of them, and I know personally dozens of others.

Marketplace sellers on Amazon are mostly liberals judging from the sellers chat forums. Since my computer job was outsourced overseas 7 months ago my sole source of income is my home-based used book business through Amazon.com. Boycotts, even boycotts of Walmart, always end up hurting a lot of innocent people as well as the few you wish to punish.

[Zinfandel]

9. I shop at Amazon too, but I think the point by Morford is well made!

One can try and shop blue, be an aware shopper and help blue companies as much as possible.

[mattclearing]

29. Pasting this all over the thread so people realize...

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[LaPera]

40. The satistics you point out 15K- Amazon donates over 100K a year...

Anyway no one is saying don't shop at Amazon, what is wrong with you as I mentioned below... Mark Morford is NOT (nor I)...Read his whole column...it's funny, (as always) and very interesting & informative (again, as always).


"See? See how easy? Baby steps, people. Baby steps."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/ar...

Shit, read the whole column before you rant about 15 or 25K for 2006 then let's see what they will have given...History proves they give tens of thousands to republicans.

As of today 12-3-05 Buy Blue sure doesn't endorse them!!!!

[renate]

11. I use Amazon shamelessly but buy from individual sellers

My life has literally been changed by that website--I've learned about things I never would have because of Amazon's system of tracking your interests, telling you about books similar to the one you're looking at, listing books that other readers have bought, providing a forum for reviews... Amazon has enriched my life immensely.

HOWEVER. I almost never buy a book from them directly. (That's got nothing to do with their politics, which I was unaware of--in fact, I remember seeing Jeff Bezos on Oprah doing something nice--but everything to do with saving a few bucks.) Of course Amazon gets a cut of the seller's profit, but I like knowing that most of that money goes to the used-book sellers. (I am very rarely disappointed in the books I receive, by the way. Most sellers are excellent.)

[QuettaKid]

34. Hi...

just sent you a message. thanks.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Here are some other shopping places to consider

http://www.geocities.com/greenpartyvoter/index.htm#Shopping

[Zinfandel]

12. Excellent site!

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. Thanks. :^)

[kay1864]

14. Amazon? Too pricey!

I can't remember the last time I bought from amazon (although I do patronize their used book dealers, but that's not buying from amazon directly). I ALWAYS go to bestbookbuys.com, which shows the price for a book from 30+ sites (I also check overstock.com, which bbb doesn't always pick up).

The best price usually ends up being an independent book dealer, by way of half.com or abebooks or somesuch--found via bestbookbuys. I lurve bbb!

[Shakespeare]

15. Overstock.com is a RED company.

They won't get one dime of my money (try smartbargains.com instead).

Overstock.com heavily promoted the anti-Michael Moore movie that was released in the wake of F9/11.

[Lex]

18. Yes. They carried that awful DVD trying to smear Moores' F 911.

The repuke's "answer" DVD was carried 'exclusively' by overstock.com.

:puke:

[LaPera]

20. But, who doesn't carry it?

Equal time, equal rights, no censorship...

Don't you wish the fucking Republicans would ever consider being fair, and the Christian thing to do as baby Jesus would have?

[LaPera]

16. As for Amazon....

"Well, it is a bit distressing for many of us who love that bulbous megastore and who shop there all the time to discover that they gave so much to Repubs, which is just odd and a bit inexplicable, especially given how they're based in hugely liberal Seattle and geeky CEO Jeff Bezos seemed at one time to be reasonably attuned and quirky and progressive, except maybe he's not.

Maybe he's just another hollow profiteer who supports war and disses foreigners and thinks gays are, you know, icky. But then again, Amazon did give 40 percent to Democrats. So it's a close call. After all, the venerable and terminally annoying Barnes & Noble gave 98 percent to the Dems, and I can't stand Barnes & Noble. But now, like Starbucks, I hate them a little less. And now maybe I'll just skip Amazon and buy my next gift copy of "The Surrender" or "What's the Matter with Kansas?" or "The Book of Bunny Suicides" from B&N instead.

See? See how easy? Baby steps, people. Baby steps."
-Mark Morford http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2004/12/22/notes122204.DTL

[VaYallaDawg]

17. I switched from Amazon to BN last year when I learned about

their corporate giving policy. But I do have to agree with the other DUers who have commented - Amazon's site is so damned useful and friendly, it's really tempting sometimes. Wish BN could pick up on their technology somehow.

[mattclearing]

23. You do realize that BN.com flat out stole their web design and got sued,

right?

[VaYallaDawg]

24. No, I didn't know that.

Course, I have to admit, I really don't buy lots of books on line, I buy classical music CDs - the way Amazon categorizes titles/composers/performers is really superior to BN. At least, the way I use it.

[mattclearing]

31. Amazon donates to Democrats over Republicans - 58% - 42%.

And it has a better interface and more products.

I don't know what B&N's ratio is, and I imagine it's probably bluer than Amazon, but calling Amazon a red company pisses me off. It is not easy to favor Democrats these days, and if we are going to tar and feather corporations, we'd better get our facts straight.

[VaYallaDawg]

33. Thanks for the tip.

I think BN may be a little "bluer" than Amazon. At the time I stopped using Amazon they were doing 100% GOP - however, now that I've got some info on a more even apportionment, I'll split my buying between BN and Amazon (I really like Amazon's web architecture a whole lot better, have to admit).

Thanks again.

[LaPera]

42. Absolutely incorrect! FACT: Buy Blue endorse Barnes & Noble!!!

Not Amazon. Again, no one is saying don't shop at Amazon, I do...Just get your facts correct. No matter how you look at it Amazon gives far more money to republicans than - Barnes & Noble, Powells, or Overstock!!!! (These three companies give 85% to 100% of their donations to Democrats).

Amazon's donations as of - July 20th 2005

$44,000 to Democrats
$62,250 to Republicans
$0 to Others
$106,250 in Total Contributions

[mattclearing]

28. You should probably check into it a little further.

They are giving to Dems this year:

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[HughBeaumont]

19. Sorry, regardless of who they donate to, I still like them.

Amazon is hardly a WalMart and they have a vastly better music selection than B&N. I'm a long-time customer and they've got decent models for returns and marketplace sellers. Lots of good deals from independents on my computer books.

[LaPera]

22. Read some posts, No one is saying stop buying from Amazon!!! Certainly not

Mark Morford (nor I)...Read his whole column...it's funny, (as always) and very interesting & informative (again, as always).


"See? See how easy? Baby steps, people. Baby steps." :bounce:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2004/12/22/notes122204.DTL

[mattclearing]

30. And you should, and they donate more to Dems.

Don't believe it.

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[LaPera]

39. No, they really don't!

Buy Blue does NOT recommend Amazon, as of Nov. 21, 2005
for Christmas 2005 for books, CD's DVDs etc...Buy Blue recommends B&N and Powell books! http://www.buyblue.org/BlueChristmas

As of July 20th 2005

http://www.buyblue.org/cg.php?&Democrats=44000&Republic...

$44,000 to Democrats
$62,250 to Republicans
$0 to Others
$106,250 in Total Contributions

This column by Mark Morford was written last Christmas, to make the point to shop blue this year...Amazon was a very tiny part of the column, but so many stupid people didn't even read the column nor researched "Buy Blue" TODAY!

This has nothing to do with how much money Amazon has or will give to candidates in next years 2006 elections, that can change dramatically and if Amazons past is any indication, they surely will be donating much to republican!

[mcar]

21. Sorry, Progressive gave me an auto insurance quote

that was 3 times Geico's and 4x my old insurance. I ended up using neither and getting a great deal via my DH's union benefits.

[mattclearing]

25. Your tarring of Amazon is unjustified.

http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.asp?strID=C00360354

Amazon.com
2006 PAC Summary Data


2006 election
so far*
Select a Cycle:
2006 2004 2002 2000 1998
Total Receipts
$2,000

Total Spent
$25,000

Begin Cash on Hand
$66,170

End Cash on Hand
$43,170

Debts
$0

Date of last report
September 30, 2005

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)
(58% to Democrats, 42% to Republicans) $15,500
Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more (list donors) $2,000


PAC NAME: AMAZON.COM HOLDINGS INC. SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUND
WASHINGTON DC, 20001
FEC COMMITTEE ID: C00360354
(LOOK UP ACTUAL DOCUMENTS FILED AT THE FEC)

INDUSTRY: Computers/Internet
Online computer services


*Based on data released by the FEC on Wednesday, November 02, 2005.

[donheld]

36. I wish Amazon would stop giving all there money to publicans!!!

:hide::evilgrin::hide:

[LaPera]

38. First of all Buy Blue does NOT recommend Amazon, as of Nov. 21, 2005

for Christmas 2005 for books, CD's DVDs etc...Buy Blue recommends B&N and Powell books! http://www.buyblue.org/BlueChristmas

As of July 20th 2005

http://www.buyblue.org/cg.php?&Democrats=44000&Republicans=62250&Others=0&total=106250&type=tcc

$44,000 to Democrats
$62,250 to Republicans
$0 to Others
$106,250 in Total Contributions

This column by Mark Morford was written last Christmas, to make the point to shop blue this year...Amazon was a very tiny part of the column, but so many stupid people didn't even read the column nor researched "Buy Blue" TODAY!

This has nothing to do with how much money Amazon has or will give to candidates in next years 2006 elections, that can change dramatically and if Amazons past is any indication, they surely will be donating much to republican!

[Abelman]

32. He wrote this a year ago

In that interim, both Amazon and Overstock have changed their ways. It helps to ACTUALLY VISIT BUY BLUE!

All of you who are still thinking Amazon is so bad aren't reading the posts that show Amazon is now on the Blue side.

Of course, it is far more effective to do this with a letter accompianent to the company. Imagine if all of us stopped shopping at Republican Donor, INC, and wrote them saying so, telling them why. RepDon, INC might be far more apt to change their ways. Otherwise, they just sit there saying "What the fuck is going on?"

[LaPera]

41. Again, read the column...No one is saying don't shop at Amazon!

You should try reading "Buy Blue" as of 12-3-05

July 20th 2005

$44,000 to Democrats
$62,250 to Republicans
$0 to Others
$106,250 in Total Contributions...

This column was writen a year ago to get people aware for Christmas 2005.

Buy Blue, however, does NOT endose Amazon as their stores of choice as of Nov. 21st 2005.
http://www.buyblue.org/BlueChristmas

[Faygo Kid]

37. Barnes & Noble sponsor Limbaugh's website. Screw them.

You can check it out. The worst anti-intellectual of the last 20 years who has done incalculable damage, and a seller of books sponsors him. Rotating ad, top right, front page of his website. I do not shop Barnes & Noble, and I wrote them why. Never heard back, of course.