Politics and holiday shopping

[eaprez]

With holidays upon us, some of us might wish to be mindful of who
we patronize relative to their 2000 Election Cycle political donations, as
reported by the Center for Responsive Politics....

Shopping?

* Price Club/Costco donated $225K, of which 99% went to democrats;
* WalMart, $467K, 97% to republicans;
* K-Mart, $524K, 86% to republicans;
* Home Depot, $298K, 89% to republicans;
* Target, $226K, 70% to republicans;
* Circuit City Stores, $261K, 95% to republicans;
* Rite Aid, $517K, 60% to democrats;
* Magla Products (Stanley tools, Mr. Clean), $22K, 100% to democrats;
* 3M Co., $281K, 87% to republicans;
* Hallmark Cards, $319K, 92% to republicans;
* Amway, $391K, 100% republican;
* Kohler Co. (plumbing fixtures), $283K, 100% republicans;
* Warnaco (undergarmet s), $55K, 73% to democrats;
* B.F. Goodrich (tires), $215K, 97% to republicans;
* Proctor & Gamble, $243K, 79% to republicans;
* Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, $153K, 99% to democrats;
* Estee Lauder, $448K, 95% to democrats;
* Guess ? Inc., $145K, 98% to democrats;
* Calvin Klein, $78K, 100% to democrats;
* Liz Claiborne, Inc., $34K, 97% to democrats;
* Levi Straus, $26K, 97% to democrats;
* Olan Mills, $175K, 99% to democrats.

Spirits?

* Coors, $174K, 92% to republicans;
* Gallo Winery, $337K, 95% to democrats;
* Brown-Forman Corp. (Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Bushmills, Korbel
wines - as well as Lennox China, Dansk, Gorham Silver), $644, 80% to
republicans;
* Southern Wine & Spirits, $213K, 73% to democrats;
* Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons (includes beverage business, plus
considerable
media interests), $2M+, 67% democrats.

Hungry?

* Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (chicken), $366K, 100% republican;
* Outback Steakhouse, $641K, 95% republican;
* Sonic Corporation, $83K, 98% democrat;
* Tricon Global Restaurants (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), $133K, 87%
republican;
* Brinker International (Maggiano's, Brinker Cafe, Chili's, On the Border,
Macaroni Grill, Crazymel's, Corner Baker, EatZis), $242K, 83%
republican;
* Triarc Companies (Arby's, T.J. Cinnamon's, Pasta Connections), $112K, 96%
democrats;
* Waffle House, $279K, 100% republican;
* McDonald's Corp., $197K, 86% republican;
* Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Bahama
Breeze), $121K, 89% republican;
* Hyatt Corporation, $187K, 80% to democrats;
* Mariott International, $323K, 81% to republicans;
* Holiday Inns, $38K, 71% to republicans.

[flamingyouth]

1. Our family decided a few years ago to stick to one gift

per person (of course, it's easy for us - there are only three of us). And then we pick a charity, and the rest of the gift money goes to that group. Now it's just my parents and me, and we are quite crazy about a no-kill cat shelter north of Seattle:

www.purrfectpals.org

They have been so wonderful; we've fostered and adopted several cats from there, and we know that they use their donations very well. It's just a thought, to get away from having to worry about where your retail dollars go this time of year. :hi:

[Vox_Reason]

2. Thanks for this

People need to be aware of these sorts of facts. Spend according to your principles, and you'll sleep better at night.

Nothing speaks louder than your wallet, folks.

[Piperay]

3. THANKS

I'm going to try and patronize those who give MORE than half to the Democrats.

[Vox_Reason]

4. Center for Responsive Politics web site

http://www.opensecrets.org

Their info on the 2004 election:
http://www.opensecrets.org/presidential/index.asp

[PROGRESSIVE1]

5. thank you

[Brundle_Fly]

6. punks!

[Merlot]

7. Notice a pattern?

Repub: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Mcdonalds, and various other low quality chain food restraunts, waffles, steak, and chicken, beer and Jack Daniels, Wal-Mart, K-mart, Target, Home Depot, Circuit City.

In other words, junk food, cheap liquer, and impersonal stores.

Democrats: Estee Lauder, Guess, Liz Clairborne, Calvin Klein, Levi Strauss, Costo, and Gallo Wine (I know....Gallo Wine isn't top shelf, but hey, it's wine).

[BillZBubb]

8. I was hoping someone would post a list!

I am going to spend a tidy sum on electronics stuff for XMas. I was considering Circuit City. Now, they won't get my business!

Thanks!!!!