posted on June 1, 2005 04:41:05 AM new
No wonder more and more people are turing away from Christianity. Piece by piece, these groups are trying to remove our freedoms in order to promote their own agenda. God Bless America? If this keeps up, we'll be lucky if He pays any attention to this country at all. These groups haven't the right to tell companies who they can donate to, which TV shows they can air their commercials on, or which type of ads to run. Someone, somewhere needs to stomp these people into the ground. I'm hoping it's the Ford Motor Company.
Another swing of the pocketbook
Christian activist group goes after Ford Motor Co.
Ford Motor Co., in a magazine advertisement, offers to donate $1,000 to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for each Jaguar sold.
By Alex Johnson
Reporter
MSNBC
Updated: 9:14 p.m. ET May 31, 2005
A week after they declared victory over Walt Disney Co., Christian activists have fired another missile in their long war against companies they think are destroying traditional American values.
The target this time is Ford Motor Co., which Christians should boycott as “the company which has done the most to affirm and promote the homosexual lifestyle,” the American Family Association says on a Web site it put up Monday, boycottford.com.
The AFA, the nonprofit group run by the Rev. Donald Wildmon, criticized Ford for donating money to gay-rights organizations — Ford promises to give up to $1,000 to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination for every Jaguar and Land Rover it sells to gays and lesbians. The group also complained that Ford sponsored gay pride celebrations, advertised in gay-oriented publications and was “redefining the definition of the family to include homosexual marriage,” Randy Sharp, the organization’s director of special projects, said Tuesday.
Officials at Ford did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Thousands respond to call for action
The quantifiable impact of a boycott based on Christian principles is all but impossible to assess, but for the AFA, which has gone after scores of giant corporations for almost 30 years, they are an article of faith. By Tuesday afternoon, more than 54,000 people had signed the AFA’s online pledge to boycott Ford, Sharp said.
The organization usually starts with a letter-writing campaign, urging its members to contact executives, local franchisers and advertisers to express unhappiness with a company’s behavior. In what it considers intractable circumstances, the AFA will escalate to a formal boycott.
The campaigns are the AFA’s most visible activity by far. Through its main Web site and two affiliated sites, One Million Dads and One Million Moms, it can have a score of boycotts and letter-writing drives in play at one time.
The fight against Ford is just one of many it has going: As of Tuesday, it was calling for action against the Carl’s Jr. hamburger chain (to protest its racy new ad featuring Paris Hilton), Kraft Foods (for its sponsorship of the 2006 Gay Games), Mary Kay Cosmetics and Old Navy stores (for advertising on ABC’s prime-time soap opera “Desperate Housewives”) and NutriSystem Inc., the weight-loss company (for airing its own salacious TV ad).
Most recently, the AFA ended a nine-year boycott of the Walt Disney Co., which it launched because of what it felt was the company’s “attitude, arrogance and embrace of the homosexual lifestyle.”
The AFA said it was moving on because “we have made our point.” Disney said it never changed any of its policies, but Sharp pointed to an executive shuffle and the sale of Disney’s Miramax studio, which seemed to specialize in films designed to get Wildmon’s goat, notably “Kids,” “Priest” and “Dogma.”
‘Gay agenda,’ racy ads push hot buttons
The reasons for each boycott vary in the details, but the companies’ alleged zeal to push the “homosexual agenda” is a common theme, side by side with their sponsorships of television programs the AFA finds morally unacceptable.
There is plenty to go after, and the AFA has aimed its guns at so many companies that even it has trouble keeping track, Sparks acknowledged in an interview. There are so many letter-writing campaigns, in fact, that sometimes the AFA finds itself working against itself.
For example, the organization in mid-May blitzed Wal-Mart for approving a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender affinity group for its employees, shortly after it lavishly praised Wal-Mart for matching donations to the Salvation Army over Christmas. In December, the AFA was praising Wal-Mart as a place where “Sam Walton’s legacy still remains in the minds and hearts of his company”; by April, it was urging Christians to consider taking their business elsewhere.
Other Christian organizations have tried similar tactics; most recently, a minister in suburban Seattle claimed credit for a decision by Microsoft Corp. to withdraw its support for a bill that would have extended Washington state’s anti-discrimination laws to gays and lesbians, a claim Microsoft rejected. (MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)
But there is no other organization quite like the AFA, which in the past has taken on Crest toothpaste, Volkswagen, Tide detergent, Clorox bleach, Pampers, MTV, Abercrombie & Fitch, K-Mart, Burger King, American Airlines and S.C. Johnson & Son, makers of Windex, Ziploc, Pledge, Glade and Edge.
The current campaign against NutriSystem reveals how much the AFA relishes the battle. The company’s sin is to have aired a television ad that the AFA found “offensive and tasteless,” and to whet its followers’ appetite for battle, the AFA spares no detail in describing just how offensive and tasteless the ad is:
“A woman in black panties, bra, and high heels, is pushing a shopping cart through a supermarket aisle,” the AFA says in an Action Alert on its Web site. “A man stocking items seems to be lusting after her, as she pauses in front of him (shown from side angle). They zoom in on her stomach as the stocker glances up and down at her torso with a lustful smile. The panties are very low cut, [and] as she walks away it is in slow motion.”
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jun 1, 2005 04:42 AM ]
posted on June 1, 2005 05:22:31 AM new
So people participating in democracy upsets you? This is no different than PETA boycotting KFC.
People either can join or not join in. But unlike PETA and their ilk, I see no violence.
Anyone has the right to write in and complain about programming, its called freedom of speech.
I am curious as to what freedoms these people are removing? I think you will find more people turning to the church or you wouldn't even be reading articles like this.
Please name one group that doesn't promote their own agenda?
posted on June 1, 2005 05:42:03 AM new
::The target this time is Ford Motor Co., which Christians should boycott as “the company which has done the most to affirm and promote the homosexual lifestyle,” the American Family Association says on a Web site it put up Monday, boycottford.com.::
Of course Cheryl - didn't you know that the best way to further the cause of the American way and family values is to attempt to bankrupt an American automaker and put all it's employees out of business.
I wouldn't get that upset about it. The one thing that history has taught us is that boycotts almost alway backfire bringing more attention to the product that to the cause.
There was an interesting story about all of the uproar over the Carl's Jr Paris Hilton ad recently. The first day the ad ran, Carl's Jr bought a total of 12 slots in which to air the ad. Turns out all they really needed was one since the ad ran free over 1000 times on various news programs. Everyone and their mother was running that ad as a teaser for their broadcasts. Flat out brilliant marketing.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 1, 2005 05:51:13 AM new
So fenix are you against people conducting themselves in a democratic manner?
I am curious as to if that Paris Hilton ad actually made a profit for Carl's Jr.?
On the other hand look at how much money was lost over the "finger" for Wendy's.
Ron
[ edited by WashingtoneBayer on Jun 1, 2005 06:06 AM ]
posted on June 1, 2005 07:45:27 AM new
Cheryl, good post and isn't it funny how some would like to twist your words and make it sound like you're upset...didn't sound that way to me.
And they also want to twist it to look like you are against Democracy.
There is NOTHING in your post indicating you are against democracy.
Cheryl, ya think someone just wants to start a fight based on pretty much nothing?????
But they're the same idiots who want to shove their religion onto PUBLIC property and think THAT'S democracy.
And on and on and on....
posted on June 1, 2005 08:10:19 AM new
Is it any different that the ACLU? Who are you referring to as He?
After what I have read in the paper, Walmart will never get my business again. They can't even pay their employees a decent wage or offer medical insurance. Those employees are getting free medical from the state of Wisconsin. So I pay the profit for their product and then I also pay for their medical insurance. I think it's time to boycott Walmart. Take a look at the owners of Walmart and how far up on the money list they are and they can't even pay their employees a decent wage.
We agree on something! We agree on something! Banner day! Drink a bottle of two buck chuck!!! I don't shop Walmart either. In an area here known as the Flats, there are a slathering of mom and pop grocery stores all around that area. They've been in business for generations. Well, along comes Walmart. . .they're putting in a large superstore in the flats. There go the mom and pop stores. At first, city counsel said they could go in as long as they didn't put in a grocery store. Walmart said no way would they go in without one. Guess who won out? Remember, if you don't shop at Walmart, you need to not shop at Sam's Club. It's Walmart owned.
Sure, this Walmart will provide jobs. Jobs without benefits, which means those relying on Medicaid will have to continue to do so. Walmart does not lift people out of poverty. It helps them to stay there.
Okay, about the article. I'm not against democracy. That's ludicrous. I'm against someone trying to dictate to someone else via strong arming what they can and cannot do. That's a short hop from dictatorship. Either you donate to who we say you do, or we'll see your business suffer. No, there's nothing democratic about that.
Their view is not my own and I shall not have them shoving it down my throat. Not without a fight.
posted on June 1, 2005 08:37:53 AM new
ahh Cheryl, Cheryl, and since when has putting your money where your mouth is undemocratic?
Either you donate to who we say you do, or we'll see your business suffer. No, there's nothing democratic about that...
Really nothing "un-democratic" about it. It's been that way forever. I believe it's sometimes referred to as consumer buying power.
It's okay for you and other like-minded individuals to boycott Walmart because you dont like their policies, but its not for the AFA?
I think you have a really skewered view of what constitutes democracy in this country.
.
[ edited by dblfugger9 on Jun 1, 2005 08:47 AM ]
posted on June 1, 2005 08:53:13 AM new
::So fenix are you against people conducting themselves in a democratic manner?::
When did I say that? They can boycott whoever they want. They have that right. I have the right to laugh at them. This is a group that doesn't seem to be able to figure out from one minute to the next who they support and who they are against so you'll have to excuse me if I have a problem taking them seriously.
::I am curious as to if that Paris Hilton ad actually made a profit for Carl's Jr.?::
The numbers for May will probably be out next week so we shall see.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 1, 2005 10:15:15 AM new
I just thought your comment about people losing their jobs over this was speaking out against boycotts. You are correct most are failures, people have been boycotting Walmart for years. I don't shop there because they are always too busy.
posted on June 1, 2005 11:07:13 AM new
::I just thought your comment about people losing their jobs over this was speaking out against boycotts.::
No, it was more about knee jerk reactions the fact that people don't really think their actions thru. Ford is running a promotion to appeal to a demographic that statistics tell us has among the largest disable income. They need to increase sales and they are looking to tap an untapped market. That's a responsible action on the part of a troubled company.
AFA is group whose only interest seems to be in telling other how to live their lives and run their businesses so while I support their right to stage this protest I do not support their opinions and I don't support their efforts to censor concepts that fall outside of their comnfort zone. I think they need a better hobby.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 1, 2005 11:27:41 AM new
And anyone interested in reading the issues the American Family Association promotes....you can read why they feel a need to support FAMILIES....on many issues. Not just this gay marriage issue that Ford is supporting.
They're really not at all as the left would like to protray them. Supporting families isn't a bad thing...even though so many on the ultra-left...the socialists believe it is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four More Years....YES!!!
FYI, I answered the question. I can't help it if I cannot spend every waking hour on this board to read every single post to every single thread only to pick, pick, pick. I have more important things to do like take care of auctions.
I was asked if I was against democracy. My answer was:
"Okay, about the article. I'm not against democracy."
"As for what groups don't support their own agenda?" That question is too obvious to answer. Even individuals promote their own agenda. What do you think we do here? So, I should have spent time explaining that rather than closing my multiple auctions that closed today?
"Who are you referring to as He?" Well, since God was used in the proceeding sentence and since when referring to God as "He" you capitalize the H, I thought that was too stupid a question to answer.
There, satisfied now? Can you now get on with your life? Hope so.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jun 1, 2005 11:52 AM ]
posted on June 1, 2005 12:08:47 PM new
cheryl I will continue to make 'note' of the questions you don't answer...you run away from. Or could be you just can't/don't want to answer the ones I ask of you. Which, of course is your right. But you didn't answer questions from others put to you in the thread I also ask you questions.
Great excuse...you have auctions. Other don't? Yet while they DO TOO they seem to be able to come back and answer the questions put to them...unlike you...who imo, avoid the tough ones you can't answer.
But since I notice it as a pattern with you, I will point it out.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on June 1, 2005 12:15:22 PM new
I'm with fenix on this one and find it laughable.
I wonder how many that opposed Desperate Housewives sat there and watched every episode?
I've mentioned before about the large selection of greeting cards, t-shirts and posters I've offered in my shops and how one small display of each has a warning that they may be offensive to some.
It's amusing to watch the ones that complain to me the loudest about carrying offensive merchandise and how it upsets their moral values are also the ones that take the longest time to view just those items (from all the varied selection offered) while they 'tsk tsk' and reach for more that will offend them.
posted on June 1, 2005 01:09:54 PM new
::Supporting families isn't a bad thing...even though so many on the ultra-left...the socialists believe it is. ::
What a ridiculous statement.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 1, 2005 01:16:43 PM new
It's obvious that I disagree fenix.
Here, almost everyday, we get to listen to statements like cheryls.
Piece by piece, these groups are trying to remove our freedoms in order to promote their own agenda.
So...groups supporting family and family values are taking away the left's freedoms? It's the other way around.
It's like the ultra-left has turned everything around. All that is decent and good, according to what I read posted here, is not to them. And as cheryl, herself stated..."should be STOMPED OUT".
But all that continues to destroy the family unit is a-okay with the left. Including this Ford support for gay rights....gay marriage....etc.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
This board is not my life. I do not spend hours and hours scouring it for every little offensive or wrong thing people say. Every now and again, I catch something. If I were to pick through everything you have said, I would never be able to remove myself from this chair. I owe you NOTHING. I owe this board NOTHING. You are now on mental ignore because I prefer not to allow your petty comments and idiotic statements chase me off this board. Go ahead. Ask me all the questions you'd like to. They WILL go unanswered. I answer questions from those posters here who are deserving of an answer. Apparently in my eyes, you are not.
You really need to get a life or take some personality improvement classes somewhere. Or better yet, try HRT. You seem to be missing a hormone or two.
posted on June 1, 2005 02:16:40 PM new
cheryl - I will point out to you again...it's not JUST my questions you don't answer. If anyone asks you a question where you can't support your argument/position you disappear.
You will not silence me nor my opinions as you wish to do to those who support family...family values...etc. You won't be 'stomping them out' .....just because you're intolerant of their views...their positions...their opinions.
While you constantly repeat the 'right' is taking away your freedoms.....what I personally see is that it's YOU who wish to silence those who think different than you do.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on June 1, 2005 02:21:00 PM newThe AFA, the nonprofit group run by the Rev. Donald Wildmon, criticized Ford for donating money to gay-rights organizations — Ford promises to give up to $1,000 to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination for every Jaguar and Land Rover it sells to gays and lesbians.
Since when do religious groups dictate where corporations should and should not make donations.. Yes we should all bow down to the religious groups. Just one more example of how the conservatives want to take away the rights of our democracy.
If anything this action will now cause companies not to donate to charities because it may get grief from groups that do not receive donations.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 1, 2005 02:36:50 PM new
logansdad - Since when do religious groups dictate where corporations should and should not make donations..
Let's see here....so your definiation of 'to dictate to' means they must remain silent to something they object to? I don't think so.
AND speaking of corporations....aren't they the group the left loves to hate...thinks are so corrupt, etc. But see...I've previously pointed out to you lefties that the dems are 'buying' into that corporate funding too. This is a good example.
Yes we should all bow down to the religious groups.
Nope, but you should respect that different people/groups have the RIGHT to hold differing opinions. Under our Consititution we don't HAVE to agree with the platform of the left. We are FREE to disagree and support whatever group we wish to support.
Just one more example of how the conservatives want to take away the rights of our democracy.
You only make yourself look foolish when you make comments like that. Voicing an objection to anything...doesn't take away anyone's 'rights'. Nor has this family supporting group been elected to any position in our Congress...and thus are not in a position to 'take away your rights'.
If anything this action will now cause companies not to donate to charities because it may get grief from groups that do not receive donations.
LOL...as we seen in a lot of private cooperations, TV adds, etc. The opposing groups speak up...if there are enough of them, if they are heard then the companies/corporations back down. This is not an different. It's called PUBLIC PRESSURE.
And it either works or it fails.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on June 1, 2005 03:44:27 PM newI owe you NOTHING. I owe this board NOTHING.
Of course you dont, Cheryl. But what is the point of posting an article to a message board if you dont wish to discuss it and receive other peoples point of views on the subject?
To vent? To rant? To Preach? I would think you'd know this board well enuf now to know that isnt going over easy
posted on June 1, 2005 04:46:49 PM newYou only make yourself look foolish when you make comments like that. Voicing an objection to anything...doesn't take away anyone's 'rights'
This coming from the one that calls everybody Anti-American just because they do not support the Bush Agenda and his war.
I will let you know when I have stopped laughing at such as asine statement.
Nope, but you should respect that different people/groups have the RIGHT to hold differing opinions. Under our Consititution we don't HAVE to agree with the platform of the left. We are FREE to disagree and support whatever group we wish to support.
SEE ANSWER ABOVE I STILL HAVE NOT STOPPED LAUGHING .
As long as it supports your agenda, you call it the "right to hold differing opinions". Linda you are so naive.
Let's see here....so your definiation of 'to dictate to' means they must remain silent to something they object to? I don't think so.
The AFA, the nonprofit group run by the Rev. Donald Wildmon, criticized Ford for donating money to gay-rights organizations — Ford promises to give up to $1,000 to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination for every Jaguar and Land Rover it sells to gays and lesbians. The group also complained that Ford sponsored gay pride celebrations, advertised in gay-oriented publications and was “redefining the definition of the family to include homosexual marriage,” Randy Sharp, the organization’s director of special projects, said Tuesday.
Let's see, the AFA is telling Ford how it should spend its money and claims Ford is promoting the homosexual agenda....Yes I call that dictating, but I don't expect them to remain silent....only criminals like Bush have the right to remain slight after they are arrested.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 1, 2005 05:40:13 PM new
logansdad - Now I remember why I stopped responding to your silly comments, twists of what I've said or haven't said....because I had to continually CORRECT you on what I ACTUALLY had said. You kept saying things I'd never said.
You seen to be repeating that old pattern again.
This coming from the one that calls everybody Anti-American just because they do not support the Bush Agenda and his war.
Again, untrue...not what I've said at all...and I've repeated myself enough times on how I personally make the distinction....IF you haven't been able to comprehend it by now...you're never going to. But, your statement is NOT true. Once again.
[i]As long as it supports your agenda, you call it the "right to hold differing opinions"[i].
And you'd call it what?/
But you're WRONG AGAIN. Unlike a couple of you lefties here...I have never tried or wanted to silence the opposition. Matter-of-fact I've said that repeatedly. Because I don't agree with what some lefties says....doesn't mean I am censoring other opinions at ALL. It's your 'twist' to that one.
The AFA, the nonprofit group run by the Rev. Donald Wildmon, criticized Ford for donating money to gay-rights organizations.
This is what you call 'take away the rights of others'? There is no law that prohibits 'criticizing' anything.
And their group encouraging, by asking for support for their boycott, is not breaking any laws either. Especially laws protecting the rights of the 'left'.
Let's see, the AFA is telling Ford how it should spend its money and claims Ford is promoting the homosexual agenda....Yes I call that dictating,
Well then you're stricking out on all points you've tried to make here. Because first of all FORD has a long HISTORY for championing gay rights and for giving funding to support their movement. Not just now in this case. Secondly this group is appealing to others for their support...against Ford...not 'dictating' anything.
They, unlike you obviously can clearly understand that 'dictating to Ford' would do no good...be a waste of time...so they're appealing to those who agree with their position....to boycott. Trying to force change by not buying their product. Which again, is not them 'dictating' anything to Ford.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on June 1, 2005 06:31:24 PM newAgain, untrue...not what I've said at all...and I've repeated myself enough times on how I personally make the distinction....
You can keep pretending and believing what you want to believe. There are a number of people here that will back me up on my comment that you have over and over called people Anti American because they do not support the war and are not cheerleeding for the troops like you supposedly do.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 1, 2005 06:53:26 PM new
They have a right to be for or against anything they want. You lefties are against Bush (with such a perverse hatred) I guess that’s your right. Which group of idiots is wrong or right?
The Reverend's "Church of Here & Now" is against Morons, Socialist and Commie-Pinko's. It's our right to be against said idiots.
BTW aside from donations (which are always accepted) I’m looking for some sort of political power……..because….without political power we can’t be a cult.
posted on June 1, 2005 06:55:52 PM new
"The Reverend's "Church of Here & Now" is against Morons, Socialist and Commie-Pinko's. It's our right to be against said idiots. "
well I guess that leaves crow and Helen out
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
[ edited by classicrock000 on Jun 1, 2005 07:02 PM ]
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