Do you "Buy Blue" - these companies are 100% Dem Donations

[LynneSin]

http://www.buyblue.org/company/ranking/donations?page=1

Donations - $4k or more

Men's Wearhouse Inc, The - $56,000 100% (Men's Retail Clothing Chain)
Skechers U.S.A., Inc - $8,000 100% (Footwear)
Google Inc. - $71,500 100% - Internet Search Engine
Recreational Equipment, Inc - $6,500 100% (REI - Outdoor Clothing & accessories)
Restoration Hardware, Inc - . $200 100% 0% 0%
Boston Beer Company Inc., The - $4,250 100% (Sam Adams)
IAC/InterActiveCorp $33,950 - 100% (Ownes Homes Shopping Network and Ticketmaster)
SPS Studios, Inc - $278,244 100% (Blue Mountain Cards)
Claire's Stores, Inc. - $17,000 100% (Women's Accessories Retail Store)
Starbucks Corporation - $23,800 100% (Coffee)
New Belgium Brewing Company Inc. - $14,400 100% (Regional Brewing Company found mainly in the West)
Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc - $4,000 100% (Owns about 15 different Restaurant Chains)
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc - $22,000 100% 0% 0% (Sheraton Hotel Chain)
Sonic Corp - $24,170 100% 0% 0% (Fast Food Industry)
Dress Barn Inc., The - $118,000 100% (Women's Retail Clothing chain
Aloha Air Group, Inc $7,665 100% (Ahola Air)
Coach, Inc. - $11,000 100% 0% 0% (I love their stuff - KEWL!!)
Buffets Holdings, Inc. - $45,000 100% (WOuld you believe - Old Country Buffet Restaurant Chain)
Panera Bread Company - $6,500 100% (Coffee Bakery Chain found in Eastern PA - Great food btw)
Levi Strauss & Co $47,050 100% (Jeans & Clothing manufacturer)
Powell's Books, Inc - $26,250 100% (Online book retailer)
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation - $7,500 100% (Clothing Designer and Retail stores)
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. - $18,500 (Coffee Manufactorer - Free Trade products)
Loews Hotels Holding Corporation - $83,599 100% (Loew Hotel Chain)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Some of the Companies that have donated the most money to campaigns that are solidily blue:

Progressive - Over $3mil, 97% Blue
Cosco - $222k, 99% Blue
Apple - $80k, 99% Blue
J.Crew Apparel - $117k - 99% blue
Hyatt Hotels - $165k - 94% blue

http://www.buyblue.org/company/ranking/donations?sort=desc&order=%25+Dem&page=1

[MrCoffee]

1. Sonic is on the list!! WOOO HOOO!!

Now i can feel even better about getting a Route 44 Cherry Limeade, cheese tots, and a SonicBurger with jalepenos! i didn't think that was possible.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

3. they do have the best slushies n./t

[Mr. Blonde]

32. Kind of surprises me

being that it is based in Oklahoma. The very first one is about a mile and a half from my home. Ironically, it isn't as good as a different one in town.

[aaronbees]

38. Great news indeed!

I love me some Sonic, and that's one delicious, heavenly meal there.

[WCGreen]

40. Now if they would only make it up to Northern Ohio....

I could have a Chili dog and Onion Rings any time I wanted...

[aaronbees]

41. P.S. Here's a cool Sonic story...

Not sure if I've shared this story before but in my town one of the Sonics is owned by an Iranian immigrant. When the war in Iraq first began and local, racist xenophobia was really kicking into high gear, thereupon began an e-mail rumor in town saying this man fired a worker for wearing a t-shirt with an American flag on it. Of course, the rumor was, as best we could gather at the paper, senseless and without merit, and just part of the idiocy of this whole debacle was that these rumors continually referred to him as an "Arab."

Sonic corporate stepped up immediately to bat for him, called this nonsense for what it was, and gave him 100 percent unconditional support as a good business owner victimized by stupid rumors based on his ethnicity. I'll always remember that when I stop in for a slushie.

[myrna minx]

2. Thanks for the reminder.

:hi: I need something for work from this list of merchants, so I will definitely "buy blue".

[Crazy Dave]

4. I always try to buy blue and to buy green and...

...try to avoid supporting companies that have young children (or anybody) working in sweatshops.

http://www.coopamerica.org/

[LynneSin]

7. I try to fit it in where I can

I tried switching to Progressive but found their insurance was like $200/year more than Nationwide. I've had Nationwide since I first started driving and there are discounts for being a longtime user of the company. So I figured there were other ways I could buy Blue in order to make up the difference that my car insurance is Nationwide

[Crazy Dave]

8. I had Progressive for years but they got WAY too high....overnight

I've got everything under State Farm now and I know they're not squeaky clean, especially with some of the Katrina victims but they beat Progressive by over $600 a year for all my cars so it's purely a financial and common sense choice for me.

[LynneSin]

47. I think the problem with car insurance is your driving history

Mine is a bit shaky although I've been clean for over 5 years (no serious accidents but some tickets too). My mother started me on Nationwide and I have my home insurance with them too. Since I've been with them for 20+ years and was never late once with a payment they've given me some extra discounts. So it's difficult for any other insurance company to compare to Nationwide - I would lose too much money if I switched.

I realize that all of us my have no choice but to buy red, perhaps it's the only store or service available in the area (case-in-point - Wal*Mart. Some of the rural places in the US, Wal*Mart has cleared out some many other competitors that they might be the only store within like a 50mile radius). But if we can make an effort to support blue companies where we can - it's all good!

[Initech]

5. Sweet, Boston Beer Company is on the list!

I'll take a Sam Adams 9 times out of 10 before I take a Coors, Bud, or Miller.

[LynneSin]

6. Anweiser-Busch is like the #1 contributer

To republicans - 100%

[Initech]

15. Doesnt surprise me at all!

As Bill Maher once said - "our politicians are like our beer - bland, watered down and marketed to us like we're idiots."

[ghostsofgiants]

9. Beyond buying "blue"...

http://www.knowmore.org

[Richardo]

10. Barnes & Noble: 92% Dem; 8% 'Other'; 0% Republican

They may not be 100% blue, but they are 0% red. :thumbsup:

[Mutley]

11. I buy blue as much as I can.

And I stay away from the worst offenders on the other side like WalMart. But, I'm not perfect. :cry:

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

12. Levi Strauss?

There's one I didn't expect to see on that list.

And I'm more than pleased to see Boston Beer on there.
Mmmm...Sam Adams... :beer:

[Shakespeare]

14. SF-based and one of the most GLBT-friendly corporations on earth.

No surprise there.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

17. Good.

Even though I wish they'd have kept their factories open in the U. S., (I blame Wal-Mart for that more than anything)
it's good to know that they're very GBLT-friendly.

[FILAM23]

13. Never have nor never will

base my shopping habits based on politics.

[philosophie_en_rose]

20. That's interesting.

When it comes down to it, politics is exactly like shopping. Becoming informed and making the best choice that you can.

[FILAM23]

24. Not at all

Shopping is to be done on a very limited basis.
Politics requires a full time commitment

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

35. If your politics were a "full time commitment" then you'd put in the time

to put your money where your politics are.

[FILAM23]

53. I disagree

by "putting my money where my politics are" means I am
passing judgment on someone elses beliefs and that is
something I don't do for or against anyone.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

56. I disagree.

By that logic, you couldn't even vote because it'd be "passing judgement on someone else's beliefs."

[blondeatlast]

37. Bet you're fun at a party! nt

[Bridget Burke]

21. So--where do you shop?

Ideally, we'd all be self supporting, raising all our own food on little organic plots & crafting things by hand. And we'd engage in the barter system with similar pure souls. However, that's not reality. (Doesn't sound like much fun, either.)

Living in the real world demands compromise. Where we live, our incomes & our needs affect where we spend our money. However, when I've got a choice, I'll definitely pick the merchant who will pass my money on to someone I don't hate. (I live in a big city, so I've got many choices.)

No, I don't shop at WalMart.

[FILAM23]

23. I shop at the closest store that carries what I need at that time.

I do not care if its Wal-Mart, the local HEB, a dollar store, what ever

[Dukkha]

26. so your core beliefs are based solely on convenience

nice.

[FILAM23]

29. Not at all

but one of my core beliefs is not to judge anyone elses beliefs.

[Juffo Wup]

31. Wow

Amazing how some so-called "liberals" judge people based on where they shop. Would that we all could live off trust funds and shop at the upscale liberal-approved stores.

I bought some curtains at Wal-Mart once. Clearly I am a whackjob, lunatic Republican :eyes:

[Dukkha]

33. not that I give a fuck what you think

but perhaps you should follow the lead of other Liberals here and make a conscious effort to support progressive businesses instead of making up pathetic excuses for selling out to the enemy. There's not one company on the OP list that are afforded only by "trust fund upscale" types. And anyone who claims they have no alternative to Wal-Mart is a liar, I don't care where you live.

[FILAM23]

34. And maybe some of the so called liberals here

should stop judging other people.

[LynneSin]

45. Yes, the Men's Warehouse, Sketchers and Levi Straus are so extravagent

:eyes:

Seriously - I could easily afford to cloth myself on a low income just from those 3 stores listed. Also included very blue (but not on the list, it's about 85%) - GAP, which includes The Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy

Do I need to furnish my home - both Bed Bath & Beyond plus Linens n Things are on the list - both quite affordable shopping.

Sure, Coach & Ralph Lauren are some upscale products but there is quite the variety on this list that I can try to make an effort to support companies who support democrats

And when I know a store is exploiting it's works, burdening our tax dollars by providing little health care to it's employees and overwhelmingly contributing to Repukes, you better believe I"ll find some other place to shop at other than Wal-Mart. If I needed Curtains, I can find some decent priced items at Bed Bath & Beyond or Linen's & Things. And I'm the bargain bin queen and could probably find the items I want on sale in order to save some money

[Bridget Burke]

50. Well, I disliked WalMart before I knew about its politics....

Just because the stores are dumps. I'll admit to the occasional trip to Target, although the store is hardly 100% pure.

I do consider politics when I shop--although that's not my only consideration. And I don't have a trust fund either. But I can afford to contribute to DU!

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

57. Oh please, there are plenty of stores on that list that are very

affordable. Linens & Things and Old Navy are hardly upscale.

[sarge43]

16. I knew there was a reason I liked Green Mountain Coffee. n/t

[SKKY]

18. Please add Kenneth Cole to the list...

....he's very Liberal and was supportive of Kerry.

[LynneSin]

22. You can also add Estee Lauder which includes:

MAC
Estee Lauder
Clinique
Bobby Brown
Origins
DKNY (The cosmetics)

It's nice to know my make-up is on the blue.

I couldn't include everyone but definately Kenneth Cole - I love his stuff!

[Kerrytravelers]

19. We do our best. And, we buy local, which is also very important.

[Broken_Hero]

25. of the ones listed, just Sonic...

haven't heard of too many on that list.

on edit:to change have, to haven't

[petronius]

27. I assume you mean Costco, the warehouse store, rather than Cosco,

the China Ocean Shipping Company?

[NewJeffCT]

28. Are these strictly corporate donations?

If you read up on Wal-Mart donations, you'll surprisingly find that they give like 20% or so to Democrats - out of maybe a few hundred thousand dollars in donations.

But, if you look behind the scenes, the Walton Foundation gives tens of millions per year to various RW causes... which doesn't really make this sort of list.

[1gobluedem]

30. Happy to see Panera Bread there

I have a lot of meetings at Panera.

I think LL Bean is 100% too.

[LynneSin]

46. I think LL Bean was like 99 or 98%

It's all good with them though!

[sendero]

36. The cool thing is..

... most of those companies have REALLY GOOD PRODUCTS and/or SERVICES.

Makes it easy!

[datasuspect]

39. that's the last thing i have to worry about

i am dead broke and barely have a pair of shoes.

[China_cat]

42. Panera Bread isn't just in PA

We have 2 here in Charleston. (SC, not WV)

[ScreamingMeemie]

43. We have tons here in Michigan. They appear to be on every

corner. Sprung up like Walgreens a few years ago. :hi:

[Reverend_Smitty]

52. I love Pamera!

Their french onion soup in the bread bowl is to die for!

[NightNurse]

44. For nearly two years, now.

And of course a G a year to Emily's List.:bounce:

[a kennedy]

48. Found this site too: fair trade

http://www.fairindigo.com/about/support_fair_trade.html :toast:

[blondeatlast]

49. Bebe Stores 97% blue!

I love their clothes.

There are some (pleasantly) surprising names on that list.

[dpbrown]

51. Apple is the computer company of the revolution

Always has been, always will be.

[Bridget Burke]

54. Does Buying Blue Bell count?

Blue Bell Creameries, based in Brenham, Texas, sells ice cream throughout Texas & neighboring states.

Check out the flavors here: www.bluebell.com/icecream_flavors.htm

Among the new flavors:

Peaches & Homemade Vanilla - A mouth-watering combination of juicy, ripe peaches and our famous Homemade Vanilla ice cream.

Southern Pecan Pie - A rich brown sugar ice cream with roasted pecan halves and pieces of flaky pie crust mixed together with a praline sauce swirl.

Strawberry Shortcake - Classic vanilla ice cream blended with luscious, sweetened strawberries, chunks of pound cake and a whipped topping swirl.

Tin Roof - Vanilla ice cream with a rich chocolate fudge swirl and roasted peanuts dipped in semi-bittersweet chocolate.

www.bluebell.com/icecream_new.htm

Isn't it a good idea to support local/regional businesses?

If anyone knows anything politically bad about these folks, I'll stick my fingers in my ears & go "la la la"!

[LynneSin]

55. I think supporting local is a major plus

Although one time I went into a local office supply store and they had Rush Limbaugh playing on the radio and you could hear it through out the store.

I also refuse to support the only local Record store in Wilmington after seeing a Bush/Cheney bumper-sticker and another pro-bush poster hanging behind the cash register.

I will always try to support locally unless they are freaking blatent about republican support