About the Exxon Boycott....

[Flabbergasted]

The issue at hand is solidarity....

We on the left need some forward momentum instead of cynicism.....

The issue is looking ahead....

Instead of being victims taking action....

Those of you that always say "Its Economically impossible".....

I'd like you to read about the life of Ghandi....

Read about the life of MLK

Read about the life of our US Revolutionary Warriors.....

It is the "Emotional Content" that creates successful revolutions (boycotts).....

[Bluzmann57]

1. Solidarity is indeed the key

In the early '80's, the United Food and Commercial Workers, then known as the Meatcutters Union organized a boycott against a major meat processor for unfair Labor practices, among other things. It was nationwide and involved many Unions, virtually every one in the USA. In time, this company negotiated in good faith, treated it's employees well, and paid a fair wage. They also became safety concious and is now considered a leader in the industry. So I know boycotts can work. If people decide to boycott Exxon/Mobil, it can be done, but it will be a massive undertaking, more than just Organized Labor banding together. I am trying to personally take my gasoline business elsewhere, but how many others are doing the same?
Edited for atrocious typing

[Flabbergasted]

3. I think ultimately the concept is "corrupt"

Low gasoline prices is not a progressive/liberal cause. We need to redefine the cause so that there is a clear understanding what the boycott is based on in order to induce an emotional reaction in people. This will make them want to sacrifice.

[RufusEarl]

2. I haven't heard of this Exxon boycott,

but i quit buying Exxon products when the Valdez ran aground in Alaska. I've never understood rewarding someone for negligence or greed, but i'm in on the boycott i'll reinstate my pledge to never by Exxon products.

[badgerpup]

4. Me too...

There was an article on Blondesense http://blondesense.blogspot.com
a few weeks ago on the anniversary of the running aground of the Exxon Valdez.
Despite obscene profits, Exxon still hasn't paid Alaska the money they owe them for the cleanup. :mad:
Seventeen years now, I've been boycotting Exxon, telling people why, and encouraging them to do likewise.
:patriot:

[MacDuff]

5. So you are pissed off about expensive gas?

It's based on the price of oil - worldwide - Exxon Mobile doesn't set the market price - all buyers, competing for available oil do - where was your outrage a few years ago when gas was still cheap, but Exxon was still (as they are now) resisting paying their fines for the Exxon Valdez spill? Or when they were funding fake science to prove that global warming isn't happening? But now gas is expensive and it's time to boycott huh?

Here's what happens - you hurt the individually owned Exxon and Mobile gas stations - because you aren't buying from them - Exxon corp has lots of extra gas sitting around (and oil/gas supply is down, so all sellers want it) - so they sell it to every NON Exxon Mobile station around - and you go buy it from them - thinking you are sticking it to the man

so you've succeeded in cutting out small gas station owners (who actually buy at a slight discount from Exxon corp), and Exxon corp chugs along making record profits - your little boycott doesn't touch them...feel better? feel like Gandhi or MLK?

the reason that gas is expensive is that oil is expensive, that refineries in the gulf are still offline (from Katrina), that on the East Coast they are switching from using a highly carcinogenic additive (MTBE) to using ethanol - and that switch takes time

The reason profits (across the board I may add - EVERYBODY is making piles of $$ from this) is that the oil that is being pumped is largely from fields that were developed at a cost of $15/barrel - but now it's at $74 on the world market - and the difference is profit

How about this instead? you drive less, you walk more, you ride a bike more, you put on a sweater and turn down the thermostat - you move out of the suburbs and close to work

Gandhi didn't DRIVE to the ocean on his march - he walked

[Flabbergasted]

6. HEY READ POST 3......You missed my point altogether go back and try

to square 1 and try again...

[northofdenali]

7. Hi Flabbergasted! I'm with you on Exxon -

I've boycotted them since March 24, 1989.






And it's still not done killing our fish and wildlife. But for Exxon to pay that fat ass CEO the amount in retirement funds - and balk at paying the judgement against them for this spill - is more than horrendous. As far as I am concerned, anyone holding Exxon stock for ANY reason is just as fucking guilty.

Yeah, I'm pissed at Exxon.

[Flabbergasted]

9. So the question really is where do you go from here....A boycott based on

the oil spill up in Alaska 15 years ago is impossible. What I'm really looking to do is introduce progressive thinking here. Solutions to problems.

So the question then becomes "What is the problem? and What is the solution?"

I have some ideas and I think it is ultimately possible to effect governmental policy through a boycott.

We really got to do something....!

[northofdenali]

11. Base it on what all poiltics is based on - the MONEY.

Stickers at the tanks - XXX (CEO's name) made $$$$$ last year. You're paying for it now.

That type of thing. Start with the general population. Get 'em pissed.

The solution? Obviously, moving away from fossil fuels. In the US? Not much chance. But public anger at the corporations is a big start. Look at what's already happening - the Senate Finance Committee has requested Big Oil's tax returns...........

It's a start. Sometimes all you can do is get it started.

I've already got my little "stickers-r-us" packets from Office Max (sorry, can't buy blue there, it's the only place except Wally World to get 'em) - "Impeach", "Bin Laden still has his job. Do you?" and "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" - as well as Boycott Exxon. I put 'em up where people post their giveaways, yard sale and for sale ads, etc. so I don't deface anything.

Somehow, some way, there is a way. And each one - reach one is still one of the ways to do it. Old hippie that I am, I still believe that.

Edit: my fingurs cant spel

[RufusEarl]

8. Well i'm a little aware how business works,

but all boycotts are more symbolic then anything. We're trying to make a statement here, it's about all we have left.

And not all gas station are the same, the small indie on the corner isn't the same as the large Exxon/Mobil on the interstate.

But yea, if mom and pop want to get in bed with Exxon/Mobil then they'll have to take their lumps.

[Flabbergasted]

10. I like how you think man Thanks!