Is anybody else ready for a General Boycott yet?

[Goldstein1984]

I'm talking about a simple boycott of all nonessential spending. Simple, because we're talking about nonessentials: movies; the latest game system or mobile phone; the trendiest toys; another pair of shoes for an already crowded closet; eating out...

I'm mentioned this before and been condemned for it because the people who would suffer the most are the lower working class who make a living selling nonessentials. But aren't they already suffering? Has the system that enslaves the lower class not been designed specifically to make challenging it more painful than submitting to it? Isn't it necessary to be willing to take a punch to get close enough to deliver a punch?

In an economy where 70% of the GDP is based on consumption, imagine the impact and the message of simply not doing any unnecessary consuming. Yes, the wealthy can weather the storm, but they'd be watching the U.S. market, and a cascade of markets around the world, dive in response. The ones who would be afraid would be the politicians. They still have to navigate the illusion of democracy to obtain their positions. This would put fear in their hearts.

A lot of people are already doing this out of necessity. Why not join them in solidarity? Is affluence alongside poverty moral?

Remember when George W. Bush told everyone to get out and spend money after 9/11? He was showing the soft underbelly of the system.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. I'm right behind you.

:woohoo:

Maybe fifty behind you.

[HipChick]

2. Just as soon as I pick up The Micheal Jackson Experience tomorrow

[villager]

3. If the overlords know the people they rule are too terrified even to hold a boycott...

(never mind anything "risky" like civil disobedience), then they know they've won. And they'll keep feeling folks up at airports, taking their tax dollars to bail out their friends, engineering an economy that drives their sons and daughters to serve in their wars.

And the folks will keep taking it, because even that necessary first step -- withholding economic support -- wouldn't be, well, "nice."

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

8. Well said.

[Kaleva]

4. I don't know if internet access qualifies as essential

Got along quite well without it for close to three decades.

[JoePhilly]

5. How do I get out of my cell phone contract?

Honestly, I think most Americans are cutting back on many of the items you mention. And doing so, while necessary, slows the economy further.

The folks at the top can cut back easy when the economy slows. The folks at the bottom often can not.

The folks at the top will cut back on everything, except what helps them maintain power ... they can wait it out. And so can the politicians.

[BlueIris]

6. I'm already doing this, but it will be yet another year of NO BLACK FRIDAY crap for me.

Not spending anything I don't have to spend is a matter of necessity for me (sort of) at this point, although I'm also proud that I don't feel like such a slave to mindless consumerism. But I never go out on Black Friday anymore, and yes, it is an attempt to send a deliberate message.

[budkin]

7. EVERYTHING non essential? No.

[Goldstein1984]

14. I'd say food and water are essentials.

And medications for some.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

9. It should already be happening, I'm all for it.

[littlewolf]

10. already have been doing it .....

[inna]

11. General Strike, not "General Boycott".

Consumer spending has plummeted, anyway, but that clearly doesn't "put fear in the elites' hearts".

[Goldstein1984]

12. A general strike would be trickier, and more costly to workers if

it weren't done well.

Not buying essentials is an easy, nonviolent way to send a message.

But if someone in a position to gain a significant following were to call a general strike, I would support them and participate.

[Scruffy1]

15. I've never seen a boycott that worked-including grapes

But I've dreamed of a National Strike for forty years.

[redwitch]

13. I am on the road lots as a sales rep.

I sell beautiful things, most American made, 3 fair trade lines. A lot of good people that are already hurting (including me and mine), my customers- small independent stores and museums, would all be devastated. Not like the last 3 years hasn't been bad enough but if this happened we are done. Seriously done. This idea is a bad one.

[Goldstein1984]

16. Yes, it would hurt.

The deck is intentionally stacked that way.

Maybe a boycott of all nonessential, non-American made good would send a double message.

My family is already basically doing that. I still buy coffee, but all fair trade.

[MrsCorleone]

17. Why not boycott the big box stores and, instead, support your local small businesses?

BTW, the republicans are looking to undermine the economy at every level. But, then, I suspect you already know that.

[redwitch]

20. Buy local.

And buy fair trade, American made goods at those local stores.

[Goldstein1984]

21. Yes, but the Republicans are going for shock and awe

Which they'll use to impose drastic measures along the lines of Shock Doctrine.

If one side in a battle uses bullets, that doesn't discredit the value of bullets.

This would be the Many taking the tactic and the lead away from the Few.

[MrsCorleone]

26. We have been living the Shock Doctrine. A general boycott will only help elect a Repub in '12.

Bad economy = republican president. It is that simple.

Support your local small business.

[we can do it]

18. Yeah Let's Crash the Economy PALIN 2012

[sally cat]

19. Considering the current state of the economy, maybe it's been happening for a while now.

[Goldstein1984]

22. My family has already been doing it.

One post above mentions boycotting big business and patronizing small businesses. We're doing that: local grocery stores; local coffee roasters who sell fair trade; locally-owned firearms stores.

This will be the second Christmas in a row we've cut Holiday spending to 10% of 2008 levels.

We're still working on ways to cut spending. And also on the consistent discipline to stick to the practice.

[Goldstein1984]

23. I was just floating the idea again.

Go on about your grazing.

[BeHereNow]

24. Good to see you friend!

We only do business with local family owned places.
I just wish there was a way to get around the phone/internet monopoly...
Sort of hard to avoid that corporate beast.

BHN

[Goldstein1984]

29. Good to see you too, BHN

I like to stop by once in awhile to piss into the wind.

[AmandaMae]

25. I'm in. I don't buy too many nonessentials but I could cut back on a few things. n/t

[taterguy]

27. I'm in. As long as it doesn't include stuff my employer makes. Or stuff people I like sell

Could you post a comprehensive list of approved items?

[Goldstein1984]

31. A few simple principles

If it isn't life-critical; or
If it isn't local or fair trade; or
If it isn't non-corporate;

Try to live without it.

Just watch the news. I drop in consumption of just ten percent rocks the world.

[taterguy]

35. It really isn't so simple

I won't die if I don't have a hybrid bike capable of doing 50 miles on a river trail. My old bike is capable of getting me to work but not much else so I bought a new one 14 months ago.


Then there's accessories. I have no idea where my CamelBak is made and I know I could just put a bottle of water in a back pack. But the CamelBak makes outdoor adventures much more feasible and enjoyable.

So I don't really need those things. But I function much better if I have them.

Please advise.

[elocs]

28. Count me out. Life is too short for such a cheerless existence.

I'm as poor as a church mouse but every once and awhile I buy something nonessential if I feel like it and can afford it. Just because I can.

[Kalyke]

30. Aren't most Americans doing this anyway?

Not by choice, but because they're underpaid and overworked or unemployed and running out of benefits.

[pipi_k]

32. At the risk of seeming like a selfish pig...

I would have to say "No".


I spent too many years being barely able to afford essentials, let alone luxury items.


Now I'm older and can afford many things I couldn't before. I enjoy reading. Do I need a Kindle? No. But I wanted one and got it. I enjoy music. Did I need a new iPod after my old one broke? No. But I got one.


So, I'm selfish...

shoot me.

:shrug:

[amborin]

33. would help the environment

[adigal]

34. Yes, I am, this Christmas

The only store I have spent money at is the fabric store. I am making all my in-laws Christmas table runners or quilts. All the kids are getting big cereal bowls or containers for brushes, etc., that I am making at my pottery class. Hope they all like their gifts, but if they don't, oh well. Next year I will get them all a favorite charity I donated their Christmas $$ to.

They do tend to be materialistic, but I am getting off that train from now on. And I would partake of a General Boycott - just let me know when!!