Whole Foods, Jon Mackay, and the WSJ editors

[kandrathe]

The progressives are in a tizzy regarding an Opinion piece in the WSJ by John Mackey. Heaven forbid that someone whom everyone assumed to be on the blue side fall out of lock step in the debate on health care. John Mackey is turns out is one of those free thinking libertarians. :)

Now, Progressive Review, is getting into the fray attempting to rally its subscribers into the boycott of Whole Foods. The Whole Foods blog is on fire with opinions from all sides.

What John Mackey (Whole Foods) Actually Wrote vs What the WSJ Ran.

The best comment I read was from a Whole Foods shopper who said, "Show me a CEO who's opinions is one I can identify with, and I'll consider changing my shopping choices."

Again, this is what happens to debate in America. Someone expresses an opinion that is not in lock step, and someones political machine tries to punish them for speaking in the first place (e.g. Dixie Chicks). I'm committing myself to respect people who speak their minds, whether I agree with them or not. I may have an opinion to the contrary, (e.g. Dixie Chicks), but they should not get chewed up by political organizations. In regards to the Dixie Chicks controversy, I believe that had Natalie stopped at opposition to the war the controversy would have blown over. But, she went the extra step of saying she was ashamed of the President, which is over the line for most Americans. I think you can be in opposition to actions, or policies, but it touches a sensitive nerve when you are ashamed of the the country, its officials, or its laws.

Both of these are a classic case of "Know your customer." -- John Mackey should have realized that his opinion on health care might be out of sync with the majority of his corporations customers, and hence to give your opinion would rock the boat. Just as Natalie should have realized that just because you are in England, does not mean all those red necks in the USA are not aware of what you are saying abroad. Which then leads to my last observation, which is when I buy my gas, groceries, clothing, and entertainment I have little inkling of what the opinions are of the CEO's of the corporations to which I shop, nor do I care.