We cats have pointed out before that voting with our pocketbooks is one of the few tools that we Americans who are outraged about the election have to express our opposition and disgust. So while the right wing is no doubt screaming about the boycott of LL Bean, we heartily approve.
It seems that Linda Bean, granddaughter of the company's founder and active member of the board of directors, is a big supporter of Donald Drumpf, and has given beaucoup bucks to the cause of making America hate again. Facing blowback, LL Bean is reacting with extreme lameness. "LL Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions. Simply put, we stay out of politics," they bleat.
"Simply put," this is the wrong response.
Like its competitor REI, LL Bean would be well-served to be interested in politics when it comes to issues like climate change, environmental protection, saving endangered species, preserving natural diversity, and protecting national parks and natural areas from the ravages of resource extraction companies. Why would a leading retailer of outdoor recreational products "stay out of politics," when the people who are about to run this country are committed to the destruction of the very environment that its customers love?
Until LL Bean chooses to take a principled stand, we'll be shopping elsewhere. We cats HISS.
UPDATE: Well, Donald Drumpf has just made life more difficult for the "nonpolitical" LL Bean. Will the company accept his tweeted endorsement? Our inquiring minds can't wait to hear!
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