From: cbe@unlinfo.unl.edu (cbe)
Newsgroups: soc.motss
Subject: Boycott or Not to Boycott?
Date: 7 Nov 1992 20:35:13 GMT
Organization: University of Nebraska--Lincoln	
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: unlinfo.unl.edu
Keywords: colorado, boycott

There is, rightfully, much discussion whether a total boycott of 
KKKolorado is a proper action.  The argument for it is that it 
punishes the state in much the same way Arizona was punished for its 
MLK Day decision.  The effectiveness of the latter is cited.  The 
boycott of South Africa at the behest of the ANC is also noted.  Again
it appears to be an action that has had some telling effect.

The reasons for opposing the boycott center about hurting those who 
are glb or opponents of Amendment 2.  It is furthur argued that such a
boycott, if it bit, would lead to the CFV having more ammunition.  In 
the end, the boycott would be counterproductive in destroying jobs for
defenseless glb people, turning supporters into opponents, and placing 
economically straited glb's into a position of not being able to be 
effective within KKKolorado.

As with all such actions, a correct answer is unlikely simply because 
there isn't one.  Certainly, it would be helpful if KKKO gays would 
provide lists of "protected" companies and counties.  But how many of 
us would be able to painstakingly search such a list every time we 
make a purchase?  And, given the multiplicative nature of spent money,
even if you spent your money only on "protected" companies and counties, it
would inevitably find its way into the pockets of the bigots.  

It seems to me that companies and politicians who have 
anti-discrimination policies should understand the righteous anger of 
those who have been relegated to second-class citizenship.  If our 
outrage is not expressed, and expressed nationally, how can we have 
any hope of stopping a flood of these laws in every state?  Earlier I 
had advocated that glb's leave KKKO if they possibly could.  Having 
lived there for more years than I care to reveal, I do understand the 
charms of the state.  But, I assure you, you can survive quite nicely 
without them.  If our reaction is not as punishing as possible, then 
will it not seem that we will be pushovers elsewhere?  If we do not 
take as stringent action as possible *on all levels* I believe we will
be forever fighting these bigots.

As I noted in an previous posting, companies truly committed to 
equality would serve notice that they could not do business in an 
environment provided by KKKO.  They should announce that they will be 
making plans to move in, say, two years.  The Janus Fund, which we are
told has 40% gay employees, surely does not need to do its business in
KKKO.  The person who posted from Boulder stating that the demise of 
his fledgling company would do him no good was correct but, of course,
said company would have no difficulty were it not in KKKO.  Think of 
the shock waves throughout KKKO if major corporations, and even small 
businesses, stated that if Amendment 2 wasn't gone in two years that 
they would be.  I suspect the threat of such an exodus would  
suffice to repeal the amendment.  

KKKolorado does have a wonderful climate and much natural beauty 
but should not the over-riding consideration be one's status as a 
citizen?   Naturally, the difficulties of uprooting, finding new 
employment, etc. are daunting, but just how long would you have 
tried to live in Beirut?

The argument that CFV will turn an effective boycott against glb's is 
plausible but unlikely.  Should a boycott bite that deeply, whether 
people like glb or not, they will protect their pocketbooks.  After 
all, economics gave rock-ribbed Reflublican KKKolorado to Clinton. Further, 
it would demonstrate that a group with that kind of power will *have* to
be accomodated.  And it will send a clear message to other 
jurisdictions.  To this end, I believe that KKKO must be an 
example, as Oregon should have been or may yet be.  In the struggle it
may become a place, as The Lebanon, where the grief is visited among 
all.  But would not such a prospect be a powerful warning to others 
contemplating similar action?

As recent postings on soc.motss have shown, even among our own there 
are those who have little regard for the plight of others, who value 
property over principle, and who prize Babbitry over diversity.  In 
this, they are faithful products of the society which incubated them 
over the last couple of decades.  We must not forget that they are 
prototypical of a very large fraction of our society.  And we cannot 
overlook that they are committed to an agenda which is, in general, 
inimical to the function of a free and tolerant society.  It is clear 
that only one thing motiviates people of this ilk: *personal* wealth 
and power.  It seems, therefore, that the only way to require them to 
accomodate the needs of others it through the one thing they 
understand: their purse.

Thus, it seems to me that the most effective action is total boycott.

So much for theory or fantasy (as you wish).

Of course, none of the above suggested courses of action will 
transpire.  Those of us who feel stongly about the situation will 
personally boycott KKKolorado, write letters and send money to LLDEF, 
etc.  Others will make anguished postings about not being able to 
change their plans for a holiday in Bigotorado or the impossibility of
leaving the state. Those living in the contempt of the majority of the 
state will struggle on and hope to overcome the constitutional 
stricture by means ranging from the hostile to the "gentrified." Since 
during any given year only a small percentage of KKKO glb will suffer 
under the law, most will assume that it will not touch them.  Until, 
of course, they find their company really didn't have that much 
commitment to its EEO policy and that the *safest* thing the company 
could do is discharge an employee *because* they are glb.  The 
mildness of the response, the reasonableness of the opposition, and the lack
of pain for the action will encourage the fascists to extend their 
legislative action to other states.  If the local infection is not stopped 
by extreme response, we will find virulent legislation in all of the 
body politic.  The chance existed before the ballot for the many 
anti-2 glbs, companies and politicans to take vigorous action against 
the measure.  If they did not do so, then the measures taken to 
overcome the failure must be stringent.  If they did do so, then the 
bigotry is so deep-seated that severe measures must be employed.

I know that I am not only fighting for my sisters and brothers in 
Bigotorado but for my own safety as well.  Because of this, I do not 
feel that only the wishes of those living in KKKolorado should be 
accomodated.  Any who read the postings of those who fought the good 
fight against the OCA realize that the time to fight the infection is 
at the outset. [I missed reading of such extreme struggle and 
inspiring courage against Amendment 2. I hope it was merely due to
differing proclivites for posting.] 

For those who do not believe in total boycott, I at least hope that 
you will consider boycott of all produce from KKKolorado.  Various 
glbs living there have indicated that it was the rural, non-resort 
areas that carried the day for Amendment 2.  Thus, a boycott of all 
KKKolorado produce: Rocky Ford cantaloupe, Elberta peaches, Montfort 
meats, etc. should serve to affect those who most supported the proposition.  
It would be most helpful if glbs living in the state could provide a list
of KKKO brands of produce and companies in that industry.

Regardless of what transpires in KKKO, it is probably in the best 
interest of glbs to have federal law written preventing this legalized
discrimination.  Since federal law takes precedence, a proper rider to
a Civil Rights Act would invalidate any state constitutional 
regulation.  It is probably at this level where our time, energy and 
money is best spent.  Of course, the best ruling would be a 
Constitutional one from the Supreme Court but, given its composition, 
a favorable one is chancey.

The only positive aspect is that this may be the last stand of 
*blatant* bigotry.  If indeed this is the last battle against 
legalized discrimination directed at the last attackable but 
"most contemptible" remaining minority in our society, then it 
must be fought with every weapon we have available.



Colburn Eigen                                      H|u> = E|u>