Your best bet to avoid buying an ideology is the U.S. Postal Service. In the last two election cycles, however, UPS s soft money giving patterns have been largely similar to its present one. Despite having business interests that would seem similar to those of UPS, Federal Express has given 59 percent of its soft money contributions to Republicans. Asked why FedEx leans toward supporting both parties, spokesperson Jess Bunn said Federal Express supports candidates who are in favor of certain policy positions, including free trade. It is important for us to be part of the political process because we are so heavily regulated.
Airlines leave summer vacationers little choice when it comes to endorsing politicians.
Rather than serving better food or installing larger seats, airlines have decided to invest money in politics, mainly in electing Republicans. No matter which airline you choose, you re benefiting Boeing, which manufactures most of the airplanes flown by the major carriers. Hang-Ups Telecommunications deregulation has increased choice in picking service, but consumers have less choice over the party they support when they actually pick up the phone. Of five major companies that provide cell phone, Internet, or long distance service, all have given the majority of their money to Republicans in this election cycle, though several came close to evenly splitting their contributions. The power of the media and entertainment industry in shaping American values can be debated, but the industry s political preferences are plainly evident in its giving.