I really wanted a new wool pea coat. For a couple of years now, I've had my eye on it. I guess I like the navy feel to it, the color, the length. And it's time for me to purchase a new winter coat (although my old standby, with the shredded lining is still hanging in there!).
But I won't. Why? Because the aforementioned coat is being sold by L. L. Bean. A wonderful company that is based in Maine. And last night, Maine rejected equal civil rights for its gay and lesbian citizens by voting to repeal their gay marriage act. An act voted on by their legislators and signed into effect by their Governor John Baldacci. And now it's gone. Poof!
I'm not a Mainer. I lived in New Hampshire for two years, and loved going into Maine, to shop, to eat the delicious lobster, to attend events in Portland. An old friend lives and practices medicine there. And I absolutely believe in the citizenry of Maine to enact law they feel are in their best interest (although I must wonder if putting any groups civil rights up for a public vote is conscionable).
However, as a consumer, I have a right to select which companies I opt to do business with. L. L. Bean, based out of Freeport, Maine, is one company that I loved. I would get their catalogue and pour over their selection of homsey, comfortable clothes. I've been purchasing their backpacks now for years, and find they are the most durable things on the planet. But I simply will not allow my hard earned dollars to support a company now that is based in a state that doesn't value my relationship.
I have no delusions of grandeur. I am one person (two if you count my partner, but he doesn't shop at L. L. Bean). I am sending a letter to the company, expressing my disapproval of last night's actions. But I doubt my one letter will make a bit of difference in the company, or in the state. I'm doing it for me.
In addition, I believe that one way we can promote change is through economic pressure. If enough people sent enough letters, the company would begin to notice. Maine may not care about its gay and lesbian citizens (well, at this point, 52% of people in the state don't), but they will care if their economic situation worsens because of it.
I so remember when I was living in Arizona, and the state voted down honoring Martin Luther King in the mid 90's, painting the state as a racist bastion of intolerance. Suddenly, large conventions began to cancel. We lost the Super Bowl. And guess what? Arizona votes for it in the following election. Surprise? Hardly.
My one, small part is to write to L. L. Bean, and Stenhouse Publishers, to express my decision to be removed from their mailing list. Then I need to find a suitable replacement. One, hopefully in a state, that values all of its citizens and not just ones that fit a societal defintion of acceptable.
Maybe there is a company in Iowa that sells nice wool pea coats? I'll be happy to take any suggestions.