I sent a long email to target, expressing my displeasure at their donation to MN Forward.
I did not keep a copy, and the web site did not forward mine to me.
The tone of my letter was one of shock and dismay. I expressed my 25 year loyalty to Target, and listed many of the things I had bought from target, from groceries, to bicycles to cameras.
My letter concluded, not with a threat to boycott, but just with the fact that I no longer feel welcome in their stores, and I can't imagine how I could stand to shop there again, especially if they succeed in getting Tom Emmer elected governor of Minnesota.
Their reply below...
Dear ...
Target has long believed that engaging in civic activities is an important and necessary element of operating a national retail business. What's more important than any one candidate's stance on a particular issue is how we nurture thoughtful, long-term growth in the state of Minnesota.
Since when are Tom Emmer and Michelle Bachmann thoughtful??
To continue to grow and create jobs and opportunity in our home state, we believe it is imperative to be engaged in public policy and the political process. That is why we are members of organizations like the Minnesota Business Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and many others. And that is why we decided to contribute to MN Forward.
Target has had no trouble in the past growing in Minnesota. They recently increased their dividend payment to shareholders by 47%.
MN Forward's objective is to elect candidates from both parties who will make job creation and economic growth a top priority. We operate best when working collaboratively with legislators on both sides of the aisle. In fact, if you look at our Federal PAC contributions year to date, you will see that they are very balanced between Republicans and Democrats. For more information please visit www.target.com/company, and view the Civic Activity page.
(bold by diarist)
Both Parties?? I'd like to know what democrat MN Forward is supporting!
Target has a large stake in Minnesota's future, which is why it is so important to be able to provide jobs, serve guests, support communities and deliver on our commitment to shareholders. As an international business that is proud to call Minnesota home, it is critical that we have a business environment that allows us to be competitive. Our guests, team members, communities and shareholders depend on Target to remain competitive.
As I said, target raised their dividend by 47% in June. There is no problem with the "business environment", just a desire to squeeze the last drop of blood from the citizens.
A few of the things target and other corporations do not have to worry about?
Birth and Death Physical injury and Sickness
Education Aging and Disability
Care of Elderly Fighting in Wars
Unemployment Healthy food
Every single one of these issues affects humans, but not coporations.
Target considers the needs of human beings to be relavant only if it affects their profits.
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices
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