You may not have heard, but Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel has decided to insert Target into the governor's race in Minnesota by funneling $150,000 to MN Forward, a group that seeks to destroy unions, lower taxes and corporatize education. MN Forward is giving money to Republican Tom Emmer who is, in addition to being anti-union, anti-teahcer and pro tax cut, also virulently anti-gay. And here I've been giving Target the business that would have otherwise gone to Walmart. This obviously angers me.
So I sent them a letter.
Mr. Steinhafel:
In donating to MN Forward, you have aligned Target with a political philosophy that is dangerous and destructive. You've written that you agree with MN Forward's (and by extension, Mr. Emmer's) economic policies. You also made clear that Target (you) may not agree with everything that Mr. Emmer stands for. So what do you agree with?
Do you agree that "the federal government has no business in Minnesota’s classrooms" and thus seek to overturn the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that has been law since 1965?
Do you agree that "high tax rates ultimately harm those they are intended to help by driving prosperous businesses and individuals away" despite the indisputable fact that, during our nations periods of greatest prosperity, we have had the highest taxes, especially on millionaires and billionaires?
Do you agree that the number one way to help small business and farms is to "get government out of their way" when neither family farms nor small businesses could exist or compete without the hand of government insuring a fair playing field?
Do you agree that the way to solve deficits is to "reduce the size of our bloated government," to reduce services and thus put the burden back on the shoulders of those who can least afford it, instead of requiring that those that benefit the most from the commons (such as wealthy individuals and corporations) should have to pay their fair share of society's burdens?
Do you agree that the way to fix health care is to give "tax deductions to individuals to purchase their health care" thus setting aside health care only for those that can already afford it from the outset (since you would have to wait until you filed your taxes to possibly get a deduction) thus giving those wealthy individuals a tax cut they didn't need while the poor and sick are denied the ability to receive care from anything other than an emergency room?
Do you agree that the unborn, elderly and the infirm have rights but that gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people do not? What about unborn transexuals? Elderly lesbians? Infirm homosexuals?
Do you agree with Mr. Emmer that criticizing your donation to MN Forward, an exercise in free speech, has a chilling effect on your freedom and Target's freedom?
You have also cited the support MN Forward receives from the MN Chamber of Commerce to justify your donation. Are you aware that the MNCoC is highly biased anti-union front group (along with it's big sister, the US Chamber of Commerce) for promoting conservative/Republican interests and policy goals?
Finally, do you believe that, by having Target 'speak' through its donations you are enhancing your own speech, stifling the speech of others or speaking for your customers without whose money you wouldn't have the facility to donate anything to anyone?
As a lifelong customer, I await your reply.
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If I get an answer, I'll post it up.
UPDATE: I got a very unsatisfying response from someone named Kevin.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about Target’s political contributions and the voting records of certain candidates and elected officials.
Many of our guests make Target a part of their life and that’s why we appreciate hearing your comments.
Although I can’t provide the personalized reply I know you’d like to receive, I encourage you to visit our Corporate web site, to find statements and information about Target’s Civic activity and political contributions. Here’s the link: http://pressroom.target.com/...
I understand the disappointment and frustration that you’ve shared with me, so I’ll be sure to share your comments with our executives.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Target Guest Relations