General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums2025: Boycott and pledge to only buy necessities
Anytime I hear these comments from Republicans or the the wealthy:
"Why should we have to pay taxes for these programs we'll never use?" or "Why should we have to pay for these welfare queens?"
I say we illustrate it to them.
Boycott and pledge to only buy necessities.
Billionaires own the oil, so make less unnecessary trips.
Billionaires own the grocery stores so only buy necessities.
Billionaires own restaurants and coffee chains so stop patronizing them.
Billionaires own e-commerce platforms so stop ordering.
Stop ordering, stop consuming, stop patronizing.
Let's show them why they should support us- because we support them!
bucolic_frolic
(47,767 posts)He hit all the high notes about using government to benefit the American people. Republicans responded to none of it. Republicans are only there to benefit themselves.
meow2u3
(24,947 posts)I have been buying necessities almost all the time. But for someone short of attention to commit to buy only necessities is a tall order; I may forget.
I've been boycotting certain brands for their ties to fake Christian nationalists, including my favorite foods, but buying only food I don't like and won't eat is a bridge too far.
Think. Again.
(19,453 posts)...there isn't any need to harm or deprive oursleves, but with a little thought and effort, we can all find lots of ways to avoid giving our hard-earned money to the billionaires.
delisen
(6,632 posts)I agree on limiting buying but also trying to support businesses that support/ democracy and equality
Considering joining Costco even though I am not likely to benefit greatly from bulk buying.
They have refused to end their DEI initiative when pressured. Do you think this type of targeted purchasing is worthwhile?
Costco is also quite the interesting shopping experience. My tiny household is not up for bulk buying either; nonetheless, Costco is a monthly trip at least. We shopped there at first because of Costcos decency to its workers. We still shop there for that but also because we love that store. We always find something awesome there.
delisen
(6,632 posts)This will make me feel good about shopping.
EX500rider
(11,611 posts)Maybe live in a box down by the river?
Think I will pass.
Think. Again.
(19,453 posts)...when I know I'm making choices that I agree with!
EX500rider
(11,611 posts)And I find my life a lot more pleasant when I can occasionally eat out and buy nice stuff online that I want
Think. Again.
(19,453 posts)EX500rider
(11,611 posts)I doubt this will move the needle at all.
Elessar Zappa
(16,183 posts)I know it might not be possible on a limited income but Im going to try.
Ritabert
(795 posts)I also boycott Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, Georgia-Pacific paper products, and Amazon,
Think. Again.
(19,453 posts)....small, local businesses and services that I can support instead of the major corporations (the little local bakery I found has MUCH better baked goods than the packaged stuff at the big grocery store, and the 2 old women who run the place with their teenage nephew are wonderful!).
johnsonss
(2 posts)And I'm down to either a Tesla S3 or possibly a Cybertruck. Any suggestions?
mahatmakanejeeves
(61,828 posts)KS Toronado
(19,795 posts)JoseBalow
(5,769 posts)Step up your game, Friendo.
Polybius
(18,562 posts)Tesla waits a little longer than other car manufacturers, so I'd wait a bit first. You don't want a year 1 Cybertruck. Also, you have to be on the list.
mahatmakanejeeves
(61,828 posts)If people stop buying Fords, Bill Ford will not have to sell the Detroit Lions. Some Ford plants will, however, be shut or go on a reduced production schedule.
Reduced automobile production means that fewer trains will run. The need for railroad workers will drop. Fewer railroad workers will cause receipts at the grocery store to drop.
Boycotts dont always hit the intended target.
Think. Again.
(19,453 posts)Buying less from bad companies will allow good companies to compete better!
BannonsLiver
(18,293 posts)But I wish you luck with it.
Mr.Bee
(440 posts)Last edited Sun Jan 5, 2025, 10:05 AM - Edit history (1)
to site those already in hardship. I've lived my whole life paycheck to paycheck.
But Really;
When you are in line at the cashier, do you really need that magazine? That candy bar? Those mints?
Do you really need that bottled water? The perception that bottled water is purer and safer than tap water is largely a misconception.
Do you really need to eat lunch out? Make a PB&J and bag it and sit in your car and enjoy the radio or read a book.
Do you really need that expensive latte? Get up a little earlier and make your own coffee and save yourself some bucks.
Why give your money to the worst people working against you and your needs?
Think! And then consider, that's all.
subterranean
(3,546 posts)Patronize locally owned restaurants/coffee shops, and, where possible, buy from stores that are locally owned and/or known to support progressive causes.
Jacson6
(882 posts)I'm not going to be able to buy luxury automobiles. Just sayin...
ForgedCrank
(2,430 posts)Assist in potentially putting middle class people out of work, people who have kids to feed and a mortgage to pay?
I can't participate in such things just to purposefully damage the economy for political points.
D23MIURG23
(3,102 posts)It's a time honored strategy that previous generations used to get through the great depression and the world wars. If Trump manages to destroy civilization this could be a useful strategy. If it hurts billionaire bottom lines a little, then so much the better.
Unwind Your Mind
(2,171 posts)I hate shopping and online is so easy but
Im patronizing the local pet store instead
Im only buying gas at Costco
We also bought a new phone and a much needed new computer for my business last month. I dont think theres any doubt that electronics are going to rise in price soon. I should be set now to not buy anything substantial for four years.
Lots of good ideas in this thread, thanks everyone 😊
elocs
(23,091 posts)Say there is a business that you consider to be a luxury business and gets boycotted because of that. It could well have employees who are struggling to get by and need their jobs but get laid off because business is down. How are you going to explain and justify this idea to them.
It's best to think an idea through and its consequences through before presenting it as an answer to a problem.
Yavin4
(36,709 posts)-Higher salaries
-Healthcare benefits
-Pensions
And never fire them.