7.22.2006

It is high time I started blogging again. I have at least one reader out there, and she is very tired of Chuck Norris facts!

Part 1: How to find yourself a service that doesn't violate your ethics.

Recently Bree and I wanted to join the world of in-the-mail movie rental. The obvious choise for us was Netflix, but my manager at work said they are right wing! He based this claim on a friend of his receiving right-wing videos just before the 2004 election, that upon contacting Netflix, was told "They are on the house." He cancelled his subscription. Now, from what I have found since then, this is an isolated incident. Why didn't we choose Blockbuster? The association with Viacom meant they were at least whacko pro-lifers at the executive level, but tonight my buddy tells me they split up long ago. So, here we are with a Netflix subscription, and I am confused about whether I can support giving them my money.

Why do I care? It is simple - if I can choose to give my money to a good enough service provider (e.g., movie rental) that supports causes I believe in, and none that I do not, then I will choose that one. But how to find out? Part Two of this blog entry will explore some basic ways to find out if you should stop going to that favorite restaurant chain (e.g. Chipotle before they split with McDonald's), or stop buying from Whole Foods (are they really the Wal-Mart of organic grocers?), etc.

I will try to post back sooner this time...thanks for your patience!