Politics Are Us

You may not think of holiday shopping as a political act. Think again.

I often hear people say they just don’t care about politics, that they’re not political at all. I say to them: You live in a capitalist democracy; just about everything you do is a political act. When you voice your opinions without fear, that’s a political act. When you freely explore your sexuality, that’s a political act. When you read this magazine, that’s a political act. And when you exercise the power of the consumer, that’s a political act. These days, corporate fortunes hold more power than ever over our country’s future. As you do your holiday shopping, be aware of the power that you hold. Does the store, manufacturer or producer you’re buying from share your concern about the welfare of workers, economic fairness and the future of the planet? If not, find one that does.

American capitalism is about competition. Make sure the companies that participate in our marketplace deserve your hard-earned dollars.