By now you’ve likely heard all the fracas about Target, the Minnesota name-brand we’ve all come to know and love, donating $150,000 to MN Forward, a PAC supporting Tom Emmer, a known anti-gay politician. Emmer, a state rep who is running for governor, is dear friends with a Christian rock singer who has a strong “gays are molesters and should be killed,” message. Emmer has had the Christian rock singer and his band—named “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide”—perform at many of his political events. Of the band, Emmer says, “These are nice people.” I’m sorry; I must have a different definition of “nice.” Not surprising, really; Emmer is a person who, on his website, openly opposes gay marriage and yet supports Arizona’s immigration law. Sounds like a “nice” guy. Real nice.
Target’s CEO Gregg Steinhafel, the person behind the $150campaign contribution, has been trying to cover his ass and do damage control this past week, by speaking to the press and writing a letter to employees. In that letter, Steinhafel states,
“In the past week I’ve heard from some of you, including our GLBT team members, regarding your concerns with Target’s recent contributions to MN Forward…
As you know, Target has a history of supporting organizations and candidates, on both sides of the aisle, who seek to advance policies aligned with our business objectives, such as job creation and economic growth. MN Forward is focused specifically on those issues and is committed to supporting candidates from any party who will work to improve the state’s job climate. However, it is also important to note that we rarely endorse all advocated positions of the organizations or candidates we support, and we do not have a political or social agenda.
In the context of this contribution, some of you have raised questions regarding our commitment to diversity, and more specifically, the GLBT community. Let me be very clear, Target’s support of the GLBT community is unwavering, and inclusiveness remains a core value of our company. “
In other words blah, blah, blah. So, what can you do about it? Let me give you a few ideas for starters.
1. Stop shopping at Target.
2. Stop shopping at Best Buy; they also gave $100,000 to MN Forward.
3. Tell your friends to do the same.
4. Join the Facebook Group to boycott Target until they stop supporting anti-gay causes.
5. Join the Facebook Group to boycott Best Buy until they stop supporting anti-gay causes.
6. Sign a petition to demand Target/Best Buy stop supporting anti-gay causes. Either make one yourself, or sign this one at Change.org.
7. Contact Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel directly and tell him your thoughts.
All I know is, my gay money and I are going elsewhere. I hope you’ll do the same.
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The CEO should apologize publicly. Then ask for his money back! LOL
Down with Target until they change there ways!
You people need to get a clue! Big corporations like Target do this every day! And Target and Best Bye are not the only ones contributing to political action committies and causes like MN Forward. If we started boycotting every company that contributes to hate-crimes supporters, there’d be no companies left to shop at.
Shame on you, Target.
This story is blowing up!
That Grandma’s video is GREAT!
The Facebook page is really gaining momentum.
Remember…this is about Best Buy, too.
Oh, Target! Say it isn’t so…
I recently decided to make a short movie about this, kind of like the grandma who visited Target did! I would be appreciative if you would maybe take a minute to look it once it’s done and perhaps leave a comment about what you think! I’ll be in touch when we finish it.
I’m so glad you let us know about this. I’ve loved Target for years, but we won’t go there anymore until they change their far-right political leanings. Such a pity!
This kind of corporate election buying has to stop. If individuals are regulated on teh amount they can donate for elections, corporations must be, too!
No more shopping at Target, then!
The almighty dollar speaks pretty loudly
We must join forces and let our voices be heard on this!
I don’t think I would ever be able to maintain a web page like this…you guys post every day! Awesome job, I absolutely hope you hold the ground you’ve gained and keep going strong.
I cannot believe that bastard Emmer. When they say shit like this, everyone can see what a jerk they are and how they really think. I think they deserve a straight jacket.
The Republicans as well as Target will spend a little time distancing themselves from the remarks. I think they really don’t disagree with them, but they are afraid what people would think if they knew these corporations really think like this. Target and others know that these things are not to be said in public where the liberal media will pick up on them.