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Thursday, June 02, 2005
Standing up for a home team
The American Family Association is clever. They ended their unsuccessful and ridiculous boycott on Disney, and instead decided to pick on a company that is already having economic problems, Ford Motor Company. (Read the website about the boycott here.)
In case you don't know, Ford also operates Jaguar, Lincoln, Land Rover, Mercury, Mazda, and Volvo. Here in Detroit FoMoCo has always been a friend of the LGBT community, most recently giving $250,000 to Affirmations, the Metro Detroit LGBT community center. (GM and Chrysler also gave $250,000 contributions.) Ford also gives large sums to the HRC and GLAAD each year. And did you know that Ford gives $1,000 to GLAAD for every Jaguar and Land Rover purchased? Or that Volvo gives $500 to the HRC whenever a Volvo is purchased of leased? Take a moment and stand up for Ford. E-mail one of these two people and tell them that you are glad that Ford supports equality.
Here is a copy of my letter: Dear Ms. Nicholls, I recently became aware that the American Family Association has called for a boycott on all Ford products due to the comany's tradition of supporting rights for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender persons. I am not in the habit of sending "political e-mails;" however, I felt that this issue was important enough to take time to write in support of Ford's past contributions. I live in Ferndale, Michigan, and as a gay man, I was very excited to hear about Ford's contributions to that city's GLBT community center, Affirmations. I also have recently become aware (from the American Family Association's website, oddly enough) that the Ford brands Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar routinely donate money to organizations that promote equality. On a personal note, my grandfather worked for Ford, as did two of my uncles. I am sure that they would be proud to know that Ford is taking a stand for equal rights. I think that Ford's progressive and inclusive position is an excellent and appropriate tribute to Ford's history. My first car was a Ford Mustang, and to this day, my family continues to purchase Ford products. Now, because of Ford's taking a stand for diversity, I can be even more proud of this great American company. Because of Ford's support, I will look for a Ford brand when it comes time for me to purchase my next car as well. Thank you, and keep up the good work, Matt Sweet |
