Relenting on Target Boycott, and why

August 17, 2010

Target Guest Relations

Attn: Crystal

P. O. Box 9350

MS 1A-X

Minneapolis, MN 55440-9350

Re: Target Political Contributions

Dear “Crystal:”

I recently wrote to protest Target's political contributions, in particular with regard to the contribution to MN Forward, which ended up supporting a far-right bigot running for Minnesota's governor.

While I still believe strongly that corporations are not people, but rather public trusts, and should not presume to make personal political choices which frequently do not coincide with the wishes either of their shareholders or their customers, I appreciate the respectful reply and the fact that Target has apologized for this particular contribution and attempted to do outreach to the community to ensure that its activities are concordant with its reputation for corporate “good citizenship,” such as this principle is in this country.

Anyway, the purpose of this letter is to let you know that I am relenting on my stated intention to boycott Target, and am advising my friends and acquaintances that I believe Target's response to the public outrage over this issue was a reasonable attempt to listen to the voices of those who were offended, and to try to be responsive to their legitimate complaints, including even modifying the company's political conduct going forward. Target has not announced the policy I would like to see all American companies adopt: to voluntarily not make political contributions with corporate funds at all; but it has taken what I see as reasonable steps towards conciliation, which I believe deserve to be recognized.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

David Studhalter

published on The Gyromantic Informicon http://studhalter.blogspot.com