Beyond the Amazon boycott

I participated in the recent one-week boycott, but I'm sure that was a drop in the bucket for the company and Jeff Bezos. So I'm trying to dial back on my reliance on Amazon due to some of their policies and the fact that really, I'd rather support good than line the pockets of billionaires at cost to employees if I can. I have a Kindle, so I can't extricate myself completely, but I'm trying to find things locally or on other websites as I can and only buying from Amazon when I can't find it elsewhere or where the cost really is too prohibitive for me to go elsewhere. For books, I think I've found a solution. There is a seller on Amazon that often sells used books, but they also sell new books as well. [A competitor in the used book field, AbeBooks, is owned by Amazon]. The one I found is called Better World Books, and I've gotten books from them through Amazon before with no problem. But directly, for each book sold, they donate a book. They also have a literacy fund you can donate to support libraries and literacy programmes. I found a book that's been sitting in my wishlist on Amazon used for a quarter of what I would have paid in very good condition (I didn't need it new) yesterday and got two more for less than the original would have cost, with shipping free and tax included (less than $20). But there are new ones, too. You might want to check them out. Here is a link to their mission.

Day Without a Gay - 12.10.08

From Join the Impact:

TEN TIPS ABOUT WHAT TO DO ON DECEMBER 10:

1. Wake up for work on Wednesday December 10th... and call in GAY.
   
2. Go to the bank and take $80 out of your account... put it in your pocket and KEEP IT THERE.
   
3. Do not go get your morning latte
   
4. Do not purchase anything
   
5. Do not contribute to advertising revenue: Meaning, spend 24 hours of your life without TV & Internet
   
6. Do not use your cell phone, even if you have unlimited minutes
   
7. Instead, DO volunteer. Give to the community and reach out to those that don't understand our community. Check your state page for local volunteer opportunities.
   
8. If you must spend, only do so at an LGBTQ owned establishment with an LGBTQ clientel
   
9. You have weeks to prepare, so go grocery shopping now.
   
10. VOLUNTEER. We are fighting for human rights, so let's take a day to fight for the rights of those in need. Check your state page for local volunteer opportunities
    

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Anyone who wants to make an impact and drive a message to our government that WE DESERVE CIVIL EQUALITY. This means the LGBTQ community and it also means our amazing allies!

WHY THE NAME "A DAY WITHOUT GAYS"? The name was inspired by the film A DAY WITHOUT A MEXICAN and the nationwide strike in 2006 called A DAY WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS that protested against proposed immigration laws.

WHY STRIKE NOW DURING AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN? While one day won't destroy the economy, it will send a clear signal that we are serious about getting our rights. Also, strikes and boycotts are more effective in an economic downturn because business owners have more to lose.

WHY A STRIKE AND A BOYCOTT? General strikes and economic boycotts have been a powerful form of non-violent protest in the history of civil rights movements, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the anti-apartheid boycotts in the 1980s. For many of those protesters, their actions came at a great sacrifice but they were willing to risk everything to obtain their rights.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MISS WORK? That's OK. It's important to note that many states still do not have anti-discrimination laws on the books with regards to employment discrimination against sexual orientation. If you are afraid to miss work, if your pocket book can't handle it, or if you work for a great LGBTQ advocate and friend, then go to work. All we ask is that you PACK YOUR LUNCH. It's that simple. This boycott helps to increase our visibility if we don't go to work, but you can participate in the economic boycott by simply not consuming

It's an interesting idea, but it might open those whose jobs are not protected to losing their jobs. Most employers will not appreciate someone calling in for activism. But I hope that measures such as this help people understand that gays are people like any other, with the same aspirations and problems, and they deserve equal rights under the law and to be able to express their love through legal marriage.

It bothers me that I was married for nine months and my marriage was considered valid, yet I have friends who have been together for years upon years who are treated as if they're relationship is nothing, worthless. That's wrong. And as a bisexual, I find it disconcerting that I can marry a man legally but not a woman, when the person who is right for me might be of either gender.

Okay, that's enough activism for the night. I don't usually make a point about my sexuality because 1) it doesn't define me and 2) I haven't been in a relationship in years so it doesn't really come up. But if I find someone, I want the right to love him or her and even marry if it's something we both want to commit to.

Final thoughts: if you oppose gay marriage, please at least really think out your reasons why and put them to the test, LOGICALLY, not merely scripturally or based on fickle emotions, without dismissing the good in favour of the bad outright. And if you are a supporter or gay yourself, then consider this boycott if it's something you think would be okay for you.

Good night.