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'Arizona' products carry boycott potential
Arizona is facing a big backlash over its immigration law, as we reported. But now even businesses with loose associations to Arizona are bearing the brunt of the Arizona boycott wave protesting the state's hardcore immigration law. So strong is the urge to take action that when writer Travis Nichols posted an idea on Twitter to boycott Arizona iced tea, the New York Daily news reported a campaign had begun for a drink-based protest. But Arizona iced tea is made in Brooklyn.
Political blog The Daily Caller mentioned other products experiencing a similar phenomenon based on their name's association with the state.
Actual Arizona firms facing an authentic boycott include Cold Stone Creamery, U-Haul and Best Western.
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It is so unfortunate that such a lovely state has such ugly people in government undermining its future success. It truly is not clear to me what the governor thought the world reaction would be, but it is obvious that it was not a significant concern. It is an atrocity that no one could think of a better fix, and that the governor didn't have the COURAGE to VETO the bill and have everyone go back to the drawing board to NOT legalize racial profiling. Come on, really? That bill was the BEST our LAWMAKERS could come up with? Not giving thorough thought to the consequences and how the backlash would affect this state and its citizen is irresponsible and reprehensible at the very least; and truly UNBELIEVABLE...
It's totally not fair punishing "Arizona" companies for the tough new immigration legislation in that state. I'm sure that there are plenty of Arizona business owners who don't like the new law -- you know, the ones who hire undocumented workers.
Sure, Arizona's economy must spend a lot on illegal immigrants (ie, schooling their children, welfare, emergency room charges written off, etc), but there is a countering effect that is seldom mentioned. The illegals work for low wages, which pumps up the profits of the hiring companies, who then pay more in income taxes into the state due to higher profits. On the local levels, illegal immigrants (just like legal residents) pay sales taxes, and the residences in which they live are property taxed at some point.
These people as a whole don't just come into an economy and suck out resources without contributing to production. You can be sure if that were the case, the true fiscal conservatives and small business owners would have all bound together a long time ago and booted them back home.
Arizona is so proud of its tourism--well who is cleaning the hotel rooms, maintaining the hotel gardens and cooking the food for all those tourists? This case is complicated because you have xenophobia and racism in opposition to the economic reality that these people are a necessary and vital part of the economy as it is.
The most viable solution I have heard so stems from the source of income. Roger Hedgecock pointed out that if the government were to raise the penalty of hiring an illegal worker to a felony, the illegal employment would immediately dry up. This can easily be checked by making unannounced visits to contractors, farmers and the hotel industry and asking for the USCIS immigration paperwork for each worker on site.
If we are a charitable people, we will not allow individuals and companies to exploit immigrants for wages below the national minimum while draining the finances of the taxed populace.
Yes please list Arizona companies! That way I'll know who to start SUPPORTING!
I really can't see what the big deal is. It is illegal to be in the US as a foreigner unless you have documentation. It's that simple. If anyone, from anywhere in the world would like to come to the USA to visit, work, or live I welcome them. I am glad they see in this country what most take for granted. I love the US as a melting pot. It challenges me; it stretches me to think beyond my own culture. The thing is... whatever your reasons for coming to the United States; it's of very little importance. However do it legally, be here the right way. Then, you are more than welcome to explore our country in all it's depths.
It's a shame that Arizona has to make a law at a state level that is already a law (but not enforced well) at a federal level. It just goes to show that the smaller levels of government are more effective than the larger federal government.
I have lived in Arizona for over 30 years. It is a wonderful state that has produced many wonderful and talented people who have gone on to benefit the USA. Think: Sandra Day O'Conner,Cesar Chavez, Jesse Owens and yes, even Barry Goldwater. Boycotting firms because of a few crazy politicians is just an immature and ill thought out response to the Immigration issue and will do nothing to produce a better solution. Boycotts are a pathetic response and I guarantee those who spout vitriol now will not keep up any boycott for very long. The nation's attention span is too short. The real solution of course is meaningful immigration reform but the current state of Congress does not give one any cause for optimism. In all, I'd just like to remind people that not all Arizonans are for this law and we would appreciate a little encouragement from the windbags out there who write platitudes about boycotting when they actually know full well that they will achieve nothing.
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