A social media backlash (is there any other kind these days) befell the mayor of Kenner, Louisiana this week after he released a memo banning Nike products from booster clubs. This comes in the wake of the company making former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and habitual kneeler Colin Kaepernick their advertising poster child.

Quick aside: Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta said in an interview last week that the Donald Trump “economy is doing so well even Colin Kaepernick got a job.” Hah! It’s good to laugh. But seriously…

The uproar was because an official took a financial stand based on his support of law enforcement. The whole situation is comical, given the reach around folks on the other side of the ideological aisle have cleverly, though clumsily, used over the past twenty months. To what do I refer, some of you may ask, feigning surprise?

The answer is simple. Unable to achieve success through the legislative process, some forward thinkers have by-passed that archaic system to effect change in a way every human on earth can understand: the wallet.

More well-known targets of the left’s ire are poultry purveyor Chick-fil-A, Hobby “we close on Sunday so our employees can be with their families” Lobby, and Carl’s Jr. because, well…just because. Screaming to the rafters, activists insist on trying to financially devastate companies for what is perceived as policies counter to their agenda.

Can I proffer a point of view to both sides? From my perspective, obviously. Wipe the froth from your mouths, put down the signs, and listen for a moment.

Folks, when you screech for mob boycotts against a business, who do you think it hurts? Yeah, Genius. The people who you purport to be championing. Is there any scenario you play out where the people in charge get what you think is their comeuppance? Of course not. Dorothy, stop clicking your heels and wailing like a house dropped on your sister.

And while you’re at it, please cease with the demonization of corporations and their executives. There is no sin in being rich, and people sometimes become rich by navigating a company to maximum profits. Of course, they would just be rich folk sitting alone behind a desk without…without…c’mon guys, say it together: EMPLOYEES!

Yep, people. Think of it as a game of financial Jenga, with the CEOs at the bottom (yes, the bottom. Contrary to popular belief, the low man on the totem pole is the most exalted, providing the base of the civilization).

Next are the middle managers, followed by workers on the line. Each section depends on the other to stand tall. Yet without thinking it through, a gang of activist woodpeckers thoughtlessly plow through the totem pole without consideration of how it affects the collective.

Point being, use the proper channels to effect positive change. Campaign for a candidate who mirrors your values. Vote. Or, better yet, put your money where your mouth is and run for office. The courage of your convictions is stronger than plotting from the shadows.

https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Roe-3.jpg

Robert Roe