While at Annual Conference, the topic of my boycott of McDonald's came up a few times. A few people asked me, "Geez, I didn't even know there was a reason to boycott McDonald's, why haven't you blogged about it?" So here is that obligatory post. I'm hoping to have a new cause of the month each month, so if you know of anything I should support feel free to send it my way.

Back in 2004, the UMC joined a few other social activist agencies in the boycott of Taco Bell. This boycott was in support of the Immokalee Workers who are not paid a fair wage for the tomatoes that are used in many fast food chains. The boycott of Taco Bell was a successful endeavor as Taco Bell has agreed to pay them a fair wage and give them better working conditions. It was a boycott that intended to spur other fast food giants into caring about the wages and work standards of those that pick tomatoes. Unfortunately, other fast food entities have not joined the cause. Even though those who work and pick Taco Bell tomatoes are paid better, there are still those who work under horrible conditions for very little pay. Did I mention this all goes on in Florida? If you think that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave and everyone lives a wonderful American dream, you are mistaken. Yes, there are major issues in many other countries, but until we can understand the lives of our neighbors here, I don't know that we will be able to combat the massive amount of injustice going on overseas.

I urge you, if anything, check out the website. If you eat McDonald's regularly, cut back or join me in the boycott. It worked for the Taco Bell boycott, it was one major victory for these people that desperately want to have a better quality of life and want to support their families.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 4:11 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.