The Whole Foods boycott is all the rage right now on the internet, it seems like very site is running its own poll or requesting readers to sign some sort of petition agreeing to boycott Whole Foods. I’m not sure if Whole Foods CEO John Mackey was aware of the potential fallout when he wrote his op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal or if it was a calculated move to generate controversy that would be worth millions in advertising value.
Personally I am no fan of “Obamacare” President Obama’s plans for health care so I am not boycotting Whole Foods nor do I harbor any ill feelings towards Whole Foods itself or the company’s CEO John Mackey. He had every right to express his opinion of the controversial subject and I think something as simple as not agreeing with him on the issue is a silly reason for a person to boycott a store they otherwise likes to shop at and enjoy the products it sells.
If there is no such thing as bad publicity then Whole Foods CEO John Mackey really got his money’s worth out of that op-ed article. Not only was it basically a huge promotion for Whole Foods in the article itself, the raging controversy is getting their brand name splashed all across every major media outlet and most minor ones too. Heck even I am giving the company what amounts to free advertising. Time will tell if the boycott actually hurts the bottom line of Whole Foods. Somehow I doubt it will. Why? Because for every person who is steamed enough to engage in the boycott there will be some new shopper going through the doors of a Whole Food’s store either because they have just heard about the store and want to check it out or because they agree with CEO John Mackey and want to show their support by becoming a customer.
It really was a great marketing idea, I give them credit for that. I also am glad someone actually put it out there that Americans really do need to start taking better care of themselves. Eating better, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise would probably put a big dent in our need to see medical professionals in the first place. We need to be healthier as a nation. Small things really do make a difference. Eat smaller portions and go for a nightly walk. Do a few sit ups tonight before bed or when you get up. Even something as simple as morning stretches can make a big impact on your overall health. Reduce your stress by going for a jog, you don’t need to run a marathon. Come on America, we don’t need to be lining up at hospitals for things we can control ourselves with a little bit of effort.
I don’t want the government involved with heathcare because I am a veteran and I know exactly how bad the Army was at keeping records and providing care. The recent scandals at military hospitals should make everyone pause and rethink their position on the issue. And most of all I think everyone should actually read the health care bill and see what it actually says instead of listening to the talking heads on the nightly news tell you what it says. Relax tonight and scan the bill for yourself, then decide if you really want boycott Whole Foods.
