The Whole Foods Debacle

John Mackey, the Chief Executive of Whole Foods Markets in the US of A, has landed his company in hot water over his comments about Obama's healthcare reforms.

In fairness, it does appear that Mr Mackey - who has made Gerald Ratner style comments in the past - does seem to be a bit tone-deaf when it comes to building strong relations with his customers. Certainly, the sort of people who shop in Whole Foods Markets are generally going to support Obama and shun articles quoting one Margaret Thatcher. Which is probably why they are all boycotting the already struggling chain and - horror of modern horrors - have formed a Facebook Group to slap Mackey and his business in the face.

Yet... Mackey has simply expressed his opinion. He hasn't made his opinion that of the whole chain, and he hasn't tried to force his opinion on anyone else. And, let's be honest, his brand has fuck all to do with healthcare anyway.

Which is where these protestors lose my sympathy. Sure, yeah, they have a right to express their opinions. Just as Mackey has a right to his. They are his customers; they buy stuff from him. They are under no obligation to adhere to or even listen to his political opinions. And vice versa. But the thing that really gets on my tits is the idea that these people are called and called themselves liberals, even though they campaign so hard against any opinion that isn't their own.

Liberals my arse. Petty little ideologues who need to get over themselves is a more accurate tag than liberals.