Boycott McDonalds

[missypoohsticks]

I think that the big thing that we need to remember is free agency. We all have the right to choose what we think is best for us, even if we don't agree with the choices others make. They have their free agency as well. This is something that I tend to struggle with.

[Stargazer]

I am in full agreement with missypoohsticks about free agency. My two concerns are this:

When others choices affect me & when others choices change the environment in which I live. I guess that's possibly one thing.
I'm generally a live and let live person, but my failure to stand up for gospel truths in a world of modern anti-Christs (today's gospel doctrine lesson - Alma 30) means that I allow others to determine the laws and moral environment in which I live without my input.

It's interesting to note that in the Book of Mormon when Alma and the sons of Mosiah went to preach to the Lamanites and Zoramites they did it with love and concern for their happiness and eternal well being. I think that's the key. Whatever our choices, lifestyles, etc., we can love each other as children of God.

[missypoohsticks]

I totally agree with that, Stargazer. That's the point that I was trying to get across. Everyone has their agency, but when their agency affects me, that's when I have a problem. We should definitely love each other as children of God.

[Mamallama]

Well said SG and MP!

Here is the letter I submitted to McDonalds:

Dear McDonalds,
Thanks for all the good you do! I appreciate the great work you do, in particular with the time and money spent in providing Ronald McDonald houses around the world. This is such a kind and compassionate program, I applaud your efforts.
I also appreciate your efforts in making sure your work place is diverse and that all are treated equally. I too share this ideal.

One concern that I have however, that was recently brought to my attention, is the fact that McDonalds donated money to promote the change in the definition of marriage.
Marriage is a God given definition, a sacred commitment made between a man and a woman. It has been defined as such, to be between a man and a woman since the beginning of mankind.
I think it is great to give gay couples the same company benefits as heterosexual couples, however I do have a problem with any company trying to change the definition of something as sacred as the term marriage.

If a gay couple would like to make a similar commitment as a man and a woman do in marriage, then absolutely let them make that commitment, but couldn't the term "Civil Union" or something similar to that be used to acknowledge this commitment between and a man and a man, or a woman and a woman?

Bottom line, perhaps it would be best for a company such as yours to stay away from supporting political agendas. I know some who are boycotting over this issue, but while I don't plan to boycott your company, my hope is that you will consider my thoughts.

Sincerely, Mamallama(my real name actually)

If anyone else is interested in letting your voice be heard on the matter, I just went to McDonalds.com and selected "Contact Us" and sent it to the Corporate Offices.

[Stargazer]

Mamallama you rock! Thanks for being an example of doing something, not just talking!

[Meticulous madness]

Originally Posted by Stargazer

Mamallama you rock! Thanks for being an example of doing something, not just talking!

DITTO! Good for you.

[Big_Sissy]

This is good stuff for sure. It's great to bounce these thoughts around with all of you, because it certainly helps to iron our my own thoughts and beliefs on the topic. Hopefully helping me to be an example to my fellow man rather than a stumbling block for them.

[Mamallama]

Here is McDonald's response:
Hello *****:

Thank you for contacting McDonald's. We appreciate this opportunity to share information regarding our commitment to our employees as well as the communities that we serve.

First, it's important to note that McDonald's respects and values people. Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives and integral components of McDonald's culture. We believe that by embracing our differences we are better enabled to value and respect other people as well as understand differing points of view.

We have a long and proud history of leadership in these areas. We continually strive to maintain an environment in which everyone feels valued and accepted. We encourage employees to recognize and appreciate the contributions that all diverse groups and individuals bring to the McDonald's system.

Thank you for sharing your personal point of view on this topic with us.

Angela
McDonald's Customer Response Center

ref#:5289359

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Here is my response back.....
Dear Angela,

Thank you so much for your response.
If you really read my note Angela, that is exactly what I've said that I like about McDonalds. I agree 100% with your note. These are great values for a company to have. "Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives and integral components of McDonald's culture. We believe that by embracing our differences we are better enabled to value and respect other people as well as understand differing points of view." I love this about McDonalds.

The circumstance I am talking about however goes against this very core value of McDonalds.
When a company crosses the line to support one group's views over the other group that has differing views, it is then no longer being "inclusive" of all.By giving money to support Group A's views, are you not then discriminating against Group B by not giving them money to help them support their views?

Using a different topic, does McDonalds support "Right to Life"groups over "Pro-Choice" groups on the issue of abortion? If McDonalds donates money to support "Right to Life" groups, are you not then being discriminatory to "Pro-Choice"groups by not giving them money? Or vice versa?
If you truly want to be "inclusive" then you need to either not donate money to either side, or donate money to both sides to truly be inclusive. A company like McDonalds needs to be careful where it puts its money.

Do you donate money to the Democratic Party and not the Republican Party or vice versa?

I personally do not mind McDonalds advertising or even providing food at whatever events you want to promote your company at: Gay Parades, a Christian Parade, a Jewish parade, a Muslim parade, a Pro-Choice Parade, a Right to Life parade, a Race for the Cure, Special Olympics....or what have you. All people have a right to eat. You have a right to advertise your food to all people.

I just don't think that a company should donate MONEY to one group specifically with the intent for that group to use that money to fight against another group and their values, which is the case when McDonalds donated money to the cause of changing the definition of marriage and did not give money to groups who want to protect the value and definition of marriage.

I do thank you for your company's desire to value and respect all people. I hope that you will show value and respect for those who would like to protect the definition of marriage being between a man and a woman and show respect for those who would like to change the law defining marriage, by NOT choosing sides in the matter by not making any further money donations to either side, OR by donating food and/or money to both sides.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

[bookworm]

Well done, ML! I am so impressed. What a well-crafted response. Good job!!

[natickgirl]

Well said! You tell 'em!

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by Stargazer

Our examples should be Ammon, Aaron, Omni & Himner, Abinadi, Samuel the Lamanite. . . They risked their lives to stand up for truth and preached it loudly! Will we justify ourselves and keep quiet soo as not to hurt feelings and help others feel ok? Or will we figure out how to have charity and still be a voice of truth.

I'm not sure what exactly you're referring to here, but we have to remember that these individuals were given the responsibility to preach out against this. I believe I should teach my children that this lifestyle is wrong, but I don't think I need to go out preaching this to everyone who goes through the drive thru at McD's.

[Meticulous madness]

ML - way to be persistent!

I found it interesting how their supposed "response" letter didn't really acknowledge the negative side of their actions. No doubt a very strategic effort on the part of McDonalds. Now, whether the replier was ignorant of this particular situation, or well-trained in the [business] art of dodging & diversion...one can only guess. Either way, good for you for sticking to your guns.

[Stargazer]

To respond to Diva - the thought I was trying to express was that these men went out despite their fear and taught the gospel. You are right that some of them were called, but the sons of Mosiah had a great desire to go - despite the fact that their father didn't want them to. I am with you in not feeling the need to go out and preach repentance. My thought is more to stand up for what I believe in despite my fears and concerns of offending others. The loud voices that I have referred to are not afraid of offending me. I don't want to intentionally offend, but I need to figure out how to share my beliefs in a loving but confident way. The thing that I think is awesome is that the sons of Mosiah went out to preach the gospel and started by serving and loving creating the opportunity to share their beliefs. I hope that rambling made sense.