I commend Kraft Foods for their support of the Gay Games to be held in Chicago next summer. I commend any company that has the courage to stand up to the bullying of the American Taliban without much positive support from their customers. As such, I’ve decided that from now on, whenever I hear of a company, large or small, that is being harassed and threatened with a boycott because said company supports the rights of ALL citizens to be equal, then it is my duty to support them. From now on, I’ll send letters, e-mails, and I’ll telephone every once in a while just to check in on them and see how they’re doing. I care that much.

In a similar mode, I’ve decided to commmend companies that I do business with that step up to the plate when something is wrong. Companies that listen to their customers and make things right when they are not. Yesterday, I realized, while driving down the highway at speeds far in excess of the legal posted limit, that something wasn’t right with the new tires I bought at Costco. They were softer than the tires they replaced. Upon reading the owners manual, then comparing it to the numbers on the sidewall of the tire, I realized that the speed rating of the new tires was different than the original. I contacted Costco and explained this to them, and they said bring them back and we’ll swap them out or refund them. Fine.

I took my tires back to Costco and they gave me a full refund, no questions asked. When I say “full refund” I’m referring to the amazingly true refund of all the fees and service charges as well. The mounting fee, the tire disposal fee, etc. A full refund.

Thank you Costco for being a fair and conscientious business. I’ve heard you also treat your employees amazingly well, making sure they have health care coverage for themselves and their families. Health care coverage that is actually woorth a damn in this coountry is a rarity these days. Funny thing is, that Costco’s labor costs are half that of Wal-Mart. The reason Costco can do this is simple. The CEO believes in paying employees a fair living wage. He is willing to forgo a certain level of profit to ensure his employees are well cared for.

An amazing story in the world today. Caring more about people than profit. I’ll spend my money at Costco with much more ease than I will even walking into a Wal-Mart.

Who’s with me? Who else is getting fed up with the way things are in this country? Who else wants to cut off the power of the American Taliban? Maybe we need to follow in their footsteps, but instead of spreading hate and fear, we spread love and understanding. Lets support those that support us. Lets tell them we are thankful for what they do. I’m sure we far outnumber the numbers of the American Taliban.

I challenge everyone to join me.