- It is important that we maintain our history of only boycotting products that have near 100% support by our members. This was the case with our support of boycotts of South Africa, Chile, UFW grapes and lettuce, Nestles, Coke and more.
- It is important that we vote to keep the 75% supermajority needed for boycotts in place in order to honor a political history that managed to not divide our member/owners into warring camps.
- It is important to vote against the boycott of Israel in order to respect the sensibilities of thousands of our members who do not want us to do so.
1) Coop Principle #1: Our Coop should adhere to the wisdom of International Cooperative Principle #1. Voluntary and Open Membership: "Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination." This speaks to welcoming diversity including political, religious, racial and ethnic diversity.
2) Our own Mission Statement's words: The following excerpt from our Mission Statement reflects our intent to adhere to Coop Principle #1: "We strive to make the Coop welcoming and accessible to all and to respect the opinions, needs and concerns of every member."
3) Why I will vote against the boycott: From my 53+ years of membership I have learned to value all members and consider all members to be precious. The fact that thousands of members are against this boycott is enough for me to come to this decision.
4) Supermajorities are Democratic: Our United States Constitution has seven instances of supermajorities. Supermajorities exist in our bylaws. Unions also use them. Democracies need them in order to maintain their functionality and keep a society or organization together.
5) Target: It is bizarre to me to think that if we boycott Israel that the Coop will not be targeted by both private and governmental entities, putting the Coop at risk.