While I will agree with the fact that the owner of Chic-Fil-A is a ‘raving funda-a-loonies’, in his politics, as well as social positions (not only does he come across as a homophobe he also comes accross as the type who still things the word ‘negro’ is ok, and that a woman’s place is in the home), please put the anti-gay money into a little perspective before you boy-cott him over it. He also (as well as the corporation), donate millions of dollars to charity, many of them VERY well deserving and needy. A lot of his giving is done on the sly, and he tries not to make a big deal about it when called on it. I met him and one of his sons on a couple of questions, and fundamentalist or no, both seemed to be genuinely generous people (and not people giving for the ‘glory’). I agree that in many ways he is an anachronism, like that when he had a children center built, he made them build 2 separate and enclosed pools, one for girls and one for boys (and I know a lot of people that abuse him for it), but christ, people, HE HAD A CHILDREN CENTER BUILT.
Does every dollar he give away go toward something I agree with? Certainly not. But neither does the money you spend at any other store. If the fact that ANY money at all goes to a cause you are fundamentally against bothers you, by all means boycott it. But just keep in perspective that he does do a lot more ‘good’ (IMO) than most businessmen in his tax bracket, and genuinely does a lot more good than harm.
On to places I boycott, and the OP.
Walmart- I can’t go in there without being stuck for 45 minutes. Between the parking lots, long lines, hordes of the ‘ignorant unwashed’, and poor store layouts, a trip for toothpaste that should take 5 minutes takes 45. It might be worth it if I had kids, or could buy 6 weeks of groceries at a time, but otherwise, I will happily go to the quiet little publix that’s actually closer.
Bank of America - I got stuck banking with them on more than one occassion because they kept buying out all the smaller banks I was with at the time, and every single time they screwed me. Unbelievable and criminal charging practices, poor customer service, and frequent accounting errors just does not equal ‘good bank’. Now I go to my companies credit union and keep an account with Washington Mutual, and have no problems.
McDonalds - I read fast food nation and now I can’t bring myself to eat there, or pretty much anywhere than sells hamburgers (though occasionally I get the craving and hit a hardees or steak & shake). Ugh, and the beef isn’t even half as bad as their chicken nuggets.
Nike - refuse to pay for chains on 6 year olds.