First of all, the likes of Adbusters was promoting a "Buy Nothing Day," on Black Friday, the day after US Thanksgiving Day, 25 or more years ago. So, what the "24 hour economic blackout" today from this People's Union USA will accomplish, I don't know. And, what do you do after the 24 hours is up? And, do you address other issues besides people buying too much shit? And, this John Schwartz, interviewed here, know about this? Does he know any of this past history?
But, The Resistance™ wants to resist something.
It also wants to grift, or John Schwartz does.
Look at this merch page! More than $15 for a coffee mug. Nearly $30 for a T-shirt. WOW.
And? I clicked one of the T-shirts. I then clicked "Product Details."
The product details did NOT include company of manufacture. If you can't guarantee American-made, as hard as it might be to get that, per "Making It in America," then aren't you at least somewhat part of the problem, not part of the solution?
Update, March 5?
The People's Union, or "People's" Union until he has more transparency, is doing more grifting:
Starting in the second week of March, I will be releasing exclusive member only video blogs right here on The People’s Union USA website! These will be powerful, inspiring, and detailed video messages covering:
How we can organize more effectively
Upcoming events & strategic actions
Updates on the movement, website, and progress
Real discussions on where we go from here
This is just the beginning of something bigger. Together, we are building a movement that cannot be ignored. Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let’s keep making history.
And, how much will a membership cost? I will give Schwartz credit on the FAQ page for talking about legal organizational issues and also mentioning further boycotts.
On the T-shirts, he says he has a new maker, but I presume that only means for the screen printing and it's still made in China or wherever actual shirts.
That said, re Adbusters? They're generally butthurt graphic artists who think they should be working for slick fashion magazines in New York. They were the grifters who called for Occupy Wall Street, while engaging in that butt-hurt fashionista mindset, straight from Kalle Lasn himself.
OWS itself?
- Run by leadership, despite their lies;
- Young, White, overeducated and probably latte-sippers;
- Sellouts to banksters.
People selling $30 T-shirts might be a junior division of the same general idea.
And also? Schwartz has no board of directors, advisors, or anybody else on his "about" page.
Hard pass, dude.
And, per an Axios story about the org (about Schwartz, really, per above), it's got no political affiliation. Oh, you do, even if you don't want to admit it. Or, it will be pinned on you. So, is he that naive? Or is this part of his branding to go with the grifting? I'll take option 2.
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