"America ~ Love it or Leave it" t-shirt at Fred Meyers

[Diane R]

When I walked in the front door of our local Fred Meyer's store today, the first thing in my eyesight was a bright red t-shirt saying, "AMERICA ~ LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT".

The first thing I did was turn the stupid thing around, so no one could see it. The second thing I did was have the manager paged.

I calmly introduced myself, and then explained that I found the shirt more than offensive. I told her that I had lived through the 'sixties, and that slogan had torn the country apart. I said that political slogans had no place at Fred Meyers, and that if they were going to sell 'Love it or Leave it' shirts, they need to sell, "Change it or Lose it' shirts.

I further stated that 57,000 Americans, including my own brother, died in that war, and that 1,700 had already died in this one. Yet, the message on that t-shirt told people like myself who oppose those wars that we need to shut up or leave. I said I did not think that stifling dissenters was the true meaning of our Fourth of July celebrations.

The manager said the shirts had been approved for sale by Fred Meyers Inc. I suggested that she phone them and explain that a very loyal customer was extremely offended by the t-shirts. She said she would, and that she would put the shirts in the back of the rack in the meanwhile. I then took the shirts back off the rack, handed them to her, and suggested that it would be wise to pull them off the floor while that discussion took place.

I am now going to call Fred Meyers, Inc., and attempt to get all shirts pulled from all their stores.

Please. If you have a Fred Meyers in your area, please make a phone call and get them pulled from your stores as well.

Having lived these last 36 years without my brother because of a stupid, ill-conceived and foolish war that only served the egos of chicken-hawks, I cannot tell you how upset I was to see such a t-shirt being sold in a family grocery chain.

[earthboundmisfit]

1. Right on. Your brother, I'm sure, is cheering, "Go Sis!"

This is the kind of standing up and speaking out we each need to do EVERY time a situation like this presents itself. Good job! :patriot:

[Diane R]

3. Affiliated with Krogers?

Okay. I did a search online.

Fred Meyers is apparently part of a national chain, owned by Krogers? So, are these shirts also being sold at Krogers stores back east?

[MissB]

14. I saw the tshirt in a Freddies in Central Oregon

(see my post below)

[earthboundmisfit]

21. Yep - and here are all the stores under the Kroger banner:

Fred Meyer: Home
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger operates supermarkets under the banners Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith's, King Soopers, Dillon, Fry's, City Market, Food 4 Less and Quality Food Centers. ... Click into our Weekly Ad. Kroger Reports First Quarter Details ... All Contents © Copyright 2005 The Kroger Co. All Rights Reserved. ...

more at:
www.fredmeyer.com/aboutourcompany.htm

[deadparrot]

2. Good for you!

I don't have a Fred Meyers anywhere near me, but I just wanted to salute you. It takes little things like this to spread the word. :patriot:

[Bouncy Ball]

4. That's a stupid saying that only hurts America.

What kind of a place encourages you NOT to think critically or open your mouth to suggest change? I mean, damn! That sounds like the USSR!

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Oh please

Whose idea was it to resurrect this tired old saying? What a bummer. Does this mean we are going to be drowning in those bumper stickers once again? Yuck.

[donco6]

6. Good for you.

They need to know that things like that offend a large segment of their customer base. I would probably have just turned around and walked out, but your tactic was much better.

[Kraklen]

7. I was buying a lighter at Fred Meyers the other day.

I just needed a single lighter, for my fireworks. The only single they had was decked out in red, white, and blue, with a bald eagle and the Gadsden motto: "Don't tread on me." I couldn't help but wonder who are these people going around trodding on bald eagles? Must be jingoist rednecks.

[brettdale]

8. Contact details

http://www.fredmeyer.com/contactus.htm

http://www.fredmeyer.com

1-888-247-4439


Fred Meyer Stores
Attn: GO West 1/Customer Relationship Center
3800 SE 22nd
Portland, OR 97202

[brettdale]

15. web contact form

http://www.fredmeyer.com/customercomments.htm

[justinsb]

9. As an expat

I understand your sentiment, although it was helpful in making my decision. I finally said..."Yeah, you know what..."

[Eric J in MN]

10. nicely done (nt)

nt

[tomg]

11. I'm very moved

by your actions.

[MissB]

12. I saw those in their Bend store this past week

I gagged when I saw them, then I remembered I wasn't exactly in the most progressive area of the state.

Good call. I'll check my local Freddie's tomorrow and write a letter if I find them.

[anitar1]

27. I'll have to check here in Eugene. I live a few

block's from a Freddieis. Was so sorry when they sold out to Krogers years ago.

[K8-EEE]

13. Sadly, The Archie Bunkers Are Invading Every Industry

I don't think we have those stores there, but will look for an address I can write to. I'm sick of people bashing dissenters, dissent is our only hope now.

[Chichiri]

16. I applaud you.

I would never have had the nerve to get in the manager's face like that. Well done. :woohoo:

[WePurrsevere]

17. Goodness but I've always hated that saying...

I sorry this brought back painful memories for you.

We don't have a Fred Meyers or an affliate near us that I know of (I'd never even heard of them before) but I want to commend you on making a strong stand against this type of divisive ANTI-American horse pucky. I truly hope you succeed in getting them to pull hate-mongering stuff like that.

I think I'm having a brain fog moment though... Does anyone remember if what if any "response" to that saying that came out back then, maybe put out by the anti-war movement? I keep thinking there was one but if not then maybe we need to come out with a "response" saying something like: Love America? TAKE IT BACK??

[Diane R]

22. Yes.....

In the 'sixties, the reply statement was,

America...Change it or lose it.

[sagesnow]

34. Nice to know how to respond...

to the knuckle dragging rednecks in my neighborhood. Thanks

"Yes....."
Posted by Diane R
In the 'sixties, the reply statement was,

America...Change it or lose it.

[WePurrsevere]

35. Yes! Thank you so much for parting the "fog" a bit. :-) n/t

[seabeyond]

18. i kept seeing title love it or leave it; ....i love it, ergo i am fighting

for it, was my thought.

good for you. anyone try that bullshit on me, i will exactly tell them why my love for america requires, demand i dont leave it and speak out as loudly as i can

we have none of those stores in town. havent even heard of them, but if we did.......

i call every business that has fox on tv telling them they are giving the finger to over 50% of the nation. and htey are doing it consciously, since we all know, fox is obnoxious and one sided. so to have it on that channel could not be a more clear message

[trof]

19. NOMINATED! Every once in a while a post here chokes me up.

This one did.
Nominated.
Thank you.

[noamnety]

20. Thanks

I just emailed them.

[tavalon]

23. Will do

I rarely shop there as they are a "red" store but it is very close to my home.

[Arugula Latte]

29. Oh crap.

Didn't realize they were so red.

I'll have to avoid them now. We've got lots of FMs here in Portland. :(

[freeplessinseattle]

24. Kudos to you, I (used to) shop there a lot, was planning to tomorrow

I will be looking for those shirts and be sure to say something, and ask for a comment card. that pisses me off.

[kiraboo]

25. I just sent an email. I spent several years living in Oregon and

Freddie's was my favorite place to buy groceries and sundries. Is it possible they don't understand how offensive some might find that message? Sigh. I doubt it.

[derby378]

26. Sic 'em, Diane! (n/t)

[Boxerfan]

28. I will check the 2 in Gresham Saturday

If I see them I am very good at making a point & will gladly take the store managers to task. I'll LYK if it's any fun!
It's very offensive in such an obvious manner-Bad form.

I shop there fairly often....I thought it was better that giving my $ to Safeway or Wally world,but seems Krogers is Red also...Whatta ya gonna do(on a budget you can't be too political with your $ but I try)..

Thanks for the heads up!

[I Have A Dream]

30. Thanks for fighting the good fight, Diane. n/t

[hnsez]

31. .

[hnsez]

32. we love you Diane for fighting for the country we love as much as you

[Freedomfried]

33. A quickie to Fred

Please get rid of the "love it or leave it" shirts at ALL of your stores.
at this time in the country’s history to support divisiveness is traitorous,
Regards,



sent and recieved

[Senator]

36. Even if you're not a customer

You can help too, just spread the word.

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email
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I have persuaded 6 west-coast relatives to refrain from shopping at your stores until we see a public apology for your selling neo-fascist "Love it or leave it" t-shirts.

I will continue my efforts to persuade others until you cease this divisive activity.

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