‘Feeling helplessly outraged over Governor Walkers’ union-busting actions?   Not content to sit by silently while labor rights are systematically dismantled by the power elite, a friend of mine has launched his own e-mail campaign to simultaneously punish the Walker administration and promote Vermont dairy products:

Dear Friend,

Do NOT buy dairy or agricultural products from the state of Wisconsin! Buy Vermont!

If you agree with me, send this to lots of people.

This idea is popping-up all over the web.  Some folks object that it would hurt Wisconsin workers, and that might be valid if it went on indefinitely. Some might argue that it appears opportunistic; but is it “opportunistic” if the boycott springs from private, working class roots?

A limited boycott launched not officially, but in one or many “word-of-mouth” campaigns, such as Perry’s, might send a powerful economic message to Walker’s handlers.  His plain-spoken local message is intended only for Vermont; but at the same time, what might its impact be on another Vermont brand that is appreciated at home and perhaps even in distant markets that already value Vermont’s fine products….the “progressive” brand?

Another mutual friend, who formerly lived in Wisconsin, has responded to the boycott suggestion by complaining that it unfairly targets farmers, who are not the problem.  This argument has merit, but it is the same one that can be made against imposing international sanctions on rogue nations. The argument for those actions is always that it takes economic pressures to force political change when democratic means have been thwarted.  

We impose sanctions to curb third-world dictators; why can’t workers do the same to the home-grown variety?  

Dairy is a huge signature industry in Wisconsin, the success of which the sitting Governor can wear to the polling place as a badge of his effectiveness.   What other economic driver in  Wisconsin could so effectively and symbolically be targeted by a working man’s boycott?

These are tough questions.  I think I’ll have me a bit of Boucher Bleu with common crackers while I turn this one over in my mind.