Question
I was just going through the opensecrets.org website looking at the soft money given in the 2002 campaign and the hard money going to the 2004 campaign. The numbers are a little surprising. For instance I had no idea the MBNA was just a large donor to the Republican party (they gave Bush $351k in contributions). Most others (Citibank, Chase, Advanta) play both sides of the fence so it's somewhat close. (well.. not really but for the sake of argument).
For those of us who don't necessarily want to make a statement one way or the other when we shop, is there an issuer who doesn't try to out-contribute the citizens. :confused:
Answer
They all what power from both big parties, thus donations to both.
MBNA & Gordo/CO play well also.. coincidence? ;)
Answer
make a statement one way or the other when we shopWith all due respect to the OP, I hardly think choosing one issuer or another is making a political statement except for yourself. Any major company in the country makes direct political and philanthropic contributions of one kind or another, and is led by people who favor certain groups over others, or has major suppliers or customers who do the same. You could skip the major banks and only carry cards from smaller banks (who'll still be active locally) or credit unions (be sure you agree with the NCUA). But by this standard, you're "making a political statement" anytime you buy or use anything-- I could say that by using tap water, you're assenting to paternalistic government fluoridation of water. :rolleyes:
Answer
Any major company in the country makes direct political and philanthropic contributions of one kind or another, and is led by people who favor certain groups over others, or has major suppliers or customers who do the same.
There are lots of companies that are not involved directly at all. The ones that do contribute are, of course, trying to push an agenda (which may or may not be in the interests of the citizens but that's another story.) All the major financial institutions give more to the republican party. I consider wanting to factor this in to how I live responsible in the same way as not buying shoes produced in a sweatshop.
Even the smaller banks have cards issued by the larger companies (Household, MBNA, etc). The only issuer I have found that does not make a contribution to the Republican (or Democratic) party is Juniper.
That being said a 'political statement' is a little over the top. You're definitely right about that. I just couldn't think of a better way to put it..