New Balance Shoes CEO Makes $500,000 Donation to Anti-Gay Super PAC

[w8liftinglady]

http://unicornbooty.com/2011/08/new-balance-shoes-ceo-makes-500000-donation-to-anti-gay-super-pac/

Now that the mysterious Super PAC funding Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign has had the dirt dug up on it, many of the donors are doing their best to backtrack. Romney, as you may know, has already pledged to beat gay marriage to a pulp if elected president, so money being funneled into his campaign comes with a flat anti-gay judgement. Period.

So who has been funding Romney’s campaign? Lots of finance folks who most of us have likely never heard of for the most part. But a few household names do stick out.

Marriott Hotel owners J.W. and Richard Marriott contributed a cool million dollars between the two of them. And New Balance Athletic Shoes CEO, James Davis donated $500,000. Homos, Marriott and New Balance are officially on our shit list.

Immediately sensing the disastrous problem that having your chairman outed as a homophobe poses, New Balance has gone on the defense this morning, releasing a statement-apology hybrid.

[stevedeshazer]

1. Dammit. I love their shoes.

But, no more New Balance for me.

Thanks for the post.

[w8liftinglady]

2. yeah, me,too. I always thought they would be more progressive. Sigh.

[denverbill]

3. Aren't they the only shoes still made in America?

[murielm99]

5. I believe that is correct.

I just bought some of their shoes, because of that.

It will be the last time.

[alstephenson]

8. Ditto - no more New Balance shoes for me.

Darn - they really fit my fat feet well.

[GeorgeGist]

18. not anymore

[closeupready]

6. Ditto.

K&R

[Ignis]

30. I guess I've bought my last pair, too.

Thankfully, I've found other brands that come in wide widths. :D

[northoftheborder]

4. Oh no! they make the best shoes.

x(

[Worried senior]

7. This is bad

these are the only shoes my husband can wear.

[Angry Dragon]

9. Here is the apology

New Balance Statement on Political Donation A letter from our CEO:

Dear New Balance associates, customers and consumers:

Earlier this year, a private donation was made by our Chairman to a political action committee that is affiliated with Mitt Romney. First, let me be clear that this was a private donation and not a contribution from New Balance. We encourage civic engagement at all levels and will always respect the right of any of our associates to engage in the political process as they see fit. We typically do not comment on private political donations; however, this situation is different.

Mr. Romney recently signed a pledge that challenges same sex marriage and that has offended many including those in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Mr. Romney’s position on this issue is not reflective of Jim Davis’, my or New Balance’s position and support of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered community. As a company, New Balance embraces the differences in all people and we work tirelessly to create and sustain an environment where everyone – our associates, consumers, customers and guests – are treated with dignity and respect.

Sincerely,

Rob DeMartini President/CEO

If his views do not reflect the views of the company then the board should get rid of him
without any severance, otherwise they agree with his views

[murielm99]

10. I don't know how to respond to that. n/t

[xchrom]

15. the no apology apology. nt

[One_Life_To_Give]

11. Boston based Co. supporting a Belmont Pol doesn't make a Homophobe

That is quite a stretch to conclude that support for a candidate is an endorsement of only one of his/her positions on an issue. Does every Obama supporter oppose Marriage Equality as well? Now show me where New Balance CEO supported Mass Resistance and then I will boycott their products.

[Sapphocrat]

22. What don't you understand?

1. New Balance pays Jim Davis's paycheck.

2. When you buy New Balance shoes, you are contributing to Jim Davis's paycheck.

3. Jim Davis contributes his money to a radical homophobe.

4. Thus, when you buy New Balance shoes, you are contributing your money to a radical homophobe.

5. And if that doesn't mean anything to you, then change #4 to "You are enabling the anti-democratic, fascist, catastrophic corporate-'personhood' free-for-all that is Citizens United, without which there would be no 'Restore Our Future' Super-PAC in the first place."

Meanwhile, some of us refuse to continue funding our own oppression by giving money to companies who pay bigots who turn around and use our money against us.

And "only one" of Romney's "positions on an issue" is a pretty big fucking deal to those of us threatened constantly by assholes like Romney who are bound and determined to prevent us from ever marrying -- and to forcibly divorce those of us who already are.

I must say, I'm rather dismayed at your seeming dismissiveness of the war on my civil rights, upon which my entire life hinges, as "only one issue."

I sincerely hope you will re-think your position.

[One_Life_To_Give]

26. Respectfully

I reject the claim that anyone who makes a donation to the Romney campaign is therefore a Homophobe of the worst order. As has been implied in the OP, one would of thought he contributed to Brian Camenker?

The piece makes no reference that the contribution was contingent upon Romney's signing of a Anti-Gay pledge or other. Considering they apparently live within 5 miles of each other it conceivable that a personal relationship exists between the two.

In a presidential election there are lots of reasons why someone may support one candidate over another. I am not ready to shoot the opposition because they don't agree with me on every last point. This is still a democracy. Particularly in this case a rabid HomoPhobe is not going to support a Romney no matter what pledge he signs. They still blame him for his lack of opposition to the MA Supreme Courts ruling on Marriage Equality.

So I am disappointed that Davis supports a candidate who considers civil rights a bargaining chip to be picked up or dropped as the political winds blow. But to single him out for treatment worthy of a Camenker?

[Sapphocrat]

27. This was not a fluke or one-time, forgivable mistake.

The Romney donation is part of an ongoing pattern that will not stop as long as Jim Davis has money coming out of his ears -- and it is only going to get worse, as witnessed by his Restore Our Future donation, thanks to Citizens United.

But first, let's get something out of the way: I don't know why you're so stuck on MassResistance; I'm reading you as saying: "It's not like Davis made a donation to MassResistance -- they're real homophobes! -- so what's the big deal?" Brian Camenker is not running for office, and he's never going to be President of the United States. So why do you keep bringing him into the discussion?

Now, to the heart of the matter:

Do you agree, or not, that a person's pattern of political donations is a fair indicator of the core values/ideologies that person supports?

Take a look at Jim Davis's history of political donations; while he appears to occasionally hedge his bets across the board, he has a decided preference for the wrong side of the aisle. Then tell me: Even if you dismiss his fat donation to the Romney-focused Restore Our Future super-PAC, are you still willing to ignore such consistent, and hefty, support of the GOP? Aren't they the ones who've made our lives -- all our lives -- sheer hell?

Via http://www.campaignmoney.com (and this only goes back to 2000):

DAVIS, JAMES S
NEW BALANCE
CEO
NEWTON MA/BOSTON MA

$2,400 - 10/21/2010 - JEFF PERRY FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 1/27/2010 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 7/6/2009 - CANTOR FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 6/12/2009 - FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT - REPUBLICAN
-$2,400 - 6/12/2009 - FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT - REPUBLICAN
$4,800 - 6/12/2009 - FRIENDS OF ROY BLUNT - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 1/4/2010 - MARTHA COAKLEY FOR SENATE COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
-$2,400 - 9/30/2010 - SCOTT BROWN FOR US SENATE COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 9/30/2010 - SCOTT BROWN FOR US SENATE COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$4,800 - 9/23/2010 - SCOTT BROWN FOR US SENATE COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 1/29/2010 - NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 9/7/2010 - TEXANS FOR LAMAR SMITH - REPUBLICAN
$2,400 - 3/31/2010 - JOE MALONE FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 4/6/2009 - MICHAUD FOR CONGRESS - DEMOCRAT
$5,000 - 3/30/2010 - FREE AND STRONG AMERICA PAC INC. (Romney PAC)
$25,000 - 11/25/2009 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 5/1/2009 - FREE AND STRONG AMERICA PAC INC. (Romney PAC)
$2,400 - 10/15/2010 - FRIENDS OF SEAN BIELAT - REPUBLICAN
$1,500 - 11/7/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
-$5,000 - 5/10/2007 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$15,000 - 4/10/2007 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$800 - 2/5/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$1,300 - 2/5/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 3/19/2008 - CHARLIE SUMMERS FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 8/2/2007 - REED COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$2,300 - 2/9/2007 - ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT INC. - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 10/23/2008 - MICHAUD FOR CONGRESS - DEMOCRAT
$2,300 - 10/22/2008 - TEXANS FOR LAMAR SMITH - REPUBLICAN
$2,500 - 10/30/2007 - MAINE REPUBLICAN PARTY - REPUBLICAN
$3,000 - 8/26/2008 - FREE AND STRONG AMERICA PAC INC. (Romney PAC)
$27,300 - 6/16/2008 - MCCAIN VICTORY 2008 - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 3/31/2008 - JOHN MCCAIN 2008 INC. - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 1/9/2008 - ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT INC. - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 10/23/2007 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 6/29/2007 - OGONOWSKI FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$2,300 - 6/29/2007 - OGONOWSKI FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 11/5/2006 - FRIENDS OF JOE LIEBERMAN - DEMOCRAT (if you can call him a "Democrat")
$2,100 - 10/6/2006 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 9/7/2006 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 7/10/2006 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 6/13/2006 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 3/24/2006 - THE COMMONWEALTH PAC (Romney PAC)
$2,100 - 9/16/2005 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
-$5,000 - 6/3/2005 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$15,000 - 5/17/2005 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 1/12/2005 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 12/3/2005 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 5/13/2005 - KENNEDY FOR SENATE 2012 - DEMOCRAT
$25,000 - 10/19/2006 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 12/30/2005 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 9/15/2004 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 6/15/2004 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 1/9/2004 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 9/16/2003 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,500 - 5/15/2003 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 12/2/2003 - CAPUANO FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 11/24/2003 - BILL MCCOLLUM FOR US SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 9/14/2004 - 2004 JOINT CANDIDATE COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 6/27/2003 - BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 10/23/2004 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 9/28/2004 - HAMEL FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 11/28/2003 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$500 - 9/18/2003 - STEPHEN F. LYNCH FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$25,000 - 4/8/2004 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 2/25/2003 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 10/29/2002 - RAYE FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 8/22/2002 - RAYE FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 7/9/2002 - MCCARTHY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 5/20/2002 - MCCARTHY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 1/31/2002 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
$500 - 9/26/2001 - SPRAGUE COMMITTEE; THE - REPUBLICAN
$500 - 8/22/2001 - SPRAGUE COMMITTEE; THE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 6/24/2001 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 1/25/2001 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
$1,000 - 12/17/2002 - JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC - DEMOCRAT
$500 - 6/25/2001 - CAPUANO FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 4/13/2002 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 2/1/2002 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 8/28/2001 - STEPHEN F LYNCH FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$500 - 9/18/2000 - LINCOLN CHAFEE US SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 8/22/2000 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
$1,000 - 6/29/2000 - BILL MCCOLLUM FOR US SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 10/29/1999 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
$1,000 - 6/14/1999 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$5,000 - 10/25/2000 - RNC REPUBLICAN NATIONAL STATE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
$1,000 - 9/23/2000 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 8/10/2000 - LAPLANTE FOR CONGRESS - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 7/20/2000 - LAZIO 2000 INC - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 6/22/2000 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - RNC
$1,000 - 12/5/1999 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$1,000 - 3/31/1999 - BUSH FOR PRESIDENT INC - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 3/3/2000 - MCCAIN 2000 INC - REPUBLICAN

Look at all those five-figure donations; Davis dashes off a check to the RNC -- in amounts far exceeding what some of us earn in an entire year -- as easily as you or I might drop two bucks in the change machine at the self-serve car wash.

And here's Mrs. Davis:

DAVIS, ANNE M
NEW BALANCE/VICE CHAIRMAN
NEWTON MA 02458

$2,100 - 11/7/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$200 - 11/7/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$2,100 - 2/5/2007 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 10/23/2007 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
-$5,000 - 9/19/2006 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$15,000 - 9/7/2006 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 1/17/2006 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$10,000 - 12/29/2005 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,100 - 9/16/2005 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$900 - 9/16/2005 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 12/3/2005 - DELAHUNT FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT
$25,000 - 10/19/2006 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 12/30/2005 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$10,000 - 11/9/2004 - MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN STATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 1/9/2004 - SNOWE FOR SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$2,000 - 6/27/2003 - BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC - REPUBLICAN
$25,000 - 4/8/2004 - REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 8/26/2002 - COLLINS FOR SENATOR - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 6/29/2000 - BILL MCCOLLUM FOR US SENATE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 6/8/1999 - BUSH FOR PRESIDENT INC - REPUBLICAN

And here's Davis's apologist/defender, Rob DeMartini:

DEMARTINI, ROB MR
NEW BALANCE/MANAGER
BOSTON MA 02118

$1,000 - 9/23/2010 - SCOTT BROWN FOR US SENATE COMMITTEE - REPUBLICAN
$1,000 - 1/4/2010 - MARTHA COAKLEY FOR SENATE COMMITTEE - DEMOCRAT

So, as you can see, Davis's Restore Our Future donation wasn't a mistake, or a one-time lapse in judgment; it's just his latest slap in the face to everyone who values real democracy, which should never be bought and sold.

So: Even if you don't consider his latest donation to Romney's war on gays a big deal, as I do (and, no, it does not matter if he made the donation before or after Romney's anti-gay pledge; Romney made himself an enemy of civil rights a long time ago), how do you feel about the effect of these donations on everyone else -- besides us queers, I mean?

I don't know how the chain -- your money >> New Balance >> Davis >> GOP -- can be illustrated any more simply.

And I don't know how, after seeing the above donations, anyone even one hair left of center could possibly justify contributing one more penny to that chain.

[One_Life_To_Give]

28. Interesting but doesn't make him a Homophobe

Yes He supports the GOP. But the OP wasn't about boycotting New Balance for supporting the GOP. It was about boycotting them because the CEO is a Homophobe. It's going to be an awfully small world if we insist on using our biggest gun (economic boycott) against any provocation no matter how large or small.

[Sapphocrat]

29. OK, I give up.

If you think a half-million-dollar donation is a "small provocation," and absolutely refuse to listen to me, I've done nothing here but waste my time. It appears your mind was already made up from the beginning, and I was a fool to attempt to discuss it with you.

Enjoy your shoes.

[s-cubed]

12. new balance phone number: [phone] open til 9 et n/t

[qb]

13. Really? In this economy, they want to do without gay money?

If I were a shareholder, I'd be pissed.
As it is, I'm gay and pissed, and adding these two to my shit list.

As for the "apology", I'll accept it when they dump their idiot CEO.

[Jim Lane]

14. As with several other posters, I'm a NB customer, so here's a compromise...

I need a compromise because, after years of dissatisfaction with other shoes, I've had good results only with New Balance. The pair I have now may last me until after the election but there's no guarantee.

If I buy another pair of New Balance shoes, thereby indirectly boosting the income of the Romney backer, to what pro-equality organization should I make an expiate-the-guilt contribution? I've heard mentions of some organizations in this area but I don't know who's the real deal. LGBTQ members of DU, you'd be doing a favor to us straights with fat feet if you'd make some recommendations.

By the way, I don't agree that a corporate board is morally obligated to fire a CEO if the directors disagree with his personal views on some political/social issue. He's hired to run a shoe company, not to transform public policy. I don't want corporate boards vetting employees' political opinions and firing those who don't pass muster.

[xchrom]

16. ...

:mad:

[Rhythm]

17. Well fuck... NB has been my only brand for over 10 yrs...

I have weird feet (big, wide, and low-arched), and NB 470 series has been the only comfortable thing for years now...

Was due to go shoe-shopping in a week or two. It will now be an adventure on epic scale.

[Iggo]

25. Yup. Quite the find.

Snug wide shoes with good arches.

They're going to be hard to replace.

[LeftyMom]

19. Ah hell.

Who else makes comfortable, semi-affordable, US-made, vegan shoes in an odd, extra-wide size, with lots of arch support? Off to use the google machine, I guess.

[cate94]

20. I am inclined to ask New Balance

if they know that their CEO not only alienated GLBT's, but any animal lovers as well by donating to Romney. Isn't Mitt Romney the one who strapped his dog, in its' cage, to the roof of his car? How could anyone in their right mind think that Romney could make a good president?

Good thing Romney has corporations for friends- because decent people wouldn't be friends with that guy. And decent people wouldn't support him for president.

[queerart]

21. They Are Talking Out Both Sides Of Their Fucking Mouths......

I'm guessing someone has their hand up DeMartini's ass, making his lips move like a modern day Howdy Doody..... as what I didn't read in his non-apology apology was something like......


New Balance believes in "diversity".... ummmmm...... Our New Balance GLBTQI employees were saddened by the news.... ummmmm.... Here at New Balance "all families" are important to us..... ummmmmmm..... here at New Balance, our shoes are made to fit "all lifestyles" (even though many in the GLBTQI community don't like the lifestyles word).... I mean.... they could have said fucking anything...... but it was the usual shit... as they want Queer Money... but they want to be able to lick religious zealot ass......


They could have thrown the littlest bone to the Queers, but they didn't.... and it wasn't a fucking oversight.... it was calculated...


They figure they can afford to loose a few Queer customers, to pacify the Christian Terrorists.......


Anyone who makes excuses for them is no better..... as if the Chairman gave half a million to a "white supremacy group", or a group that bombs abortion clinics.... or a group that advocates the sterilization of the mentally challenged.....


There asses would be in hot water, and this conversation would not be taking place in a public forum.......


But because the Chairman gave a truck load of $100's to help in the fight against filthy Queers..... there seems to be a "greycceptance" of their behavior.....


Don't fool yourselves...........


Some will hate you publicly... while others smile, and hate you privately..... but never confuse the fact, that both groups despise you with equal intensity....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miULdI-qocg

[w8liftinglady]

23. OK..a compromise. Just buy their "Made in USA" shoes...

you have to look...they ARE still there.

[Iggo]

24. I been meaning to change shoe brands.

This clinches it.