Re Target boycott
I find it hard to believe that there is a company of any size that has entirely "clean hands" (by whatever your own standards are) with regard to all issues. Target has a better record than many on a number of issues, such as contributions to the community, support of GLBT causes (e.g., Pride), and employment practices (such as hiring of people with disabilities). (No, not perfect; better.) For the time being, I will continue to shop at Target.
Regarding alternatives: Walgreens has its own PAC; have you checked its contributions? Meijer's has its own PAC; have you checked its contributions? You shop the farmers' markets? Do you check on the political contributions of all the farmers you buy from? Or those of the CSA you belong to? Don't take it for granted that because someone owns a small business or does organic growing that they agree with you on issues important to you. What about their employment and environmental practices?
Each person has to choose their own priorities. If you can find a company that has good employment practices, has sound environmental practices, and makes no contributions to any cause you oppose, and that company supplies what you need at a price you can afford, go, you! While I loathe candidate Emmer, for me Target still has a pretty good record when everything is considered. YMMV, and that's as it should be.
Regarding alternatives: Walgreens has its own PAC; have you checked its contributions? Meijer's has its own PAC; have you checked its contributions? You shop the farmers' markets? Do you check on the political contributions of all the farmers you buy from? Or those of the CSA you belong to? Don't take it for granted that because someone owns a small business or does organic growing that they agree with you on issues important to you. What about their employment and environmental practices?
Each person has to choose their own priorities. If you can find a company that has good employment practices, has sound environmental practices, and makes no contributions to any cause you oppose, and that company supplies what you need at a price you can afford, go, you! While I loathe candidate Emmer, for me Target still has a pretty good record when everything is considered. YMMV, and that's as it should be.