You Have Not Because You Speak Not

Boycott Through the Ballot

     Since the world heard the words,  “Not Guilty” in the George Zimmerman trial on July 13, 2013, many have felt the need to spring into action and talks of #BoycottFlorida has commenced.  It sounds like a good idea because boycotting has been an effective form of protest in the past.  For example, when black people were forced to sit in the back of the bus, they, along with sympathetic whites, pledged to stay off of Montgomery buses until this policy was changed.  The boycott ultimately was a success in that racial segregation ended in Montgomery and the state of Alabama.

     Here’s the problem with a boycott of Florida.  A boycott should target the offending company or companies who have the power to bring about the desired change.  Those who have called for a boycott of Florida, have suggested boycotting everything from Florida orange juice to Florida beaches to Disney World.

     In the case of Trayvon Martin and the controversial Stand Your Ground law, the question I have asked is, “What did Mickey Mouse do to Trayvon and how can he demand change in the Stand Your Ground Law?” 

     Rather than targeting nebulous industries who are in no way tied to the incredible miscarriage of justice the world witnessed in Sanford, the better strategy  is to target the Florida legislators.  This is an election season.  Each legislator needs to be informed that they are expected to vote to amend the Stand Your Ground Law to state what should be obvious -- those who initiate aggression can not later claim they are in fear of their safety if they are the ones who put themselves in harm’s way.   If these legislators refuse to hear the voice of the people, then we target them in the election as well as any businesses from which they gain financially.
 
     The ballot is the most effective means to amplify our voices coupled with economic sanctions only against those who have offended us.  Rock the vote.