The Davidsonian

Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Perspectives

In response, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Clifton Kirkpatrick, himself a Davidson alum, recently wrote to Burger King: "The central provision of the CIW's campaign is that fast-food corporations change their purchasing practices so that they ensure workers' human rights, rather than create conditions where human rights abuses flourish. If this is to be accomplished, it is the corporation's own supply chain that must itself route the payment [of one penny more per pound of tomatoes purchased] to the workers. Neither conceptually nor mechanically would it work for CIW to act as a conduit for these payments....We are troubled that you have seen fit to try to damage the credibility and reputation of the CIW, an organization that has a proven record of integrity and good working relationships with other corporations. Further, through these comments you have denigrated what are admirable advances in the protection of farm workers' human rights by other corporations."

Today, in the wake of the Yum Brands and McDonald's agreements, we stand on the threshold of a more modern, more humane agricultural industry in Florida. Yet, facing this historic opportunity, Burger King seems to have chosen business as usual over progress, continued exploitation over justice and empty excuses and lies over responsibility. Tell us, Mr. Chidsey, is this also what Davidson prepared you for?

< prev Page 2 of 2

Article Tools