Does Nike support our troops?

Question

About a month ago I was in line at Wal-mart when I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman. She started telling me about her grandson and how he was serving in Iraq. She said that her grandson asked them (her family) to send soccer balls so they could give them to the children, she said that with the children playing in the streets it was less likely for their parents to attack...and of course the kids actually enjoy them. Well she said someone she knew asked Nike to donate soccer balls but they refused saying they already donated to g**s and lesbians (my friend is a L*****n so I appreciated Nike's donation none the less) and they wouldn't or couldn't donate to our troops.

I know about the wrist bands but does that money go to things that will help our troops avoid drawing their weapons?

That conversation really made me think, she I bother buying "Support our troops" things or what?

BTW the woman did tell me that some soccer balls had been donated but by who I don't know, and that her grandson and his fellow soldiers were more than happy to see them.

Answer 1

Nike is a corporate entity that exists for the purpose of generating profits. They have no obligation to support any particular political or social agenda. If and when the directors of the company choose to do so, that's their right. If you dislike a company's involvement in such things you're free to boycott them. That's why I avoid buying S.C. Johnson products.

Answer 2

Funny you bring up Nike, because I've been reading "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry.  Good book.

Answer 3

What have you donated?

Answer 4

I've never known Nike to be anything other than a self serving corporate entity that stops at nothing, including slave labor to shovel their stuff. I would say certainly not.