Past, Present and Future of Food
by John Mackey, March 13, 2007 | Permalink
As part of a recent public dialogue with Michael Pollan, I presented a slide show on the Past, Present and Future of Food. This slide show, as well as a link to a recorded version of the presentation and subsequent discussion with Pollan, are included in this blog post.
As an introduction to this material, I am sharing part of a monthly newsletter authored by Michael Strong, CEO and Chief Visionary for FLOW, a social entrepreneurial group I co-founded. He speaks to the events leading up to the conversation with Michael Pollan in Berkeley on February 27, 2007, as well as the greater meaning of the ongoing dialogue. Strong’s article adeptly references the linkage between this current presentation and my previous blog post on Conscious Capitalism. I invite you to read it with those things in mind while I work on an expanded, written version of my presentation to be posted on my blog in the near future.
Per Michael Strong:
“On Tuesday evening, February 27, 2007, I attended a public dialogue between Michael Pollan and John Mackey in Berkeley. It was an extraordinary event by any standard.
Last April, Michael Pollen’s book The Omnivore’s Dilemma was published and quickly became a New York Times best seller and has stayed on the list ever since. It was named one of the “10 Best Books of 2006″ by the New York Times Sunday Book Review.
The book is a meticulous account of four meals: One from McDonald’s, a second from “Industrial Organic,” a.k.a. Whole Foods Market (WFM), a third from Joel Salatin’s organic farm in Virginia, and the fourth one that Pollen hunted, gathered, and prepared himself. Not surprisingly, the dramatic narrative is from the “worst,” at McDonald’s, to the “most authentic,” his own hunter-gatherer meal. In this continuum, the “industrial organic” meal from Whole Foods comes off as better than McDonald’s but still relatively corrupt and impure. Pollan’s book has had a substantial impact on our culture, especially on that sub-culture of people who are especially interested in food.
When Pollan was in Austin for his book tour, John Mackey, Whole Foods CEO, invited him by to have a conversation about the book. John had felt that Pollan’s book was not an entirely fair and accurate perspective on Whole Foods Market, and wanted to talk about the issues directly with Michael Pollan. This first conversation evolved into an exchange of letters between the two, which are available to the public in earlier submissions to this blog. Eventually Michael invited John to have a public discussion with him in Berkeley, and John agreed; thus the event on February 27.
To Michael’s credit, he introduced John by explaining just how unusual this situation was. In general, when a journalist writes a book or article critical of a particular corporation, the corporation either ignores it or sends out a press release to counter the criticisms. For the CEO of a corporation that had been criticized in a prominent book to engage in the writer in an extended dialogue on the merits of the criticism was in itself unprecedented. For the CEO to then appear in public to discuss the criticism was even more unusual.
John began with a forty-five minute presentation (the entire evening, including John’s presentation, may be viewed here). In it he surveyed the history of our food system, thus putting Pollan’s criticisms in a historical context, and pointing out that the much criticized “industrial” food system had, in fact, been enormously successful at alleviating hunger around the world. He then explained Whole Foods Market’s positive role in changing the way that people eat. His presentation went on to explain both existing and new initiatives that WFM is undertaking to make the world a better place.
I won’t summarize John’s talk here, or the subsequent conversation with Pollan, nor the Q&A session afterwards. Suffice it to say that in this history of corporate – press relationships, I am not aware of any comparable in depth exchange of views. It is fair to say that Pollan, starting off as a critic of WFM, was won over by Mackey’s transparency, integrity, and sense of fair play. The Berkeley audience was similarly won over, and constantly interrupted John to applaud WFM initiatives.
John made it clear during the conversation that Pollan’s attacks had been costly to WFM: in the time since Pollan’s book came out, WFM has lost $2 billion in stock market capitalization. Although it is unlikely that Pollan’s attacks are solely responsible for that drop, John did point out that Pollan’s charges that WFM represented “industrial organic” led to a media “feeding frenzy” attacking and ridiculing the idea of “industrial organic,” with WFM the main target. Given that current and prospective WFM customers would be the demographic most likely to have read Pollan’s book and related media articles, it is likely that a book as high profile as Pollan’s was did indeed have a large negative impact on WFM revenues and, consequently, stock price.
Given this context, John’s response to Pollan was even more astonishing. He thanked Pollen for bringing to light justifiable criticisms of WFM that, in the end, led to new initiatives. And at the same time he clearly pointed out the ways in which Pollan’s expectations regarding large-scale natural foods production and distribution were simply unrealistic in historical context. John calmly and appropriately brought the conversation around to a FLOW motto, borrowed from Michelangelo: “Criticize by creating.”
One of FLOW’s programs in development is “Conscious Capitalism.” The goal of Conscious Capitalism is to move beyond the limited purview of “Corporate Social Responsibility,” to a new perspective: One in which corporate purpose, integrity in pursuing that purpose, and transparency with respect to how an organization pursues that purpose are key, along with a deep recognition of the interdependent system of multiple stakeholders in which business functions. In a world of corporations that are purpose-driven, and which are acting out of integrity and therefore willing to be transparent regarding their practices, the reputation of corporations and respect for capitalism will improve dramatically. John provided an exemplary manifestation of Conscious Capitalism on the evening of February 27.
At the same time, we need to encourage Conscious Journalism, Conscious Activism, Conscious Politics, etc., all driven by purpose, integrity, and transparency, and a sensitivity to the interconnected system in which all function. For me one of the most telling moments of the evening was when Pollan expressed his surprise that his book might have cost WFM significant loss in revenues. Pollan’s perspective was that he was simply practicing the art of journalism to the best of his ability. It had not occurred to him that he could cause great damage to others by means of his reporting. If he had actively believed that harming WFM was a necessary and justified action to take, then his journalism would have been conscious. His lack of awareness alone (watch the video and judge for yourself) reveals a lack of conscious action and intention on his part.
John’s mature, relaxed perspective on Pollan’s often misguided attacks are also an exemplary manifestation of the spirit of constructive dialogue. He was sincerely grateful to Pollan for helping him to develop a clearer perception of the path that WFM should take going forwards. May we all learn to become more conscious and thoughtful in all of our actions and responses, and may we all also learn to be more generous to those who fail to do so.”
- The Past, Present, and Future of Food slide show (PDF)
- PETA “Meet Your Meat” video clip shown during Mackey presentation
Categories: michaelpollan, speech
211 Responses to “Past, Present and Future of Food”
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March 13th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I would like to commend John Mackey for his presentation in the exchange between him and michael pollan. I have been a reader of Mr. Pollan for years and, although I have been involved in farmer’s markets and shop in Asheville’s Earth Fare Stores, i am, by isolation, fairly ignorant of Whole Foods Markets. I found that I enjoyed and responded to Mr. Mackey’s views very favorably…i really enjoy his perspecitve, his focus, and his centeredness. I found some of Mr. Pollan’s comments admirable and found some frustrating. Mr. Mackey was brilliant throughout…and I have since been inspired to read more of his perspective and have so far been impressed. I plan on following Mr. Mackey as avidly as i have Mr. Pollan…just thought i would share my responses…i still probably read wendell berry more than any other writers about food than anyone…but i am interested in Mr. Mackey’s background and have found his youthful searchings and adaptations to the business world extremely inspiring.
thanks
March 13th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
I watched the webcast of this session live and was thoroughly impressed by John Mackey and his content. After reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma my appreciation of Whole Foods …was… called into question. John’s candor completely assuaged any concerns.
March 16th, 2007 at 2:53 am
Hi. I came to this blog searching for some info on ultralight backpacking gear. I hear Mr. Mackey is a fan of lightweight gear.
I got wrapped up in all these thread about food, capitalism, and the ethics of business. Interesting stuff! Who expects to find such debates on a corporate web-page?
Whole Foods is opening a new store in my neighborhood in Dallas, so I’ll be a shopper soon.
In the meantime, can anybody point me to the info about ultralight gear?
Thannks
March 21st, 2007 at 6:28 pm
To Adam,
Check out the following websites for more information on ultralight hiking:
http://www.backpacking.net/index.html?noframes
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/index.html
Here is an excellent ultralight gear company:
http://www.gossamergear.com
March 27th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Dear Whole Foods employees, customers and Mr. Mackey:
It is with great honor I write these words because I know they will fall on conscious, sincere and loving ears.
My father often said to me “In order to be a man, you first have to see one!” However, not to be sexist, that could easily be a mother talking to her daughter, a coach to a team member or a CEO to the rest of the business community, yet the moral ideal here is the same “Lead By Example!” Furthermore, Mr. Mackey does a great job in explaining that not only do we need to lead by example but there is also more than enough…that the key to business and life is clearly knowing that Abundance is our birth rite, yet we almost always look at what is lacking instead of what is to be thankful for and how much we can do with what we have.
Unfortunately, much of our advertising, entertainment, and overall mainstream communication is about winning, being at the top, maximizing, quarterly reports, income streams; even our education is pushing MBA/JD’s verses Math/Science/Engineering or R&D, etc., instead of how much we can and should give back, leave a lighter foot print on the earth, experience the joy of really sharing another’s burden and helping one through it, etc.
Like Mr. Mackey, I have had substantial business success and fortunately I [also] learned along the way that money was just a tool that is temporarily on loan to us while we are here; it belongs to the to the universe, just like water, air, food and everything else; it was here before we got here and it will be here when we leave, which means its not ours to keep, but too use, borrow, share, give and receive: essentially we are spiritual beings having a human experience if you will and that old adage “your problems are mine and mine yours” and “we are our brothers keeper,” etc, are in full effect at all times.
Whole foods does a fine job leading the industry with quality goods, service, charity, welfare, etc., and this is demonstrated in every way from its eco sustainable awareness & policies, organic or earth friendly goods and other Whole Foods “standards” we have all come to trust and appreciate, yet it also takes back any product a customer is not happy with (without fuss), offers free education, free samples of food on a regular basis, etc., etc., as well as entices many happy personnel excited to work within its stores, etc., etc., these are all sharing, moves, loving moves, etc.
I am hardly qualified to reference scripture and will not make this religious but not sharing what we have with others, hoarding money, not leading by example or simply disliking another because of who they are is no different than hating your own hand, leg or finger…WE ARE ALL ONE and this is the only world we have, it behooves us to act in kind to ourselves, all others as well as the earth and its other inhabitants. When we hurt another, we also hurt ourselves, when we hurt the earth, we hurt ourselves and when others hurt, we also hurt. Honestly, I think most people actually feel this way, yet life is often complicated, brutal and very intense and hardly allows one to get passed survival. Somehow, I made it and feel compelled to help any and all people I can because others did that for me along the way…now its my turn. Whole Foods obviously adheres to this similar vibe and that is why it is so well received, because it adds to society as opposed to so many companies that take from society.
My father also said “we are victims of victims,” which means we are mostly what we are taught, which also means we need to start teaching ourselves and others that the meaning to life is not to maximize, stretch it out and get all one can get, but that we only need enough for our own individual/business mission and the rest is for everyone else. There has always been enough and there always will be, yet those less aware people/companies that only take instead of also give back are truly hurting our country and the world and all good things do eventually come to an end; its nature’s way…she always enforces change and we have an opportunity to influence that change for better or worse and its leader’s such as Mr. Mackey who are at the forefront and to that I shall close with great admiration and respect for one of the great one’s!
Very Sincerely and always at your service,
Frank
March 30th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
If you haven’t seen them, Garr Reynolds has some helpful suggestions for improving your presentation on his blog:
http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2007/03/a_few_weeks_ago.html
March 31st, 2007 at 12:46 am
Hi it’s Shoshana Frumkin, President of On the Spot Massage LLC in Berkeley California with my second entry. I am encouraged that WFM continues to be dominating the market in natural foods, but more than that I am encouraged that an economic base is in tact that at it’s source was inspired by “right liveleyhood ” people ( employees, team members, shiftees as they are called in the store) that are working jobs ( 40.000 employees I believe) who are paid to be part of an intricate network to get the highest quality products to consumers. What I respect most, and emulate in my own growing business is creating a culture that is economically sustainable thats purpose is to contribute goods and services that are good for ones body, mind and spirit and that we can make money doing this together. What makes the difference in our types of businesses whether large or small is the intention to be concious, accountable and interdependant. The passion that many of have had to see huge transformation on the planet is happening and unfortunatley many who have jumped on later in the game for instance :eating organic food now understand something some of us have been saying for 30 years. We need to acknowledge how much work we have accomplished in our era as it relates to turning people on to what we saw way back even if it’s getting diluted. I am personally grateful every day to be reaping the benefits of all the work it has and does take to manage and grow a thriving healthy food system. I have worked for 20 years to get chair massage into the culture so people can have a healthy refreshing break from our stresseful lives easily , affordably and in places we like to go. I know people are still starving, there is terrorism, racism, sexism ect. But at what time in history has there ever been such a concious effort to transform the planet and ouselves and have so much dialogue and willingness to make changes. I just looked at a website for concious dying and green funerals ( aging parents) I am so encouraged that so many more of us wamt to make life simpler and more authentic. I wake up with purpose and gratitude to be a part of creating a meaningful economic ecology as part of my chosen work. Rock on John M. Thanks for building a thriving organization and for your willingness to comunicate at a public level in these discussions.
In service.
Shoshana
April 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Mr. Mackey,
Its a wonder that you have truly stepped out to help mankind as you pursue so many encouraging and interesting ventures. The webcast was superb and simply re-eforced your values and what you stand to accomplish.
While the company has growth massively and has put up some of the best breath taking store designs and the team member base as diverse as the product assortments inside the stores; some customers who are our pillar in sales achievements remain a huge challenge as they do not want to move with changing times and accept the fact that today’s work places are a diverse lot as embraced by your well thought out culture. I see a lot of double standards from some customers who want to buy a product from Ghana but will not accept a Ghanian working in your store.They will go to every extent to complain about that person even when its a pure unethical issue. I wish the future should address some of such issues so that everybody feel welcomed and embraced by the one spirit you continue to preach and spread throughout the world especially that “The whole planet foundation” shifts into high gear.
You are a genius and a true role model, wish every mankind had your heart and conviction.
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:40 am
John,
I agree with Jere’s observations. I strongly feel the way your great company promotes organic integrity, is the same way it should protect its team members from abusive and racist customers by formulating consistent national, regional and store level guidelines on dealing with such issues.
You are a true humanitarian and you have proved the fact that not all CEOs are after money especially after taking a $1 pay check.I also like the fact that you have aligned yourself with the great nobel prize winner to push for global battle on poverty and its pleasing that as a native of Latin America, our people were the first beneficiaries.
April 4th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Dear John Mackey,
I found this surprising thread through an article by Allan Nation in the April issue of the Stockman/Grassfarmer magazine. The power of the pen is great indeed! I’m amazed and sympathetic at your stock movement…perhaps it’s a good time to invest?
As a former grassfed meats raiser, I’ve been aware of Whole Foods for quite some time. Our farm’s natural meats were the first local meats to be carried in Kansas City’s first Wild Oats stores, before Whole Foods appeared in the midwest.
The logistics of sourcing local products for large stores like yours are nightmarish and my hat is off to you for hooking your wagon to the exemplary producers at Country Natural Beef.
My purpose is to humbly offer my voice in your discussion about increasing the supply of pastured poultry in this country. I have a unique perspective and a vested interest since I now manufacture small scale poultry processing equipment.
This venture was borne of the frustration of having to make our own in the dearth of affordable, small scale processing equipment. The equipment business soon eclipsed our natural meat business and here I am.
You are obviously serious, committed, and in a position to bring pastured poultry to America on a large scale. I’d like to help you keep the production standards as high as possible while still supplying the scale you need.
I apologize for using this forum to make this offer but it was delightful and educational to dive into this blog first-hand and learn of your interactions with Michael Pollan.
Anticipating your response and eager to watch your webcast,
David Schafer
http://www.featherman.net
April 9th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Cosidering the industrial farming issue and when WFM moved to using more of the larger farms and not the local farmers as much.
Why don’t the larger farming companies simply enter into a partnership venture with as many local farms around the nation to reduce the food miles and at the same time WFM can still recieve their price needed and the smaller farms can stay in business. Perhaps not the way they may want but if the choice is go out of business or stay in business doing the same thing with a different role I believe many would opt to stay in business.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Howdy! I’m an organic farmer in southern oregon- one of many here near Ashland.
I must say that I found out that Whole Foods does not buy locally grown produce- you have send huge quantities to proccesing and distruibuting centers. My nearest is in Eugene. Even though our farm generated over 300,000$ gross in one year (on 40 acres) we find it unprofitable to come over and play… we are simply NOT big enough.
What does this say about the industrial mindset? How hard would it be to give individual WholeFoods stores some power to buy locally?
Quoting John: “Pollan’s perspective was that he was simply practicing the art of journalism to the best of his ability. It had not occurred to him that he could cause great damage to others by means of his reporting.”
How similarly WholeFoods itself, in practicing its own art, causes great damage to the industry of the small farmer.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Mr. Mackey,
Last night I watched a pre-recorded webcast of the 2-hr Feb. 27th co-presentation by you and Michael Pollan in Berkeley. I was deeply moved by the Omnivore’s Dilemma and due to the ‘Big Organic’ chapter had some doubts about Whole Foods’ integrity and intentions although I continued shopping at the store in Sacramento.
You and your presentation more than restored my faith in Whole Foods. I’m amazed frankly that you are able to perform the balancing act of maximizing shareholder value (something inculcated into me and every other MBA at business school) while delving into honorable ventures (the loans and venture capital) that may not be profitable. A true entrepreneurial spirit.
But you are doing more than a balancing act here. Whole Foods has become a catalyst for a larger social movement. One where consumers learn about the value of sustainable agriculture and reconsider their views of the importance of good food in their lives. I didn’t think this could happen in America due to the long standing cultural indifference to high-quality food. I am excited to see that it is possible to change this indifference via a publicly-traded company.
For the past few years I myself have been looking for a more rewarding vocation in the organic farming/gardening realm. I haven’t found it yet but I’ve taken some baby steps by starting my own backyard organic garden, making compost, and now looking into having my own egg-laying hens. I don’t have a big enough yard to do it Joel Salatin style but perhaps a large outdoor cage will do.
The animal welfare video has inspired me to cut way back on meat. I had already been eating about 90% organic but between the video and a Peter Singer book I’m reading, I’m cutting way back.
I’m looking forward to what’s next at Whole Foods. Keep up the amazing work. You are changing this country for the better!
Be Well,
Eddie Eriksson
April 12th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
To David Williams,
Your post is mistaken on 3 counts:
1. All Whole Foods Markets’ stores are empowered to buy local produce from local farmers and all 192 stores in our company do in fact buy local produce from local farmers.
2. We don’t even have a store in Eugene, Oregon so we could hardly have refused to buy any produce from you in that market. Maybe you are confusing us with Wild Oats. We currently have 2 stores open in Oregon, both in the Portland area. Both stores also buy a significant amount of local produce.
3. Whole Foods has done more to support local farmers around the United States than any other food retailer. No other national retailer comes close to our commitment to either organic or local.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Mr. Mackey,
Thanks for making yourself available in this forum.
I and my family and friends are enthusiastic Whole Foods customers in the eastern Massachusetts area. I was amused by the “whole paycheck” derision fomented by your mainstream competition in the last couple years, but unhappy with Whole Foods Market’s response. I feel this links directly to the role of capitalism in food retailing which underlies this blog thread.
It is irresponsible that (speaking from my own experience, I’m in my 50’s) mainstream food sources have and continue to use price as their primary marketing strategy, giving rise to the upstream horrors written about by Schlosser and others. This is where I believe WFM “got it”, differentiated itself, and prospered. In the realm of ingestibles, prioritizing price over quality is manifestly inappropriate.
But my impression of Whole Foods’ response to the “whole paycheck” criticism was to say “No, our prices are competitive”. This just validated the premise and hurt Whole Foods Market’s credibility and leadership position. The intelligent, consistent response is “We pay fair prices, and charge fair prices, for quality you can trust”.
I would love to see Whole Foods Market re-attack this situation.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
LOCAL FOOD PURCHASES/Mr. Williams 12 APR 07
I second the motion and verify the CEO’s comments…as a 100% Raw Foodist for several years, and living in Michigan, where its difficult to obtain a wide variety of fresh produce, I am well aware of the need to purchase foods from out of state just as any quality grocer, however, when possible, buying local is often the best, not just for individuals but large retailers too.
WFM buys a tremendous amount of local food when it is in season (in our town) and actually marks the produce as “grown in Michigan” and has for several years. Furthermore, I know of local farmers who sell their foods to WFM…they have a small, 80 acre farm…organic for 13 years, 100%.
Nobody is perfect, but those who lead by example (WFM) at least stand for the solution. This is a team effort created by individual acts of sincerity and competent action.
Mr. Williams, I hope you have major success in farming and thanks for being organic, even if you haven’t been able to sell to a national chain…somebody must buy/love your food and may they always in great abundance. KUDOS!
Very Sincerely,
Frank
April 20th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Hey John,
Would it be worth creating another catagory of foods called “regional local ” that could band together as a coop for trucking purposes ( biodiesal? ) ? the dairy industry does this. This could be the difference between getting some of the awesome goods or not in some regions of the country. The individual brand growers have their boxes in are well identified for displaying on the shelf usually or the “regional local” food could become a trade name similar to” local” , “transitional” etc. also what about creating a credit union specific to the “green ” “sustainable” “regional” and organic farmer. This could be a viable way to start an impactful real alternative economy that recycles loans, grants and subsidies to “us” for a change as opposed to commercial agribussiness banks etc.
Some of the projects that we Americans have launched for Faire Trade goods in other countries could also be re configured to look at areas of our own economies where populations of our people are not doing so well and could use revitalization by creating new sustainable industries. I think the solor industry could create a whole new wave of non- pollution work conditions for instance that could revitalize oppressed communities that may then be able to afford to shop at a Whole Foods or even have one in their revitalized neighborhoods. I would imagine that New Orleans must have some organic farming potential, and that investment in rebuilding green homes with solar wind and water generation could be an option. Are there projects already going on like this? I’m in the California Bay Area where I’m spoiled by access to everything I could possibly want even whene I was very low income. Is it possible that we could create a ” sustainable world trade organization” with principaled practices and equitability with much more access to euntrepreniurial and small business focus that really invests in educating our young people to become intelligent savy business prople who have integrity and pride in what they do.
Hmmm …
Just a few thoughts on a friday night before I EAT MY ORGANIC FAIRE TRADE 85% CHOCOLATE bar.
In Service
Shoshana Frumkin , President
On the Spot Massage LLC
April 24th, 2007 at 7:35 am
I think it’s very important that John Mackey gets involved in open discussions like this at events in the UK. The core grass roots vegan movement that finally seems to have reached critical mass after 60 years needs that input.
They are, by nature, personified by being very critical and neccesarily idealistic. This clashes with the realism of business and success.
I have always argued that if you want to change the world you have to change McDonalds and Wallmart. You can’t achieve this by running a vegan co-operative business that goes bancrupt within 5 years(although many have survived and proving me wrong against all odds)
Fortunately we now have experienced entrepeneurs who use traditional technology and systems to deliver innovative ethical products that deliver on taste, health, ethics, green issues and availability.
The closest we have to a national challenger to supermarkets is Holland & Barrett who have no real understanding of the food market and just want to sell cheap pills.
The grassroot vegans are deeply critical of manufacturers who sell to supermarkets or people like wholefoods market who promise to emulate their ubiquitousness.
John Mackey needs to come and eloquently explain that if they truly believe in veganism then they must be more realistic about the 99% of people who are not vegan and the level of convenience and availability needed to convert that 99%.
Free range organic meat is the first small step on the long road to drastically reducing meat consumption and saving millions of animals’ lives, destruction of the planet and human health.
The notion that 99% of the population is going to overnight adopt veganism is not just unrealistic it is plain stupid and exposes a lack of essential omega 3 fats (from hemp and Algae)in the diet.
We are working towards world Vegan domination by November 1st 2011 (1:11:11)
Tony Bishop-Weston
http://www.bristolveganfayre.co.uk
May 4th, 2007 at 9:09 am
In this blog entry, other entries, interviews elsewhere, and the like, Mr. Mackey discusses a wide range of topics, often revolving around self-actualization via free markets (free markets not just of goods & services, but of ideas & information). He discusses the proper role of business & government and how those can positively or negatively impact the individual.
Biz & gov. Mackey has excelled in one of these areas, so does he have plans in the other? Bluntly, will he be considering a run in 2008 or 2012?
May 4th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
I had the pleasure of seeing you at Berkeley for your discussion with Pollan. I am not sure if you were aware, but there were a TON of us out there cheering you and sitting with smiles on our faces as you represented the company we pour our hearts into. I left with one of my coworkers feeling re-inspired and so grateful that our company’s “father” is a truly good human being as well as an amazing leader. Thank you for coming out to visit the Bay and hope to see you more often out here!
May 7th, 2007 at 8:45 am
John: Have been following your dialog with Pollan and thoughts on conscious capitalism closely. I have 20+ years in traditional industry, and your ideas are so refreshing. Anyway, if you haven’t read it already, you might enjoy this NYTimes article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/yourmoney/06fourth.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th
I can’t believe WFM/you weren’t mentioned in the article!
Regards, Jeff
May 24th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Dear Mr. John,
I’m a current student right now of agriculture engineering at EARTH University in Costa Rica; I would like to know what happens after the Ecological Era??? Are the GMOs part of this Ecological Era or they are starting a new one?? I liked your presentation, but what is your vision in 30 years since now related with sustainable development and starving?? .. i will appreciate your answer.
Thanks for your time
Juan Claudio
May 29th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Right thought
Right speaking
Right action
oh yes and the right connections.
1.What avenues are being developed to foster future funding for small scale growers who do not fit the commercial banking system.
2. What is the esential challenge WFM deals with as the commercial culture carves away at offering “organic” and “alternative” shopping choices.
3. Is Whole Foods open to considering the benefits of value added services to accomodate the growing trend in customers one stop shopping experience?
4. What other areas of industry or commerce is a priority to influence changes for WFM?
5. Given the large purchasing capacity WFM has, are the industies that have seen the most success in affiliating with you partnering in effecting a larger economic “alternative impact?
I am interested to address these kinds of issues at a public level in the hopes that the dialogue can move towards solution orientation as it pertains to the bigger picture we can effect in various industries.
As a business owner in direct relatioship to WFM in the Nor Cal region I see a huge potential to upgrade and formalize specific services that at this time have been sporadic throughout the stores, and align as strategic partners with WFM. This will represent huge new pools of revenue while expanding the WFM customer base considerably. New opportunities will be created for locally qualified recruites as well as customers having aour reliable brand to shop from every store offering this service in the proposed Nor Cal region for starters.
It is possible in our time to see a huge impact in the awareness of the average person to shop conciously, we just have to make it easy to do so.
Here to serve your kneads!
Shoshana Frumkin, President
On the Spot Massage LLC
California, Bay Area
May 31st, 2007 at 1:08 pm
John,
On the central topic Michael raised, that of food source: will Whole Foods Markets take the lead on this, by labelling its produce bins with source location and approximate age? This would be an enormous added value to the consumer, with a tiny cost to WF.
Thanks,
Gary H
September 15th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
dearest John,
i do humbly apologize for discovering your ul work just today. Courtesy of http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=8163827&blogID=346488833&indicate=1
You mentionned a near 5-star meat producer, did it get those stars and can you en-lighten me, thx for your transparency.
In my journey on Gaia, so far i have really been impressed by “Maverick” by Ricardo Semler and my PoV about meat vs vegeterian, is why not espouse the compassionate of letting us animals die of natural death instead of being butchered.
Naturally your meat.org video is changing my view shown on mySpace.com/love2unconditional with the Me@rix trilogy cartoon.
with ul,
george
August 14th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Mr. Mackey, do you know who shops at Whole Foods?
Your patrons are enlightened, progressive people who support urgenly needed health care reform. You do your business no good by standing in its way.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Do not oppose urgently needed health-care reform, Mr. Mackey. Your customers are overwhelmingly people who support it.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Mr. Mackey, please end your opposition to health care reform. People who shop at Whole Foods overwhelmingly support this much needed legislation.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Dear Mr Mackey:
We were amazed and appalled to read your comments in the Wall Street Journal. Whole Foods sells an image based on health, yet you position yourself in opposition to access to care for all Americans. Your “prescriptions” were simply recycled myths and false solutions that have done nothing to stop the decline of health coverage over the past decade.
I’m sorry, but you just lost our family’s 400$ per week at WF. Too many Americans lack health care; sadly WF is part of the problem, not the solution. The CEO of a publicly traded company should know better.
Drs Maura Cooper and Bruce Siegel
August 14th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Mr Mackey you just lost my business, $100+ per week. You’re the CEO of a public company, keep your political views to yourself, family and friends.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am
We have been pretty good customers of your stores over the years. We have even given out gift certificates at times and we have certainly touted your name.
No more. Your corporate philosophy (which is yours personally) regarding our need as a nation to take the incentive away from the health insurance companies, so that they can be what they started out to be, health insurance companies; your philosophy, you, have sold out your core values.
In Miami, Southern California, New York, Iowa, Utah, Philadelphia and Denver you are OFF our Christmas Card List and your stock will no longer appear in our portfolio.
sincerely,
Bruce
August 15th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Dear Mr. Mackey,
Reading the American Thinker article on how some liberals have decided to quit patronizing Whole Foods I have one thing to say to them…go. I, my wife, (a naturalized U.S. citizen and someone who experienced tyranny firsthand), and my mother are all “originalist” conservatives who have patronized your business from the very first day you opened in Reno, Nv.. Your comments on what should be done to rectify the present problems imposed on the medical professions are correct. Something to think about is when will they, (Obama and his ilk of control everything freaks), eventually try to either directly or indirectly control your business. If there are any on the Board of Directors or the executive staff of Whole Foods Inc. they are the supreme hypocrite…self explanatory.
God willing “conservative” freedom not socialist tyranny will prevail.
Some reading material
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/08/extort_thy_neighbor_or_how_to.html
Vance Rushing
U.S.N. Retired
August 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Dear Mr. Mackey,
Reading the American Thinker article on how some liberals have decided to quit patronizing Whole Foods I have one thing to say to them…go. I, my wife, (a naturalized U.S. citizen and someone who experienced tyranny firsthand), and my mother are all “originalist” conservatives who have patronized your business from the very first day you opened in Reno, Nv.. Your comments on what should be done to rectify the present problems imposed on the medical professions are correct. Something to think about is when will they, (Obama and his ilk of control everything freaks), eventually try to either directly or indirectly control your business. If there are any on the Board of Directors or the executive staff of Whole Foods Inc. who subscibe socialism they are the supreme hypocrite…self explanatory.
God willing “conservative” freedom not socialist tyranny will prevail.
Some reading material
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/08/extort_thy_neighbor_or_how_to.html
Vance Rushing
U.S.N. Retired
Please post this edited correction
Vance
August 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
So John is against President Obama’s health care reforms. His comments against Britian and Canada’s health care systems is opinionated and uneducated. Very few citizens in countries with national health care complain about their health care. What they know is that they are insured. 47 million Americans have NO health care at all. Why is America the only industrialized country in the world (except for South Africa) with no national health care? Why does John think this is OK?
I have been a consistant customer of Whole Foods, but now I will not be able to enter your store without getting angry at your elitist attitude.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I have now not only joined the boycott of whole foods but am actively working to encourage others to join our boycott. And it’s really funny to read the comments from republiklans who now “support” whole foods but who in the past refered to it as a store for wimpy liberals. What HYPOCRITES!
August 15th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
SORRY, NO LONGER A RENO CUSTOMER. YOU EXPRESSED YOUY OPINIONS ON HEALTH CARE NOW I AM EXPRESSING MINE.
August 15th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Mr.Mackey,you are soooooooo right,but in this country now it seems everyone wants everything for FREE.I hate to say it but there is no such thing as FREE.FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT,I’m with you(and I am a democrat.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Kudo’s to you Mr Mackey! My wife and I have never set foot in a Whole Foods store but that is about to change. Thank you for your views and having the courage to voice them.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
My wife and I have been shopping regularly at Whole Foods in Las Vegas for over 10 years. We sincerely thank the business CEO for providing his view of the health care issues facing the US. Since Mr. Mackey’s views appear to be a direct contradiction to the healthy living ideals that we have until now believed that their stores promote, my wife and I will be taking our business to another store.
We do not intend to continue to support a hypocritical business that believes more in lining their own pockets and shortchanging their employees health plans than in promoting the health and welfare of their customers and employees.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I have not been to your store yet but will make a point to go there this weekend. Thank you for speaking up as the President has stated. It’s a shame that the liberal left doesn’t want to here or consider any opinion or alternative but their own. They fooled a lot of people in 2008, 2010 will be different.
August 16th, 2009 at 2:19 am
At the time I was there last week I didn’t realize my visit to the local Whole Foods store would be my last or I would have said goodbye to everyone. I cannot your corporate profit focused, “I’ve got mine, everybody else is on their own” approach. You knew who you were writing for and that the WSJ would use your work to support their corporate clients in every way possible.
As a self employed person, I pay almost $500 per month for high deductible insurance and I know good and well I have no protection whatsoever. As soon as I have a serious illness the medical corporations will make an assessment. How much can we get from his “insurance”? How can we attach his personal assets? When all of those are gone they will call whomever I list as my next of kin and tell them to come and get me because there is nothing more they can do.
I will not go back to Whole Foods.
August 16th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Mr. Mackey,
What is it about health care reform that frightens you so much? Do you have a large amount of stock in Cigna, Blue Cross and Humana?
The “all-knowing” market sucks… and we all know it. Who was bailing out the bankers to the tune of billions… the evil government. I didn’t hear the wealthy complaining when your portfolios were being saved!
You misinformed opinions about health care are not backed by facts, only your own conjecture. Why don’t you study what doctors are recommending rather than form conclusions on biases? Studies consistently reveal that Americans have bloated, expensive health care that does not give benefit in proportion to cost. What is the solution? Take money making out of health care! Leave that to cleaver business people who see a desire in the market and exploit it. Sick people should not be exploited for profit!
You are wrong in your assertion that we have no way to pay for health reform. We have, in this country, plenty of money! Look at our bloated military budget! If we simply stop expanding the already ludicrous production of useless war material we could easily pay for health, all while stimulating the economy and creating useful and well-paying jobs!
Oh, BTW, I am a long time customer who spends hundreds of dollars at your store monthly… no more! Until you apologize for your misinformed comments you will never see another dime from me! Mr. Mackey: stay out of politics!
Alexander Shedd, Albuquerque NM
August 16th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Mr Mackey you have my whole hearted support. I have never shopped at you store but will now go out of my way to do so. I wished more people had the guts (particularly CEO’s and business people) to stand up and say what this socialized nightmare is–a fiasco. And please do not back down now that you have taken this stand. To make this stand takes great guts. Just as the founders of our nation have said, “we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor”. Many of them lost great sums of money and literally fortunes because LIBERTY was more important to them than making a buck. And yes while it is true that some will stop shopping at your store you will have the knowledge that you did the right thing in the face of the left-wing mob that has done so much to destroy this great nation that is built upon Washington, Jefferson, and all our founders. Men who were proud to proclaim that “all men are created equal and endowed by there Creator.” (Not some are more equal than others and endowed by there own delusions.)
Yes you might lose some customers but there are many others that will come and take there place and support you and your stores because you have supported us –”the little guy” who has no voice. Thank you again.
August 16th, 2009 at 9:35 am
YOU LOST MY BUCKS BUDDY!
August 16th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Mr. Mackey,
What is it about health care reform that frightens you so much? Do you have a large amount of stock in Cigna, Blue Cross and Humana?
The “all-knowing” market sucks… and we all know it. Who was bailing out the bankers to the tune of billions… the evil government. I didn’t hear the wealthy complaining when your portfolios were being saved!
Your misinformed opinions about health care are not backed by facts, only your own conjecture. Why don’t you study what doctors are recommending rather than form conclusions on biases? Studies consistently reveal that Americans have bloated, expensive health care that does not give benefit in proportion to cost. What is the solution? Take money making out of health care! Leave that to cleaver business people who see a desire in the market and exploit it. Sick people should not be exploited for profit!
You are wrong in your assertion that we have no way to pay for health reform. We have, in this country, plenty of money! Look at our bloated military budget! If we simply stop expanding the already ludicrous production of useless war material we could easily pay for health, all while stimulating the economy and creating useful and well-paying jobs!
Oh, BTW, I am a long time customer who spends hundreds of dollars at your store monthly… no more! Until you apologize for your misinformed comments you will never see another dime from me! Mr. Mackey: stay out of politics!
Dr. Alexander Shedd
August 16th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Sir,
Having followed the national debate on health care reform, it was interesting to see your comments in the WSJ, and to read some of the comments in your blog. I am unsure of the actual incidence of rationing and wait times in Britain and Canada, as I am unsure of what actual costs of any public option would be in our own country. To the best of my knowledge the only experiments we have tried to date have been the children’s insurance program in Hawaii which failed due to the expense, and Massachusetts that appears to be having some of the same problems.
I completely agree with your opinion concerning personal responsibility of diet and nutrition, and the role that this plays in overall health. I can find nothing that I disagree with concerning your reform concepts, and being self-employed, in fact satisfactorily used high deductible insurance personally for many years.
Having attempted to remove much of the emotional aspects of this topic from the debate, I am left with the same ideas for improvement that you listed. I especially liked the option of a deductible contribution for children’s health care, as I currently, and regularly, contribute to St. Jude and several international children’s charities. The bottom line, as it so often is, is one of cost. Any program, or change, that we implement must be fundable without adding to individual tax burden. As a businessman, you understand, as do I and that there is only so much money one can spend … regardless of what we may emotionally want to do. The answers, to date, of fundability, are at best questionable and at worst (CBO report on current proposals) a fiscal nightmare. When the money runs out, all health care and or other support stops.
Again Sir, I applaud your comments. Your company does not have a store in my town, but I can certainly drive the 40 miles at times.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Thank you for stating your accurate opinion of Health Care Reform. Because of your view I will try and ONLY shop at Whole Foods. I will encourage everyone I know to do the same. I only wish more high profile people would share in your accurate boldness. We need to stand up to the President and his UN-American ideas.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Hi John
Thopopules Here
Your views on health care reform were right on
please keep up the good fight.I know many folks who would love to work at whole foods because of your
generous benefits.I will be shopping at whole foods
for all my veggies from now on.
ps I am somewhat ticked off that you no longer carry
ziggermens bagels at your ann arbor mi stores.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Having never visited one of these stores, my wife and I will now attempt to locate this store in our area and support this fine business. This country needs more logical ideas on health care and not the limited minds of government type of answers.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:26 am
In addition to the measures described by Mr. Mackey, the following
steps would induce real competition in the health field.
* Eliminate government licensing of medical professionals. Government
licensing should be replaced by private certification. Consumers
could then employ certified medical professionals or not as they
pleased. The government licensing system drives up costs for users of
services while it benefits practitioners. For example, the number of
doctors is restricted in a number of ways by accredited medical
schools. Medical schools artificially limit the number of applicants
who are accepted. You can’t get licensed as a doctor unless you came
from an accredited medical school. It is very difficult for a doctor
who attended to a foreign medical school to obtain a medical license
in the United States. Medical professionals in all fields face
restrictions similar to those that doctors face. All of these
measures restrict competition, drive up costs, and reduce the choices
available to consumers.
* Abolish the FDA. The draconian requirements of the FDA with respect
to the development of drugs keeps useful drugs off of the market, and
drives up the cost of drugs that are on the market.
* Eliminate patents. Patents restrict competition, and they markedly
drive up the costs of drugs.
* Eliminate trade barriers that restrict the access of United States
citizens to foreign drugs. For example, many drugs are currently
available more cheaply in Canada than they are in the United States.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Fabulous article- but don’t back down because of a boycott threat. It is ironic those that are suposed to be so tolerant and open minded make threats when one expresses an opionion, a right in this country, that is ulike their own. Consider if the tables were turned. I think you’ll be surprised at all the new customers you’ll gain (me included) for having the courage to speak up. After all, most Americans do not agree with Obama’s plan which will bankerupt our country.
August 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I am so impressed with your editorial piece. Please continue to speak your mind. It was handled so eloquently and diplomatically and truly with a the facts. Should this proposes government run health insurance plan become a reality I suspect that business would be down anyway regardless of who favors the plan or not. Who will have the money to spend on food? The boycott will have no effect due to the fact that I suspect you will gain many more customers in their places. Health care is still available-no one is ever turned away. Prioritizing one’s expenses is the key. I have always been a fan of Whole Foods but at times I feel a bit uncomfortable (i.e. if I don’t bring a recyclable bag b/c I am in need of some paper or plastic bags for other reasons). I am now an even bigger fan. Keep up all of the great work Mr. Mackey!
August 16th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
You have the right to say what you want. I have the right to not spend another dime in your stores until you resign.
August 16th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I believe Mackey has the best of intentions and his company’s solution is perfect for companies with 8 billion in annual revenue. I’ll go so far as to say it probably works with any companies of a billion plus maybe even less. And quite frankly if the current bill is passed his model will still be viable. It solves the problem of the rising deductibles and increasing copays in the current insurance market for his employees and any companies of the aforesaid structure. It spreads the risk and thus brings costs into line. The bigger the pool the easier it is to spread the risk as long as you have the proper checks and balances in place. Hey wait a sec, isn’t that the whole concept behind insurance? Have we strayed a bit from that model in recent years? Problem is that most self employed are in small groups of one or two. Heaven forbid they get sick, because they then become uninsurable. Not everyone works for multinational conglomerates.
Most of his other suggestions are great as well. We all need to lose weight and not smoke, buy foods from his stores (Whole Paycheck), and if we have money we could choose to donate extra money towards healthcare on our 1040’s to those that don’t. Portablility is good I guess. Tort reform is definitely good. Repealing all government mandates would be a total disaster in my opinion but that is the only one that I did not like. His suggestions are mostly great conceptually but highly unlikely to come to fruition.
In conclusion, I guess the liberals who are jumping all over Mackey are guilty of exactly what the conservatives who are jumping all over the current health bill are guilty of. They hear that he wrote an article in the nasty old WSJ entitled “The Whole Foods Alternative to Obamacare” and some of them went ballistic. As he states above, Mackey never wrote the word “Obamacare” .
If more conservatives looked at the facts instead of gathering their conclusions from Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck and Fox News whose sole purpose it is is to destroy this administration, then maybe there would not be such a problem with reforming the current health care situation.
Call me crazy but I believe that offering a government option encourages Capitalism, not Socialism. You see the government option won’t let someone who didn’t reveal they had taken acne medicine in their teens go financially bankrupt by refusing to cover their cancer treatments 20 years later. Now with such a competitor in place the private insurers need to make sure they do the same or lose market share to the nasty old government. That is good old Capitalism at work.
I have some of that terrible liberal blood flowing in me because I feel that the poor and ill have a right to health care just like I am crazy enough to think they have a right to education, police and fire protection and paved roads amongst other things. If that makes me a Socialist then I am proud to be a Socialist but as a Wharton MBA I still call myself a capitalist and a fiscal conservative. Go figure.
August 17th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Thank you Mr. Mackey, for your comments about the attempted government takeover of the healthcare industry. No government has the right to control a patient/doctor relationship. Plus, government access to your checking account to automatically withdraw money; government employees to come to your home when you are expecting/have children and tell you the proper way to raise them? No business of the government’s. This will lead to the government dictating what we can and can’t eat (as they are in some places already) which would no doubt benefit your Company.
I shop at Whole Foods occasionally and will continue to do so. I am not a believer that Organic is any healthier than regular grown foods. This has been proven and admitted to by the Organic Foods industry. I don’t buy Whole Foods for health reasons but for taste. Your steaks are great! Your desserts are wonderful! Frankly, the veggies I buy at Publix and Winn Dixie are better than yours.
Someone started a comment with the word “Progressive”. This word is a cover for people who are afraid to admit they are Liberal/Socialist. Hillary called herself a Progressive,not a Liberal, during the campaign.
Thanks again,
Edwina
August 17th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Kudos to Mr. Mackey on your op-ed piece on Obama’s healthcare takeover attempt. I wish that other CEO’s would have the courage to tell it like it is. I have not been a big Whole Foods shopper in the past, but I will be in the future.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I have been a regular customer since you were located on Lamar. I will no longer spend my money to further the goals of someone who obviously does not think our health care system needs to be divorced from the capitalist model. The aims of health care are to reduce the number of customers John, the aims of capitalism quite the opposite. Nurses, such as myself, understand this as well as the pain and suffering and increased costs that are caused by our lack of even the most primitive and primary health care.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Thank you so much for your blog. I support you 100% and will continue to support Whole Foods as long as you are in charge. You are a good and decent man.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
My husband and I live in a city that does not have a Whole Foods, but whenever we have gone to a nearby city that has one, we have made a point of including a stop at WF. We always took a cooler and brought home as many items as we could. That habit is over. The appalling comments by WF’s CEO regarding health care reform in this country shocked and distressed us. We cannot support a company which lends its name, even through one person, to this kind of policy. Too bad.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
I lived in Canada for most of my life until I was 30 years old. It was inconceivable to me that Americans pay for health care when I moved here. When in Canada I had access to whatever care I needed whenever I needed it with no long waits. My parents and entire family still reside there.
My mother was diagnosed with acute Pancreatitis in 2000. She spent 10 months in the hospital. She wasn’t able to eat a meal but got her nourishment through an IV. She had several trips to Intensive Care a few surgeries, round the clock care and medications that were extremely necessary and abundant.
My mother is home now and for the most part well and living a good life.
I was grateful the whole time she was there and I am especially grateful now. If we had lived in the US my mother would most likely be dead and we would all be broke paying for her medical bills.
You have a limited and naive outlook on this matter, the insurance companies here are great at brainwashing U. S. citizens to think that other countries in the world that actually care for their people are flawed.
Fear and greed motivate this opinion.
I would suggest you take some personal responsibility and do some further investigation and search your conscience before you continue along this path of thinking.
I believe ignorance is a dangerous thing.
I am concerned about your well being, because someone with such a poor view of what’s possible and such a short sightedness when it comes to the well being of his fellow man, must have an unhealthy heart no matter what he eats or how much he exercises.
Sincerely,
Kate Shorter
Canadian and American citizen
ex-Whole Foods shopper
August 17th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Mr. mackey, your article on health care reform was right on point. Many thanks. I have been a Whole Foods shopper for many years & will continue to be one. When are you going to run for office? We could use some intelligent, hard working people in Washington.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
We strongly disagree with your oped piece on Health-care. We came to the United States from England. In 2003 we returned for a Holiday. Unfortunately my wife needed medical treatment for her knee. Within 2 hours of presenting ourselves at a Hospital she received a diagnostic MRI and treatment. She walked out of the Hospital with a pair of crutches free of charge and without any medical bill for the Emergency room or the Doctor.
We do not think you understand the predicament faced by millions of Americans who lack access to Health-care.
The President of a Company bears a responsibility for the image of the entire Company; whether or not it is his personal opinion.
We have shopped at Whole-Foods for over 20 years and spend thousands of dollars annually. We are so disappointed with your statements that we intend to purchase our organic products from alternative stores until such time as you decide to support the idea that Health-care is a universal right.
Margaret Thatcher is now enjoying the benefits of the same system she attempted to dismantle.
August 18th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Cute quote from Mag Thatcher! With ideas like that, how come she didn’t make it her mission to shut down Britain’s National Health Service? Tell me, Mr. Mackey!
August 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hi!
I just read a commentary about John Mackay and the Whole Foods employee health insurance plans and so I thought I’d check out this site. I’m so glad I found it!
I love Whole Foods. We went to Santa Fe and ate in an expensive restaurant, then stopped at a Whole Foods delicatessen the next day and the Whole Foods meal was the better one!
Thank you, John Mackay, for bringing us Whole Foods and this website!!!!!!
Carol
August 18th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I’ve been a shopper at WF for years, but seeing a multimillion dollar owner argue against health-care reform that would benefit those less fortunate, makes me sick. It’ll be a long time, if ever, before I can return to the WF in Chicago without being reminded by the affluence on display there that my purchases benefit those who can most afford health care, as well as healthy food, but seem to live by a dog-eat-dog mentality when it comes to those less fortunate than themselves. I suggest CEO of WF get their values toward the working classes who don’t shop at WF more in line with their stated values to the earth before any of us return to their stores.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I completely support the CEO’s right to express his alternative ideas. Although I have not read, in its entirety, the idea, I respect the fact that he has another idea. Especially since I do not support the Govt’s option. We, the working class people, are terrified at what’s going on right before our eyes. As an Accountant, I’m amazed at the costs of this. Number’s make sense…the Govt plan, doesn’t.
August 18th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Our family joins the boycott of Whole foods.
Mackey knows very little about health care. His is just the usual ‘libertarian’ (AKA corporate interests) propaganda against government. Corporations want to be free from any legal obligations to freely exploit every one of us – as consumers and as workers. They are predators in pinstrips.
The U.S. is rated towards the bottom of developed countries in terms of overall health care. The citizenry of Western Europe, Canada and Australia LOVE their single payer health care systems. They look at our system with horror.
For Mackey to profess an organic “Whole food” philosophy while supporting the insurance company supported far right disinformation campaign against real health reform is hypocritical to the extreme. And he’ll never get it, because he never did.
It’s good to see who he really is; and better to see the fraud behind the “Whole Food” facade.
We will now shop every alternative to Whole Foods.
15 less less customers John! Way to go!
August 18th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’ve been shopping at Whole foods exclusively since contracting a systemic Candida infection 3 months ago, but have now chosen not to continue to support your company. Hearing about and now reading your CEO’s disappointing comments against the Democrats’ efforts to introduce a Public Option to the health reform bill has upset me greatly. A public option would help the uninsured and underinsured currently suffering with little or no health care options in this country gain access to the basic health care so many of us now lack. Mr. Mackey your lack of compassion and greed reflects badly on your company and you have lost my business completely until there is a change of Management or you express a change of heart.
August 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Thank You, Mr. Mackey for having the courage to speak your mind on the farce of the proposed health care reform. In the USA, this freedom to speak one’s mind is very valuable and one must not be intimidated into silence. So, if the uninformed “progressives” wish to no longer support the free enterprise system, that is their perogative, because I, and thousands of others will become new customers because of your stand.
I just located on the internet the nearest store and will go tomorrow!
Right on!!
August 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
You will not miss my large annual purchase at my favorite store,however you do not represent my view of healthcare reform..I chose not to continue shopping at your store. I will lose some supporters for my blog but I accept the risk of that action..
The Real Truth behind HealthCare Reform: http://idj4u.ws/u/7479
August 18th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Way to go Mr. Mackey, you certainly told the truth! In Obaqma’s health care, the TRUTH HURTS!
Thank you for being a brave honest citizen.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I shop regularly at the Bellevue WA WMF… BUT you just lost me as a customer and a stock holder, all my business will now go to PCC Natural Markets and Trader Joe’s.. bye bye. I Loved your store, but love my country and the people in it first!!! … it’s America, we have choices, and you just helped me choose NOT to shop at WMF ever again!!
August 19th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I’m happy that Mr. Mackey doesn’t have any health problems and can afford to treat any that might occur. Health is a beautiful thing. My son was diagnosed with Autism and severe digestive disorders at 19 months – I don’t know why, I ate healthy, exercised regularly during pregnancy. Just bad luck I guess.
And I understand folks who have good luck and good health not wanting to “pay” for those of us who have bad luck. I used to be like that!
Today when I bring my son to his pre-school class and see other moms with their children in wheelchairs, I feel very blessed. And I wouldn’t mind paying extra for health care to help those moms.
Funny how life changes some of us. I think we’ll purchase our organic food elsewhere.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am
looks like im going to start shoping at whole foods market. Smart man, he knows how much more america would be with this “health care” crap. Lets knock this BS reform down then afte that inact the FAIRTAX. that would get america going in the right direction.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:21 am
THANK YOU JOHN MACKEY
I’M IN FULL SUPPORT OF YOUR HEALTH CARE POLICIES AND WILL NOW START SHOPPING AT WHOLE FOOD MARKET IN-SPITE OF THE THRONGS OF LEFT WING EXTREMISTS I WILL HAVE TO ENDURE
August 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Comparing healthcare to owning a personal computer?! I can live and prosper without the computer. I have seen so many lives ruined because of our system. You speak like so many who never walk in anothers shoes. I’ll have a hard time stepping your store again.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Dear John Mackey,
I have been a client of Whole Foods in both Boston
and London for many years, but it was only after I read your article on health care that I finally appreciated your work, your inspiration, your effort and your courage.
In this politically-correct sorta-free American time, it is untrendy to suggst that people should be responsible for themselves, not only through diet, keeping slim and working for their own food, shelter and health care, but it is theoretical suicide to suggest that the human spirit thrives on nothing less.
Having lived in largely socialist England for many years, I have seen how people despise one another, envy anyone who gets ahead of the crowd and generally has an equally low opinion of themselves and of their ability to navigate the world without massive handouts from government. I saw that there are two kinds of freedom:
1. FREEDOM TO discover and go after your dream and your potential – which implies being self-responsible at every level; this is the freedom our Constitution advocates when it guarantees the pursuit of happiness, it does not guarantee happiness, food, shelter, health care and so on; and then there is:
2. FREEDOM FROM the work, courage and effort to take care of oneself and ones loved ones. Freedom From hunger, homelessness, disease, having to pay for your own subway rides and so on.
If it werent for Americans and others like you, who
advocate FREEDOM TO there would be no wealth for any government to grab and redistribute in the first place. Governments create no wealth, they can only grab it from those who do and redistribute it according to their lights, lobbies, power-hungry
habits.
GOOD ON YA! John Mackey and I and my friends will be shopping more than every at Whole Foods.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
As a member of the Whole Foods family, being an exculisve product of Whole Foods, we are proud, here at Indian Wells Brewing Company, of you and your intelligent way of presenting alternatives to this health insurance issue.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
It’s going to difficult. I’m really going to miss my Whole Food’s fix. Maybe the birthers, deathers, and FEMA-concentration camp enthusiasts will replace my demographic. The country these people think they’re going to be taking back is permanently in the rear view mirror.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Your appalling position on health care has just lost you further customers. Apparently, you only care about good health for the wealthy, like you. It’s sad that someone so ruch can be so greedy and inhumane as to try to persuade people that your completely self-interested position is for the greater good. Shame on you!
August 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Thank you Mr. Mackey for your honesty about health care! I am a conservative that shops at your 2 stores in St. Louis and it’s good to know that the CEO has some common sense even if some of his customers don’t. Keep telling it like it is!
August 19th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I totally agree with you Mr. Mackey, as to your comments regarding the healthcare topic. I have MANY friends who also agree. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. If those who do not agree wish to shop somewhere else, so be it. They will be hard pressed to find another WHOLE FOODS! I plan to continue shopping for my family and now plan to buy gift cards for friends at Christmas in order to show my support.
I am also pleased see someone in your position not afraid to speak their mind.
Three cheers for you and Thank you!
August 19th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
John,
Your article offering 8 steps to improve healthcare was brilliant. Your well thoughout ideas and comments echo the thoughts of many. I carefully clipped it out of the WSJ to show to others and to remind myself of the ideas expressed in it. Thanks.
Dr. J Burke
August 19th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
**I am reposting here; I somehow posted to an earlier blog entry about a different subject**
August 19th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Kudos to you, Mr. Mackey! I just read your healthcare comments online. Thank you for standing behind those beliefs. As a result, I have purchased a gift card in support of your (our) first ammendment rights and to thank you for stepping up to the plate.
Oh, and for the previous posted comment lauding the British system: I spoke with a very good friend last night who is a breast surgeon in Calif. She mentioned one of her new patients–a 43 British woman with breast cancer. Seems she has an 11 month wait in Britain–wonder why the system over there doesn’t seem to be working as well for her? Peace.
**Note: When I tried to post to AOL regarding my position on this topic, it “disappeared” and was never posted…
August 19th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Mr. mackey you as an American are entitled to voice your point of view. Do not let mean spirited closed mined individuals take that from you. I love your store there is nothing like it anywhere. Those who say they will shop elsewhere. I have this to say: Enjoy superwalmart they sell organic, and ask their employees how they like their company paid health plan. Thats if they are lucky to have one as generous as yours.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I cannot believe how the bleeding heart liberals who are supposed to be so compassionate are attacking this man for his ideas. If you don’t believe the way they do or give them what they want they act like a bunch of tantrum throwing children. I appreciate Mr. Mackie for speaking out and if I had one of his stores near me I would certainly shop there.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Mr. Mackie DO NOT WITHDRAW YOUR COMMENTS or lower yourself to this intimidation you are undergoing by the so called 18,000.00 “bloggers” on FaceBook regarding your stand on the Health Care Bill. I am a Republican and feel we do need Health Care Reform but I do not go along with the President’s bill. That said and what you have said should not “target” either of us. Your stand makes me want to “shop” at your store more than ever.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Mr. Mackey
I agree with your position on the health care issue.
I can’t understand where all the doctors will come from to serve these 47 million people without health care. How do you spell r-a-t-i-o-n? I know your store has nothing to do with your opnion on health care but I intend to start shopping there. I don’t know why the far left wants to hurt the employees of Whole Foods.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Sir,
I too admire your courage and intelligence. I’m sure that with the kind of business you are running and the amount of knowledge you have about health, you more than deserve your opinion on the health plan. I am 30 miles from the closest store, but now since hearing this silly boycott going on, I WILL BE GOING 30 MILES TO SHOP AT YOUR STORE IN NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS. YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN!
August 19th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
My wife has been trying to get me to stop shopping at Whole Foods. You, sir, have convinced me that she is correct. You will have one less customer because of your backward positions on health care as stated here and in the WSJ. Please enter the 21st Century, sir.
John D. Schulz
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301-530-6656
August 19th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey After reading your article in the WSJ 8/12/09, I applaud your common sense proposals. I also believe that effective health care reform need not break the bank. The eight steps outlined in your article shows a well thought out approach to problems that do not neccessarily need trillions to solve. I believe these ideas bring great credit on yourself, and the Whole Food organization. Please, consider a store in southern Delaware, I’ll be first in line. Sincerly, DWM
August 19th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Based on this rediculous boycott, I’m going to do all my shopping at whole Foods!!
August 19th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
People need to actually read the positive works that John Mackey has done for his employees and also for Charity.
They also need to read the HR 2300 bill before they throw there opinions around.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
People need to actually read the positive works that John Mackey has done for his employees and also for Charity.
They also need to read the HR 3200 bill before they throw there opinions around.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
To all those who are boycotting Whole Foods,
You need to actually read the positive works that John Mackey has done for his employees and also for Charity.
They also need to read the HR 3200 bill before they throw there opinions around.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I shopped many times at Whole paycheck foods many times mainly because I like quality,as do most people.
However I will be one of many people who find elsewhere.Whole Foods is a place meant for wealthy yuppie clientel anyways.
So Mr CEO didn’t expect such a reaction?The so called health sucking industry has nothing to do with anything?While diet always plays an important role in one’s health,one would not argue that the fire truck should determine when and when not to send their rescue since many calls end up as fire alarms and the cast majority of fires that do happen could have been prevented.So if your infant chokes to death or has a life threatening illness,wouldn’t it be fair to say he/she should not be treated if only you yuppie parents actually just watched over your children?
I have made sure to spread word of mouth and many people who shop regularly at whole foods are boycotting the store and will continue to.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Thank you Mr Mackey.My wife and I live in a location with no Whole Foods,sadly enough.When ever we go to the Chicago area we make a bee line to your stores.One point that is never made about govt. controlled healthcare is the fact that the person is taken out of the equasion.Would you want to eat govt.food,drive a govt.car or live in a govt.house.Not me! Thank you for presenting a great idea.I liked the part about the IRS tax donation,what a novel idea…
August 20th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Don’t listen to this boycott nonsense. Even if I didn’t agree with you, you have a RIGHT to your own opinion. These people are the modern version of the schoolyard bully and cowards to boot. There are more people who feel like me, and WE HAVE MORE MONEY TO SPEND THAN THEY DO! Now I’m going to get in my car, drive to the other side of town (are there any plans to open a store in Chesterfield, VA?)to Glen Allen and shop at your store JUST TO SPITE THEM! Stand firm!
August 20th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I have no illusions that Mr. Mackey will not disregard my comments. However, I think the beginning of his peace with a quote from Thatcher in regard to socialism is telling. Here we see the worst kind of name-slinging that has colored this entire debate. Instead of discussing the health care proposals in a holistic fashion– that issues of public health, economic stability, and even social justice are involved in this debate escapes the grasp of such conservatives. Instead of a deep and considered response to a truly important issue we get a narrow myopia of capitalism vs. socialism. As if the entirety of the E.U. and Canada are the new Soviet Union because they already have the health care system that we are told to fear. Are Canadians seeking asylum by the thousands in the US, fleeing from the repressive socialism under which they suffer (though we do see senior citizens taking day-trips from the US to Canada to get medicines)? What we have here is a failure to communicate. The same reason we were given by Nixon that we could not have a public option is the same reason Mackey would dredge up now– the Red Scare! Oh, please! The sad thing is that many still fall for it. I for one will now go to the co-op rather than Whole Foods– the freedom of Capital, right!
August 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Mr. Mackey,
I respect and admire you for submitting suggestions for the future of our health care system. That is more than alot of Democrats or Republicans have done.
Free speech is a right that is even more important than a Health Care Bill. Many people are trying to punish you for your views and suggestions and shut your right to free speech down. Please know that there are many, many more people who share your beliefs and, more importantly your right to say them.
I will continue to shop at your wonderful stores.
Thank you for all that you do for our country.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Mr. Mackey has made a customer out of me!
August 20th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Dear Mr. MacKey, 8/18/2009
Forty six million Americans have no health insurance. That’s more than the populations of Texas, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado combined. I was really quite surprised to read your OP-ED in the Wall Street Journal. The only point I agree with is that we should never take on new debt without a means of paying for it, but I cannot help the thought that you are missing the point of the debate.
The central point of the health care debate is not about how much each employer should pay, or even an appropriate percentage of profit for the HMO’s. No, I would say the central point is that illness does not have any respect for employment and we need to move away from an employer-based system
I worked for a large telecommunications firm for some years and I personally saw teams of highly qualified engineers laid-off solely because of shifts in the industry. Fortunately they were in Canada, so they may have lost their car, the big house, and their job… but they and their families could still have quality health care even if it was not the fastest and they had to share a room. Not so in our country.
Once upon a time in America, business and employees had a relationship of respect toward one another, and this model made sense – no more. As you know, employers hire and fire depending on business trends or simply how they feel that day.
Thanks to changes in the laws over the last 30 years, the employee can now determine their own retirement account–and take it with them when the plant closes or the managers drive the company into the ground (provided they didn’t buy too much company stock). A cynic would say the only reason we have this system is so that the stock market has more to work with.
Don’t you think a citizen, your neighbor, needs to have just as much, if not more, health-care in times they are out of work? I’m asking you to think outside the box, something I know you can do, consider a world where the employer doesn’t pay health insurance at all?
Another conceptual point is this – there is no way to have a for profit health-care system without profiting from your neighbor’s misfortune and pain.
There are some other points of your letter that bear review:
“Enact tort reform to end the ruinous lawsuits that force doctors to pay insurance costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.”
This is really the Republican pipe dream isn’t it? Let’s go back to the French Revolution or even earlier. What the people have demanded over the last 1,000 years is for the leaders of the society to be responsible for their actions. “We will not let you, even a doctor, main or kill the patient with no repercussions.” A premature infant was born in a military hospital in Hawaii while I was there and the technician placed the baby on nitrogen instead of oxygen, the award was huge because that infant will need care for life. Are you proposing that the M.D. who cuts off the wrong leg or replaces the wrong hip would not be held responsible and would continue to practice? This theory says that the wealthy are not subject to the same penalties as the rest of us. The reason we have high malpractice insurance is because of medical mistakes and stripping the citizens of their right to sue in a court of law would not change this.
“Recent scientific and medical evidence shows that a diet consisting of foods that are plant-based, nutrient dense and low-fat will help prevent and often reverse most degenerative diseases that kill us and are expensive to treat.”
Could you be any more self-serving? You actually want to drive the national health care debate to your check-out counter?
I can see Whole Foods bought the Wild Oats chain in 2007. I also visited the Whole Foods website and found this:
“What a long, strange trip it’s been.”
Wasn’t that the theme of the original Wild Oats employee letter in 1993? Do I understand this attempt at camaraderie was actually purchased from Wild Oats?
Speaking of Wild Oats, let me get this straight – over an eight year period you fabricated almost 1400 blog entries under a phony name in order to drive down the value of Wild Oats stock, then you bought the company? Were these unrelated? I can see by the Wild Oat’s financial records they were doing a pretty good job of financially ruining the company but I am surprised you spent so much of your life building bad karma, you could not just let it be?
Finally Mr. Mackey, just about 50% of the country considers themselves Democrats and we voted for a Democratic President and a new view of health care. I live now in Santa Fe NM, which I’m sure you know and love, and I have grocery choices.
If I did not know better I would get my groceries at Wild Oats instead of Whole Foods, but since you bought that, I will be getting my groceries at the Sunflower Farmer’s Market owned by Mr. Gilliland. I have joined the Whole Boycott Facebook page and may very well picket your store tomorrow.
If all the Democrats boycott your stores, and you either resign or the board lets you go, you too may be out here on the street with no health care. I hope if that happens, you too will come to appreciate health care that does not depend on employment.
Sincerely,
Steve Boyles
August 20th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Mr Mackey:
You are 100% correct. Capitalism not
Socialism has made the United States a great country with the highest standard of living in the World. The writers of the Constitution never intended for the government to interfere in free enterprise. It has failed miserably when it has tried. The free market needs to continue to run the healtcare system.
Sincerely,
Don Maddox
August 20th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Because of your stance on Obama’s health care reform. I want you to know that I will be doing all my shopping at whole foods. Thanks for having the courage to stand up for what you believe. I don’t want the gov’t to dictate what kind of care I receive.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
As a physician and proud American, I thank you for speaking freely and voicing your opinion. I just heard a democratic pundant on TV state “all physicians are in favor of a one payer health reform”. I guarantee you that this would be a most inaccurate statement.
It is truly frightening that free speech these days seem to only apply to those who agree wholeheartedly with all policies of the current administartation. Anyone who disagrees with them is demonized….how scary for America.
In closing I will say that I enjoy being a Whole Foods customer, and now will make it a point to shop there more often.
Thank you
August 20th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Mr. Mackey – hats off to you! Thank you for standing up for your beliefs showing responsibility and accountability. I am a Whole Food customer and I am proud to continue to shop there. You did the right thing
Thank you.
Elizabeth Thomas
August 20th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey
We’re with you 100 %. We love Whole foods and love what your doing to
help solve obama care. Don’t give in no matter what the left tries to do to you.
Sincerely
Joe & Diane miranda
Naples, Fl.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Dear Mr Mackey,
I spend hundreds of dollars at Whole foods every week and I will spend more than ever now that I hear the spinless slander directed towards you for doing what we value this great nation for. I pay dearly for my health insurance and I donate thousands each year with the intent of benefiting others. God bless you as you stand against the evil of the day. Tony O
August 20th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
There is no Whole Foods store here in Abilene Texas but if there were I would certainly shop there as my main source. As it stands, I will do so whenever I’m in the Metroplex. Mr. Mackey, I salute you for speaking up. I am quite convinced that so many more people feel the way I do than there are the ones who are denouncing you. This country needs more people like you. We are living in a very dangerous time and we can’t remain silent. Ultimately, there is no free lunch and the price we’d end up paying for Mr. Obama’s plan is one we simply cannot afford in more ways than one. Irene M. Grant
August 20th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Mr. MacKey,
I have only had the opportunity to shop in your store twice in the last year because your store is so far out of my way. Since you have taken such a courageous stand against this hideous healthcare bill I will gladly patronize your store for all my needs on a weekly basis. I will also encourage all family and friends to do likewise. Hopefully your actions will be a real boon for business. Thank you for your courage.
Janeen Schissler
August 21st, 2009 at 12:14 am
I support Mr. Mackey and he has rights to his opinion. It’s insane for those individuals boycotting Mr. Mackey and Whole Foods because the idea that Obama cannot be neither be wrong nor criticized! As Americans we do have rights to contradict the government.
I will continue to shop at whole foods.
August 21st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Mr. John Mackey,
The media is attacking you for your honest words thru your company.
Below is an email I sent out to the media, as well as, every person I know.
—————————————————–
Subject: The Below Poll Results – SHOW MASSIVE LIES FROM BOTH THE PRESS AND OBAMA CONCERNING OBAMACARE
Good Morning;
I received the below email this morning regarding a Newsmax.com internet poll concerning Obama’s
Healthcare Bill in Congress.
NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC & CNN AND THE PRINT MEDIA TELL US CONSTANTLY THAT THERE ARE THOSE
NASTY REPUBLICANS AND JUST A FEW CRAZIES THAT ARE SHOWING UP AT THESE DEMOCRATIC
CONGRESSMEN’S TOWNHALL MEETINGS AND CAUSING ALL THE TROUBLE BY DARING TO DIS-AGREE
WITH OBAMA’S HEALTHCARE BILL. BUT BOTH THE MEDIA AND OBAMA TELL US THAT THE
“REAL GRASS ROOTS” LOVES OBAMA’S HEALTHCARE BILL. WHAT THE MEDIA SHOWS IS THE
HUNDREDS OF HAND PICKED PEOPLE AND ASKING SCREENED QUESTIONS AT OBAMA’s HEALTHCARE
TOWNHALLS. WHAT THEY SHOW FOR A FEW SECONDS OR NOT AT ALL ARE THE THOUSANDS THAT
ARE STANDING OUTSIDE THESE OBAMACARE MEDIA EVENTS THAT COMPLETELY REPUDIATE OBAMACARE!
WELL THE BELOW POLL SHOWS ALMOST 75% OF THOSE 105,324 POLL RESPONDENTS (GRASS ROOTS),
WHO DO NOT WANT ANY PART OF OBAMA’S HEALTHCARE BILL, WHICH THE MEDIA WILL NEVER REPORT!
WE HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED THAT THE OBAMA WHITE HOUSE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED. BUT WE CAN NOW ADD
THE MEDIA TO THE DO NOT TRUST LIST! BECAUSE IT IS CLEARLY APPARENT, THEY ARE JOINED AT THE HIP, WHEN
IT COMES TO TELLING MASSIVE LIES TO GET WHAT THEY BOTH WANT!
In 1961, Ronald Reagan joined the American Medical Association in opposing the Democratic Party’s attempt to force socialized medicine on the American people.
President Reagan’s advice is just as relevant today as it was then. In part, he warned:
“One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine. It’s very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project. . . . Now, the American people, if you put it to them about socialized medicine and gave them a chance to choose, would unhesitatingly vote against it.” – Ronald Reagan
IF WE DO NOT TRUST A POLITICIAN WE CAN ALWAYS VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. BUT THE BIG QUESTION
THAT IS ON MY MIND IS – HOW DO WE GET RID OF THESE MEDIA LIARS THAT DAILY TRY TO WARP OUR COUNTRY,
WARP OUR MORALS AND WARP OUR DEMOCRACY. THE FOURTH ESTATE, AS THE PRESS LIKES TO CALL THEMSELVES,
SEEMS TO BE ELITEST, BIASED, AND ROTTEN TO THE CORE, AND NEEDS A BLIZZARD OF PINK SLIPS, FOR THE
COMMENTATORS, REPORTERS, EDITORS, MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVES.
Respectfully,
James P. Cadell
7N185 Glen Road
Medinah, IL 60157-9512
TEL: 630-351-5404 EXT: 2#
Email: jcadell@m87.com
From: Newsmax.com [mailto:newsmax@reply.newsmax.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:27 AM
To: jcadell@m87.com
Subject: Your Poll Results Enclosed
Dear Friend,
Recently you took an urgent online poll with NEWSMAX.COM.
Please see the poll results — Go Here Now. (I have included the poll results below)
You will also receive FREE daily e-mail alerts from NEWSMAX.COM.
Sincerely,
NEWSMAX.COM
The link to the poll is:
http://polls.newsmax.com/results/obama_health.html
August 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
i think what is being missed is that people think having health insurance will insure health. americans are uneducated when it come to healty lifestyle choices. chronic illness is the main problem in america. agra-biz has poisoned the food supply, vaccines have destroyed the health of our children, environmental pollution is the major factor in chronc illness. modern medicines answer to this is to hand out drugs. its no wonder americans are sick. i have to agree with mr. mackey on most of his points. if the government spends trillions on health care we will all be sicker and poorer. first the people need to take charge of the schools and demand that children be taught healty lifestyle choices. physical education must be a top priority in the schools. we must repeal laws that allow corporations to victimize americans. genetically modified foods must be outlawed. vaccines must be outlawed. factory farms must be held to strict standards or be outlawed. doctors must be retrained in the treatment of chronic conditions(most of which are caused by vaccines and poor diet). the bottom line is that america is a mess. obamacare equals no care and possible bankruptcy of the country. the whole health care debate must be re-thought. what is being proposed now is unacceptable. and finally the food and drug administration must be reformed or shut down. it is a criminal anti-health organization dedicatly soley to drug company profits. anyone wishing to see what a government run health care system would look like need only to look at the fda.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I understand that John Mackey is a libertarian. That platform wants to eliminate many government positions which now control facets of our life. However in our reality, with high urban concentrations of population, ease of speedy travel to most locations, dispersement of farming, manufacturing, etc. we need government regulations and control of these activities to ensure the common good of the citizenry.
That is the mantra for all regulation. That is the mantra for our justice system in which those actions which are harmful for our society are punished and forced to cease. That is the reason why we have police and prisons, etc.
To benefit society, certain basic services are provided. The true libertarian would deem them socialistic. Public education which is mandated, police protections and services, fire protections and services, sewer services, water, etc. Even our utilities are under government regulations including our broadcast media. Our air travel and protections are under government regulations and control. Our military branches and suppliers to the military are under this classification, as is our government, local, state and federal. Medicare, medicaid, social security are socialist provisions if one is drawing the libertarian line in the sand.
Which of the above should we give up? We do not provide fire service to those who pay for it and shun those who do not.
All of the above are truly providing socialist services if we believe the libertarians and the far right conservatives.
So, a public option for health care, and a single service health provider are not any more socialist in definition or reality than are the other above listed services.
It is time for those afraid of the much derided term of public option to realize that it is not to be feared, but welcomed as a benefit that we will all embrace and utilize.
And, for Mr. Mackey . . . who is a proponent of high deductible health insurance, I want to explain that most people, and by that I mean at least 85 per cent of the population cannot afford a high deductible policy. When medical care is needed, the cost will fall in the range of the high deductible range and most will avoid care to save themselves the burden and overload of debt required for that care.
The ramifications of such denial which the insurance industry proposes (via high deductible) is that most sufferers will develop more serious illnesses that will devastate them and their resources and in some cases their entire families. Your viewpoint is well served for those in the rarified atmosphere of your corporations size and scope and of your personal wealth. For the rest of us, it is a failure.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I now plan to begin shopping at Whole Foods in the Dallas area, only to support John Mackey and his freedom of speech. You have made a new customer out of me.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Mr. Mackey,
I appreciate the constructive thoughts you offered regarding this highly charged issue. I have not been a frequent customer of Whole Foods in the past (strictly a matter of convenience), but I will certainly go out of my way to patronize the chain as often as possible and effective immediately.
Boycotts are a useless vehicle for expressing ones opinion and it angers me when ignorance is used as a weapon. This approach does nothing to further a cause; in fact, it only hurts hard-working Americans who may or may not share the organizers’ views.
Once again, thank you….not only for speaking up, but for also offering clear and concise suggestions that approach a difficult issue logically.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Mr Mackey,
Please know that you are supported and the poeple who will be hurt by boycotting are the ones who are actually boycotting. Your ideas have a lot of merit. Keep up the good work.
Bonnie Trahan
August 21st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Mr. Mackey:
Isn’t it sad that with this administration and their cronies ( it is what it is now looking like to me ) one seems to not be able to extend his 1st Amendment Right of just expressing ones point of view? I applaud you for being brave enough to voice your opinion and I am so sorry that you are receiving such criticism over this. I am a registered Democrat and have become so ASHAMED of the elected officials in Washington. I plan on doing my job at the voting booths in 2010 to hopefully remove some of those that has become so engulfed in creed and power and forgetting why they are where they are and who put them there!
My BIGGEST weapon is prayer to my God that He will bring forth to you massive blessings. I keep a prayer journal and will pray for you and your company everyday. I will drive the extra mile to now shop more often at Whole Foods. Thank you for being the good American you are, as I have read about all the wonderful things you have done, and the many people you have helped. What has happened to some of the American people is so overwhelming; that educated people are so BLIND to what Washington and so many of the leaders are trying to do. I personally see the WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING! GOVERNMENT POWER is the ULTIMATE goal for the many liberals that reside in Washington today.
One only has to read all the positive feedback from this incident to be proud of oneself for standing up and letting your voice and suggestions be heard.
GOD BLESS YOU MR. MACKEY!
Sincerely,
Debbie Thompson
August 21st, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Unfortunately, you do not have a store where I live.
However, you have one in the town that I retired from and my son still lives. It is over 800 miles away from where we now live. We have been to your store in San Ramon, Ca. and it is always a treat. In fact we do not go to that area without visiting and buying products in that store.
Now that I have read your article regarding the health care legislation in congress, we will visit Whole Foods stores and spend some of our meager retirees income, (no SSI) at every opportunity.
Your products, philosophy, and employees are all excellent.
You sir are a true American and I salute you and your employees.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Thank you for expressing your opinion on the health care issue, Mr. Mackey. It is refreshing, to say the least, that a successful businessman is not afraid to offer his views on probably the most important domestic issue in our lifetime. I am surprised that more business leaders are not speaking out, but in this politically correct environment, it takes courage and that seems to be in short supply.
I have shopped in the Birmingham and Nashville stores every chance I can and I would love to see a store in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
For the record, I don’t think the United States Constitution mandated public education and I’m pretty sure it didn’t include sewer service and trash pickup.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
VERY FEW PEOPLE SAY WHAT IS ON THEIR MINDS ANYMORE.
THANKS FOR BEING ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SPEAK OUT WHEN OTHERS ARE AFRAID TO DO SO OR WHO DO NOT HAVE THE WORDS TO SPEAK.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 am
Bravo, Mr. Mackey. I love shopping at Whole Foods and will continue to do so. I would be proud to work for you.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
The nearest Whole Foods store is 40 miles away from my home, but I will make a special effort to shop there now, in support of John Mackey’s courageous and thoughtful contribution to the discussion on nationalizing healthcare.
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Dear Mr mackey A friend and I shopped at your store in Baton Rouge yesterday for the first for me she had been a shopper for years . I went to show my support for you on health care. Thank you for taking a stand I believe it will help you more than hurt you. I have ask my childern and grand childern to shop at your store.I will also contact my friends. I enjoyed your store very much the help was very helpful . we had lunch which was very good and reasonable . I will be back. I do not agree that we need health care reform as the democrats have in the over 1000 page bill. Get the uninsured insurance.Reform tort reform.The doctors do not support this bill very few belong to the AMA.I do not want the goverment in my health care. Fred L Rhodes
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I want to commend Mr. Mackey for using his First Amendment rights. I am so impressed that he publicly stated his “controversial position that I am an anti-boycott customer. Actually, I plan to spend more of my food $$$ at Whole Foods than I have in the past.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Mr. Mackey’s perspectives seem shackled by the dictates of his own brain chemistry. He dead ends on optimizing health care reform for all. He dead ends on the sustainability of the present corporate food monopoly. He dead ends on the imbalance between uncontrolled human reproduction and the earth’s environmental capacity to provide adequate food and shelter. Most of us are not socialists even though we accept socialized public education, socialized electrical utilities, socialized water delivery systems, socialized public transportation, and so on. Yes, we can create a workable health care system for all within affordable, sustainable and predictable channels of operation. Some first steps might include broad new levels of medical personnel such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners working within teams of physicians. Much of our world is drowning in its own excesses of consumption. We have yet to discover the wisdom of having enough but not too much!
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Bravo to John I will be shopping more at Whole Foods to try to make up for the small percentage of people who are trying to boycott. As a free market capitalist I am not for Governement intervention and the real Crisis is Obama. He is a Socialist and I admire anyone who has spine to take him on. He is a devious puppet and a Liar. Go John there are more people who Disagree with BO than Agree and they know it.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
By the way, why can’t I leave a response under an online moniker, such as John Mackey did when discussing his company on a forum?
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I have read your article in the Wall Street Journal regarding ‘Obamacare’. As a result I will stop shopping at your stores.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
What a surprise to read about John Mackey’s comments on the health care issue, and kind of a disappointment. I thought his values were more consistent with those I perceived in how Whole Foods came about and is managed. I agree with some of Mr. Mackey’s comments, and not with others. I’m mostly angry that he thought he chose to express his comments in a way that’s confusing; not matter what, he can’t say he’s just expressing himself as an individual. That seems disingenuous. He’s the CEO of a company and therefore reflecting, it seems, a company position. His statements seems simplistic and incendiary, and it’s sad that he would do so at a time when a better example would be a more thoughtful statement of his concerns without the hyper rhetoric. As a regular customer of WF this puts me in a bind, since I’m saddened and disappointed by the tone and arrogance of the statements he makes, and it’s a hard for me to want to support a company whose CEO says the kinds of things he does. Again, it’s mostly about the way he chooses to be so absolute and simplistic in his approach to a very complex issue. This isn’t going to bring people of different minds together to solve the problems in the health care industry. Just reading the blog I can tell that Mr. Mackey’s comments seem to have given support to the side of this debate that doesn’t seem interested in civil discussion. He would have done better to state his views more gently, and reach out to find common ground and create solutions with those who disagree, given the kind of authority his position allows him. My reluctance to patronize WF isn’t going to be about having a different opinion; I’m sad that Mr. Mackey represents the kind of people who use scare tactics and don’t seem interested in working things out. The “my way or the highway approach” has become far too prevalent as a way of working out issues in our country.
August 24th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I do NOT shop at Whole foods, however because of this threatened boycott and Mr Mackeys personal courage to speak out (rather mildly} on behave of FREEDOM; my family and I will be moving ALL of our buisness to YOUR STORE.
We are sending out a personal message on Facebook and twitter and encouraging our friends to do the same! We do not normally involve ourselves in these sorts of issues, and we are not at all interested in oraganic foods. We are interested in the freedom to speak without fear of reprisal from the “Thought police.”
August 24th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
To: John MacKey
Your ideas for reform clearly shows that you are out of touch with middle America’s needs. This isn’t surprising. What is more surprising is that the average Joe, i.e. anyone not in top 1% earning bracket, is against any reform that would benefit him/herself and their families.
For example, you suggest removing legal obstacles which slow the creation of high deductible health insurance plans and Health Savings Accounts. What you clearly do not realize is that these high-deductible plans are cost prohibitive for the average worker. $2,500 is a drop in the bucket for CEOs but not for the average family.
You suggest that our skyrocketing healthcare costs is due to government mandates and ruinous lawsuits. While ruinous lawsuits can be a problem, healthcare costs are outrageous due to the greed of our pharmaceutical company, insurers and hospitals that benefit from high prices. When everyone operates to make a profit, the consumer (us) pay the price.
You suggest making costs transparent. Comparing costs about cable bills is one thing; comparing these costs during stressful and possibly life-threatening situations is another. If you’re single and need to undergo surgery, how much energy do you have to compare the cost of surgery, in-patient hospital stays and the various aspirins and bandages that the hospital will inevitably lump into your final bill?
And of course you bring up countries with universal healthcare like Canada and the U.K. because bashing the Canada and the U.K. healthcare system has become a favorite game for the U.S. However, ask any Canadian or European citizen, preferably one who has lived in our country, if they would abolish their own system and you’ll hear a resounding “No.” Invariably they are shocked by our country’s health care system — a profit-making entity that favors the wealthy and healthy.
You may not benefit from reform but most people will. Very few can count on on pensions or life-long employment or any sort of job security. Most people will be in-between jobs at some point in their lives. Many will strike out on their own and not have employer-paid health insurance. Many more people will be deemed to have pre-existing conditions that make insurance insanely expensive (if they can get insurance at all). Without any real reform, you will likely pay for insurance for years and then be denied tests and treatment just when you really need it. Reform isn’t only about helping the uninsured; it is also helping those who currently have jobs and health insurance.
Now I do think that some people should be against reform. Take this quiz and find out where you belong.
1 ) Do you like hearing “how are you going to pay for this” before seeing the doctor or receiving treatment?
Yes or No
2 ) Are you in the top 1% earning bracket?
Yes or No
3 ) Is your last name Trump, Hilton or MacKey?
Yes or No
4 ) Are you the CEO of a major corporation?
Yes or No
If you answer Yes, go ahead and kill any chance of reform. Be sure to celebrate with your fellow CEOs in grand style. If you answer No, you should write to your representative and make yourself heard in this debate.
August 25th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Mr. Mackey, Thank you for your sane and honest proposal for health care reform. Thank you for having the courage to propose an alternative plan that is ultimately the kindest and most just, one which relies upon individual autonomy and empowerment, i.e.,–dare I use this “naughty” word–Liberty! Thank you for your excellent work. I hope you will open more Whole Foods Markets, including one near me! I would gladly pay more to shop at Whole Foods, not only for the better product, but also to help support you and your employees. Individuals such as Mr. W., who also commented on this blog, have fallen for the widespread attempt by certain members of Congress and the media (such as many commenting on NPR — I’ve been listening)to write-off legitimate dissent as “scare tactics.” If only Mr. W. would take the time to learn more about you and your good and charitable works or to actually read your opinion piece, he could never accuse you of not being interested in “working things out.” What he, and others who have been frightened into an intellectual rut, fail(s)to understand is that you and others like you are the sort of leaders who actually do want to “work things out,” in a way that is just and that preserves the “inalienable rights” of the individual, rather than simply serving the political needs of powerful figures in government or of corporations in corrupt liaisons with government or both. Thank you again, Mr. Mackey.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I appreciated the “voice of reason” you presented concerning healthcare. A basic understanding of economics tells us that this country cannot continue to spend money we do not have. The economy,and unemployment continues to decline. Buisnesses do not have unlimited resorces, and cannot shoulder the burden for more government spending. We are seeing many buisnesses close their doors, or move overseas. Under the Medicare system, my mother (who also pays for supplemental insurance) pays a co-pay for insulin of $65. a vial. That is more than the price without insurance. People need to understand that although they might be covered under a new healthcare policy, they aren’t going to like the coverage. I have been to third world countries, and have seen first hand the effects of socialism and socialized medicine. If more Americans could see the effects of it they would be a lot more interested in protecting their freedoms. They would be interested in keeping buisness alive in this country.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Thank you Mr. Mackey for your honest and open assessment of healthcare. I have had to pay for my own healthcare (yes, people, out of my own pocket) and never got a tax break for it, but did it because I was too afraid of the cost if something happened to me. There are many areas that healthcare needs reform and you have hit the nail on the head with your assessment. Thank you for being a voice for those of us who know you can’t get SOMETHING for NOTHING and are therefore TERRIFIED of the current plan trying to go thru. And, you have earned a new customer out of it too!
August 25th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Thank you John Mackey. The people who have condemned you have obviously not read any part of the health care bills for themselves. All I can say to them is, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Sir
I am sorry that you have angered the “unions”. When there is no place work because of a trillion dollar deficit who will be able to pay their dues?
August 25th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I have never shopped at Whole Foods before, though one is just up from my home in Duluth, GA. At least i hadn’t until today. I will now start shopping at Whole Foods on a regular basis, because I like your stance on Obama’s Health Care plan. If we don’t contain the lawyers, nothing is going to work.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Why is it ok for those who agree with every word the messiah says to have freedom of speech but, let anyone with a differing opinion say a word and they are against America?
I have never shopped at a Whole Foods Market, but I will make it a point to drive 30 miles to one.
Your article Mr. Mackey makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Bring a store to Columbus Ga. All my family and I will buy all our groceries from Whole Foods. You made a lot of sense in your op-ed; to bad our politicians are not listening.
August 25th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I URGE everyone who reads this and sides with Mr Mackey, to GO SHOPPING at Whole Foods!! Shop til you drop!! Show the libs that we won’t be intimidated by their threats. Don’t let a few left wing liberals terrorize a man and his company for speaking freely! (I thought we were all entitled to “freedom of speech”) We can show the libs that we are mad as hell and won’t take this anymore by rallying against their boycott! Liberals are NOT the majority, they are just loud and annoying! Stand up America! Many generations have sacrificed their lives to allow us to be FREE. Wake up Americans, or freedom will only be a subject in history books, unless that is censored, too!
August 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I have been working at Whole Foods for 5 years and am proud and happy with our core values and our CEO. Does anyone out there realize all the good that Whole Foods does for the WORLD? From mico-loans to the Whole Planet Foundation to enlightenment about how our food was literally killing us and to the little known fact that Mr, Mackey is paid ONE DOLLAR a year so the money can go back in to the company and the pockets of his employees. Everyone is allowed their opinion, isn’t that was George Bush sent our troops to war for, Democracy??? And, personally, I do not want Whole Foods to unionize, that way I can make my own decisions.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:01 am
I am very impressed that John Mackey had the courage to be not only critical of Obama’s and the government’s health care proposal, but to make positive recommendations. It would be nice if our government would take the time to study what needs to be done, then come up with ideas, rather than put forth a plan just to say they are doing something that could be a disaster for us all. I am not a customer of Whole Foods, but I plan making some purchases, just as a way to show my appreciation for Mr. Mackey doing what we should all be doing by speaking his mind regardless of criticisms.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:33 am
As soon as I heard, I stopped shopping at Whole Foods Markets. Previously, it was my preferred grocery store & I just loved the place. I have 2 (actually I think 3 now) Whole Foods Markets within about 10 miles. Wynnewood was my closest store, while Devon was preferred (Wynnewood’s kind of a dumpy store).
You lost my business. I’d like to shop at WFM again, but I think Trader Joe’s and Genuardi’s will pick up the slack (approx. $125 – $150 / week).
You may have gained customers from the libertarians, but you lost me as a (very) liberal democrat who thinks there CANNOT BE healthcare reform without AT LEAST a public option. Actually, I’m for a single-payer or socialized plan.
Good luck. I do plan to quickly check to see if there will be any pickets at Wynnewood or Devon – I’ll consider being there, if so.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I will make sure all of my friends boycott your products. A suggestion, stop drinking the Kool-Aid!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Good for you Mr. Mackey, My whole family & all my employees will,subsequently, go out of our way to shop at Whole Foods. I support everyone’s right to experss their opinions anywhere they choose! Whether I agree with them or not! I, however, DO agree with your assumptions. Big Government means BIG taxes, limits our choices, and discourages entrepreneurs from taking those risks that have made this Country GREAT! Big Government produces NOTHING and leaves HUGE deficits for future generations to pay off!!
August 26th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for your article in the Journal. I do not normally shop Whole Foods because of some of the companies liberal attitudes. But this kind of thinking at the top of the company changes my mind. If the administration is so concerned about the poor they should send Acorn out to find and register them for the free health care that is already available for the poor. Next, the administration can insure the remainder of the 47 millon and leave the rest of us ALONE. Thanks for your good sense. You will grain many new customers because of the article.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
As a 15-year Whole Foods shopper, I will spend even MORE money there as long as Mr. Mackey is in charge!
Mr. Mackey, I admire your courage and your exercise of our First Amendment Right. I still can’t find the Amendment that defines my Right to Health Care. I guess it’s in the U.S. Constitution next to my Right to Own a Home and my Right to other American’s Property($$).
In closing, it’s the American way to tolerate dissenting views, but Americans on the Left have forgotten this idea.
Thanks Mr. Mackey, and keep expressing your views!
August 26th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I am amazed that John Mackey has come out against Health Care Reform. I agree that natural foods and balanced diets free of processed foods would change our health dramatically..by the way, as a shopper, it looks to me like 80% or better of what Whole Foods sells doesn’t meet this criteria and is making our health worse.
At any rate, it will be easy for me to stop shopping at Whole Foods…I will not support a store whose CEO is actively campaigning against my best interests.
Respectfully, Patricia Smith
August 26th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
We abhor the vitriolic attacks that have been made on you recently simply because you are courageous enough to express your opinion and offer alternative ideas. I read your op-ed piece, and I found it to be intellectually invigorating and rational.
While I am not a “regular” customer at Whole Foods (I prefer Bristol Farms in my home area), I have shopped at two Whole Foods sites – Westwood (UCLA) and El Segundo, CA (a marvelous new store!) on several occasions. I found the experiences to be satifactory, and sometimes wonderful (at the holidays especially).
In response to these attacks, I and many others in my circle will begin shopping at Whole Foods regularly, beginning during the “protest” this Friday in Westwood.
A “reasonable” response is required, and we aim to make one.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Hello John:
Due to your being a good American freely expressing your opinion, my family is making a shopping change as of now. I live south of Tucson, Arizona and will now be switching all my family’s food shopping when we’re in town to Whole Foods.
My sister pointed out your blog to me and as soon as I saw your quote from one of my heroes, Margaret Thatcher, I knew you stand for good over evil! I’m in my office right now looking at a photo I have above my desk of Thatcher and Ronald Reagan at the White House. I’m inspired every time I look at it, as I am by your courageous stance.
Of course it shouldn’t have to be courageous to express oneself, but these days it seems to be a requirement to speak up against the growing encroachment of an ever more stifling left wing government.
Therefore, we support you 100% and will put our money where our politics are, by shopping a lot more at Whole Foods. We also won’t be shy in expressing our opinions to those idiots picketing your store.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Bravo, Mr. Mackey,
Guess what healthcare it’s NOT a right. read the the Constitution. the lying liberals media that we all come to laugh at. liberals and the democratic believe in abortion (to kill children) and want us also to pay for it. NO. NO. NO. NO……NO…NO…..
Take the union which is communionism and doesn’t care about this country…while your at it take pelosi,obama,lying liberals the unethical news media and russia may like your values.
Thanks again for the conservative values that built this nation and taking a stand. Lots of Conservatives shop and Whole Foods and will continue to do. thanks again, Mr. Mackey
August 26th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
What amazes me about all this is the anger directed at this man for expressing his qualified opinion about this attempt to force a government take-over of our health care system. He has a constitutional right to express his mind just as everyone else, but to threaten his job, to turn into an angry mom with torches to ‘kill the monster’ is just plain outrageous. I saw one remark ‘thanks for showing us your political opinion…now we know and you will pay for it’. So, unless you love Obama, unless you have the lemming mentality to swallow everything he puts out, you don’t deserve the same rights every citizen is entitled to? There are millions of people in this country who did not vote for Obama, they work in establishments that you probably shop at over and over…if their political opinion was to be revealed, you would stop shopping there as well? That’s so stupid. You want to FORCE your opinions, your agenda, on everyone? So much for tolerance. Nice CHANGE. Keep it. WHOLE FOODS…you still have my business. I don’t care what your CEO things or says. I’ll be back!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
I have never been to our local Whole Foods store on Oracle and Ina, I believe in your leadership and concur with your thoughts of O’bama care. I will be doing as much buisness in our local store starting tomarrow. You shouldn’t be condemmed for believing in the American dream and achieving it with out the Goverment paying for it!!!! Goverment = my hard earned tax dollars! God Bless you and yours
August 26th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Thank you Mr. Mackey for taking a stand for conservatism of which built this country not the liberal people whom they think everything is their rights. Not.
HEALTHCARE IS NOT A RIGHT.
the liberals do not believe in the Constitution and know how to read the proposals that have created this huge mess we are now in with the congress,pelosi,kennedy,biden,and socialist,markist obama,oprah, union which is nothing more than communionism will someone tells and bullies when they tell you how to vote and demand their WRONG way.
We Conservatives and alot of us will continue to shop a Whole Foods, thanks again Mr. Mackey
August 26th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
As an avid shopper at Whole Foods, a progressive establishment encouraging good health by endorsing organic and healthy food stuffs, I was dismayed that the CEO would take a position for the elite and against health care for everyone. I was excited when the new Whole Foods opened in West St. Louis County next to my work. I have shopped there almost daily frequently eating lunch. That ended today. Those that have great health care and do not fear a catastrophic illness that could bankrupt them or care about those less fortunate who live daily in fear of getting seriously ill surely endorse Mr. Mackey’s imperialistic self serving diatribe. I do not and will register my displeasure with the store he heads.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Mr. Mackey,
More people support you than not. Keep writing articles. I will make it a point to shop in your store in Houston. Be encouraged . . . all the other side is doing is drawing attention to a good man, a good company and good, healthy products. I think you better get ready for business to boom.
By the way, when I retire from my current job I might want to come to work at one of your stores.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
THANK YOU FOR BEING HONEST, I HAVE NEVER SHOPPED AT WHOLE FOODS UNTIL YESTERDAY, I WILL CONTINUE GOING AND TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS TO SHOP THERE. WE KNOW THE GOVERNMENT CANT RUN ANYTHING, AND GOD FORBID THEY GET THEIR HANDS ON OUR HEALTHCARE WE WONT HAVE ANY.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
When I read your interesting article I decided I would make a greater effort in supporting your market. Our President has been asking “if anyone has a better idea, let them say so” Well, it is your oponion but a very good one and I for one sure would like those in authority consider some of your ideas…Found it interesting that on the news…it was Unions protesting your ideas. Hang in there…we are not all union members or supporters. There are many who are supporting you, your ideas and your market.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Mr. Mackey:
I find your opinions on healthcare to be typical of someone who has no idea of what it is like to be a struggling single parent with two small children trying to survive on two waitressing jobs. I have no health insurance and depend on the kindness of my family to help with my bills.
I wish I could afford to shop at your store but there is no way I could ever afford to shop there for my family and have enough money left over for rent, utilities, etc.. You seem to have lost touch with what is really going on in this country. There is a dwindling middle class and growing working poor class. People who are working and struggling just to survive do not have access to decent healthcare let alone overpriced organic foods.
I would boycott your store in protest to your elitist and selfish views but since I have never shopped there and can’t due to a lack of discretionary money, I will be sure to urge others that I know who do occasionally shop there, not to. In the meantime, I will take my business and my double coupons to the Shoppers Food Warehouse down the street where I can get some locally grown produce in the summer at half the cost of your store and still have some money left over to buy my kids an ice cream cone on a hot summer night.
The days of the Hog Farm ladeling up brown rice and organic soups to Woodstock Nation are gone…replaced by greedy capitalists such yourself. Shame on you.
August 27th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Hang in there John. Your ideas make a lot of sense.
The radical left seems to be against common sense
as well as free choice and public debate. It’s their way or else.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Cool point of view you have there, did you know that this nearly doesnt happen in some countries at all, although they do similar things but not exactly the same. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLJf4k-Sc8c
August 27th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Mr. Mackey,
Informed debate is something that we as Americans have been allowed by the shed blood of our forefathers. Those great men and women left Europe to be free to worship and live…a couple of hundred years later, we seem to be losing touch with why America became a land of hope for all, at least a portion of our nation is.
Your article was excellent.
As a side note, this morning there were two men in the gym with me sharing their surprise at how great Whole Foods was. They each laughed and said they’d never been there previously, but went to support you for voicing some sense. You’re gaining a whole new base of customers.
Congratulations.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Dear Mr. Mackey:
I want to thank you for the courage to stand up as a patriotic American Citizen and speaking your point of view- that is what we all call “free speech”. At least it’s free when this administration agrees with you. I never heard about your store or you until this controversy regarding the so called Health Reform, but thanks to Fox News Channel, I have heard the “fair & balanced” and accurate reporting of this matter. I agree with most of your views, and I am totally against anything this administration is trying to shove down our throats, because how can you trust an administration filled with extreme leftists, radicals, convicted felons, tax cheats, and I believe they are trying to take complete control of this country. I believe we need some health reform, and much of what you layed out is incredibly correct. There are so many other ways to fix this matter without any Federal involvement.
I also want to thank you, as I understand you have given back to our communities much, and that makes you one of us, “we the people”.
I don’t believe Illegal Immigrants should get free health insurance- they should be deported back to their country and seek legal methods to come to this country.
I don’t believe the “poor” who live on welfare, food stamps, etc, who have cell phones, Ipods, computers, 46″ HD TV’s etc should get free health care.
I do believe working Americans with low wages, who are making genuine efforts to better their lives and move up the ladder, should be subsidized and assisted.
I resent my taxes going to organizations such as ACORN, ACLU and all the other radical organizations that filter the money back to the criminal & corruption and greed in government.
I will seek out the nearest store (which is not close by the way)and patronize that store as much as possible. I wish you would open a store here in Chattanooga- we sure could use it and you’d get a lot of business here.
Once again, thank you for speaking boldly, holding to the truth, and sticking to your guns. You are a true American and I for one admire your courage.
Sincerely
Debbie
Chattanooga, TN
August 27th, 2009 at 11:03 am
A new Whole Foods has opened here in Manhattan, on the Upper West Side, and after visiting it, I came home and went online and found this interesting blog and all the comments. I had intended to give some business to Whole Foods, but now I think I will not. Mr. Mackey’s views on health care insurance and “socialism” are objectionable to me. Without “socialized” Medicare, I would not have any health insurance at all. Medical costs in America are too high and going higher, and too many people are not covered at all. The present system needs to be improved, and President Obama and the Democrats should not be condemned as “socialists” for trying to find a better way.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Thanks so much for standing up to the socialist that would take over our country.They will organize and try to take you down. Having said that,I will shop at your markets and urge others to also.The new Government is trying every tactic to take over the country.The ignorant people that want the health care passed are, the people that never worked and never will. They probably give you food stamps. And as far as the unions, I say stick it up you know what. The dregs of society already have free housing,and free medical care. The illegals also know all the gimmicks for all the free handouts.The only thing wrong with our health care system is the democrats have ruined medicaid,medicare,and social security.And the idiots think they will get something for free.Obama and his communist staff are trying to ruin out country.If you people want to see the real Obama,go to U Tube and look at his book( Dreams of my father)His words,his voice. He hates whites and his friends are Marxist.Go ahead,if you have any conscience.Get your head out of the ground and do some research. Peolsi is as bad or worse than Obama. Thanks again for standing up to the commies and socialist.A true American.
August 27th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Kudos to you for standing up and exposing this socialistic program for what it is. To actually have people picket your business for daring to have an opinion that differs from the anointed one is amazing to me.
I did not regularly shop in your stores, but I will be from now on!! Keep up the fight!!!!
August 27th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Health care is a right, not a commodity.
At the 2008 Democratic Convention, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Sen. Ted Kennedy said:
This is the cause of my life – new hope that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American – north, south, east, west, young, old – will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not a privilege.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Mr Mackey,
Kudos to you sir, for standing up and saying what you believe. The problem with the debate over health care is… there is no debate. If you disagree with the progressive view that government should take care of us like children, because we are either too dumb or too inept to do it ourselves, then we are called un-american, boycotted, attacked verbally or worse, attacked physically.
The example the you are dealing with is exactly what I am talking about. You offered a substanive argument with examples of what you think will work in the health care debate. What I see here is (mostly) a host of rash non-critical thinkers that want to boycott your store.
They (most) offer no real intelligent thought as to solutions to the problem. Some include ridiculous examples of babies being harmed and wrong legs being amputated as examples of why there should be no tort reform. I am a medical professional, and I have seen colleagues sued for the most inane reasons, not for neglect, abandonment, or just plain old carelessness. Those types of cases are supposed to garner the “big” payouts. But why did no one quote the 13 million dollar settlement for wrongly pulled teet, Or when one of my colleagues in anesthesia was sued because a patients OB GYN was not in the hospital, when she had her emergent C-section, and had to have the on call OB/gyn deliver her baby. The patient claimed the anesthesiologist assaulted her because she wanted her own doctor not the on call doctor. Never mind her babay was in danger and needed to be delivered emergently.
Many of these people just don’t know what they are talking about, they get their talking points from uber liberals, and don’t want to adress facts. Like the fact that BILLIONS of dollars are wasted in medicare and medicaid to outright fraud every year. If the government wants to start health care reform, how about reforming the fraud control of Medicare and Medicaid first.
Mr Mackey, I too have shopped at your store for years, and I too, admire you for the way you run your business, treat your customers and employees. I will continue to be a loyal customer.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I agree with Mr. Mackey.
Good for you! If we had a Whole Foods Store in our area I would support your business.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I support your view Mr. Mackey.
If you had a store in Shasta County, I would support it.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I support Mr. Mackey’s right to offer an opinion on healthcare or anything else. That is how our country has always been. I also agree that the worse thing would be for government to control healthcare. Exactly what government operation are we really proud of????
I have not shopped at WholeFoods, but I will now look up a store to show my support.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Thank you for your thoughtful comments on the Health Care bill, and the courage it takes to make them in this environment of political retribution!!
You can count on us as shoppers and our support. More CEOs should have your gumption and I hope your board sees it that way.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Mr. Mackey,
Thank you for exercising your constitutional right of free speech. I hope your company doesn’t bow to any pressure from the ultra liberal left who haven’t got a clue. I am not a frequent shopper of Whole Foods but will now make the extra effort to do so. I will encourage my friends to do the same!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I had not been a Whole Foods shopper. I must admit, with a red face, that I thought this was not a place for me since it was so attractive to earthy crunchy liberals. I expected bland, low quality products. Boy, was I wrong! In support of Mr. Mackey, I went to my local Whole Foods in Hadley, MA. WOW!! This place is fantastic! A huge selection of products outstanding in quality and excellent in freshness. You have a regular customer now. Bonus: I’m going to bore all my friends to death with this until they start shopping there as well. Good job, Mr. Mackey. You brought an undiscovered gem to the attention of million: your well run, excellent stores.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Mr. Mackey,
I salute you as leader who steps up and provides your views on critical issues. As a former ‘public policy’ [government affairs] executive with one of the largest companies in the world, I can imagine the advice you received from internal advisors. If only the rest of the US Chamber had the backbone you have shown.
As a shopper at Fresh Mart in Dunwoody, I can assure you that in the future I will make the drive to Whole Foods in Sandy Springs.
Larry Weber
Dunwoody Georgia
August 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
“Most of the diseases which are both killing us and making health care so expensive-heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and obesity, which account for about 70% of all health care spending, are mostly preventable through proper diet, exercise, not smoking, minimal or no alcohol consumption, and other healthy lifestyle choices.”
Are you kidding me? You think all cancer is preventative. You can get cancer by living in a city like Los Angeles or Denver just by breathing the smog everyday of your life. You can get cancer by drinking polluted water and bottled beverages with biphenol. People didn’t even know cigarettes were causing cancer 20 years ago. Diabetes can be hereditary. His ignorance astounds me. BTW: Owning a personal computer is a ridiculous comparison to having a right to healthcare. Get this guy out! John Makey has a right to express his opinion, but he is not the brightest bulb, by alienating his base customer. He could have just kept his mouth shut. I hope he gets a new job very soon, because until then I will not be shopping in Whole Foods. The one clear easy way to express our opinion in this country is by where we spend our hard earned cash. That is my right.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
My husband and I shop exclusively at Whole Foods, as does my daughter. My son shops at your Pasadena store. When we are in California, we shop at your Manhattan Beach store and love it. We visited the London Whole Foods and still rave about it to our friends. We will continue to shop at your stores and agree with your comments about the Obama Health Care. If I were you, I would not be concerned about the boycott…..Union people do not shop at Whole Foods anyway. First, Obama took over the banks, then the auto industry, and now the Utilities (Cap & Trade)and Health Care. BETTER WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!
August 27th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I am curious to know if you, Mr. Mackey, are happy with the lead that The Wall Street Journal chose for your article and one that was bound to be viewed as a slam at the president. I would not expect anything else from this paper currently owned by Rupert Murdock.
I have loved the Whole Foods Market and what I perceived to be it”s authenticity. But I want to know more and will continue to pursue a more in depth search of the company culture.
Meantime looks like you will have an overwhelming influx of new customers from the “birthers”.
I will reserve judgement about your article on health care other than to say that you do not seem to have done an in depth and balanced investigation. For example we spend more than any other nation on health care and yet have the shortest life expectancy, highest infant mortality, 700 000 people go bankrupt every year for medical bills and so on. I suggest you pursue this further. This is too serious for a superficial view.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Glad to see that you have so many level-headed customers! Of course you have compassion for those who are struggling, but the answer is NOT socialized medicine. Those who disagree with your statements seem only to be able to make emotion-based arguments. Stick to your guns!
August 28th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
John Mackey
Horray for you!! please do not change your message. I have not been a Whole Foods shopper but I will for now on. Thanks left wingers for the intro.
May GOD Bless you John
Beth From Chicago
August 28th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Mr. Mackay:
I appreciate your commentary on the health care issue, and I support your comments. As a result of the boycotting of your store by those who think we need government control of our lives, we will make a special effort to frequent Whole Foods and will increase our spending there.
Thanks for having the courage to stand up to those who are boycotting. Considering all you do for your employees, you’d think the liberals and unions would be lavishing you with praise. I guess private businesses doing good things for their employees isn’t as good as the government taking your money and then doing it.
August 28th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Thank God there is a CEO who has the courage to speak up even when it is not politically correct to do so! My wife and I shop at Whole Foods as often as our budget allows and we will continue to support you and the company even more now.
Please do not let a vocal minority discourage you from speaking your mind on an imporatnt issue like health care reform.
August 28th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Thanks for standing up for your beliefs as a libertarian. You make us all proud. I will continue to shop at Whole Foods, and probably more so now. Good Bye Publix and Kroger!
August 28th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Mr. Mackay,
Thank you for your views on Healthcare Reform.
Our deficit is in the trillions, our national debit is over $10 trillion and Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid are heading south. I believe if Pres Obama’s HealthCare Reform is passed, it would do serious damage both short term and long term to our economy. In order to pay for universal healthcare, the US Gov’t would have to raise taxes, borrow funds (the US already pays billions in interest), or print money. I agree that HealthCare reform is needed but not what is currently proposed by the Obama Adm. and Congress.
I too agree that healthcare is not a right, however, it is a responsibility…and my healthcare is my responsibility.
I am now more inclined than ever to shop at Whole Foods. As my husband needs to eat gluten free, we have found your store to have a very large selection of gluten free foods we especially like the Glutino pizza crust. I’d also like to mention that regardless of which Whole Foods Store we’re in, your employees are consistently helpful, courteous and positive.
August 29th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hello,
As I hear all the criticisms on your stance on health care reform, it amazes me, as with other issues, that you are beat up for being on the conservative side of the issue or expressing your own opinions.
Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy’s passing have made them heroes; people forget their sordid past and put them on pedestals forgetting the headlines they both made … Jackson too many to list, Kennedy’s Chappequiddick incident among other things – you’d never know that they had happened.
I hope we all are allowed to continue to express our opinions, we should not be headline news for being against an issue or conservative, but that appears to be the way it always goes.
More power to you, John Mackey. Unfortunately I don’t have a Whole Foods around me, but I will gladly shop at your stores when I visit Nashville or any other place that has a Whole Foods in their town.
Please continue to speak you mind… I don’t have to agree with every liberal to allow them to speak their mind, why shouldn’t you be afforded the same freedom?
August 29th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Great job John another right wing wacko puts a good company down. I used to shop at the mill plain store in Vancouver Wa but you will not get eny more of my hard earned union Democratic dollars. Fire this freak now!!!!
August 30th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I support your views Mr. Mackey. I don’t know how anyone can think that healthcare is an American right. Thank you for writing such a thoughtful piece.
If you had a store in Macomb, MI I would support that too.
August 30th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
We basically go to Whole Foods for vitamins and supplements and agree with you on the health care issue. We agree with your opinion on the health care debacle. We will continue to shop at Whole Foods, especially now.
August 31st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
I have shopped at Shop-Rite because of convenience. However, in lieu of what has taken place based on your honest comment I have now started shopping at your West Orange store in New Jersey. We need to support freedom of speech in our country. What is happening? When did we lose this right? and why are we allowing this to go on?
Your business will increase, not diminish…Any fair American will see it this way.
Bravo!!
August 31st, 2009 at 4:44 pm
It’s funny how people like you are quick to condemn “big government” when it doesn’t benefit you. Did you drive on a road to get to school? Did you get loans or grants for it? Did you get food as a youngster that was safe and nutritious? Can you go to the doctor and expect safe treatment and the right to recourse should you have a quack for a doctor?
I’m sure you did. All these things are the result of liberal government in some way. And yet, now that you’re rich, you don’t want others to have access to those programs.
We wouldn’t have decent wages in this country if it were up to republicans or people like John Mackey. They’re nothing but a bunch of hypocrites. I thought the boycotting of Whole Foods was a bit harsh for a difference of opinion, but considering you rely on the same close minded scare tactics that the right wing always does, I’m thinking I’ll join that boycott.
I mean, it’s all about individual freedom. Right? I’m freee to boycott a hypocrite and you’re free to lose your job.
September 1st, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Sir (Mr. Mackey)
Just a short note thanking you for standing up for your beliefs. As a citizen we have the right to express our opinions and the Democrate who are trying to demagogue you should be ashamed, but they have none. Don’t back down.
Sincerely
Brian Beath
September 1st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I am thrilled that you exercised your right to free speech and publicly announced your opinion on the healthcare reform issue. The resulting controversy lead me to research more about Whole Foods, and I learned very unsettling things about its antics (union busting, lying about local farming suppliers, treating your employees poorly, etc.). Now I will exercise MY right to shop anywhere other than Whole Foods. I have represented about $120 per week in sales at your Portland, Maine, store since it opened (and since you killed its competition, Wild Oats). Although this is but a drop in the bucket with regard to the location’s total sales, I am pleased to join others in registering my disgust with you and your policies by boycotting Whole Foods. I will be forwarding all of the information I have gathered to my friends and acquaintances and encouraging them to do the same.
Never fear, Mr. Mackey. Reading some of the prior posts, I see you have picked up a lot of new customers from the extreme right wing and way out-there Libertarian crowd. It must feel wonderful to rid yourself of pesky liberals (although I heard our dollars are just as green), so do have fun with your like-minded friends.
P.S. We have rumors here in Portland that TJ’s is coming…can’t wait.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
We COMPLETELY SUPPORT YOU. What happened to the right to free speech? The next time we are in a city with Whole Foods, we will BUY from you.
Way to go. You are an exceptional American and a great role model.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Your stand on healthcare is a refreshing viewpoint and I applaud your having the courage to take a stand. I have shopped at your wonderful stores in the past, but now I will support you by going the extra mile to shop in your stores. We need more business leaders like you.
Keep up the good work!
September 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Go John!
As unfortunate as the title change to your Journal article was, for just that reason it has brought the most fortunate health care plan to the forefront of the national discussion. You can build a Whole Foods Store in my part of San Antonio anytime. The new hospital just built nearby might not have been necessary if whole food was more available nearby. Thanks for Whole Foods and thanks for writing your article! (P.S. And thanks for all the gluten free products sold at Whole Foods!)
September 1st, 2009 at 11:48 pm
I agree with Brian whole heatedly. People who react to your sound business ideas and honest public opinion with angry protests are being disrespectful. Freedom of speech is freedom to hear all ideas, and then weigh the merits justly and with fairness and openness in a spirit of respect. Their views have already been heard and are very much in the minority. I’d rather have an open and honest OpEd than uncertainty buried in thousands of pages of beurocracy. Thank you for stepping up and proposing thoughtful and honest options for health care. We all want a better system. But it has to be based on honesty and looking out for the welfare of all. We can still save money and save lives. Not by cutting traditional costs for older people who need care the most, but by changing the way we approach health care – like training and paying doctors to use less expensive, and often as effective, proven alternative cures first before delving into lifelong expensive medicines and more drastic measures. There is positive change that can happen. It’s sound ideology that drives good, positive change.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
God bless you Mr. Mackay for speaking out and preserving and defending our free enterprise system and liberties for non governmental control of our healthcare system which will just create gross tax increases, loss of jobs, and rationing of healthcare, and creating a move towards socialism.
I will continue to shop more often at your store and encourage others so also.
Keep speaking out, we are defending our country now.
May God bless you.
Joanne Vaccarella.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Thank you Mr. Mackey for openly expressing your ideas with boldness.
If more folks would stand on their values and be open about their beliefs maybe less people would think that “political correctness” is the ultimate in intelligent thinking. You would think that in our wonderful country our President and legislators would want lots of ideas BEFORE they consider any type of reform, whether it be targeting the healthcare delivery process or any process which our citizens depend on.
The healthcare reform currently being proposed by the President and many others is ill conceived, damaging to our hard won freedoms and surely dangerous to our long term health. We must stop this train before it derails us all.
Because of my respect for folks like you, I will be coming to your store in Milwaukee this Friday to purchase my groceries. I have never come to your store before. I will be happy to support you and any other patriotic individual who dares to stand up and defend our actual rights, such as free speech.
Please build a store in Waukesha. If you build it, we will come!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
How hypocritical that these anti Whole Foods posters feel its OK to criticize John Mackey for his right to express his opinion but they can come on the store’s website and tell him so? If you don’t respect what his says, at least respect his right to do so.
If you don’t like what he says about healthcare then DON’T WORK FOR WHOLE FOODS because the last I heard, he wasn’t the president, he can’t change the way the government is run and he will probably bever have an effect on healthcare reform. He does have a say in WF’s healthcare so if you don’t agree, don’t fill out an application.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Thanks so much for giving your opinion and ideas. It was a very good article that you wrote.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I commend you for voicing your opinion but the mistake in doing so was going to a liberal opted newspaper such as the WSJ. Getting ostracized for this action is one of the first signs of where this country is heading. That direction is towards DICTATORSHIP when your right to freedom of speech puts you in harms way from the government. The people of this nation forget that the government is their employees and not control mongers as they’ve become. When an employee doesn’t do the job they’re let go and that they don’t control the business at hand no matter what their position my be.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Dear Mr. Mackey,
I hope you read the feedback you get here, and continue engaging in the heath care debate with an open mind. The animosity that has erupted over this issue is astounding to me.
I had heard people encouraging boycott of Whole Foods because of an article, and I am glad I stumbled upon this so I could read it. I appreciate your honest opinion and detailed explanation. I think this country needs honest debate and brainstorming like this.
There are interesting points in the oped that describes what I think would be a good solution for the strong and healthy to try to stay that way. I can not see how it would work for the chronically ill. A savings account would not go far for a hemophiliac. A health insurance industry with no mandates would not want to take on a serious diabetic or cancer patient.
I appreciate Mikes account of Canada. I can give similar testimony of the public health care in Norway. It is not true that treatment is rationed. My 80 year old aunt just had a knee replacement. As soon as she is healed enough, she will have a second one. It is true you wait for non urgent surgery, but so did my boss here in the US. And the wait is in months, not years. Hospitals and doctors have schedules. I have to schedule a physical at least 3-4 months in advance. Does that mean I am on a waiting list to get a physical?
Offering tax deductible charitable gifts to the sick, will help the tax payer more than the sick. If you can afford to give gifts, you probably need the tax relief. I doubt if it will make much of a dent in the cost of treatment for an uninsured. How many cancer patients could you buy treatment for that way? I could not even give enough to cover one week of chemo. I am sure Mr. Mackey can afford more, but not enough to treat very many for very long.
There are many powers at work here. Those who make a profit on heath care. Those who want to use this for political gain. And unfortunately, there is much ignorance. Too few Americans have a chance to travel to other countries and see how it is done elsewhere.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I think we all agree that we could improve our health care system. MANY of us just don’t want the government to be the one to fix it. I’m usually most at peace when those crooks are on vacation. I don’t think we have to travel to other countries to see how it is done elsewhere. All you have to do is check out the Canada Free Press, or read the news in Britain! Those people are telling us DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN. Mr. Mackey had some very good suggestions, and it is silly for people to boycott Whole Foods because of his opinion!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Thank you for speaking for the majority of Americans that do not approve of socialized medicine as the answer to our healthcare woes.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I’m looking for my friend Sara’s response to the health care reform blog. She is British, and is quite familiar with Maggie Thatcher. Or Margaret, as many people call her. I hope that Sara’s comments have not been suppressed. I notice that the comments here are largely supportive. A few are not. I have a very strong feeling that this is because not all opinions and blog responses have been published. Another thing that I notice is that the people who agree with you, attack those who disagree as denigrating you. They support your right to your opinion, but seem to feel that the right of those who disagree should be censored. Clearly, free speech applies to all. To John Mackey. To Sara. To Julia25. To me. Whether or not we agree or disagree, whether or not we can write English well or not, we all have a right to our opinion. That IS the very nature of free speech. I’d also like to respond to the silly statement that union members do not shop at Whole Foods. How the heck would that person have a clue about that? Was there a poll? I am a member of the SEIU, Service Employees International Union. We are hard working American people whose union has protected us from nepotism, wage discrimination, random firing, assured us fair wages, included us in contract negotiations, helped us to get some measure of pension benefits, and it is to the union that my family and I owe our excellent health care benefits. Many, many Americans do not enjoy the level of health care benefits that I do.
So I hope that you pull up Sara’s comment. I’m sure that it’s hiding there somewhere
September 16th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
When I heard that there was a move to boycott the Whole Foods Market stores, I looked up the store in Pittsburgh and went the very next day. The store was beautiful. I will, now, return often.
Johm Mackey, I agree with your health care proposals.
September 20th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Great article! Most people would think that the CEO of Whole Foods would have a very liberal view on health care reform. It is refreshing to hear an opinion that is shared by most Americans out there. Now I feel even better driving an hour to get to a Whole Foods!
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Thank God for someone with an intelligent, frank observation of this so called “health care crisis”. The antagonism caused by your article is further proof that reasonable people cannot negotiate with a dictatorial mentality often associated with socialism.
God Bless you, Mr Mackey. I’ve never been to a tree hugging store like Whole Foods but I am going to search them out from here on and shop there every chance I get.
Godspeed!
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
Thank you for the well developed thoughtful op-ed piece.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:03 am
I appreciate your article and your common sense (which seems to be in short supply)! I shop your store in Los Gatos and your article will only cause me to increase my patronage!