Broken Pledge to Right a Wrong

In 2001, they promised to end the horror by 2005,
and although it appeared to be a start, I was still
outraged that it would take four years. In 2009,
the horror story will continue.

I spoke with Jordan in SILK's department of consumer
affairs on December 24, 2008 at 1:00 PM and asked:

"In 2001, SILK promised to boycott Ivory Coast chocolate
if slavery did not end in that nation by 2005. The
slavery continues. What is SILK's position now?"

Jordan responded:

"At this time we have no comment."

In the Ivory Coast, tens of thousands of
children have been kidnaped or sold into
slavery to harvest and process what becomes
America's chocolate products. Are you part
of the problem by eating their blood, sweat,
and tears?
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NOTMILK 2001 Christmas Column
____________________________________

T'was the night before Christmas,
And throughout the world,
The chocolate had melted,
As the truth was unfurled...

While our kids were tucked unaware,
Dreaming visions of sugarplums,
Others dreamed slavery-nightmares,
Under oppressive-like thumbs.

Dear Friends,

A few months ago, I asked you to boycott
all products made by WHITE WAVE, the
manufacturer of SILK.

SILK produces the best tasting soy chocolate
milk on this planet, but their soymilk leaves
a bad taste in my mouth.

Many of you called SILK'S consumer service team
at 800-488-9283.

You joined me in asking SILK to issue this
statement:

"We at SILK will not knowingly purchase our
chocolate beans from nations like Ivory Coast
in which kidnaped children are living in slavery."

SILK deplores slavery. They have said so in their
emails to you. That is their official response.

However, they continue to be part of the problem
by not taking a responsible position.

HERSHEY Chocolate Company's position is that
Ivory Coast is a sovereign nation, and they will
Continue to buy their chocolate because they do
not want to do damage to Ivory Coast's economic
system.

Men and women of conscience must be one on
this issue. An economic system based upon child
slavery is not worth saving.

Here is a statement that was recently made by
WHITE WAVE and SILK. I reject their words
and actions. I reject their corporate philosophy,
which subordinates decency and integrity to
corporate profit.

SILK'S STATEMENT

"White Wave is helping in the fight against child
slavery within the chocolate industry by financially
supporting two key, yet different efforts - The
Chocolate Manufacturers Association and a
coalition of U.S. government and child welfare
groups working to enact new policy; and Save
the Children, an international child welfare
organization with personnel on the ground
in West Africa helping children currently being
abused.

The CMA, the U.S. government and child
welfare groups are taking action to change policy.

By 2005, the coalition will implement credible,
industry-wide standards and certification that
cocoa beans and their derivative products have
been grown without child labor."

By 2005? I am outraged. I am certain that you are too.

At this time of year in which "Peace on Earth and
Good Will to Men" reverberates, take a moment
to consider that little boy or girl who cries in
despair and torment in a world that makes no
sense. Consider that child the next time you
are tempted to purchase SILK'S very delicious
soymilk products.

Three years ago they pledged to end the 21st century
horror story. The world seems to have forgotten,
and SILK's corporate policy is the true problem, not
the false solution. The slick marketing people speak
with SILK tongues...

Robert Cohen
http://www.notmilk.com