Back For Good

I'm back.

Sorry for the random disappearance, I had computer issues, morning sickness issues, and generally my-life-is-crazy issues.

But we got our new laptop in yesterday and things have calmed down somewhat. So I'm back. I've got lots of things to write about, including our trip to the circus and the Guppy's three year letter (which is now over a month late. I know, I'm a horrible mother, and she is going to be traumatized for life).

So if you are still around, thank you. And stick around. Because I'll be writing much more frequently.

(Also, thank you to the readers who wrote me emails expressing concerns over my absence. Because of my computer issues, I wasn't able to answer them, but it was very thoughtful of you all).

Back For Good

My Thoughts on The Nestle Family Event.

As most of you know, I currently boycott Nestle. I'm not going to go into ALL the details of why in this post, but it basically involves the fact that Nestle has horrible unethical business practices, and these practices lead to the deaths of infants. For more information on the boycott itself, I urge you to visit Baby Milk Action and read up on why Nestle is one of the most boycotted companies in the world.

Recently Nestle invited a group of prominent bloggers to come to California on an all-expense paid trip and participate in study panels. I was shocked and disappointed for two reasons: 1. some bloggers claimed not to know about Nestle's unethical practices and the 30 year boycott and 2. some bloggers did, and seemed not to care.

As a blogger, it is your responsibility to be diligent about the companies that you choose to represent on your blog, whether it be through product reviews, advertisements, or giveaways. It's as simple as that. Even if you truly did not know about the Nestle boycott, how hard is it to Google Nestle and take a look at what comes up? Or to even Google Nestle ethics? This information is NOT hard to find, especially since the Nestle boycott is supported by so many people and organizations.

Once these bloggers had the facts of the Nestle boycott and Nestle's unsavory practices brought to their attention, I watched as many remained indifferent. This, I cannot understand. I heard so many excuses from them, as they parroted the Nestle PR people and talked about the small things that Nestle in doing in Africa. People, this is not a corporation that simply provides crappy health insurance and low wages to its employees; we are talking about a company who uses slave labor, whose unethical practices contribute to the death of infants, and who participates in many other transgressions that are just as unbelievably unethical. I love the post over at The Curvature, who goes into more details about the degrees of evil issue, I strongly encourage you to read it. Nestle is an evil corporation. And after finding out the facts, and learning about Nestle's transgressions, it continues to be beyond me how bloggers can continue to support the company and accept free candy and food.

There were some bloggers who claim that they knew of Nestle's transgressions and still went participated in the event in order to "open up a dialogue" and "ask Nestle the hard questions". Out of all the reasons to participate, this reason is the one I understand the least.

Nestle has been one of the most boycotted companies for over 30 years. 30 years!! Organizations such as Baby Milk Action and The International Baby Food Action Network have been trying that whole time, to "open up a dialogue" with Nestle. Time and time again, Nestle has refused to answer their questions, or even debate with them. For heaven's sake, we are talking about a company that faced criminal charges and has had lawsuits brought against them by governments. Still. they refused to listen, and to answer the hard questions.

So, I ask you this: do you honestly believe that a company who has been boycotted so strongly for so long, that has faced global organizations and refused to budge, that has faced criminal and civil charges brought against it by governments, do you think a company that has done all this gives a damn about having a dialogue with you? Especially when you are accepting free gifts and plane rides from them at the same time? Or building candy crafts?

Please. Give me a break.

Accepting free stuff from them and building candy crafts from them and shopping in their store is not showing them that you are concerned over their business practices. Every time you work with them, every time you buy one of their products, you are putting money in their pockets. You are supporting them, and therefore what they do. So please, don't try to hide your desire for free stuff and attention behind "trying to open a dialogue" excuse. I don't buy it.

If you want to let them know you don't like their practices, join the boycott. Support Baby Milk Action. Write them letters. But stop holding your hands out for free stuff. I find that disgusting.

Am I being harsh? Maybe. But if in reality, you just don't care about Nestle's practices because you like their candy too much, own up to it. Don't try to hide behind excuses.

Other great thoughts about this issue:
PhD in Parenting's open letter to the bloggers.
Blacktating's post on Nestle Family, Bloggers, and Race: Why It Matters
Nestle Corporate Crimes

My Thoughts on The Nestle Family Event.

Still Here.

I admit, I started to disappear back into my room for a bit. Morning sickness reared its ugly head, and I soon began to avoid eating so that I wouldn't have to spend the next two hours dry heaving into the toilet.

Gross, I know. And depressing.

Thankfully I found out about a medication that could help. This is my second day on it and what a difference!!

I am so thankful that I only lost two weeks of my life to the dreaded morning sickness, instead of two months like with my previous pregnancies.

That's my update. Things I plan on writing about soon: the Guppy's birthday letter (yes, it is WAY overdue), and my thoughts on the Nestle Family Event.

Still Here.