But a boycott makes for a much better public relations stunt. Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez, in a letter he sent out this week, says that his county's officially sanctioned protest has garnered attention from Fox News, CBS News, the BBC and 50 radio talk shows across the country. A state representative from New York (surprise!) contaced Bee County for a copy of its resolution so she can introduce something similar before her fellow lawmakers. Meanwhile, Martinez seems to be channelling the faux populism of Michael Moore in his letter. To wit:
"While no member of the Bee County Commissioners Court holds a degree in Finance or Economy, we are committed to the voice of the people. As public servants we are obligated to listen to the masses and act accordingly. If we do not stand up for this principle our government will no doubt become an extension of giant corporation whose only concern is to post record profits, in 2006. Exxon has recently surpassed Wal-Mart as the most profitable corporation in America, yet Wal-Mart did not raise its prices. Exxon Mobil Corp.'s $36.13 billion profit in 2005 was a record for any American Company. This is the United States of America, not the United States of Exxon/Mobil."
Sounds like a hit. --Matt Pulle