The case for boycotting the United States | Robert Reich
www.theguardian.com
If you are considering a trip to the US, please reconsider. Why reward Donald Trump’s America with your tourist dollars?

To friends of democracy around the world: we need your help.

You know that the Trump regime is brutally attacking US democracy. Most of us did not vote for Donald Trump (half of us didn’t even vote in the 2024 election). But he feels he has a mandate to take a wrecking ball to the constitution.

Like most bullies, the regime can be constrained only if everyone stands up to the bullying – including you.

First, if you are considering a trip to the United States, please reconsider. Why reward Trump’s America with your tourist dollars?

Spending by non-Americans in the United States is a significant source of tax revenue and a major “export” of this nation. There’s no reason for you to indirectly support Trump’s economy.

Many international travelers concerned about Trump’s authoritarianism have already canceled trips to the United States. You might do so, too.

Last week, the US president threatened a 200% tariff on European wine and alcohol after calling the European Union “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World”.

Why reward this bellicose rhetoric? Many Europeans are already skipping trips to Disney World and music festivals.

  • cm0002@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    21·
    1 day ago

    Same, I’m surprised nobody’s put together an infographic on “EU stuff Americans can buy”

    I do know that Aldi’s if there’s one near you is a good one to shop at, afaik all their US locations are owned by the original German parent company

    • Vittelius@feddit.orgEnglish
      10·
      22 hours ago

      Trader Joe’s is also owned by Aldi - slightly different Aldi (long story) but German Aldi nonetheless. And I think German supermarket chain Lidl is also present in parts of the US.

    • courageousstep@lemm.eeEnglish
      5·
      1 day ago

      I do love Aldi! It feels like a good corporation, as far as corporations go. They are still extremely affordable, the food is usually held to European standards (unless they’re selling an American brand under that brand name), and their imports are amazing.

      I’d love an infographic like that! I’d make it myself if I knew what to put on it, haha!

    • hallunke23 🇺🇦@troet.cafe
      1·
      1 day ago

      Actually, Aldi is two companies (Aldi North and Aldi South) owned by 2 brothers. The US has Aldi South and Trader Joe’s (which is owned by Aldi North). Btw, I grew up in Aldi South territory but then moved across the Aldi Equator so I now live in Aldi North territory. @cm0002 @courageousstep

      • courageousstep@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        23 hours ago

        Do you know if both Aldi companies have similar values, structurally? Like, low costs and quality food?

        I just moved to a big city, so I went to Trader Joe’s for the first time not long ago. It’s pricier and it feels more boutique-y, so less, I dunno, functional? Like it’s great for unique flavors and organic options, but it has fewer staples that most US pantries rely on. I still enjoy it though!

        • hallunke23 🇺🇦@troet.cafe
          1·
          20 hours ago

          Yes, both Aldis are quite similar. Actually, they recently became even more similar because they unified their off-brand sortiment, with both companies discontinuing part of their off-brand items in favor of products from the other side of the Aldi equator. Trader Joe’s, however, seems to be a bit more different from Aldi.
          Btw, IIRC, the reason why the two Aldis split was a dispute over whether or not to sell cigarettes. But these days, both Aldis have cigarettes.
          @courageousstep