AMERICAN LABOUR:

NO MORE KILLER COKE AT SUNY ALBANY!:

In the classical era of the American Empire the brand of Coca-Cola stood along with GM and IBM as worldwide symbols of "what America stood for". The classical era has now passed, and new commodity fetishes have come to stand ahead of the rather antique Coke brand. Still, Coke wields significant power yet, enough to persuade the American government, for instance, to exempt it from trade sanctions against Sudan because it is an "essential foodstuff" (this is true, honest). Everywhere where Coke has spread devastation of local cultures, workers and environments has followed, and despite the fact that Coke has receded in the public imagination-and the financial standings- it is still a powerful transnational. But it is not without its opposition.

The following is an appeal from students at SUNY Albany demanding that their University sever ties with Coke because of the human rights record of said corporation. You can read more and join this campaign by going to THIS LINK.

....................................

No More Killer Coke At SUNY Albany!


Students at SUNY Albany have demanded that the university cut all ties with Coca-Cola until they address their role in the murder of union leaders in Colombia. Call and email President Philip today to demand that SUNY Albany cut all ties with Killer Coke!
President George Philip: 518-956-8010
Hi my name is _____________ from ___________. I know that SUNY Albany's current contract with Coca-Cola expires at the end of this semester. I urge you not to renew the contract with the Coca-Cola Company in light of its terrible human, environmental, and workers' rights record. The abuses committed by Coca-Cola throughout the world taints the reputation of SUNY Albany. I hope you take this issue seriously by choosing not to renew the contract with Coca-Cola in 2008.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

SUNY Albany President George Philip
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: Cut all ties with killer coke
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
University at Albany's current contract with Coca-Cola expires at the end of this semester. I urge you not to renew the contract with the Coca-Cola Company. The human rights abuses committed by Coca-Cola throughout the world taints the reputation of our University.

The murder of union members in Colombia, the monopolization of water supplies in India, Mexico, and El Salvador, and the operation of a Coca-Cola plant in Darfur (despite international sanctions) are only a few examples of human rights violations committed by Coca-Cola. Former President Kermit Hall set a precedent for ethical contracting by agreeing to sign on to the Designated Supplier Program. University at Albany should continue to make social justice issues a top priority when deciding who to contract with.

NYU, Rutgers, Hofstra and Bard College are just a few of the over 40 Colleges and Universities who have severed major contracts with the Coca-Cola Company. We are now asking you to listen to the over 1,200 other students who've signed our petition, not to mention student and faculty support, who are asking you to help restore UAlbany's image and reputation by clearing our complicity and association with such a disreputable corporation. As a member of the progressive community who takes this issue seriously, I hope that you do the same by not renewing the contract with Coca-Cola in 2008.
Sincerely,

Once more: Go to the link above to send this letter-Molly