Boycott Alabama--Would Anybody Notice?

When I first heard about the website dedicated to boycotting anything Alabama due to Republican Sen. Richard Shelby's un-American attack on domestic auto makers in favor of foreign ones, I thought it was a great idea.

But when I went to the site, I didn't find a list of items that we're not supposed to buy.

So as a public service, I decided to compile my own list of things made in Alabama that we here in Michigan should avoid buying in order to punish Shelby.

At the top of the list, of course, is any vehicle made by one of the companies Shelby's state subsidizes. I crossed those off my shopping list years ago. Especially anything German-made. My father had the pleasure of German hospitality during World War II, which was assisted by the likes of Mercedes-Benz. So for me it's always been thanks but no thanks to one of their vehicles ever.

And as for travel in Alabama, I mean seriously, why would you?

I was fresh out of info for what else involving Alabama I could boycott so I turned to the internets where I found -- sauces. Apparently Alabama is big on hot sauces and barbecue sauces. Since I've never heard of any of the brands, this will not be a problem.

Then there are marinades and honey, again sold under brands I've never heard of. Still not a problem.

Again scouring the internets, I found a product map which shows what else Alabama produces -- cotton, corn, and hogs. Lots of 21st century cutting-edge innovation involved in those products. All are commodities -- hard to tell one ear of corn from another once its gets into the stream of commerce. So that's basically out.

Just when I had despaired of finding anything Alabama to avoid, ESPN's Bowl Mania came to my rescue.

Alabama football! I'll root against Alabama in the whatever bowl. I'll do a novena for Utah in the Sugar Bowl. I'll wear a Utes jersey and sing the Utes fight song and have a bowl party for every Ute fan I can find.

And I'll look forward to a matchup between Alabama and Michigan State or U of M someday soon.

I wish I could do more, but every little bit helps.

Boycott Alabama Plan Works--Utah Beats Alabama

My scheme to pull for Utah against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl was a smashing success.

The Utes took all the sweetness out of the bowl game for Alabama by creaming them Friday (January 2, 2009). The game was over before Nick Saban got his earphones tuned to the right frequency. And I didn't even have to paint my face red and white to help out the Utes.

I certainly hope Sen. Richard Shelby was there to watch the Crimson Tide get rolled back.

After all the unnecessary angst he caused the families of autoworkers last month with his opposition to a loan to the audo industry, Shelby deserves to have a little rain fall on his parade.