CASPIAN Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion And Numbering

CASPIAN: Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering

Shoppers Speak Out!

Comments Received August 2002
Note: We receive hundreds of e-mail messages each month from shoppers who support our efforts. Below are only those messages from visitors who have given permission to post their comments publicly.

I have spoken to my grocer but I'm sure that will not be enough. I'm willing to spend time helping come up with some action to put a stop to this divide-and-conqer trick.

Can_publish: Yes, full name and location
Don Duncan
Folsom, CA 3/3/03 -

I'm so sick and tired of getting misled. Big sale happening - only to find out it's only on the red tag items on the small rack in the corner. Products selling for the same price but getting significantly less portions for your money. It's simply deceitful and I'm sick of it. This is just one more example of the general public getting sold a bill of goods. Wake up America - let's get tired of being exploited and fight back. We have a right to honest dealings and our privacy. Use your brain, your energy, your money and your vote to tell them enough is enough. I will no longer knowingly sell my privacy for pennies.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Cindy Riess
Erlanger, KY 8/22/02

Finally, there is someone doing something about this. Personally, I find the shopper cards an insult to my intelligence.

I was never a "loyal" Kroger customer as I think they are overpriced to begin with, but I did shop there enough for last minute items to know that when this shopper card was initiated, prices went up dramatically for non-card purchases.

What really put me over the edge was that they did this with infant formula and diapers! I couldn't believe it.

The price increases were at least 25% for formula and I did complain to management. Of course, the response I received was pretty typical....you know they don't make the rules...

How they could penalize non-card customers with higher prices on baby formula and diapers is appalling!

Do I still shop at Kroger for even last minute items? Absolutely not!

I don't know what these "marketing guru's" think they're trying to accomplish, but they need to stop underestimating the intelligence of their customers.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Patti
Villa Hills, KY 8/22/02

Thank you for giving me the information on how to effectively oppose supermarket surveillance cards!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

AnonymousFort Worth, TX 8/21/02

I used to work at Homeland...maybe you'll find information from an insider interesting: When I first started working there in 1998, we had a code to type in for customers with no saver's card that would prevent them from getting the "savings." We were discouraged from using our own personal cards or the spare unregistered cards. We used them anyway for customers who said they had left their cards at home or on their keychains in their cars. Eventually, the checkers started getting sick of waiting around on people who had their cards "somewhere in their purses," and we automatically used whatever cards we had lying around near our registers without asking them for theirs first. The district managers started giving trouble to the store managers, who passed it down to the checkers: a handful of cards were showing purchases of several hundred dollars a week. So we just varied the unregistered cards we used. Eventually, the management seemed to get sick of the whole card system, too, and now, every Homeland store I've been in since has automatically used their own cards without asking me whether I have one.

One benefit of the Homeland cards, though: if you actually put the little keychain one on your keys, and then lose your keys, anyone who finds them can put them in a mailbox, and they'll get back to you.

As for whether or not you have to use your SSN to get a Homeland card: As far as I know, they're not required. I never forced a customer to fill out any more information than he/she wanted to--and actually discouraged them from filling out some of the information because it's not important and it just wastes time. Though, I suppose it varies from store to store, depending on how determined the checkers are to do their job (probably the newer hirees, who haven't gotten disillusioned yet) and how overbearing the management is.

In any case, the prices at Homeland are so high that if you take advantage of the savings card and the double coupons, you might get a price that's closer to that of Wal-Mart. (Though the really savvy shoppers can figure out tricks: I remember one woman with two coupons for a deoderant that was included on the savings card. She purchased each item separately to avoid the savings card limit of one. With the coupons doubled, she paid about 10 cents for each.)

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Michele
Norman, OK 8/20/02

After hearing Joyce's interview on the American Freedom Network, I shopped at Kroger. They asked me if I had I Kroger card. I said that I refuse to use it after finding out what they are doing with it. The clerk said they had never heard about this and gave me a real funny look. I think that I made a point, showing frankly that money does not pay me off when it comes to pricipal and privacy issues. By the way I paid with cash so they don't know who I was! My practice though is to use Kroger (and others alike) only when I can't go somewhere else at the time. Thanks for your work and information.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

R.
Rushsylvania, OH 8/18/02

Today was the last day I will shop at QFC! I purchaced a 3.88lb. cantaloupe, using my Advantage Card..it cost .99 cents. BUT...it rang up at $11.48 and says...I SAVED $10.49 Now....have you ever seen a $11.49 cantaloupe before?? Im sure I could go to any "small grocery store" and buy one for under 3 bucks! RIGHT? This system is nothing but a rip off! And I let them know it before I left the store!

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

John Elgin
Seattle, WA 8/16/02

When these cards first came out I was totally opposed to them.I called them Nazi cards. I am glad there is an organization that is making people aware of this problem.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Michelle
Lusby, MD 8/15/02

For laughs, I (attempted to) sign up for Vons.com online shopping, as I have for Albertsons.com, and as I did with the now defunct HomeGrocer.com (this was the only one which I ever had the opportunity to make actual purchases)

Well, they're insistant on the VonsClub number, which I refused to provide, I figure if they're gonna be like that about it, they really *don't* want my business, I mean, I could not get past he card number section, so as far as I'm concerned, they can go right to the pit of fire!!

They don't *want* my business, a card is not >>required<< in their stores (although cashiers ask you for it) why should it be required online?????

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

David
San Diego, CA 8/15/02

I have found the same disturbing price hiking in Netherlands, probably the most famous for this is Albert Hein. For example their 6-bread roll pack is 0.90 Euros where equal product from Aldi is 0.21 Euros!

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Jani Mantyla-Bla
Eindhoven, Netherlands 8/15/02

LESS BIG BROTHER

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/15/02

My local grocery store (Dillons) has recently brought in non-food junk items (knick knacks, plastic shoes, etc.); prices have gone up (high-end steaks have replaced lower priced cuts for example); I cannot find either food products or selection in sizes as I used to; they have recently revamped all the aisles. It's no more Dillons for my money! I will go out of my way to the local HEALTH FOOD STORE to buy organic fruits and vegetables that taste much better and items such as spices, grains, flour in bulk (hey, I can choose how much I need - no more "family packs" for the 2 people in my household. Even the "health food" in the supermarket is priced much higher than in the health food store. Leave the chains, go to the health food stores! Protest with your feet and your wallet - the health food stores deserve it and I end up buying less food and better quality food there.

Question: If the grocery chains are no longer stocking certain foods and only certain sizes, I suspect the food suppliers must be a part of this whole scheme.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Carol
Kansas 8/14/02

Thanks for getting the word out!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Chuck
Rome, GA 8/14/02

Did you get the part about the states using food stamp cards that tell the government what you buy and how much and where and when!? That's no better than non-food stamp grocery cards!!!!

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/14/02

Many areas, and consumers, do not live in an area where there is a choice---either you use cash, or the store's cards (and, without the card you pay full price). If it hadn't been for Sojo net, "Sojourner's" magazine on-line, I wouldn't even know a united fight existed!!! You need MUCH more publicity!!!!

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/14/02

I have long opposed the grocery cards (used both for "bargains" as well as check usage [to pay for your groceries])at our main, almost only, grocery (Marsh)! Just as bad is the card system used for food stamps now to track grocery purchases!!!

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/14/02

Lose your privacy, lose your freedom! Keep up the good fight.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Jim
Farmington, NM 8/14/02

I was opposed to the cards from Krogers from the start. My family didn't agree with my remarks about someone knowing everything I bought. They thought I was being paranoid!! I don't shop at Krogers anymore.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Cincinatti, OH 8/14/02

Thank you so much for bringing this up to our collective conscious. Most people dislike those cards, especially once they realize (and I have) that the cards don't SAVE money, but people who don't use the cards PAY MUCH MORE.

Also, the plan you talked about today, to use the database to actually TURN AWAY low-income "Low-profit" shoppers is disgraceful!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Joy
Elizabeth, CO 8/13/02

I used to shop food lion, but quit when they started the card program. I didn't feel it was any of their business as to how much I made, or that I owned my own home etc. I switched to Ingle's and ended up saving more on my grocery bill. How about that! It's nice to know that there are other folks who are against these types of intrusions in our daily lives. No, I didn't even apply for the food lion card.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Bill Clay
Marion, VA 8/13/02

I'd like to see non-grocery stores listed on your web site and looked into that also require cards for "discounts". Stores like PetCo that have the same program as a store like Kroger but is not a grocery store.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Alison
Hillsboro, OR 8/12/02

I look forward to being able to input my zip code into a form and being able to see "cardless" supermarkets in my area, should that feature become available.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Alex Bischoff
Dallas, TX 8/12/02

I had heard an interview on the radio the other day and found the info on store cards very interesting. Recently the grocery store that I frequent and use their card has unveiled a new idea- link up your debit card to your store card and only need one card to save money and pay for groceries. I thought you would find it interesting that now not only do they want to know our grocery history but our bank account history as well.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Mel
Gresham, OR 8/12/02

It is refreshing to see others are not sheep. I instinctively felt that the cards were wrong. Everyone else thinks that I am paranoid and don't know what I am talking about. I have been boycotting Kroger, Foodtown (which no longer has a card), and other 'card' stores. It is just so hard to get others to see the light. Keep up the good work - and maybe I can help even in a small way. Thanks.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Don Iles
Toledo, OH 8/11/02

I strongly dislike the abuse of power by the government and was shocked to hear they are using those little plastic cards most people have on their keyring to track your shopping habits. I for one am going to destroy all card I now possess.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Timothy Jernigan
Ethel, MI 8/10/02

Here's a link to make you giggle *AND* go urrrgghh!

The Viewrinal - Urinal Advertising

I know the guy who used to run the company. He was making a LOT of money. They're based in London, UK and basically when they install their 'advertising solution', they get paid for installing it by the proprietor of the club/bar, and then the proprietor gets a cut of the advertising revenue, usually fairly lucrative. Sometimes a marketing company pays for the install, while the club proprietor still gets a smaller cut from the advertising revenue. Everybody wins!! Except us poor captive customers who have to listen to crap ads.

There's nowhere to hide!!

Do these guys qualify for a Fugitive award?

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
UK 8/9/02

I shop at Giant, and I hate the fact that I can't get a sale price on a product unless I have a bonus card, and if I use the card, Giant has a record on me as an individual, tracking every purchase I make at their stores. Big Brother has arrived! When I complained, I was told that the bonus card program was started because customers were clamoring for it!!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Herndon, VA 8/9/02

I would like to see you list any organized protests on this site so that I and others can participate without the need to be 'on-call' in order to help. I realize the difficulty in this, and although I do want to help, I am not much of a 'joiner'. I may in the future choose to do this, I think this is a wonderful cause, but for now I will keep checking back and will be watching for e-mail updates. I want you to know that I deeply respect what CASPIAN is working to accomplish. Today, I feel like I have a friend in this lonely world of corporate buy-outs and hostile marketing.Thank you for opening this door.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/8/02

There is no limit to how far the Robber-Barons will go to, to penalize the ordinary man - Off with their heads!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Jerry
Mesa, AZ 8/8/02

Thanks for the great site devoted to a worthy cause!

My local Bell Market (Cala-Bell in San Francisco), which used to offer "club savings" without a "loyalty" card or registration, has recently started coercing people to sign up for one. No card, no "savings".

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Bill
San Fransisco, CA 8/8/02

Wow! I thought I was the only person in the two known universes that didn't happily use their shopping card. I was amazed at how our local Safeway is absolutly militant about using a card:

Can I have your card? No, I don't have one. How about your phone number? No. Does your wife has a card? No. How about your drivers license? No. You really should get a card. No. (thinking, please just me get my groceries and get out of here!) Would you like an application? No. Here's an application, I'll just put it in your bag. (sigh)

I have not been back since. Unfortunately, all of the stores in my area have a card. (Safeway, Weis, Food Lion, Superfresh, Giant) At least the girls at the Food Lion don't hassle me like at Safeway. It looks like I'll have to start driving about 25 miles to the nearest Fresh Fields.

I'd like to have some fun with the big supermarkets - Tell them I'm starting a database and I'd like them to tell me everything the buy, who they buy it from, when they buy it, and what they pay for everything. After all, that's what they want to know from me isn't it? TJ

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Thomas
Mt Airy, MD 8/8/02

I love your site. In my area, Giant foods had been my market of choice. Over the course of a couple of months, I noticed a steady and disturbing increase in the prices. I remember mentioning to my wife that this probably meant they were going to be introducing a "discount" card (they call it a "Bonus" card, I call it a "Bogus" card).

The store is now so full of silly little flags blocking the prices of everything that it is impossible to unit/price shop. Generally, the item on "sale" is not the best buy, even with the card price.

I have three active kids and four pets, so you should have a feel for my weekly grocery bill. Giant has lost a major chunk of change with their card. I now drive clear to the other side of Harrisburg to shop at the Fox's market. Their prices are so much lower (card free) that it makes it worth the time and gas despite the fact that I am within walking distance of a Giant.

Keep up the good work.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/8/02

Clearly, I'm not the only shopper who despises these programs. Stores claim that card holders get a "discount" buy my experience has been otherwise: that non-card holders must often pay outrageously inflated prices. Stores obviously see this as a way to FORCE everyone to join the club. So now, we all must carry a wallet full of cards at all times whether we want to play the game or not.

Grocery and drug chains are not the only retailers treating customers (mostly women) like children--with clubs, cards, contests, coupons, etc. Department stores do it with coupons good for "one day only" and discounts for those who use the house credit card. I find it insulting that retailers approach customers in such a manner. Do they think we believe their hype? Or that we have nothing better to do with our time?

And I just have to ask: If the majority of shoppers were men, would they be treated this way?

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Vienna, VA 8/8/02

For a few months now I have been trying to get the local Co-op to pull the membership cards. Although the membership board is "pretty sure" no information is stored.

Keep up the good work, and let me know if I can lend a hand.

Thanks,

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Bellingham, WA 8/8/02

Keep spreading the word! I've already been urging my family and friends not to assist in letting others meddle in their private lives.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Andrew Leyva
Tuscon, AZ 8/8/02

I have always safe-guarded the privacy of my family and myself. When our local Winn-Dixie began this reward card program I was skeptical. It was just too much information for me in give to a super-market chain. My wife was able to obtain a card from a friend who works there in her name. But after reading your 10 reasons for not using a fake card, I agree.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Marvin
Jacksonville, FL 8/7/02

On three occasions at two different stores in rural Tennessee I was asked for a card and as I was prepared to pay the full price the cashier pulled out a card from the drawer (or asked another cashier for hers) and ran what was apparently a community card through the machine for me. Of course this used to be a rebel state so I guess that some of the spirit still remains.

Keep up the (losing) battle. People don't care anymore. A. W. Tozer said it best:

"It will do no good to wrap ourselves in the Stars and Stripes for protection. No nation can long endure whose people have sold themselves for bread and circuses. Our fathers sleep soundly, and the sharp bedlam of commercialized noise that engulfs us like something from Dante's Enferno cannot disturb their slumber."

I am the author of America's Other Jesus (www.otherjesus.com). Thanks for trying.

Ray

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Ray Hendrix
Spencer, TN 8/6/02

Having studied psychology, public relations and broadcast communications...I picked up on this card gimmics the first few days after Winn Dixie started pushing them on people. Who in their right mind would pay $5.99 for a gallon of orange juice. Of course we are eager to get the card so we can get the SALE (inflated regular price)of the products. I'm a discerning shopper and I do shop around. I also have a somewhat photographic memory... And I see prices soaring at all of these stores that require shoppers to use a card. Is there not some CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT that we can become a part of because I feel like my privacy has been invaded and I'm being discriminated against if I don't have a card at the check-out? It almost made me have a stroke today when the woman at the check-out asked for a card, so that my 7 year-old could save $0.15 on some candy. Is that the price we pay for our privacy?

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Christie
Port Charlotte, FL 8/6/02

After being opposed to these cards from their first appearance and looking for someone that was working on it, I was thrilled to learn of your organization. I think I am doing some of the things you suggest but with almost every store here still persisting in their use and promotion I sometimes feel it's useless. I am particularly incensed with stores such as Safeway and CVS that have the gall to not only require a card but also a coupon for sale items. What are they thinking? I have complained both at the stores and to corporate offices but seldom feel listened to. What else can a consumer do?

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Alice C. George
Springfield, VA 8/6/02

I work at Kroger and I shop elsewhere because prices are too high with the card. An example, Meijer had Minute Maid 1/2 gal juice 3/$5, Kroger 2/$4. Ihave a degree in Home Ec consumer Studies and I beleive the card has cost Kroger more than helped.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Bill
Lexington, KY 8/6/02

I am very concerned about this issue and intend to refuse to shop at Kroger or other "card" stores. I had suspected that the prices were higher now, it's good to know I wasn't just imagining it!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Lisa
Zeigler, IL 8/6/02

THANK YOU! I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS FROM DAY ONE.I AM SO GLAD SOME ONE IS FINALLY SPEAKING OUT. COUNT ME IN, LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO?

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Dianne Szostak
Capac, MI 8/6/02

I cannot believe that the well-educated citizens of my county tolerate this! (Although we aren't all well-to-do here) what is their education for if not to be able to intelligently discriminate what is going on? I am outraged! I already have to put up with monitoring where I work -it disgusts me and makes me physically ill and emotionally distraught, but I have not been able to find a job elsewhere YET. I have been treated as "insane and unbalanced" because my spirit is being raped (along with everyone else's), and I point it out while everyone around me remains silent. Just try to pay with cash for everything -- you will certainly get a taste of what's out there. Who is in our government that they do not serve us and protect our rights? Our society has grown so corrupted and many times I express my despair in my prayers. It will take an Almighty miracle to turn us around it's so prevalent. Finding your website helps sustain my sanity - I'm not alone in my perceptions. And, yes, I am as well-balanced as others who subscribe to this website.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
8/5/02

They are a waste of my time and energy.I don't like anything about them.I don't like reading the store adds that use them. I would like to see them abandoned.I can not leave my name because I don't know what would be done with the information.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
8/5/02

I will not shop at a store that uses customer cards. One (now bankrupt years ago) electronics store (can't remember the name, sorry...) in my area scanned your key chain card as you entered! When it first opened people were so proud to have that silly (evil??) card on their keyrings. I never set foot in their parking lot... Now, I can hardly buy milk. It's getting harder and harder to find a store that does not use them. I'm heart broken to find *my* store (Albertson's) is going to use it. This fact is what led me to your web page to see if there was anything that can be done. Haven't read thru most of your web site but soon will. Also want to be on your email list, thank you!

It's be

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Seattle, WA 8/4/02

I agree that the cards are a racket. Their only purpose is to monitor purchases for marketing purposes. The cards offer no real value that could not be offered without a card as has been done for many years in the past.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
MD 8/4/02

Finally, I can voice a frustration for these deceptive pricing scams. Next we will have to pay a premium to have supermarkets adhere to health concerns that mice dropping cause in the fresh foods areas.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

David Baskin
Burlington, NC 8/4/02

I use three cards on an irregular basis and only patronise their stores when their price is lower than the normal lowest price retailer in this area.Normally, Walmart(20 miles south, and 36 miles northwest) is lowest on prices,but on occasion i do patronise a "card"store when i can see a real benefit for my wallet.The card-store i frequent most is Food Lion and when i'm there i look for other lower-than-Walmart prices to make my dollars more effective.Overall, Walmart has lower prices here but i still look around to make sure.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Robert Mckenzie
Nathalie, VA 8/4/02

Thanks for standing up for the average consumer!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Austin, TX 8/4/02

I am a food clerk/cashier for a major grocery chain...I’m qualified to scope out and scoop all the info/dirt you could ask for. The discount cards are indeed bogus...almost as much as our ”superior service” program. Oooh boy ! Talk about ridiculously self-defeating ! Please contact me ANYTIME to help STOP THE MADNESS!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
VA 8/4/02

I have copied articles from your web site and plan to give to management of the local Winn Dixie that has just recently (in the last month or so)have began a discount card program (which they PUSH every time I walk in the door--I haven't taken one and don't plan to). I believe it is no ones business what I buy and resent that I should be expected to carry another card so that I can get the prices I either have been getting in the past or should continue to get without having to apply (divulging personal information)for the privaledge of better pricing. I see the discounts as a scheme where the business could always come back and say that people where paid (in the form of discounts)to divulge their personal information and they will in turn build a demographic data base to sell to other businesses for a big profit. Worse yet, the scenarios that the store could divulge ones purchases to the State and/or Courts in order to discredit a person because they buy alchoholic beverages, or cigerettes, or high fat items, etc., in order to determine insurance claims or law suits. Bottom line, it is an invasion of privacy and promotes profiling for profit at the very least!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Amite
LA 8/2/02

I don't use a fake name,I first ask, what does it cost for this card,they say nothing it's free.I say if it's free then you can't charge me more for the product if I choose not to be a member.If you do that's, discrimanation.I say when you but a sign over your door that this is a private club, then you can charge me more money for the product.Then I threatin to sue them. Every single time they back down and I get the member price.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Bill
8/2/02

I live in Utah. I have boycotted Smith's Foods for several years because of "Fresh Values Cards" I become livid when out of town and try a Smith's and find that an apple is $1+ a pound more without the card.( I walk out!) Now Albertson's has joined the game. I refuse to play this game. I know there is more to it than just loyalty. I have realized for ever it is all about data gathering. Why else would they do all of this for free? I am not a moron. We need to stop this before it becomes the rule rather than the exception. I don't think we have much time before it is the rule.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
UT 8/2/02

I'd really like to see protests in Portland, Oregon!!!

In June my husband and I were away from home and driving. I was feeling really sick and needed something to drink. It was a very hot day and I was 7 months pregnant. We saw a QFC store and my husband decided to run inside to get me something. They wouldn't let him pay the lesser price without first signing up to their card even though he explained the situation. This angered him and hurt me. We ended up going down the street and getting a gallon of water at 7-Eleven.

I very glad he didn't get their card!

Thank you for this site! I was wondering about these card programs. It

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Kayla
Portland, OR 8/1/02

Excellent site! As a former Corporate Point of Sale manager in the grocery retail industry, I am aware of the reasoning given to store employees to push the "Customer Loyalty Cards" I have never observed a loyalty program work as stated in the guideline objectives. Furthermore, the information collected is JUST WAITING to be used for any number of privacy invading schemes.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

anonymous
8/1/02

Very interesting. -I agree with these ideas very much!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
8/1/02

The intrusion of government into the lives of the people has been a precise measure of a corresponding decline of our natural God given, rights and liberties.

We The People should be aware that this is not our forefather’s government. Quite literally since 1861—March 27th to be exact, a Fascist Presidential Executive Ordered Un-constitutional Dictatorship, has RULED this nation. The day that ole Johnny Reb and the seven southern states walked out of the US Congress; we have been under Emergency War Powers.

At the end of the civil war Lincoln was murdered before he could restore constitutional authority and the politicians guided by the shifty ever-lurking dirty rotten International Banking Cabal, got the bit in their teeth. No president since has given War Powers back to congress reestablishing national constitutional government. Instead a whole fictitious corporate government has been fomented in order to give the illusion of constitutional continuity. Even you and your children have been made to be fictitious corporate entities and PROPERTY OF the fictitious Corporate United States as opposed to the National Constitutional United States, which was property of the People by the People and for the People.

Today the people fear the government, those who do not, are fools. We must now say with a united voice NO MORE!!! Tom Firnstahl Minnesota

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Tom Firnstahl
Finland, Minnesota 8/1/02

Kroger's, one of the first to start the "scan your own grocery stations", via finger or thumb print, is my neighborhood store. When they first started the card program the prices were not to bad, but over the last year they really have gone up. I can't say for sure but I would venture to guess 2 1/2 to 3 times high then their cards prices. When they began the card program and my husband & I refuse to sign-up, you would of thought we were traitors or terrorist,and that's no joke! That was around 2yrs. ago and to this day we get nasty looks & comments.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Sharlene
Houston, TX 8/1/20 -

I am just a poor simple PATRIOT who believes in God and the country our forfathers created. I strongly oppose the new world order,big brother and all programs designed to eliminate freedom especially the fake war on terorism, a typical problem-reaction-solution ploy to steal our liberty!! May I suggest that you also check out www.tbafoundation.com and www.givemeliberty.org.Remember the more light we can shine on evil the more it withers. Sincerely Charles

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Charles Hoefle
Danville, VA 8/1/02

I feel this is a step in the right direction in getting our freedoms back! With enough people not participating in these cards programs, the stores will get the idea and be forced to stop these invasion policies!

K. Taylor

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Kent Taylor
MI 8/1/02

Recognition of this issue is long overdue. Many thanks for getting this going!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Michelle
Chicago, 8/1/02

Thank you for creating this website!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Houston, TX 8/1/02

I cut up my preferred card and mailed the pieces to the local headquarters of Albertons along with a copy of the letter to the editor of the Idaho Statesman. This letter was published on July 22. I resent what I was tricked into doing: filling out an application to shop at a grocery store.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Richard J. Fritschle
Boise, ID 8/1/20 -

Note: Our email ratio generally runs about 15 anti-card messages to every one pro-card message we receive (i.e., around 15 people write in supporting our position to every one who opposes our position). I distinguish between pro-card messages and anti-CASPIAN messages. Pro-card messages get posted here as my time to address them individually permits. Anti-CASPIAN messages will not be posted if their content is vulgar, offensive, or devoid of any real argument. (I.e., "You guys are a bunch of idiots" with no real reason offered will not get posted, but "You guys are a bunch of idiots because cards save me money" will probably get posted here eventually with a rebuttal.) -K. Albrecht

More Comments: July 2002

CASPIAN
Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering
An information clearinghouse and resource for community and national action

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