Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?

[iris lily]

Forget their political views! What if they root for the wrong sports team or like the wrong kind of pizza?

Wow, it's totally true that types of pizza and attempts to overthrow the government are so similar.  And thank goodness after almost two full pages of this thread, someone came in to make this extremely apt yet somehow overlooked contribution.  You guys, problem solved!

The OP was asking about hiring contractors who have what he considers to have abhorrent political views. Not about the actual actions taken by said contractors. If you don't want to hire the yahoos who stormed the capital, or the lunatics looting and burning down small businesses that's a defensible position. On the other hand demanding some sort of ideological (and pizza-logical) purity test among all those you do business with seems to me to be not healthy either for the individual or society.

Yes, this.

[effigies]

I try to vote in whatever ways are practical, and voting doesn’t end at the polls. You can vote with your money, your feet, and your online click$. This would count as voting with your money, IMO.

Only you can decide if it’s going to be worth the extra time and money to try and find a contractor more in line with your values.

Edit: OP, for the record, it is not at all ridiculous to avoid knowingly supporting or consorting with seditionists.

This is the answer you need.
We (consumers) vote everyday with our dollars and in many cases that is the only vote that matters. It is impossible to make sure every single dollar you spend goes towards people/policies you support. However, that does not mean you should never make an effort to include these decisions just because it is difficult. How far you allow these considerations to enter into your decision making is entirely up to you.

[OtherJen]

I have two rules for my contractors: wear a mask and I don't want to hear your political views. Even if we agree, I will probably say that this is not the time or place. If your family member is the kind of Trump supporter that is on a constant rant and can't get through the simplest conversation without bursting out with it, then I wouldn't even contact them. If they are generally civilized, I would go through the quote process to see how it goes. If we are ever going to rebuild, we need to start with the people in our families and communities.

I think this is totally reasonable. If I'm employing someone, I want them to follow standard business practices. Follow local safety ordinances and discuss inflammatory subjects off the clock.

[Nick_Miller]

I try to vote in whatever ways are practical, and voting doesn’t end at the polls. You can vote with your money, your feet, and your online click$. This would count as voting with your money, IMO.

Only you can decide if it’s going to be worth the extra time and money to try and find a contractor more in line with your values.

Edit: OP, for the record, it is not at all ridiculous to avoid knowingly supporting or consorting with seditionists.

This is the answer you need.
We (consumers) vote everyday with our dollars and in many cases that is the only vote that matters. It is impossible to make sure every single dollar you spend goes towards people/policies you support. However, that does not mean you should never make an effort to include these decisions just because it is difficult. How far you allow these considerations to enter into your decision making is entirely up to you.

+1

I think this is the correct response. We determine individually when differences in a particular situation are significant enough to impact our decision-making process re: any purchase, service, etc.

[Luck12]

Great.  A liberal making politics more important than family.

Family doesn't mean anything to me if that person is not worthy of my respect, my time, and/or my $$$. 

[ChrisLansing]

First, I agee with the concept of voting with your dollars.   

A couple questions:  1. will the family member be able to discern why he wasn't offered a chance at the job, or will you need to spell it out for him?   2. Do you think loosing a contract will make him re-evaluate his suppport for Trump?   Since I don't know the person I can only guess.   My guess is that he'll remain a Trump supporter.   

So, is anything politically accomplished by giving up the family rate for your project?    Does this cause a rift in the family?   Is it worth it?   

[Kris]

On a practical level, I would think that in interviewing any possible service provider, asking their position and protocols on mask wearing will likely tell you what you want to know. Anti-masking and virulent Trump support/election denialism are pretty strongly correlated.

[Sibley]

On a practical level, I would think that in interviewing any possible service provider, asking their position and protocols on mask wearing will likely tell you what you want to know. Anti-masking and virulent Trump support/election denialism are pretty strongly correlated.

Agreed. In my area (quite red), the people who wear masks but aren't great at it are generally more moderate, even if they're Trump supporters. It's the ones who don't wear them that I would be concerned about.

[jfer_rose]

I think the OP is asking a very reasonable question, and voting with your dollars is important.

I'm launching a new business and using social media to advertise. I follow many accounts in my niche, and the bulk of them have spoken out on social media against what happened at the Capitol last week. Honestly, the day it happened and the immediate aftermath, it felt to me really tone deaf when US-based accounts posted as usual without addressing the events (Even some of the accounts I follow from other countries even did so!). It is clear that people are using the values as one criteria for selecting a company and honestly, that makes a lot of sense to me. I might suggest checking social media feeds for construction companies in your area-- it might help you find someone you feel better about supporting.

Also, changing course a bit. Not too long ago I was about to sign a contract with a company for a service. The company website mentioned that 5% of the fee goes to charities providing certain services. These services sounded good to me, however I asked the owner for more information. I looked up the specific charities and I found that there was no way I would feel comfortable with sending my money to these charities. I did not sign the contract with this company. You're allowed to spend your money according to your values, no matter what people on the internet say about it.

[MudPuppy]

So, is anything politically accomplished by giving up the family rate for your project?    Does this cause a rift in the family?   Is it worth it?   

I don’t think this is about “accomplishing” political things. I think it’s more about not lying down with dogs and getting fleas.

[iris lily]

I think the OP is asking a very reasonable question, and voting with your dollars is important.

I'm launching a new business and using social media to advertise. I follow many accounts in my niche, and the bulk of them have spoken out on social media against what happened at the Capitol last week. Honestly, the day it happened and the immediate aftermath, it felt to me really tone deaf when US-based accounts posted as usual without addressing the events (Even some of the accounts I follow from other countries even did so!). It is clear that people are using the values as one criteria for selecting a company and honestly, that makes a lot of sense to me. I might suggest checking social media feeds for construction companies in your area-- it might help you find someone you feel better about supporting.

Also, changing course a bit. Not too long ago I was about to sign a contract with a company for a service. The company website mentioned that 5% of the fee goes to charities providing certain services. These services sounded good to me, however I asked the owner for more information. I looked up the specific charities and I found that there was no way I would feel comfortable with sending my money to these charities. I did not sign the contract with this company. You're allowed to spend your money according to your values, no matter what people on the internet say about it.

I have no idea what you are selling and what accounts you talk about, but
I have to,say, for me, requiring business associates to make a political comment on the event of the day, as you seem to be doing, makes me go hunh?

One possible legitimate reason for silence on my social media account about the shenanigans of Jan. 6 could be a sincere respect for serious discourse about a serious matter, and knowing I cannot contribute to that and would provide only meaningless chatter might makes me keep silent.

[jfer_rose]

I think the OP is asking a very reasonable question, and voting with your dollars is important.

I'm launching a new business and using social media to advertise. I follow many accounts in my niche, and the bulk of them have spoken out on social media against what happened at the Capitol last week. Honestly, the day it happened and the immediate aftermath, it felt to me really tone deaf when US-based accounts posted as usual without addressing the events (Even some of the accounts I follow from other countries even did so!). It is clear that people are using the values as one criteria for selecting a company and honestly, that makes a lot of sense to me. I might suggest checking social media feeds for construction companies in your area-- it might help you find someone you feel better about supporting.

Also, changing course a bit. Not too long ago I was about to sign a contract with a company for a service. The company website mentioned that 5% of the fee goes to charities providing certain services. These services sounded good to me, however I asked the owner for more information. I looked up the specific charities and I found that there was no way I would feel comfortable with sending my money to these charities. I did not sign the contract with this company. You're allowed to spend your money according to your values, no matter what people on the internet say about it.

I have no idea what you are selling and what accounts you talk about, but
I have to,say, for me, requiring business associates to make a political comment on the event of the day, as you seem to be doing, makes me go hunh?

One possible legitimate reason for silence on my social media account about the shenanigans of Jan. 6 could be a sincere respect for serious discourse about a serious matter, and knowing I cannot contribute to that and would provide only meaningless chatter might makes me keep silent.

I'm not "requiring" anything of anyone. But I am more likely to support a business that aligns with my values. And I am not an outlier in the marketplace.

When I went through a business development program, we spent a lot of time honing in on the "why" of our business-- the compelling beliefs or values behind what we are doing and how it is important to communicate them to our ideal clients. Customers have choices, and they prefer to choose a company for which the business' "why" is compelling to them.

The reality is that just about everyone has a line they don't want to cross when it comes to doing business. I think just about everyone would avoid hiring a child molester to babysit our kids, and in fact, most of us would probably even avoid buying a car from a child molester too. In the last few weeks, we saw so many large businesses walking their dollars away from political candidates who supported the insurrection, etc.

I do not deny that there are legitimate reasons for social media silence about current events, but being silent does risk losing customers for whom speaking out is important to them.

[iris lily]

I think the OP is asking a very reasonable question, and voting with your dollars is important.

I'm launching a new business and using social media to advertise. I follow many accounts in my niche, and the bulk of them have spoken out on social media against what happened at the Capitol last week. Honestly, the day it happened and the immediate aftermath, it felt to me really tone deaf when US-based accounts posted as usual without addressing the events (Even some of the accounts I follow from other countries even did so!). It is clear that people are using the values as one criteria for selecting a company and honestly, that makes a lot of sense to me. I might suggest checking social media feeds for construction companies in your area-- it might help you find someone you feel better about supporting.

Also, changing course a bit. Not too long ago I was about to sign a contract with a company for a service. The company website mentioned that 5% of the fee goes to charities providing certain services. These services sounded good to me, however I asked the owner for more information. I looked up the specific charities and I found that there was no way I would feel comfortable with sending my money to these charities. I did not sign the contract with this company. You're allowed to spend your money according to your values, no matter what people on the internet say about it.

I have no idea what you are selling and what accounts you talk about, but
I have to,say, for me, requiring business associates to make a political comment on the event of the day, as you seem to be doing, makes me go hunh?

One possible legitimate reason for silence on my social media account about the shenanigans of Jan. 6 could be a sincere respect for serious discourse about a serious matter, and knowing I cannot contribute to that and would provide only meaningless chatter might makes me keep silent.

I'm not "requiring" anything of anyone. But I am more likely to support a business that aligns with my values. And I am not an outlier in the marketplace.

When I went through a business development program, we spent a lot of time honing in on the "why" of our business-- the compelling beliefs or values behind what we are doing and how it is important to communicate them to our ideal clients. Customers have choices, and they prefer to choose a company for which the business' "why" is compelling to them.

The reality is that just about everyone has a line they don't want to cross when it comes to doing business. I think just about everyone would avoid hiring a child molester to babysit our kids, and in fact, most of us would probably even avoid buying a car from a child molester too. In the last few weeks, we saw so many large businesses walking their dollars away from political candidates who supported the insurrection, etc.

I do not deny that there are legitimate reasons for social media silence about current events, but being silent does risk losing customers for whom speaking out is important to them.

I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m just saying you and I are  different. And with those  difference it’s got to be hard for local businesses to know where to come down on expressing their political and social views.

I don’t expect my local restaurants and grocery stores to tell me their values in their front window via slogans and signs. Two nights ago I was walking along several blocks in a local business district while waiting for a take out order to be prepared, and most establishments, probably all?, Had a sign that said something like “stand with them. “It was a vague statement of support, but I wasn’t sure who it was supporting Although likely it was about racist police and etc.

To me, that was so generic to be useless. It did not have real meaning and was almost  insincere in it’s ubiquitous-ness.

The banks that pull their business from Donald Trump – that has huge meaning!! Now we’re talking about action that matters. Action, not vague expressions of support.

[ctuser1]

If I had a definitive knowledge that my local restaurant supports the birther conspiracy, or apartheid, or willingly and enthusiastically associates with people or entities who espouses such views, then you can bet I will not support them with my $$.

Certain beliefs are beyond the pale of a civilized society.

Unfortunately a very large % of the US population either holds such views or willingly supports people who do!

I don't actively go looking for it beyond what is immediately practical, however!

[By the River]

What if you are in rural Kansas and your car breaks down.  You dutifully walk 3 miles to where you can get cell service and contact AAA.  They schedule someone to tow your car and you trudge back to your car.  Then, Bob's Tow Service comes by, sees the Bernie sticker on your car and decides since he doesn't agree with your political views, he will just drive on by you.  How do you navigate now?

[sui generis]

What if you are in rural Kansas and your car breaks down.  You dutifully walk 3 miles to where you can get cell service and contact AAA.  They schedule someone to tow your car and you trudge back to your car.  Then, Bob's Tow Service comes by, sees the Bernie sticker on your car and decides since he doesn't agree with your political views, he will just drive on by you.  How do you navigate now?

I would call AAA and make sure they know how unreliable Bob's is. Of course, I would have no idea that the reason Bob was unreliable was because he saw my Bernie sticker and if AAA found out I'm sure they wouldn't care. They need reliable providers.

I'm not really sure where you're going with this attempted analogy, but at best I think you could say choices have consequences. AAA might refuse to use Bob again, if possible. OP here might choose to pay more to another contractor. These are all known consequences or risks of one's choices.

[Bloop Bloop Reloaded]

What if you are in rural Kansas and your car breaks down.  You dutifully walk 3 miles to where you can get cell service and contact AAA.  They schedule someone to tow your car and you trudge back to your car.  Then, Bob's Tow Service comes by, sees the Bernie sticker on your car and decides since he doesn't agree with your political views, he will just drive on by you.  How do you navigate now?

A worthwhile question.

My general view is that work and politics should be kept separate, as a matter of courtesy and professionalism. I would never comment on a political matter in a work capacity, unless it was an inherent part of the work.

As a matter of intellectual respect to others, I don't seek to propagate my own views on matters of politics or social policy, unless those views are asked for. This doesn't mean that I won't attend rallies for causes I care about, or otherwise try to advance them, but in everyday communication I believe people have the right to not have to listen to other people's opinions.

This means that as a service provider I would never voluntarily reveal my political affiliation to a client (and vice versa). Not because I'm ashamed of my opinion but because I find it very icky.

[skp]

I'm curious as to have far this goes.
I've been looking at vacation lodging along the Natchez Trace and was looking at reviews on Trip Advisor. I found an interesting historical B&B in Missisippi.  There more multiple 5 star reviews.  One person gave a one star review and said they would not recommend.  Their only complaint was that there was Fox News on in the common room.  The owners response was the room is common with a remote control.

[sui generis]

I'm curious as to have far this goes.
I've been looking at vacation lodging along the Natchez Trace and was looking at reviews on Trip Advisor. I found an interesting historical B&B in Missisippi.  There more multiple 5 star reviews.  One person gave a one star review and said they would not recommend.  Their only complaint was that there was Fox News on in the common room.  The owners response was the room is common with a remote control.

There's no one answer for "how far this goes."  Everything is a personal decision, there's not like a secret committee that will tell you what you are "supposed" to do. I suspect you are well aware and are just trying to stir the pot in a passive aggressive manner, but please correct me if you are actually struggling with this decision and need help illuminating the pros and cons.

[DadJokes]

I'm curious as to have far this goes.
I've been looking at vacation lodging along the Natchez Trace and was looking at reviews on Trip Advisor. I found an interesting historical B&B in Missisippi.  There more multiple 5 star reviews.  One person gave a one star review and said they would not recommend.  Their only complaint was that there was Fox News on in the common room.  The owners response was the room is common with a remote control.

The Republican Party does not have a monopoly on idiocy. That'd be my only takeaway from that.