February 28, 2007

A LAME RESPONSE TO AN URGENT MATTER


**Thanks to Richard for his ongoing participation and magnificient efforts in this boycott.




Richard wrote a letter to Weight Watchers in the beginning of February regarding their promotional sweepstakes which featured Aruba as a winning prize destination. Here is their lame reply and Richard's original letter. Do you think they will actually reconsider for next year? Only time will tell and we will have our eye on Weight Watchers.





Weight Watchers International, Inc.

300 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 350
Jericho, NY 11753


February 21, 2007

Dear (Richard),


Dave Kirchhoff has received your letter and has forwarded it to me for reply. First, we thank you for taking the time to write about the contest which was conducted on behalf of Weight Watchers retail products. We understand your comments and do value your opinion. We have shared your point of view with our Licensing Department so they will know of your concern.


While the contest has had success, we realize some people, who may feel as you do, may have chosen not to participate. By their actions, we will reconsider the location for any future sweepstakes. Please note this contest ended on February 17, 2007. We understand your perspective, and thank you for sharing your point of view.


Sincerely,


/s/ Cara Bishop

Manager, Corporate Affairs Weight Watchers International, Inc.






February 4, 2007



Mr. David Kirchhoff
President and Chief Executive
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
11 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010


Dear Mr. Kirchhoff:


I recently learned that your company is sponsoring a drawing offering free trips to Aruba. I believe this offer is contrary to the interests of your clients, especially women, and is inappropriate at this time. I therefore request that you consider retracting the promotion.


Since Natalee Holloway disappeared in Aruba on May 30, 2005, Americans largely have heeded the call of her family to avoid the island. Nearly two years later, the case is still unsolved and Aruba shows no interest in finding answers. The Dutch government has assumed the leading role in the investigation, yet it also seems to be sitting on its hands.


Events since Natalee vanished provide strong reason to believe that elements of Aruba's law enforcement and government are complicit in a cover-up to protect certain persons from prosecution in this case. American tourism comprises 80% of Aruba's economy; it is the one tool that we have to persuade Aruba that we will not let this crime be forgotten.


Although your company is not a law-enforcement agency, it seems irresponsible if not cynical for you to encourage travel to Aruba, even at low prices, while that island is reeling from the impact of our collective boycott. It also seems simple justice to support an American family that for two years has contended with a hostile foreign government.



Last year, Curves International was running an offer similar to yours. When contacted on the matter, the Curves chief executive swiftly canceled the ad campaign, which he had not authorized, and agreed that Aruba was no fit destination for American women.



I hope your company also will decide that without a solution in the Natalee Holloway case, we stand united against travel to Aruba. "No justice for Natalee? No tourists for Aruba."



I appreciate your attention and assistance in this matter.



Sincerely,



Richard



6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Weight Watchers have a lot of members in Aruba. Many of them are prostitutes and drug dealers. They are bloated and overweight because of their Dutch style starchy diet. The Arubans are couch potatoes and porn watchers.

Anonymous said...

The Airbus board blasted Netherlands government of interfering the restructuring process of the flagship superjumbojet A380 by collecting the unfairly high prostitute tax from the aircraft manufacturing workers. The Hollnad conspiracy is a poison rape drug for the company.

Anonymous said...

Recently, I heard that Harbert Construction, a Birmingham based contruction company, has offices located in Aruba. I heard they were constructing at the Marriott. Is this for tourist?

Is this true? Seems like we are boycotting companies (like WW) who sponsor trips to Aruba. If this is true about the Birmingham company, I am concerned that they are building lodgings for tourist.

Seems strange, imho.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Harbert does have an office in Aruba.

That boycott seems to be working....NOT!!!

Anonymous said...

They are under investigation of being money laundering. The indictment of Libby scandal is really scaring them. The constructions in Aruba came a halt suddenly.

Anonymous said...

Who is bding investigated for money laundering? And, how is the Libby situation "really scaring them?" (Who is them?)

Can you provide a link about the construction being suddenly halted.