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USA Today
04-07-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
I won't boycott the Fourth of July because it's not about Trump
We're already divided enough. Every day feels like another political firestorm. What we need more of − not less − are the few shared rituals that bring people together across beliefs and backgrounds. There's a growing call this year to boycott the Fourth of July. The activist group People's Union USA, the same organization that has organized boycotts of Walmart, McDonald's and Target, is now asking Americans to sit out Independence Day. No parades. No fireworks. No spending at major retailers. Just stay home and, in the words of founder John Schwarz, "pull away our presence and our dollars." The idea, he says, is that there's no independence to celebrate right now. Not when our politics are broken. Not when authoritarianism is on the rise. Not when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being gutted and civil rights feel increasingly fragile. And I get it − I do. I've spoken out against injustice and stood up for marginalized communities. I've been as critical of President Donald Trump and his policies as anyone. I understand the fear that our democracy may be slipping away. I strongly believe that economic pressure can be a righteous tool. But here's where I part ways: I won't boycott the Fourth. Opinion: I'm not sure what being a patriot means in Trump's America. Are you? Tell us. Independence Day isn't about one president July 4 isn't about Trump. It's not about any one president, policy or party. It's about us − the American people − and the generations before us who refused to be ruled by a king and instead built something radically new: a nation founded on the promise of liberty and equality, even if we've never perfectly lived up to it. Independence Day is not a day to sit out. It's a day to show up. Even when the country disappoints us − especially when it does − we should claim the day as ours. Not to paper over the problems or pretend things are fine. But to remind ourselves and one another what this nation could be. Look, if people want to withhold their money from corporations on July 4, more power to them. Pack your own picnic. Support local businesses. That's a legitimate form of protest, and one I respect. But telling families to skip the fireworks and keep their kids home from the parade? That feels, well, un-American. We're already divided enough. Every day feels like another political firestorm. What we need more of − not less − are the few shared rituals that bring people together across beliefs and backgrounds. And whether it's the Fourth of July or Juneteenth, our national holidays should be moments that unite us around common values, not divide us with new lines in the sand. Opinion: This July Fourth, my patriotism looks like two middle fingers – and that's OK A lesson from Juneteenth I've seen people dismiss and downplay Juneteenth − a day that marks the long-overdue end of slavery for millions of Americans. That angers me. But so does the idea of telling Americans not to celebrate July 4, the day we declared independence from tyranny and laid the foundation for future freedoms. Both holidays matter. Both are worth celebrating. Both tell stories of struggle, pain, revolution and eventual progress. So no, I won't boycott the Fourth. I'll be there with my family, watching the fireworks, celebrating this messy, complicated, beautiful country. Not because it's perfect. Not because I'm complacent about Trump. Not because I'm apathetic about his "big, beautiful bill" and the damage it'll cause. But because I still believe in what America can become. And if we're serious about healing what's broken, then maybe instead of turning our backs on each other this July 4, we can turn toward one another − and try, just for one day, to remember what unites us under those bright bursts in the night sky. Kevin S. Aldridge is the Opinion and Engagement Editor at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where this column originally published. He can be reached at kaldridge@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter: @kevaldrid
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
McDonald's expands menu with new burger to its menu; What it is, price and where you can get
McDonald's has expanded its value meal package by introducing a new burger to its nationwide menu. McDonald's stated on its website that it is "moving up to the big leagues" after launching the Daily Double in Chicago, Miami, and Seattle.(Unsplash) McDonald's stated on its website that it is "moving up to the big leagues" after launching the Daily Double in Chicago, Miami, and Seattle. American cheese, two beef patties, shredded lettuce, sliced onions, tomato, and mayonnaise are all included in the Daily Double, which will appear on McDonald's McValue Meal Deal bundle menu on July 22. Starting at $5, the Meal Deal bundle comes with a 4-piece chicken McNugget, small fries, a small soft drink, and a selection of sandwiches. At the moment, there are two sandwich options: a McDouble and a McChicken. 'You're getting more, for less' when you choose the Daily Double option in the Meal Deal bundle, according to McDonald's. Boycott against McDonald's The burger was launched when a grassroots campaign organization, the People's Union USA, planned a week-long boycott of McDonald's. The boycott, which took place from June 24 to 30, was announced on Instagram by the group, which accused the restaurant chain of overcharging customers and other business misconduct. McDonald's strongly refutes claims of price gouging. In May, McDonald's USA president Joe Erlinger stated in an open letter that franchisees determine the menu prices for their eateries. 'In doing so, they work hard to minimize the impact of price increases on our fans,' the president said. In the past, the People's Union USA has advocated for boycotts of General Mills, Nestlé, Walmart, and Amazon. Also Read: US revises travel warning for Israel as Iran issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu; Full details here McDonald's launches new two treats for customers Last month, McDonald's introduced two new ice cream treats, including Hershey's S'mores McFlurry. Hershey's milk chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and vanilla soft serve are the ingredients that are used in making the McFlurry. According to McDonald's website, 'Whether you're looking to grab a sweet snack before lounging around the campfire or looking to satisfy your summer craving, the HERSHEY'S S'mores McFlurry will be your go-to summer dessert.' For a brief period, McDonald's also offered a Blueberry & Crème Pie, which is filled with vanilla crème and blueberries rather than the traditional apple filling. Its portable baked apple pie is the restaurant chain's signature dish.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Home Depot Responds to Nationwide Boycott
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Home Depot has responded to the People's Union USA's calls for a monthlong boycott. In a statement shared with Newsweek, a spokesperson said "We're proud to have a culture that welcomes everyone." Newsweek has reached out to the founder of the People's Union USA via email for comment. Why It Matters Boycotts, led by consumers against prominent U.S. companies have been sweeping the country in recent months. Some boycotts have come as companies have been accused of scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI), following the return of President Donald Trump to office, where he moved to dismantle such practices. The Home Depot logo is displayed outside a store on March 10, 2025 in San Diego, California. The Home Depot logo is displayed outside a store on March 10, 2025 in San Diego, To Know The People's Union USA is a nonpartisan group focused on "economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class." Its founder, John Schwartz, said in a video shared to Instagram and TikTok "This July, we are boycotting Amazon, Starbucks and Home Depot for the entire month of July. And we're not just doing this because of their political view we are doing it for the people." Schwartz went on to say in the video that Home Depot has "Quietly erased their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page, as if standing for fairness or for equality or for representation, was something to be ashamed of. That was a choice." In response, a Home Depot spokesperson shared a statement with Newsweek which read in part "For over 45 years, our business success has been driven by our eight core values, including respect for all people and taking care of our people." The statement continued that Home Depot is "proud," to have a culture that "welcomes everyone." It continued, "We believe it helps us achieve our business goals by supporting associates, building relationships and fostering innovation." The spokesperson added: "As we continually refine our communications, we have been using 'WeAreTHD,' which we have long used to represent the welcoming culture that we've built here." The "WeAreTHD" page on Home Depot's website reads in part "Our culture and our associates provide intangible and hard-to-replicate competitive advantages, which have been key to helping us navigate challenging market conditions." The page does not mention diversity, equity or inclusion. The website did originally have a page that championed the company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This was taken down after Trump's orders to ax DEI programs in both public and private sectors across America. DEI initiatives were created to promote the fair treatment and full participation of individuals, in particular those who are from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups. Companies such as Meta, Walmart and McDonald's have made changes to their DEI policies. What People Are Saying John Schwartz, speaking in a TikTok video about the boycott: "We the people have had and seen enough. So this July, we make a different kind of noise. We stop shopping with them, we stop funding the systems that don't serve us. And we shift our energy to small businesses, to local shops, to the people who actually care. Because we are the economy." The "WeAreTHD" page on Home Depot's website reads in part: "To preserve and protect that customer experience, we focus on cultivating a compelling associate experience, which we believe supports our ability to attract and retain our associates. This includes investing in competitive wages and benefits while also providing the culture, tools, training, and development opportunities that make working at The Home Depot an enjoyable and rewarding experience." What's Next The Home Depot boycott is to last for the month of July, as the People's Union USA continues to spearhead boycott initiatives against major American companies.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Free America': July 4, a federal holiday in US, set to see huge protests in US cities. What's behind the rage?
After the success of 'No Kings' protests organised on June 14 against US President Donald Trump, a nationwide boycott of all July 4th events is the latest in a series of actions by a grassroots advocacy group against the US President. The group says there is "no real independence to celebrate" under the current Trump administration. According to NewsWeek, "free America" events against President Trump administration are bein organised across the US throughout the July Fourth weekend. The People's Union USA, led by John Schwarz , urges Americans to "stay home, stay silent and gather only with loved ones" on July 4th, a federal holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as per local media reports. ALSO READ: Thomas Fugate: Grocery clerk leading nation's top terror post is Donald Trump's most shocking appointment Nationwide protests against Trump on July 4 The events follow other nationwide protests against the Trump administration and its policies organized by the 50501 Movement (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) and other groups since he returned to the White House in January. On June 14, millions of people hit the streets in the US targeting Trump's military parade marking the Army's 250th anniversary that coincided with his 79th birthday. John Schwarz, in an Instagram video on June 25, called the 4th of July boycott a chance to "make silence our loudest statement" by urging Americans to avoid fireworks shows and parades and to forgo waving the US flag "for a country that doesn't support you back." He citied several motivations behind the movement including nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, backlash at nationwide protests and the Trump administration "acting like a dictatorship." Live Events "The 4th of July should celebrate freedom, but what freedom do we really have?" Schwarz said rhetorically in his video. "Are we free to be watched all the time? Free to be taxed heavily? Free to choose between two corporate-backed candidates? Free to work long hours and still struggle while billionaires avoid taxes?" On July 4th, Schwarz encourages people to stay home with loved ones and to forgo attending any public fireworks shows or parades. He also encourages people to spend money at big corporations, and instead to support small, local businesses. ALSO READ: Caught on camera: Disney cruise terrifying horror as child falls overboard, father's life-risking move stuns all Who is organising 'Free America weekend'? "Free America Weekend" is being organized by Women's March, which was launched in 2017 as a grassroots group of women outraged over Trump's 2016 presidential win. Women's March has requested people to host or join or host community events during the holiday weekend. "This July 4th, while the U.S. marks Independence Day, we'll gather across the country—on porches, in town squares, backyards, and streets—to stand for real freedom and build a vision of a Free America brick by brick," Women's March says on its website. "Free America is wherever we are. Free America is whatever we make it. Host or join a July 4th Free America action—rallies, BBQs, marches, art builds, community block parties, and more to celebrate real freedom." At least 170 "Free America" events are being planned for the holiday weekend in numerous states, including several in New York, California, Texas and Florida, according to Women's March, according to NewsWeek. ALSO READ: Russia's bone-chilling World War III threat to this western country after secret 'anti-Putin campaign' Women's March wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on June 28: "Protest is the patriotic way to spend the 4th of July; it's in the heart of Independence Day and paves our path forward! If you're hosting a block party or a BBQ this 4th of July, help us protect democracy with joyful resistance!" Apart from "Free America" events, some local chapters of Indivisible have planned "No Kings 2.0" protests for July 4. The protests will be followed by another day of nationwide demonstrations—billed as " Good Trouble Lives On ," a reference to the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis—on July 17. "Good Trouble Lives On" is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration," according to organizers.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Nationwide Home Depot Boycott Planned for July: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The People's Union USA is organizing a month-long boycott of home improvement retailer The Home Depot. Newsweek has reached out to the founder of the People's Union USA via email for comment. Why It Matters Consumer-led boycotts against well-known and prolific American corporations have been sweeping the country since late February. Some boycotts have taken specific action at companies accused of scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following the commencement of President Donald Trump's second term in office, where he moved to dismantle such practices. The People's Union USA is organizing a month-long boycott of home improvement retailer Home Depot in July 2025. The People's Union USA is organizing a month-long boycott of home improvement retailer Home Depot in July To Know The People's Union USA is a non-partisan group focused on "economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class." Its founder, John Schwartz, said in a video shared to Instagram and TikTok: "This July, we are boycotting Amazon, Starbucks and Home Depot for the entire month of July. And we're not just doing this because of their political view, we are doing it for the people." He said in the video that The Home Depot has "Quietly erased their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page, as if standing for fairness or for equality or for representation, was something to be ashamed of. That was a choice." A section of the website that had championed the company's DEI efforts was taken down. The move came after Trump's orders to axe DEI programs in public and private sectors across the country. DEI initiatives were created to promote the fair treatment and full participation of individuals, in particular those who are from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups. Companies including Meta, Walmart and McDonald's have made changes to their DEI policies. Other companies, including Apple and Costco, have continued theirs. What People Are Saying A spokesperson for The Home Depot, in a statement shared with Newsweek: "For over 45 years, our business success has been driven by our eight core values, including respect for all people and taking care of our people. We're proud to have a culture that welcomes everyone, and we believe it helps us achieve our business goals by supporting associates, building relationships and fostering innovation." People's Union USA founder John Schwartz, in a TikTok video about the boycott: "We the people have had and seen enough. So this July, we make a different kind of noise. We stop shopping with them, we stop funding the systems that don't serve us. And we shift our energy to small businesses, to local shops, to the people who actually care. Because we are the economy." What Happens Next The group is continuing to spearhead boycotts of major American companies. The boycotts against The Home Depot, Amazon and Starbucks will last for the month of July.
