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2009 Killer Coke News Campaign Reports Campaign to Stop Killer Coke Newsletter Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2008 Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2007 Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2006 Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2005 Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2004 Archive Campaign to Stop Killer Coke News 2003 Archive Daily Dispatch (South Africa), "Soft drink workers on strike," December 24, 2009
Watersucking Coke in India, By Carlos Latuff
KPCC Wire Services, "Feds agree on hiring discrimination settlement with Coca-Cola, December 21, 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Historian: Coca-Cola didn't invent modern Santa," By Kristi E. Swartz, December 18, 2009
The Globe and Mail, "Council of Canadians accuses Coca-Cola of 'greenwashing'," By Rod Mickleburgh, December 16, 2009
"Several hundred more signs, which proclaim 'Stop playing games with water,' are available for the public to post wherever they like, said council board member Bob Ages. 'The only way to protect our civil liberties is to exercise them.' Mr. Ages said there's no better time than the Olympics to raise issues." Democracy Now! “Indian Environmentalist Vandana Shiva: ‘It Is Time for the US to Stop Seeing Itself as a Donor and Recognizing Itself as a Polluter, a Polluter who Must Pay’, ” December 14, 2009
Amy Goodman said in introducting Vandana Shiva, “The world-renowned Indian environmental leader and thinker Vandana Shiva spoke before thousands at Saturday’s protest in Copenhagen. On Sunday, I spoke with her at Klimaforum, the People’s Climate Summit, and asked for her assessment of President Obama and what he represents in the climate change talks.” Vandana Shiva on "Hopenhagen": "The women of Plachimada would not see hope in a Coca-Cola bottle...Coca-Cola does not bring hope and Coca-Cola should not be the symbol of finding solutions to the climate crisis." India Resource Center, "Norway Campuses Reject Coca-Cola: Contract Not Renewed, Ethical Concerns Raised in Decision," December 14, 2009
Universitas, "Criticizing Coca-Cola: The Welfare Council has demanded that SiO confronts Coca-Cola with what they believe to be a lack of social responsibility when the association negotiates a new deal with the soft drinks giant next year," November 12, 2008
India Resource Center, "Norway Students Vote to Restrict Coca-Cola: Seek Ethical Alternatives to Coca-Cola," November 11, 2008
Grist, "Employees* rage against the Coke machine in Copenhagen," By the Yes Men, December 11, 2009
"*Of course, it was all white lies and fraudulence. Fraudulence! The two rebels aren’t actual Coke employees. They’re from the activist troupe The Yes Men. The pranktivists’ explanation for the lies? That Coca-Cola’s greenwashing is dishonest and its environmental impacts and labor practices unjust. Admitting this on Coca-Cola’s behalf is, as The Yes Men call it, “identity correction.” Video, "Killer Coke," By The Dialog Wizard
Colombian Solidarity Campaign, "Death threats against Sinaltrainal President," November 24, 2009
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, "Tell the AAFP: Coke and Health Ed Don't Mix," December 10, 2009
"In the midst of an epidemic of childhood obesity, the American Academy of Family Physicians is partnering with Coca-Cola. "A child’s chances of becoming overweight increases by 60% for each serving of soda they consume a day. Yet the AAFP is accepting a grant from Coke—which aggressively markets its sugary beverages to children in schools and on programs like American Idol—to “educate consumers” on the AAFP’s award-winning website, FamilyDoctor.org, about the role Coke products “can play in a healthy, active lifestyle.” "Families need honest information about soft drinks, not sugar-coated corporate spin. That’s why a number of prominent physicians have already resigned from the AAFP in protest. "Please tell the AAFP that health education does not go better with Coke. "Your letter will be sent to Dr. Douglas Henley, Chief Executive Officer of the AAFP." Israel Business, "Coca Cola embarks on damage control campaign: Company stewardesses to offer beverage samples at supermarkets in effort to restore consumers' trust. Soft drink company avoiding aggressive sales push in fear of damaging image," By Navit Zomer, December 10, 2009
India Resource Center, "Community Rallies Against Coca-Cola, Demands Climate Justice," November 30, 2009
"Armed with banners demanding "Climate Justice Now!" and "Shut Down Coca-Cola", over 2,000 villagers marched to the Coca-Cola bottling plant in Mehdiganj in India today demanding its closure. Villagers have accused the Coca-Cola bottling plant in Mehdiganj of worsening the water conditions in the area by over-extraction of groundwater as well as pollution." The Yeshiva World, "Coca Cola Israel Implements a Quiet Recall," By Yechiel Spira, November 24, 2009
Haaretz, Coca Cola expands recall to Diet Sprite, Kinley and cans," By Adi Dovrat-Meseritz, December 2, 2009
Haaretz, "Coca-Cola Israel sales plunge 30% as fetid bubbles gain notice," By Adi Dovrat-Meseritz, December 4, 2009
PR Newswire, "Suit Charges Coca-Cola With Profiting From Seizure of Jewish Property in Egypt," December 1, 2009
BNet, "Costco Challenges Coke and the Stakes Could Be High," By Mike Duff, November 21, 2009
William Kietz; This image symbolizes Coke's violence against people and the environment.
Commondreams.org, "Activists Target 'World of Coca-Cola':by Matthew Cardinale, November 24, 2009
Here are more photos of protests at the World of Coca-Cola and Ft. Benning "In addition, Killer Coke [Campaign to Stop Killer Coke] claims that many of the Colombian paramilitary troops were trained at the controversial formerly-named School of the Americas, now called the U.S. Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Economic Cooperation, in Fort Benning, Georgia." Linewaiters' Gazette, "October GM Looks at Boycotts...", By Ed Levy, Park Slope Food Coop, November 19, 2009
"Coca-Cola Boycott "In accordance with a nearly forgotten GM resolution dating back to the 1980s, the General Meeting is supposed to review product boycotts annually. Catching up for lost time--nearly 20 years of it--the meeting reviewed current boycotts, learning that there is only one currently in effect, begun in 2004 against Coca-Cola. Coop member Lew Friedman, editor of the Stop Killer coke newsletter, explained that all of the reasons for the boycott still exist: violence against union workers and union leaders in Latin America, exploitation of water resources in India, use of child labor and other human rights violations. According to the website KillerCoke.org, seven union leaders at Coca-Cola's Colombia bottling plant have been murdered since 1990 and hundreds of others have been beaten or illegally detained by paramilitaries cooperating with the plant management. Friedman explained that among the institutions participating in the boycott are 50 colleges and universities. The boycott against Coke includes its other brands, Odwalla and Minute Maid juices, Nestea, Dasani and Fanta. "The General Meeting voted unanimously to continue boycotting Coca-Cola Company products." National Film Board of Canada, "The Coca-Cola Case (A synopsis), By German Gutierrez and Carmen Garcia
Bloomberg, "Costco Stops Restocking Coca-Cola Products in Dispute,"
By Cotten Timberlake and Duane Stanford, November 16, 2009
deviantART, "Anti- Coca- Cola Stencil" by myspeedofdark
The Boston Phoenix, "Yes Men take aim at Coca-Cola," By Ashley Rigazio, November 4, 2009
India Resource Center, "ANNOUNCE: Rally for Climate Justice and Protest Against Coca-Cola - Nov 30,2009," November 3, 2009
Image by Carlos Latuff Campaign to Stop Killer Coke Newsletter, "Protests in Georgia & New Film: "The Coca-Cola Case," November 2, 2009
Kansas City Star, "Marriages of convenience: Medical groups join with food companies," By Rick Montgomery and Alan Bavley, October 31, 2009
Contra Costa Times, "Coca-Cola link spurs Contra Costa doctors to quit national association," By Sandy Kleffman, October 28, 2009
" 'I am appalled and ashamed of this partnership between Coca-Cola and the American Academy of Family Physicians,'" said Dr. William Walker, director of health services for the county. " 'How can any organization that claims to promote public health join forces with a company that promotes products that put our children at risk for obesity, heart disease and early death?' " Chicago Tribune, "Coke Partners with Doctors' Group," By Julie Deardorff, October 9, 2009
"But some outspoken critics now wonder what those principles are. They call the partnership an embarrassing conflict of interest and say the venture will—and should--undermine the credibility of the AAFP, one of the leading family doctor groups in the U.S. " 'For someone trying to lose weight, the first piece of advice is to cut out soft drinks, cold turkey,' said Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, who called for dissenting AAFP members to make their voices heard. 'Will the AAFP’s educational materials make that point? I doubt it. Expect to see ‘all foods can be part of healthful diets’ and averted eyes in conversations about taxing soft drinks,' she said." Siptu Coke Workers on Strike in Ireland
San Francisco Chronicle, "New Coke mini: Now with 36% less death! Counting calories? Care about your health? Gulp some cuteness!" By Mark Morford, October 23, 2009
Los Angeles Times, "Looking for health advice? Dr. Coca-Cola will see you now," By Karen Kaplan, October 22, 2009
KXXV-News Channel 25, "Coca-Cola plant giving off 'sewage smell' ", By by Henry Rosoff, October 15, 2009
American Federation of Teachers, "Aligning TIAA-CREF Investment Policies with Participant Ethical Standards," October 14, 2009
The Irish Times, "Time to pull the plug on the bottled water swindle," By John Gibbons, October 15, 2009
"This is a peculiar form of double taxation for consumers. First, they pay to have a safe, high-quality public water supply, then they pay again to drink the very water they have already paid to purify. The difference is that, even with water charges, it’s up to 10,000 times more expensive to drink bottled versus tap water."
The Irish Times, "Siptu calls for campaign against Coca Cola," Pamela Newenham, October 6, 2009
DNA (Daily News & Analysis), "Committee receives complaints from public about Coca-Cola plant," October 9, 2009
The Guardian (UK), "Coca-Cola ads for Glaceau Vitamin Water banned:ASA censures campaign for misleading health and nutrition claims, in part because the drinks are sugar-laden," By Mark Sweney, October 7, 2009
Images by Lorena
IUF, "Coca-Cola Hellenic: Workers pay, Shareholders profit from crisis," October 5, 2009,
The Cost of a Coke 2nd Edition Video, "The Cost of a Coke 2nd Edition," By Matt Beard
"The Coca-Cola Case," By German Gutiérrez and Carmen Garcia
" 'The truth that refreshes' "In this feature length documentary, directors German Gutiérrez and Carmen Garcia present a searing indictment of the Coca-Cola empire and its alleged kidnapping, torture and murder of union leaders trying to improve working conditions in Colombia, Guatemala and Turkey. "The filmmakers follow labour rights lawyers Daniel Kovalik and Terry Collingsworth and an activist for the 'Stop Killer-Coke!' campaign (www.killercoke.org), Ray Rogers, as they attempt to hold the giant U.S. multinational beverage company accountable in this legal and human rights battle." India Resource Center, "Got Drought? Build a Coca-Cola Bottling Plant!" By Amit Srivastava, September 24, 2009
Kalamazoo Gazette, "Some Paw Paw residents unhappy with Coke plant as tainted water continues to cause problems," By Sarah Crone, September 20, 2009
The Boston Globe, "Soda tax: It’s the real thing," By Derrick Z. Jackson, September 19, 2009
"It is ironic for Coca Cola to complain about Big Brother when the company has so thoroughly brainwashed the world. Coke and the other soft drink makers (this includes sports/energy drinks) have seduced Americans to double their daily intake of calories from sugar water since the late 1970s, fueling a tripling of obesity among youth 12 to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..." San Francisco Chronicle, "Coca-Cola chief slams proposed S.F. soda tax," By Andrew S. Ross, September 20, 2009
"Although it's a mystery as to how the Socialist Republic of Arkansas continues to survive with a soda tax its citizens have been paying since 1992. Not to mention the communist fiefdoms of Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia, which have similar taxes." The New York Times, "Considering a Tax on That Can of Soda," Letters, September 21, 2009
"I recently toured the Coca-Cola center in Atlanta. The marketing glitz was beyond belief. It is no wonder that half the world is now addicted to sugary beverages. If this same marketing genius had been used to promote healthier foods and beverages, we wouldn’t have to deal with the current obesity epidemic or its ensuing health care demands." "I remember sitting in my high school biology class in 1993 and learning about the evils of soda. Unlike today’s crusade against sugar, however, the health risks that were highlighted for me included the high phosphorus and acid content of all sodas. The phosphorus in carbonated beverages leaches calcium from our bones, increasing risk for osteoporosis, and the acid in soda can erode tooth enamel." Belfast Telegraph, "Coca Cola rejects Labour Court recommendation," September 30, 2009
Irish Times, "Three-week Coca Cola dispute goes to Labour Court," By Martin Wall, September 18, 2009
From the Socialist Worker Barkeeper, "Coke's first strike in 50 years," September 8 2009
the vagabond, a free non-profit Melbourne, Australia, online magazine. br>Page one of the vagabond, issue one, September 1, 2009 India Resource Center, "Groundwater Levels Plummet Around Coca-Cola Bottling Plant: Coca-Cola Violating Fundamental Human Rights by Denying Access to Water," September 4, 2009
Video, "New York University Killer Coke," February 9, 2009
Watch Video Luis A Cardona, a union leader from Sinaltrainal, the union that represent most of the bottling plants for Coca-Cola who is exiled here in the States with the help from the Steel workers union; Luis escaped from Colombia were he was targeted for assasination by paramilitary groups financed by the Coca-Cola Company and protected by the colombian goverment Press Release, "Violence in Coca-Cola's Labor Subcontracting System in China," Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior, August 31, 2009
"Despite their declared commitment to corporate responsibility, Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company, has never approached the student-workers to explain wage arrears and use of violence... "Regardless of whether it is the high or low production season, a significant body of subcontracted or dispatched workers--who face frequent wage arrears and even cutbacks on their pay--exists in Coca-Cola's Chinese factories. "Dispatched workers are employed by agencies, which send them to fill 'temporary, supporting or replaceable positions,' according to Article 66 of China's Labor Contract Law. Referring to the Implementing Rules for the China's Labor Contract Law, effective September 2008, it further stipulates that companies shall not use dispatched workers for more than six months, otherwise, they must sign full labor contracts with them. "SACOM's DEMANDS "To Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company "SACOM calls on Coca-Cola to take full responsibility for its abusive use of the 'flexible' labor system in its supply chains. We demand that: "(1) Coca-Cola apologizes publicly to all four affected students, who have safeguarded their legitimate interests in accordance with the local law but were insulted and assaulted. "(2) Coca-Cola pays for Xiao Liang the injured student-worker's medical fees. "(3) Coca-Cola Hangzhou bottling plant signs contracts directly with all laborers dispatched from Zhi Qiang and many other agencies. "(4) Coca-Cola converts all its subcontracted workers into full time employees within a reasonable time frame. "(5) Coca-Cola invites the Coke Student Concerned Group, SACOM, and credible not-for-profit labor organizations to organize in-factory labor rights training program for all workers who produce goods for Coca-Cola in China." "NY BOTTLE BILL UPDATES BACK ON TRACK: Groups Hail Federal Judge's Decision to Lift Injunction," The American Littoral Society Environmentalists and small businesses applauded a decision issued on July 19 by Federal District Court Judge Deborah A. Batts that will allow most provisions of the "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" to go into effect immediately, and the bottled water expansion to take place in October. In April, lawmakers updated New York's Bottle Bill as part of the state budget for FY 2009-2010. However, a lawsuit filed by the bottled water industry resulted in a court order delaying implementation of the amendments until April 1st, 2010 and removing one of the new labeling requirements. The State, represented by the Attorney General's office, asked the court to modify its decision, which went well beyond those provisions of the new law that the bottled water companies had challenged. Judge Batts' order means that: 1) the state can start collecting 80% of the unclaimed deposits on beverage containers covered under the law
In addition, Judge Batts permanently enjoined the New York State-specific UPC labeling code requirements from going into effect, which many businesses complained about as being unduly onerous and the bottled water lawsuit challenged as unconstitutional. While the order gives bottled water companies a court date of October 22nd to show that they might need more time to comply, the decision notes that Nestles had already said it could comply by October 1st, 2009, which is when Connecticut's bottled water expansion goes into effect. The decision stated that "it is the Court's expectation that Plaintiffs...are actively working to achieve compliance with all aspects of the Bottle Bill." The American Littoral Society and other environmental groups praised the Attorney General's office for its handling of the case. The New York Times, "From Bottles and Nickels, More Millions?" By James Kindall, March 4, 2009
" 'It's just bad public policy,' said John Pierce, a spokesman for New Yorkers for Real Recycling Reform, a coalition of large and small businesses including convenience and grocery stores. 'It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint because it ignores most of the problem." That is seconded by Scott Vitters, global director of sustainable packaging for Coca-Cola, who said, 'To us, it's a 20th-century solution for a 21st-century problem.' "
The Courier-Leader, Paw Paw Township residents ask Board's consideration in addressing water contamination,"
By Deborah Klinger, August 14, 2009 "A request to Paw Paw Township from Coca-Cola North America to provide public water to nine homeowners whose wells had been tagged as having' potential water contamination from juice waste that Coca-Cola had sprayed on fields behind their facility was the hot topic of the night at the Township's Tuesday evening meeting. "Several residents from the specified homes attended the Township meeting asking board members "not to jump and take action too quickly in regards to Coca-Cola's proposal to extend, the public water system to them. " 'Find out if this is what we' really want before agreeing to this,' said Brian, Stump. 'We would also like the Township to look at the whole picture and not just focus on the nine homes identified as being on Paw Paw Road and Hidden Lane. There are many more residents affected by this and maybe more to come as the plume continues to expand.' "
Courier Leader [Michigan], "Brockovich representative declares action has started against Coca-Cola," By Deborah Klinger, July 6, 2009 Paw Paw Village Council receives water hook-up request from Coca-Cola NA
Acting on a recommendation from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Coca-Cola North America has approached the Village of PawPaw with a request that the Village (at Coca-Cola's expense) connect nine residents along Paw Paw Road and Hidden Lane to the Village's water system. According to Village Manager Larry Nielsen, MDEQ felt that connecting to the village water system. was the best remedy for those residents, with wells tagged as having potential water contamination from juice waste that Coca-Cola had sprayed on fields behind their facility (a standard practice in the food processing industry). For the last 20 months, as a precautionary measure, Coca-Cola has been supplying these residents and others with bottled water. On June 15, Coca-Cola representatives met with Paw Paw Township and Village officials to discuss options that could be used to accomplish the connection. Currently the Township does not provide water to its residents and it may opt out from taking on these nine residents as customers to avoid becoming a MDEQ regulated water system. Should that be the case, an agreement between the Township and the Village could be developed to allow the nine properties to become Village customers instead of Township customers. According to Nielsen, Coca-Cola would be contacting the nine property owners regarding the proposal..." Business Wire, "The Coca-Cola Company Names King & Spalding, L.L.P. as Recipient of Its 'Living the Values' Award," August 28, 2009
Once again Coca-Cola hands itself, or rather its family, an award. This time The Coca-Cola Company presented its "Living the Values" Award (LVA) to Atlanta-based law firm King & Spalding L.L.P. How is this an award to itself? Simple research on the Internet will come up with the fact the Coca-Cola board member and former Senator from Georgia Sam Nunn is a retired partner at King & Spading. King & Spalding is a notoriously anti-union law firm, and Nunn continues to have an office and an email address there. Nunn became a partner in 1997 (and a Coke board member) shortly after he left the Senate. King & Spalding's website describes their "Traditional Labor Practice": "...We counsel non-union clients on how to remain union free, and we represent clients in union organizing campaigns and unfair labor practice cases. We have also advised clients with respect to decertifying incumbent labor unions, and have had a number of successful decertifications. We often represent clients in collective bargaining, advise clients on contract interpretation issues, and represent clients in arbitration proceedings pursuant to their collective bargaining agreements. We also actively work with clients facing work stoppages, including training management employees, obtaining injunctive relief where appropriate, and advising clients on replacement of striking workers..." Under "Preventive Advice and Training" King & Spalding states: "We also conduct training for all levels of employees from executives to staff. These training sessions include: The Manager's and Supervisor's role in Maintaining Union Free Status..." Some of the clients that King & Spalding have represented include Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., The Coca-Cola Co., Chevron, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil Corp, GlaxoSmithKline, Lockheed Martin Corp and SunTrust Banks, Inc. It should also be noted that in 1993 Nunn was a leader of the Senate's drive to keep openly gay people out of the military by taking the press on tours of showers and submarine quarters and firing two staff members who were gay. Although he now supports a review of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, he still takes no position on the issue. So once again, The Coca-Cola Co. shows its antipathy for the labor movement and its employees in honoring Sam Nunn's anti-union law firm, King & Spalding.
KillerCoke in India, By Carlos Latuff
China Daily, "Coca-Cola exploits workers, students say," By Cui Jia, August 20, 2009 Read Article "A university student who got a temporary job at Coca-Cola this summer through an employment agency is taking the soft-drink bottler to court, after he was beaten by staff members at the agency. He is alleging that Coca-Cola showed poor management by hiring agencies that exploit workers. He said he was beaten by staffers at the agency after he demanded pay for his work at Coca-Cola. "Along with three other university students, the 21-year-old student surnamed Liang from Tianjin was sent to Zhongcui Food Co Ltd, a Coca-Cola bottling factory based in Hangzhou, after signing a contract with the Deqingzhiqiang employment agency in July this year. The students' summer jobs were actually part of an undercover project to investigate the working conditions in Coca-Cola's plants." KillerCoke in Colombia, By Carlos Latuff
CBS, "Bottled H2O Backlash," JUly 8, 2009
Notebook: Bottled Water, July 8, 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "A look at Coke around globe: 'Devil' takes readers on worldwide journey.Author chronicles how PR powerhouse ignores victims of its practices." By Gina Webb, June 28, 2009
"What Thomas discovers is shocking: According to workers and human rights organizations, Sinaltrainal, after more than a decade of union-busting attacks and intimidation by paramilitaries allegedly hired by the Coca-Cola plants, is struggling to survive." Newsweek, "We Read It So You Don't Have To: 'Belching Out The Devil', " June 6, 2009
The Coca-Cola Co. Pays Big Bucks for Another Award Advertising Age, "Ad Council to Honor Coca-Cola Chief: Muhtar Kent to Receive 56th Annual Public Service Award"
Each time Coca-Cola receives an award, a bit of research shows that a Coke executive is on the board of the company giving the award or Coke is a large contributor to the company. In the case of the Ad council, Coke is listed as a member of the company's President's Circle, contributors of more than $150,000.
Associated Press, "Venezuela: Coca-Cola Zero has harmful sweetener," By Fabiola Sanchez, June 12, 2009
Financial Times, "Venezuela bans Coke Zero, citing 'harmful' ingredients," By Benedict Mander in Caracas, June 11, 2009
Coke has used sodium cyclamate in its drinks in some parts of the world. While not allowed to use it in the U.S., the company was using the artificial sweetener in Mexico until about a year ago. However, replacing cyclamates with aspartame is not a solution (see the piece by Betty Martini below). The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "ZERO TO ZERO IN MEXICO: Same name, new sweetener: After protest, Coke publicly dumps cyclamates," By Jeremy Schwartz, March 13, 2008
"The company said the change will give the diet drink a taste closer to that of Coca-Cola Classic and had nothing to do with concerns over sodium cyclamate [the usual Coke Co. denial], a sweetener banned in the U.S. 39 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration after lab findings suggested it posed a cancer risk." "Coke's Aspartame Campaign to Bring You Pain Gets Award," By Dr. Betty Martini
"Diet Coke is poison! And it's addictive; some victims drink several liters a day and keep it on their nightstands. If Coke changes the formula to remove aspartame the world will heal and the surge of hatred and vengeance by the disabled and bereaved shall certainly destroy Coca Cola. "The poison in Diet Coke is aspartame. As a member of the National Soft Drink Association, Coke opposed FDA approval of aspartame for beverages. Their objections, running to several pages published in the Congressional record of 5/7/85, said aspartame is uniquely and inherently unstable and breaks down in the can. It decomposes into formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, formic acid, diketopiperazine and other toxins. In a test on 7 monkeys 5 had grand mal seizures and one died, a casualty rate of 86%. "Coke knew; and knowing, broke their good faith contract with customers, a breach shown by their English plot to program vending machines to kite the price with the temperature. Dissatisfied with selling flavored sugar water plus phosphoric acid, they switched to pushing an addictive formula called "Diet". Addiction multiplies consumption, so Diet Coke soared off the sales charts, spreading obesity. We're fatter because aspartame suppresses serotonin and makes us crave carbohydrates." The New York Times, "[New York] State Agencies to Phase Out Use of Bottled Water," By Sewell Chan, May 5, 2009
"The order will gradually terminate the use of state money for the purchase of single-serve water bottles and larger, cooler-sized water bottles. Each executive agency will have to provide alternative water sources, like ordinary tap water fountains and dispensers."
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, "UMass students boycott Coca-Cola: Call for end to 'exclusive pouring rights' contract," By Hannah McGoldrick, May 3, 2009
"The campaign at UMass is a nascent organization beginning to gain ground among students. Boone Shear, a member of the organization and an anthropology doctoral candidate at UMass, said 'the boycott is meant as a symbolic beginning and as an informational, consciousness-raising exercise.' " Momentum, "UCATS Reaffirms Coke Ban--NYU Lifts It," By Rob Lesko, Spring 2009
Video, "Killer Coke Mobile Billboard, Atlanta, GA
Click here to see the above video China Stakes, "Coca-Cola Emphatically Denies Human Rights Violations in Its China Businesses," By Thomas Wilkins, April 24,2009
Charlotte Obeservor AP, "Coca-Cola CEO says company can grow in tough times," By EMILY FREDRIX and HARRY R. WEBER, April 22, 2009
"Inside the meeting, a few hundred shareholders gathered. Several addressed the board, some of them vocal, yelling questions past their allotted time and attempting to disrupt the meeting. The critics have been concerned about Coca-Cola's human rights record and business practices abroad."
We had a great experience working with David McGlory and his Coast2Coast Mobile Media (770-873-7565). As you see, his work was terrific, on time and very supportive of our campaign, wearing a Killer Coke tee-shirt and handing out our leaflets to all those asking. His excellent sound equipment playing "Drink of the Death Squads" attracted lots of attention. Website: www.coast2coastmobilemedia.com; Email: coast2coastdm@gmail.com Special thanks to David and Coast2Coast. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "550 sit in on rare Coke shareholders meeting in Atlanta," By JOE GUY COLLIER, April 22, 2009
"Rogers was followed by a more agitated attendee, who identified himself as a “shareholder from New York” and criticized the way the board of directors was composed. After he failed to yield the floor to Isdell, security guards escorted him from the room. Many in the audience applauded his ejection." Video, "Coca Cola ist Killer Cola," by juweil, February 4, 2009
The Independent, "Slaughter of the Innocent? Or is Coke the real deal? Fans fear Coca-Cola will poison the good name of the smoothie maker. Richard Northedge reports," April 12, 2009
" 'At best this is misguided – you'll be a fig leaf for Coke's unethical corporate machine,' wrote another called Paul Morris. 'At worst it is a greed-driven betrayal of values and customers.' "Within hours a new Facebook page was set up dedicated to boycotting Innocent. 'Inevitably, greed turned the fruit sour,' reads the group's description..." Reuters, “Taking the fizz out of Coke ad claims,” By Rob Taylor, April 2, 2009
From our archives:
"Its president, Dr John Matthews, said: 'We shouldn't rely upon Coca-Cola for giving us dental health advice. They have underestimated the problem and put a spin on it. Most people know Coke is bad for them but they continue to do it so I don't know why Coca-Cola feels the need to do this.' " Reuters, "China says Coca-Cola could have abused juice deal," By Chris Buckley and Susan Fenton, March 25, 2009
Always Coca-Cola-India, by Journeyman Pictures
"For thirsty fans at the World Cup, there's only one choice of soft drink available. Whether it's Coke, Sprite or Bonaqua, all the brands on sale belong to coca-cola. "Many of these drinks are produced in India, where Coca-Cola's business practices have elicited widespread condemnation. 'The coca cola factory ruined my life,' despairs one farmer. Producing 0.33L of coke requires 1L of water. In some villages near cola factories, water levels have dropped by 60m. Harvests have fallen by more than 40% because there is not enough water to irrigate fields. But Coca-Cola denies all responsibility. 'We are not the problem', states spokesman Rajiv Singh. 'There are simply too many people living here who are wasteful with water.' Coca-cola also stands accused of pollution and union busting. Many workers in their factories receive around 50 cents for a 12 hour shift. They have no unions and sometimes receive no compensation for injuries sustained. As Bhagwab Das Yadav states: 'All we want is for coca cola to respect India's labour laws.' " From the India Resource Center: "Last month, key activists from Kerala who have succeeded in shutting down one of Coca-Cola's largest plants in India wrote an open letter to Mr. Shashi Tharoor deploring his role as an advisor to the recently formed Coca-Cola India Foundation. What followed was a response from Mr. Tharoor which confirmed that he is not aware of the facts surrounding Coca-Cola's operations in India. Mr. Tharoor - former UN Under Secretary General - has recently confirmed (at a Coca-Cola sponsored lecture, no less) his ambitions to become an elected member of Parliament of India. Mr. Tharoor's letter has evoked strong responses, including one from us." Coca-Cola Destroys Indian Villages, Despite Warning by Coca-Cola Study
"As the summer of 2009 approaches, the village of Kala Dera in north India is bracing itself for yet another season of acute water shortages - thanks largely to Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola should never have located its bottling plant in a drought prone area which had already been declared as overexploited by the government. It was malfeasance on the part of Coca-Cola to locate its plant in such a water-deficit area, and it was a grave mistake on the part of the Indian government to allow the plant to be located in Kala Dera." UPI, "Canadian group targeting bottled water," March 8, 2009
Press Release, "Violence in Coca-Cola's Labor Subcontracting System in China," Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior, August 31, 2009
"Despite their declared commitment to corporate responsibility, Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company, has never approached the student-workers to explain wage arrears and use of violence... "Regardless of whether it is the high or low production season, a significant body of subcontracted or dispatched workers--who face frequent wage arrears and even cutbacks on their pay--exists in Coca-Cola's Chinese factories. "Dispatched workers are employed by agencies, which send them to fill 'temporary, supporting or replaceable positions,' according to Article 66 of China's Labor Contract Law. Referring to the Implementing Rules for the China's Labor Contract Law, effective September 2008, it further stipulates that companies shall not use dispatched workers for more than six months, otherwise, they must sign full labor contracts with them. "SACOM's DEMANDS "To Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company "SACOM calls on Coca-Cola to take full responsibility for its abusive use of the 'flexible' labor system in its supply chains. We demand that: "(1) Coca-Cola apologizes publicly to all four affected students, who have safeguarded their legitimate interests in accordance with the local law but were insulted and assaulted. "(2) Coca-Cola pays for Xiao Liang the injured student-worker's medical fees. "(3) Coca-Cola Hangzhou bottling plant signs contracts directly with all laborers dispatched from Zhi Qiang and many other agencies. "(4) Coca-Cola converts all its subcontracted workers into full time employees within a reasonable time frame. "(5) Coca-Cola invites the Coke Student Concerned Group, SACOM, and credible not-for-profit labor organizations to organize in-factory labor rights training program for all workers who produce goods for Coca-Cola in China." "NY BOTTLE BILL UPDATES BACK ON TRACK: Groups Hail Federal Judge's Decision to Lift Injunction," The American Littoral Society Environmentalists and small businesses applauded a decision issued on July 19 by Federal District Court Judge Deborah A. Batts that will allow most provisions of the "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" to go into effect immediately, and the bottled water expansion to take place in October. In April, lawmakers updated New York's Bottle Bill as part of the state budget for FY 2009-2010. However, a lawsuit filed by the bottled water industry resulted in a court order delaying implementation of the amendments until April 1st, 2010 and removing one of the new labeling requirements. The State, represented by the Attorney General's office, asked the court to modify its decision, which went well beyond those provisions of the new law that the bottled water companies had challenged. Judge Batts' order means that: 1) the state can start collecting 80% of the unclaimed deposits on beverage containers covered under the law
In addition, Judge Batts permanently enjoined the New York State-specific UPC labeling code requirements from going into effect, which many businesses complained about as being unduly onerous and the bottled water lawsuit challenged as unconstitutional. While the order gives bottled water companies a court date of October 22nd to show that they might need more time to comply, the decision notes that Nestles had already said it could comply by October 1st, 2009, which is when Connecticut's bottled water expansion goes into effect. The decision stated that "it is the Court's expectation that Plaintiffs...are actively working to achieve compliance with all aspects of the Bottle Bill." The American Littoral Society and other environmental groups praised the Attorney General's office for its handling of the case. The New York Times, "From Bottles and Nickels, More Millions?" By James Kindall, March 4, 2009
" 'It's just bad public policy,' said John Pierce, a spokesman for New Yorkers for Real Recycling Reform, a coalition of large and small businesses including convenience and grocery stores. 'It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint because it ignores most of the problem." That is seconded by Scott Vitters, global director of sustainable packaging for Coca-Cola, who said, 'To us, it's a 20th-century solution for a 21st-century problem.' " Video, "Coca Cola ist Killer Cola," February 4, 2009
Green Left, "REVIEW: Stop killing Coke," Review by Phil Shannon, February 21, 2009 - Review of Mark Thomas's 'Belching Out the Devil'
"But the book has the serious intent of redressing Coke's corporate crimes in solidarity with the working people and the activists he meets, people of "courage and tenacity" fighting for their human rights against the power and profits of a 'brown, fizzy, sugar water ... which is not something any of us really needs'." NYU Students Occupy Kimmel Center
Read "Story of the Barricade
Council of Canadians Criticizes the WWF Over Partnership with Coke "Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change." However, The Coca-Cola Co. is a sponsor of this initiative. Because of that, the Council of Canadians wrote to the WWF asking that their organization be removed as a participating organization. Below is an excerpt from the letter sent by the WWF to the Council of Canadians followed by the reply from Cory Morningstar, chair of the Council of Canadians, London: "Dear Mr Morningstar, "Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding Coca-Cola and I am sorry to hear of your request to be removed from the Earth Hour website... "A close partnership between a high profile company and a high profile conservation organization is naturally not without its risks, however we have conducted a thorough risk assessment both globally and locally. It is important to remember that this does not mean that Coca-Cola is perfect by any means, however we have carved out an ambitious work-plan that addresses a gigantic portion of their footprint..." And here is the reply: "Dear WWF Canada, "How can you expect environmental organizations to promote your campaign when you let Coca Cola corporation greenwash their brand through your efforts? "This is an insult to all of the environmental organizations and activists who work so hard against corporations like Coca Cola - who do so much damage to our planet. "This is an insult to the people all over the planet who are exploited and oppressed under the crushing footprint of this corporation who has no regard for human life or the environment. "We regret that we must ask to be removed from the website as a participating organization. "We will participate in Earth Hour - however - we cannot promote the event with Coca Cola as your sponsor. "Please also remove my name. "We hope you will consider researching this corporations horrific human rights violations and vast environmental degradation and remove Coca Cola as your sponsor. "Sincerely,
WWF Greenwashes Coca-ColaEnvironmental News Service, June 5, 2007 "As Ronald Reagan loved to remark, 'There they go again.' WWF, the corporate-funded environmental giant often accused of taking greenbacks in return for greenwashing its corporate benefactors, has a new partner. WWF and the Coca-Cola Company proclaimed a "bold partnership" that has Coke paying WWF US$20 million. WWF touts the deal on its website. A full- page New York Times advertisement announcing the deal is headlined "This is our drop," a phrase that Coke has trademarked. For Coke, $20 million is just a drop in the bucket, a cheap fee for the PR boost from its WWF partnership. Other companies giving money to and receiving the blessings of WWF include Alcoa, Altria Group, Walt Disney Company, and dozens more listed on the WWF website..." # # # Coca-Cola awards another medal to itself for environmental responsibility
Report: High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury
Democracy Now!, "Study Links Corn Syrup to Toxic Mercury," January 29, 2009
Watch Video "another story involving food safety has just come to light. A pair of new studies has revealed traces of toxic mercury can be found in many popular foods containing high-fructose corn syrup. The sweetener has become a widely used substitute for sugar in processed foods, including many items marketed to children. Items found to contain mercury include Hershey's chocolate syrup, Smucker's strawberry jelly, Hunt's tomato ketchup, Coca-Cola Classic, Quaker Oatmeal to Go, Nutri-Grain strawberry cereal bars. Mercury is considered toxic in all forms, particularly dangerous for children." [This includes Coca-Cola Classic] KZSC (Radio)-Santa Cruz, "An Interview with Campaign to Stop Killer Coke Director Ray Rogers," by Jacob Margolis, January 15, 2009
Report from the Global Business Forum at the University of Miami, January 15/16, 2009
An email from the University: "Yesterday, the Global Business Forum ended with a luncheon at the University of Miami. At this forum, many CEO's were present -- one of them Muhtar Kent, president and chief executive officer of The Coca- Cola Company. Kent oversees all operations of the business, including Bottling Investments. "We couldn't miss this opportunity to denounce the killing with impunity of the union members in the Colombian Coke bottling plants, so we went to this luncheon. We couldn't get to Mr. Muhtar, but we asked the president of University of Miami [Donna E. Shalala] if she knew about the assassinations of Coca-Cola union members in Colombia. Her silence was as cold as a dead body."
The Maine Fair Trade Campaign has officially endorsed the UMaine Coke Boycott.
The Maine Fair Trade Campaign is a coalition of 51 labor, environmental, human rights, faith, and community organizations working together to build a just, sustainable, and democratic local and global economy. The mission of the Maine Fair Trade Campaign is to oppose unjust, unsustainable international trade policies and to work for the creation of socially, economically, and environmentally just trade policies and a fair global economy. The purpose of the Maine Fair Trade Campaign (MFTC) is to educate, organize and mobilize organizations and individuals to work for the creation of just trade policies and a fair global economy that respects working people, family farmers, our environment, and our democracy. We forward this purpose through education, statewide organizing and coalition building, state and national legislative work and lobbying, and the promotion of local and global fair trade alternatives. The MFTC works to help make the connections between international trade and economic policies and their local impact on Maine workers and small businesses, Maine's environment and Maine's democracy. In all of our work as a coalition, we do not take any actions that would injure member organizations in the coalition. Augusta Chronicle, "Advocacy group sues Coca-Cola over VitaminWater," By Associated Press, January 15, 2009
"The Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest accuses Coke of selling what it says is basically sugar water by claiming it has vitamins that boost immunity and reduce the risk of disease." Video, "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World," By Sound and Fury Productions Inc., May 26, 2007 "Excellent documentary showing how dangerous artificial sweetner Aspartame is [Aspartame is the artificial sweetner used in Diet Coke]. From its history, to its effects this video is enough to shock anyone into really looking at their food labels next time they shop. Aspartame is a toxic food that came into the world as an investment By Donald Rumsfeld, while ignoring the deadly effects the tests showed. Take a good look at this video, it could save lives." Video, "Coca-Cola Crimes: The hard truth about the soft drink.," By J. I. Stone; sound by Ben Potts, January 13, 2009
Dietblog, "Diet Coke Plus Faces FDA Warning," by Chris Sparling, January 2, 2009
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