Target: Target, cont’d

We wrote here about the left’s campaign last year against Target, based on the company’s contribution of $100,000 to Minnesota Forward, a PAC that supported Republican Tom Emmer in the race for governor of Minnesota, Target’s home state. Target was, ironically, the source of the wealth out of which Emmer opponent (and ultimately victorious gubernatorial candidate) Mark Dayton funded his numerous political campaigns over the years. Target’s support for Dayton’s opponent was — how to put it? — embarrassing to Dayton.
We explained the rationale for Target’s contribution and expressed our support for what the company had done. Right about that time, Target proclaimed that it had seen the error of its ways. It apologized profusely. It vowed not to make the same mistake again.
Sounding like the momentarily chastened hero of Cool Hand Luke pleading with Boss Paul, Target all but begged: “Don’t hit me anymore…Oh God, I pray to God you don’t hit me anymore. I’ll do anything you say, but I can’t take anymore.” Like Luke Jackson, Target had gotten its mind right (or left).
In a sequel to the story of Target’s wayward support for Tom Emmer last year, a San Diego pro-gay marriage group is canvassing outside Target’s San Diego County stores. Now comes word that Target has brought suit to get the group to knock it off.
“Our legal action was in no way related to the cause of the organization and was done so to be consistent with our long-standing policy of providing a distraction-free shopping experience by not permitting solicitors at our stores,” Target said in a statement sent to the AP. Suffice it to say that we support Target and distraction-free shopping experiences at its stores. But will Target once again pull the rug out from under its supporters?
Lest there be any doubt that Target has gotten its mind right, the AP adds this touching detail: “The company also negotiated a deal with Lady Gaga to sell a special edition of her upcoming album in a partnership Gaga said was tied to their ‘reform,’ supporting the gay community and making up for past ‘mistakes.” But the singer backed out a few weeks ago. Target is apparently a bridge too far for the Gaga crowd.

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