ECONOMIC BLACKOUT FRIDAY FEB 28TH 2025

[bdamomma]

1ST OFFICIAL ACT TURN IT OFF for 1 day we show them who really holds the power.

WHAT NOT TO DO
DO NOT MAKE ANY PURCHASES
DO NOT SHOP ONLINE. OR IN STORE
NO AMAZON
NO WALMART
NO BEST BUY NOWHERE
NO MCDONALDS

DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON FOOD.
FAST FOOD
GAS
MAJOR RETAILERS
DO NOT USE CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS FOR NON ESSENTIAL SPENDING

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF NECESSARY
ONLY BUY ESSENTIALS OF ABSOLUTELY NECSSARY ITEMS SUCH AS (FOOD, MEDICINE, EMERGENCY SUPPLIES)
IF YOU MUST SPEND, ONLY SUPPORT SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSESS.

SPREAD THE MESSAGE
TALK ABOUT IT
POST ABOUT IT
DOCUMENT YOUR ACTIONS THAT DAY!

WHY THIS MATTERS
CORPORATIONS AND BANKS ONLY CARE ABOUT THEIR BOTTOM LINE.
IF WE DISRUPT THE ECONOMY FOR JUST ONE DAY IT SENDS A POWERFUL MESSAGE.
IF THEY DO NOT LISTEN WE MAKE THE NEXT BLACKOUT LONGER

THIS IS OUR FIRST ACTION
OUR NUMBERS ARE POWERFUL.

THIS IS HOW WE MAKE HISTORY.

SHARE THIS MESSAGE.

I just received this from a friend. Keep this kicked

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

1. kick

[usedtobedemgurl]

2. I think this should be a regular thing.....

Once a month. The orange menace's birthday is in April, I believe. That would be an awesome time/date to do it again, but I think we should all spend money that day. We should all donate to the ACLU on that day, especially if it is his birthday. Imagine headlines that ACLU, who is fighting him at every turn, gets x amount of money donated on his b-day. That might drive him around the bend.

[halobeam]

3. Oh please make this an OP & cross post to DU The Way Forward

This would be not only and most importantly beneficial to the cause but wow, what a strong message this would send.

I love this idea! I would post this every where, each day until it happened. I would commit to that, hands down!

[bdamomma]

13. Would you

be able to post it to Blue Sky? I'm not too familiar how to do that.

[Demobrat]

44. It's all over BlueSky.

[bdamomma]

70. Thanks

I come to DU more than BlueSky. Thanks for mentioning.

[halobeam]

86. TY! And the more, the better 😎

[halobeam]

84. Glad to see it's all over there!! Fantastic!

[usedtobedemgurl]

74. Would you do it, please?

I am happy to let you take the credit. Quite honestly, since my TBI (traumatic brain injury) I have a lot of trouble with memory. I would never remember to do that.

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.

[halobeam]

85. I'll definitely add posts there on this. I will always do whatever I can!!

[Hassler]

4. Yes! Every month. Maybe the beginning of every month. When

People get paid and have money again. That's what businesses are counting on--people spending their money. At the end of the month, people on limited funds are already not spending.

[stillcool]

5. his birthday is in June

same day as mine...

[rpannier]

8. My condolences

[stillcool]

18. thank you

I enjoyed it for many years. Now it's just a memory.

[bdamomma]

10. We

won't hold that against you!!

[LoisB]

40. I am so sorry. I felt bad for myself because his birth year is the same as mine but I have to

send all my sympathy to you.

[stillcool]

48. thank you...good thing is I've had it for a while

and now my birthday is every day.

[LoisB]

55. That's the spirit!

[Whiskeytide]

71. The egg was laid in April. It hatched in June. n/t

[usedtobedemgurl]

75. Oops!

Ok, so how about April 1st, because he is a fool? Maybe May 4th, so the fourth be with ACLU against the orange menace? And then on his birthday?

[Dulcinea]

101. Great idea! nt

[Magoo48]

12. Yes, monthly or perhaps weekly. Consistency will give this action real teeth.

Whatever, I’m all in. I think I will try to make it a Friday thing personally.
Solidarity.

[lastlib]

19. His birthday is the same day as Flag Day--ughhh--June 14.

I will spend nothing on that day. And I'll never celebrate flag day again.

[Moostache]

32. I am giving up spending for Lent this year....

Instead of revisiting my Catholic roots and avoiding meat for Fridays...I am going to read one of my many TBR books on-hand and practice intermittent fasting for anything not in my pantry or fridge. $0 spend Fridays.

I am prepared to expand that as long and as far reaching as necessary to scare the fuck out of the 'ruling' class...we ae peaceful, FOR NOW...FAFO and study history. I would recommend starting with the French Revolution and the fate of King Louis and Marie Antoinette.

[usedtobedemgurl]

76. I have a small bit of knowledge about the revolution!

On my first honeymoon, we went to Paris. We stayed at a hotel across from the zoo where the hungry citizens raided the animals just so they could have something to eat.

We decided to explore the jail where Marie was kept. We accidentally entered the courthouse next to that building. Everyone was dressed in barrister clothing with wigs and all. Just to get in the courthouse, there were metal detectors and a lot of security! This was 30+ years ago.

We finally made it to the jail. You could feel the history. We also made it to Jim Morrison’s grave. That was cool. The best part of Paris is how dogs were allowed everywhere. In bars, movies, etc.

[Moostache]

89. my favorite spot in Paris?

the plaque commemorating the spot they executed Louis and Marie in Place de Concorde (right by the obelisk from Luxor)... The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were pretty cool too...

[usedtobedemgurl]

91. The Louvre was amazing!

We tracked down a little bar where Bloody Marys are said to have originated. That was also cool. Paris is an amazing place. If I had gone slightly earlier in life, I probably would be an architect.

[LoisB]

39. Great idea. ITs birthday is June 14. This year that date falls on a Saturday which I imagine

is a huge day for retailers. Wouldn't it be a hoot if the big retailers had their worst day EVER?

[usedtobedemgurl]

77. I think it would send a really strong message....

That coupled with a huge day of donations to the ACLU would send a loud message. This government is all about money. I think we should be as well!

[LoisB]

78. Yes, I agree with the donations to ACLU.

[RubyRose]

88. His birthday is June 14 according to Wikipedia

[Gore1FL]

113. I agree. I would also suggest we pick better days.

Last day-of-the-month and Fridays are probably two things we should avoid.

[wendyb-NC]

6. I'm ready

I ran out this afternoon and got a couple of necessities. Plant based coffee creamer and cat treats.

[bobandrileysmom]

7. Except for cat food

I am set for the entire month of March.

[MichMan]

9. I have a friend who is a server

Depends on tips. She is worried that she won't have any customers that day.

[rurallib]

11. kick!

[markodochartaigh]

14. Maybe for all of those who depend on tips,

just stop into the restaurant or cafe, etc. and tell them that you aren't spending any money today but you wanted to leave a tip in their tip jar.

[calimary]

16. That's a good idea.

[calimary]

15. On it!

And happily so!

[ALBliberal]

17. Heard yesterday the Quakers are pushing

this too. Has me hoping word is getting around!!

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

20. Had planned to do this...

but, just got called in for a much needed visit with my PCP for late pm that will take us into the dinner hour in getting home.
In addition to my other problems, my BNP is elevated (has not been addressed yet, after 3 mos.) and my ME/CFS has cropped up AGAIN! Thus, I have to make this visit.
My driver and I usually stop on the way home from all my appts.for take out as neither of us feel like cooking afterward. Most of the appts. are an hour away and late pm.
Even tho' this one is local, knowing that she will be tired and I will be exhausted, we have decided to keep to our routine.
However, we will go to our local, family owned Hispanic restaurant. Food is good, lots of it. (feeds me for 2 days).
I will pay cash and leave a big tip!
Hope I will be forgiven.

[meow2u3]

21. How am I supposed to eat?

I don't carry cash and my payday is Friday.

[yliza]

27. This is actually addressed in the OP

Buy just what you need and try to buy local. No big corporate box stores or fast food places. Hope this helps.

[Scrivener7]

53. Can you bring a sandwich?

[AKwannabe]

22. K&R

Participating!

[markie]

23. yes

https://msmagazine.com/2025/02/25/economic-boycott-spending-freeze-trump-musk/

[DENVERPOPS]

24. Sadly,

this will not bother them at all, they know everyone will just come on a later date to buy everything.....

And the people who say, boycott XXXXX Corporation for being Right Wing.......Not buying from any corporation that is part of the Trumphumping Right Wing will keep you from buying from almost any/all corporations...

[Voltaire2]

54. Oh just stop.

If you can’t be bothered to put in even this minimal effort, then don’t. But discouraging others is an odd take. Why would you do that?

[womanofthehills]

87. Problem is the date - pay day for most people

With over 70% of Americans living payday to payday- I don’t think they should have chosen payday. A few days after payday would have been better - esp for those with children.

[Bengus81]

66. Your wrong...go look at the stock price of Telsa and tell me it doesn't work

That shit is dropping like a rock. Hit that ugly fucker where it really HURTS. Hmmm...seems people in Europe don't like a NAZI supporter or his car.

Also I seriously doubt that 70+ MILLION Dems will be buying either.

[DENVERPOPS]

83. Bengus

as with so many things, we will just have to wait to find out.

Speaking of Europe, have you noted the election results a couple of days ago in GERMANY? of all places........The birthplace of NAZI's?

[TNNurse]

25. This is all over FB and people are joining.

There are other days targeting specific companies to follow.

[Passages]

26. KICK

[Maj. Dude]

28. Kinda difficult....

When a person is traveling and there's non-refundable money required and already paid for months ago.
Why couldn't it have been last week or next week.
I don't carry large sums of cash.
I'll do my best but when there are bargains to be made, well....

Life goes on.

[Voltaire2]

60. So sorry we couldn't make it all about you.

[Scrivener7]

61. Seems like a few new posters working hard to discourage this.

Seems like a good sign.

[Hotler]

103. Your first post and you're being snarky. Welcome to DU. nt

[Wild blueberry]

29. All in

So are my family and friends. Glad to be part of this.

[Soxderrube]

30. I have heard

this drivel before back during Regan same ol same, that never panned out, do something different.

[PatrickforB]

31. I'm in. n/t

[usonian]

33. Dark n Stormy Knight just posted a reminder and a link in Activist Headquarters. A great read!

Here's the article referenced:
https://abovethelaw.com/2025/02/whatever-your-politics-join-no-buy-friday-on-february-28-as-a-great-economic-experiment/

Post:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10113837

Excerpt from the article:

Even if you hate DEI, I invite you to join this consumer blackout on February 28. You have nothing to lose — at the very least you will save a little money. And don’t tell me you can’t go a single day without buying anything. Make coffee at home. Fill your gas tank the day before or the day after. Eat that old can of beans that you’ve been navigating around in your kitchen cabinet for months. And in the name of all that is holy, don’t buy anything online.

There are not many chances for an individual worker, a consumer, to have any sort of real influence on the massive corporations that dominate our lives. Joining this no-buy Friday on February 28 could be the only opportunity you have for a while to show big companies that they are successful because of us, not the other way around. Our political division is their strength. Showing big companies that we can unite, however briefly, would send a powerful message.

Whatever your politics, consider joining in for a 24-hour hiatus on spending this February 28. I guarantee you have a lot more in common with other potential participants, even those who may have voted differently than you, than you do with Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk.

[Soxderrube]

34. The same BS

this drivel before back during Regan same ol same, that never panned out, do something different. If you want to know my plan I will not post it here

[wolfie001]

36. You're new here and that's your greeting? Just give up?

Shaddup and go back to work?

[Voltaire2]

58. 2017.

Zombie.

[wolfie001]

79. Zombie?

Sure chump 👊

[Voltaire2]

97. not you. look up above.

[wolfie001]

107. Sorry! And you're right

[Scrivener7]

56. You needed to post this twice? Move along.

[Voltaire2]

57. Night of the living dead.

[wolfie001]

35. Yes! Done!

[Owl]

37. I'm in also!

[Joinfortmill]

38. I hope this makes a huge impact

[turbinetree]

41. Done .....................to bad flights are not being cancelled................really bring this country to it's knees.

[NotHardly]

42. My family is in!

[ReRe]

43. K&R

Onboard all the way including my two adult roommates!

[LymphocyteLover]

45. Absolutely! We're gonna do it!

[Meowmee]

46. I'm just going out in a bit to shop a little bit so that I don't have to buy anything tomorrow

I hope it has some effect 😀

[Tang-inator]

47. Food

Yes, especially stay away from restaurants.

[kimbutgar]

49. I did all my shopping today

And I also plan to do the same on March 15th economic black out on the Ides of March !

[MLAA]

50. Sent it out to 8 or so friends. Thanks!

[uponit7771]

51. THIS !!!!

[Raven123]

52. Just saw some YouTube investment guy talking about this.

The word is out.

[Scrivener7]

59. I'm in!

[synni]

62. I'm in!

I'm not setting foot in any stores that day.

[Wuddles440]

63. All in!!!

[Bengus81]

64. On it and....KICK!

[Rhiannon12866]

65. I have no plans to go anywhere

[hatrack]

67. Yep, we're in . . .

We'll see . . . and if at first and all of that, June 14th (as mentioned below) looks an excellent follow-up.

[Farmgirl1961]

68. I'm in 1000%

It will be interesting to see what kind of impact this has. What I fear (what I'm sure of) is that the M$M won't cover it. Hoping that there are some folks who will have a way to measure numbers and economic impact.

[Hotler]

69. +1. Why wait, and why only one day? Do not underestimate the leverage and power of your consumer dollar.

https://democraticunderground.com/10113602

[bdamomma]

73. Yes, it

should be more than 1 day. Get them in the pocketbook. Great list though. They want to screw us, we can screw them.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

104. There are more planned. Possibly adding a day next time.

And then another. It won't be easy for many, but but the idea is cut out discretionary spending as much as possible for the foreseeable future.

[MissB]

72. That will be super easy for me

I have a new knee, and I’m not able to drive anywhere. DH is doing the cooking.

[Captain Zero]

81. Everywhere you do go, go slower

Strikes can also be SLOWDOWNS. Be safe, Don't cause an accident, but slow down.
Do what you gotta do but do it slow, baby.
Have to buy something?
buy less or shop local.

Change it up. Strike. Change it up. Slow it down.

[FloridaBlues]

82. This will have to be done more than a few times if ever it will

Have effect you hope to achieve

[Bonx]

90. Cancelled my foot detox - no $$ 2day!!

[ChazII]

92. I shared this on my Facebook page on Wednesday and

several of my friends have posted it to their Facebook page, too.

[RandiFan1290]

93. Dems won't even stop clicking twitter

This will do nothing

[bif]

94. We're in!

[townie]

95. Thanks for the reminder

👌

[sweetapogee]

96. I'm curious to know

what about those who get paid on Friday and contribute to their 401K? That is money going to Wall Street isn't it?

[Unwind Your Mind]

99. That kind of thing doesn't happen in one day

And mostly won’t be interrupted by consumer behavior anyway

[Paladin]

98. Everybody take part in this!

It's a good start.

[Exp]

100. Okay but this is not LONG ENOUGH! This won't do anything. We need a two week strike AT LEAST! nt

[magicarpet]

106. Think of it as a warning shot fired across the bow.

If they do not heed a few warning shots,.... a direct hit maybe necessitated.

[muriel_volestrangler]

111. I think it would take longer than a day

I'm sure that big businesses do have someone checking the trends on each day. I don't think the people who decide if there's a DEI policy look at it, though. They would only pay attention if they thought they could be permanently losing custom.

[questionseverything]

118. I'm sure tptb have economic scientists graphing daily economic activity

We want to show them we can make a deep v in that graph

That’s why we shouldn’t even do good causes like the aclu tomorrow, Saturday would be soon enough

[SheltieLover]

102. Awaiting grocery delivery in prep for 2/28 as I type

Motivated me to get out of bed & place my order with Aldi early.

[Submariner]

105. Be careful the Tiki torcher and Proud coward boys might

be looking forward to taking their new Trump version of 2nd Amendment rights to shoot whoever the fuck they want for a test drive, and see how many they can kill and get away with it.

[elocs]

108. Reality sucks, but it is what it is. They hold the power and they know it.

Pretty soon Blackout Fridays won't mean much when people don't have money to spend except on essentials anyways. What does it mean when you don't buy on a designated Friday but buy more on the Thursday before or the Saturday afterwards?
But go for it if it makes you feel better.
Boycotts only work when they are strictly defined and local.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

109. Am I the only person here on DU who doesn't shop each and every day

at those stores?

About an hour ago I bought a couple of quite nice crystal wine glasses at a second hand store.

[LogDog75]

110. Got this message from my local Democratic Club

Good Morning,

Many of you have seen this on social media. Tomorrow, Friday, February 28 we buy nothing. It’s not just a boycott of a single product, it’s an Economic Blackout with no purchasing in-person or at a store. And here are others that target companies that removed DEI policies bowing to Trump, so mark your calendars:

February 28: Economic Blackout

March 7-14 : Amazon Boycott

March 21-28: Nestle Boycott

March 7-14: Walmart Boycott

April 18: Economic Blackout #2

April 21-28: General Mills Boycott

May 6-12: Amazon Boycott #2

May 20-26: Walmart Boycott #2

June 3-9: Target Boycott

June 24-30: McDonalds Boycott

---------------------------------------------------------
I'm not planning to buy from anything tomorrow or on the dates above with the major companies who don't support DEI. It may be hard but I'll try. I'll buy from local, small businesses instead.

[progressoid]

115. Wow!

That would be impressive.

[Buns_of_Fire]

117. They might want to double-check their dates.

For example, I think the first Walmart boycott is 4/7-13, not 3/7-14.

[AZmikey]

112. Ready to go

Not gonna spend a dime!

[samsingh]

114. hopefully this will get traction.

[Dem4life1234]

116. I'm down for it!

Yes!