Pina Sheli

Coke's deadline to agree in writing to an independent third party audit was September 30. The administration told us they would tell the coalition as soon as they received communication with Coke. On Friday they said no letter had been received. On Sunday we find out they lied, or had just forgotten to check there mailbox that day. Coke had sent a letter; we just couldn’t see it yet. Hmmm, what could be in a letter that arrived on the deadline to agree to an investigation, but an agreement to an investigation? Nothing, we thought. We forgot we were dealing with a tricky, underhanded, (murderous), corporation.

The letter, written by Ed Potter, and addressed to Tim Slottow, the University's CFO, is the most ridiculous example of corporate doublespeak I've ever personally encountered says this: "In response to the first deadline, I wanted to report the progress that has been made in addressing the issues raised by the DRB and also highlight some recent accomplishments".

So, while the DRB set this deadline for Coke to formally agree to an investigation, the actually use it to brag about the youngsters they are helping in Colombia and pretend that they are working with the commission to make a feasible investigation while never actually agreeing to an investigation at all.

At the administration is buying it. The administration actually sees this letter as good faith action.

The coalition has been patient. We were going to wait it out so long as coke stuck to the DRB's recommendation. But they have swayed from the path and now so must we. It is time to elevate the campaign. Coke is in violation of our Vendor Code of Conduct, Coke is not following the recommendation of the DRB, Cokes contracts must be cut. No more games, time for action.

# posted by ilan @ 9:20 PM