Contents of my speech at PTIA, 9/19/2000:
Good afternoon.
I am a computer systems engineer, having worked with computers in the navy and as a civilian for seventeen years, so when I first heard about the proposed FedEx hub, I was excited because I thought it would bring a chance for new technology oriented jobs. I figured any place that large would have lots of computers, and would need someone to manage, maintain and repair them. I had just moved back to High Point after leaving the military, and was at that time looking for a job.
What I didn't know was the price that would have to be paid by the people who live in this area. My eyes were slowly opened while watching the news and reading the papers. I didn't believe what I was seeing, so I started researching the issue myself. It was sort of a way to justify to myself that I had sent in a resume to FedEx. When I learned what had happened to Minor Lane Heights, it started to make me angry. I decided then and there I would not take a job with FedEx should they build here and offer me one.
At that point, it became a passive issue for me, but I kept hearing people talk about it. I kept reading letters to the editor of the local papers. I started watching the news, and soon was actively seeking out knowledge about FedEx and the new hub.
After watching for most of a year, I found that FedEx and the Airport Authority was paying minor lip service to the people who were concerned about the damage a new hub would do to our small part of the country. It was obvious to me that they had no plans to take the concerned citizens seriously. After seeing this, I decided I should and could do something about it. After all, there were many other voices crying out against this mighty giant. Perhaps I could give them a bigger voice. That's what I have done, that is what I am doing. Using the power of the Internet, and the power of the news media, I have decided to follow the footsteps of those who fought and won against other huge corporate giants. The Internet is the great equalizer, where it doesn't matter if you are a single person, a small group or a multi-billion dollar company like FedEx, your voice can and will be heard.
A large company like FedEx only listens to one sound, and that is the sound of money. The bottom line.
Thus I have, with the help of other like minded people, created something that FedEx will hear, and understand. Today, I announce the birth of boycottfedex.com. Our campaign is called "One package, One Day". We ask businesses and people everywhere to ship just one package a day, every day, using a different service other than FedEx. We are also asking that no one use FedEx's services on December 23rd. Don't give FedEx any packages to deliver on Christmas Eve, and give the employees of FedEx who have to deliver packages on that day, a day off I'm sure they will appreciate.
Thank You.