Whole Foods CEO Attacks Pres. Obama's Health Care Reform Drive (8/26/09)

Since its creation Whole Foods has risen to prominence by selling "natural"  foods and routinely promotes itself as a socially responsible supermarket chain. The upshot is that the stores have attracted a large, upscale, yet progressive clientele. However, Fresh Fields standing with its customers is taking a nosedive in the wake of CEO John Mackey's attacks on President Obama's health care initiative. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Mackey scoffed at the need for health care reform saying; "We are all responsible for our own lives and our own health."                                                                                                                                                                                              

The comments of Mackey, who is also a fierce opponent of unions, drew a firestrom of opposition as demonstrations and picket lines sprang up outside Whole Foods stores throughout the US and the company's Austin, Texas headquarters.

"Mackey obviously doesn't understand the desperate need for President Obama's health care plan, but middle class families do," said union president Stuart Appelbaum.