Hobby Lobby may be forced to abandon founding principles or go out of business--
Letter from Hobby Lobby Stores CEO
By David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were
working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature
picture frames. Our first retail store wasn't much bigger than most
people's living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived
and worked according to God's word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become
one of the nation's largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than
500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine
business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family.
We're Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I've
always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our
business in harmony with God's laws, and (2) to focus on people more
than money. And that's what we've tried to do. We close early so our
employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on
Sundays, one of the week's biggest shopping days, so that our workers
and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by
God's grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our
employees. We've not only added jobs in a weak economy, we've raised
wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start
at 80% above minimum wage.
But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A
new government healthcare mandate says that our family business
MUST provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of
our health insurance. Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that
might cause abortions, which means that we don't cover
emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill.
We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of
conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs.
It goes against the Biblical principles on which we have run this company
since
day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million PER DAY in
government fines.
Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy.
Our government threatens to fine a company that's raised wages four
years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its
business according to its beliefs. It's not right. I know people will
say we ought to follow the rules; that it's the
same for everybody. But that's not true. The government has
exempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of
convenience or cost. But it won't exempt them for reasons of religious
belief.
So, Hobby Lobby and my family are forced to make a choice.
With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the
Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this
mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running
into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are
more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more
important than turning a profit.
My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our
company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the
government is going to make that much more difficult. The
government is forcing us to choose between following our faith
and following the law. I say that's a choice no American and no
American business should have to make.
The government cannot force you to follow laws that go against
your fundamental religious belief. They have exempted thousands of
companies but will not except Christian organizations including the
Catholic church.
Since you will not see this covered in any of the liberal media,
pass this on to all your contacts.
Sincerely,
David Green, CEO and Founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
i didnt know a business could have a religious belief
ReplyDeleteThis letter is pushing a political agenda and not telling the truth. The truth is Hobby Lobby is imposing its beliefs on its employees by forcing its insurance company to not cover certain medicines. Who has the rights in this country? The business or the individual?
ReplyDeleteHobby Lobby does not provide medicines, it does not even provide insurance. It subsidizes the purchase of insurance by their employees, which have the right to choose the health treatments of their choice.
They don't need to go to court - they can simply provide their employees with the insurance subsidy directly and let them purchase their own insurance. Problem solved.
But that wouldn't advance their agenda, would it?
Good God!!! People cant afford kids
ReplyDeleteWhat is the big deal? Do us all a favor and try to see reality.Our world. Thats being compassionate. The economy and world is at stake here.
Why should Hobby Lobby provide an insurance subsidy, directly or indirectly? Oh, that's right, Obama says they should.
ReplyDeleteWho has the rights in this country; the man that built and owns the company or the people who work for him?
I don't care who somebody works for; a person's employer does not have the right to make medical decisions for that person. Hobby Lobby is being ludicrous and if they shut down that is their own fault; they had it coming.
ReplyDeleteYour full of it buddy
DeleteDufus
DeleteWhat is more cost effective a paying for pills to prevent the fertilization of an egg or dolling out food stamps to more mouths? Bottom line money is the deciding factor sorry it jives with your beliefs. I have to disagree with your actions
ReplyDeleteIt's not an "agenda" it's a principle that they have every right to stand by and good for them.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the belief that an employer shouldn't even have to provide health insurance. There only duty should be to pay you-period-and anything else is a perk.
Where did this everyone thinks they are entitled to mentality come from? People are too dependant nowadays instead of taking responsiblity for their own lives.
I've been buying my own health insurance for over 20 years. It's not expensive. It all depends on your priorities.
He didn't build it Obama says so lol
ReplyDeleteWanna be a religious zealot, then go out of business. Guess you have enough money for legal fees.
ReplyDeleteI hope a counter suit is filed against you for frivolous lawsuits.
The owners of Hobby Lobby have skin in the game, the employees do not. If the employees don't like the terms of employment they are free to look for another job. Is anyone forcing them to work there?
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail right on the head good for you.
DeleteWOW! THANK YOU, 5:51! I am an employer in the construction field. I am NOT an insurance broker. This is a choice I have made in life. I failed to go to Insurance Broker School because I did not want to become an insurance broker. Many of my classmates did go to Insurance Broker School, and got their Insurance Broker Licenses, that allows them to be professional insurance brokers. I hold only a Building Contractor's license and a Maryland Home Improvement License.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone see where I'm going here?
What the heck rule requires me to decide what my employees and their families are best served with a particular insurance policy? I'm busy bidding jobs and scheduling the work. That's what my job is. I pay them and do their payroll taxes, and pay the subcontractors. I file the appropriate tax forms and pay accordingly.
Insurance brokerage is not something I went to school for, and cannot do. Ballet is out as well. Along with bar-tending and waitressing.
Can anyone reading this get my drift????
5:51. When the government tells business what they can and can't do then our socialist society has reached it's goal of communism.
ReplyDeleteAmerica used to be a country of freedom and choice. We no longer have either.
Well the point is actually church and state dont mix......The owner of hobby lobby needs to realize that government isnt interested in his religious beliefs nor should they be. He like many religious zealots need to just shut up and run their companies as many of us could care less what their religious beliefs are. I am not shopping at hobby lobby because of what the owner believes in. I for one will stop shopping there as i hate cry babies.....and the store isnt all that anyway
ReplyDeleteThank you 5:51 . You are exactly right.
ReplyDelete8:23 - you've got this backwards. It's the EMPLOYER that should not be able to tell the individual what they can or cannot do with their health.
ReplyDeleteThis is a stand FOR freedom, not against it.
Whose side are you on, anyway?
i didnt know a business could have a religious belief
ReplyDeleteDecember 7, 2012 4:30 PM
Sure, just like a corporation can be a person.
5:21 PM
ReplyDeleteGuess you don't know about obammycare either.
I don't care who somebody works for; a person's employer does not have the right to make medical decisions for that person. Hobby Lobby is being ludicrous and if they shut down that is their own fault; they had it coming.
ReplyDeleteDecember 7, 2012 5:45 P
They are not making decisions for anyone but themselves.
They have a set of morals and as such they don't do things that go against these morals.
It is the employee's decision to work at this business.
This business' way of operating are well known. Even if they were not, potential employee's would discover that in orientation.
Why should this, or any other, company be forced to do something that they are against?
If you want birth control,abortions or anything else, BUY IT YOURSELVES.
What is so hard to understand?
Hobby Lobby is being ludicrous and if they shut down that is their own fault; they had it coming.
ReplyDeleteDecember 7, 2012 5:45 PM
You are just stupid.
It's a shame there is no pill for that.
Wanna be a religious zealot, then go out of business. Guess you have enough money for legal fees.
ReplyDeleteI hope a counter suit is filed against you for frivolous lawsuits.
December 7, 2012 6:52 PM
You are anything but a reasonable person.
Shame we can't sue you for frivolous commenting.
Well the point is actually church and state dont mix......The owner of hobby lobby needs to realize that government isnt interested in his religious beliefs nor should they be. He like many religious zealots need to just shut up and run their companies as many of us could care less what their religious beliefs are. I am not shopping at hobby lobby because of what the owner believes in. I for one will stop shopping there as i hate cry babies.....and the store isnt all that anyway
ReplyDeleteDecember 7, 2012 9:27 PM
They are trying to run their business, but the government are meddling in their BUSINESS.
Obviously you and many others DO care about their religious beliefs or you wouldn't be spouting off your ill-informed opinions.
You don't shop there because you don't like the owners beliefs. That's fine and dandy. You and everyone else in this country has that choice, INCLUDING THEIR EMPLOYEE'S in regard to employment as well.
You hate cry babies...well that is fitting since you are advocating abortions and want this company to pay for them.
The government should not be in the business of telling any business owner what they should allow if contrary to the basic beliefs of its owner. Anyone who disagrees shouldn't go to work there. Obamacare is not only socialized medicine at its worst but also too costly, which many will soon find out.
ReplyDeleteI guess it is more Christian for them to shut their doors and put all their employees out of work.
ReplyDelete11:09 PM
ReplyDeleteconcur
I guess it is more Christian for them to shut their doors and put all their employees out of work.
ReplyDeleteDecember 8, 2012 10:40 AM
If they are left with no other choice, why shouldn't they?
Throw their beliefs away because the government says so?
The government is causing any lose jobs due to it's own laws.
How you or anyone else can turn it around and put the blame on the employer is sheepish ignorance.
causing any lose jobs
ReplyDeleteSorry, that should be 'causing any lost jobs'.
Hobby lobby is right..stand in what u believe in...these people that have unprotected sex and need that pill can go to health dept...this is insane...but keep praying the lord will fix this. .keep faith...
ReplyDeleteI shop at Hobby Lobby all the time and have for years, but after reading this message I have decided to take my business to Michael's. Religious fanatics need to learn that their religious practices are valid, but limited to their relationship to god and to each other, not to the rest of us. Clearly this is a Bible-thumper who believes that he is above the law. Like many politically-motivated fanatics, he is choosing to push his political agenda regardless of the negative consequences to his employees. I can't tell if he resembles the Pharisees or the Sadducees of the Bible most closely, but he's obviously a hypocrite.
ReplyDeleteMr. Green's prediction is in error. I did hear about it in the liberal press.
ReplyDeleteI will not shop at Hobby Lobby. It is the tax payer who will have to pay to respond to their lawsuit.
They also overcharge for items. My friends and I have commented several times in the past that their sale prices should be their regular prices. I think the bottom line is their business plan.
Of course their bottom line is their business plan. So is McDonald's, Apple, Starbucks, and every other successful business. It has to be or they would not be a business.
ReplyDeleteIf I look at my tax rates, social security taxes, unemployment insurance, license fees, truck tags and taxes, and now the added burden of health care for employees and decide to shut it all down because it is no longer profitable enough to keep the doors open, whose responsibility is it? I have to make more of a profit than I would just investing my money or there is no reason to do it. I am not in business to provide jobs. I am not in business to pay taxes. I am in business to make a profit. When I can no longer do that in an honest and ethical manner, I will stop.
It is possible to destroy what remains of the business and manufacturing in this country. Then where does the money come for the taxes? Where are the jobs?
LETS SEE ,,,THE GOVERNMENT TELLS A COMPANY THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE SOMETHING,,,HHHMMM,,,,A COMPANY DOES NOT WANT TO PROVIDE IT,,,WHICH IS PROVIDING FOR IRRESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR,,,BUT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS BE IRRESPONSIBLE AND WE WILL PAY FOR YOUR INABILITY TO CONTROL YOUR SEXUAL URGES THAT MAY CAUSE A LIFE TO COME INTO EXISTANCE,,,,GOVERNMENT SAYS ,,,WE WILL KILL A HUMAN AND YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BE IRRESPONSIBLE...HHHMMM COMPANY DOES NOT WANT BELIEVE IN THAT AND WANTS INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR LIVES,,,,WELL SHAME ON HOBBY LOBBY...I WILL BE SHOPPING THERE
ReplyDeleteAND I WILL TOO!!!! GREAT COME BACK MISS LOGIC .... I AGREE WITH YOUR EVERY WORD!!!!
DeleteRight on Miss Logic!! Hang in there HOBBY Lobby I am with you all the way!!! I truly hope you are paving the way for other people and BUSINESS'S to stand up for their MORAL and Religious Belief's! If you don't want to work for or patronize HOBBY LOBBY thaty is fine but in the meantime quit WHINING and pay for your own birth control!!
ReplyDeleteHobby Lobby is absolutely correct! As sad as it may be that all those employees would lose their jobs and we the customers would lose a favorite place to shop, Hobby Lobby is absolutely correct to stand by their convictions.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with regard to unwanted pregnancies that we as Americans seem to always overlook is that controlling whether a baby is brought into this world should not happen after conception. Women do have a choice! That choice is made before coception! If a woman does not feel prepared to become a mother, she should simply refrain from sexual activity. Sex is not a sport or a hobby. As a society we don't seem to be able to understand this extraordinarily simple fact. Instead we treat it as if EVERYONE should be doing it freely and at all times. (Yet, somehow, it is still taboo to discuss it openly.)
Some of these comments that say that because Hobby Lobby is a business they should obey the law. This means that they should pay to kill an innocent baby in his mother's womb simply because it is inconvenient for her. I think that if she felt it convenient to work for a company with Christian principles that treated her well and paid her more than fairly for her work due to those same principles, it is a slap in the face to that employer that she would demand that he turn away from his Christian ideals for help fund any type of abortifacients.
At last a company with deep moral convictions! Quite a novelty in this God-forsaken world.
ReplyDeleteIn America there can never be a total separation of God and State for a number of reasons. 1. If you carefully read the Constitution the rights you have are granted to you by God, not by any man. The Supreme Authority. 2. Every law we started this country with was based on the Decalogue. Thou shall not kill, not steal, not commit adultery, etc. 3. If you don't believe any of this, then you better let everyone out of jail because you have no basis for morality. Ask any of these atheists that post their Communist doctrine on here what their basis for any right action is and they can't tell you, because they have no basis for morality except themselves. Since there are more whack jobs than decent people here, I would say that America's days are severely numbered. Get ready for North Korean, 1984 control here, very soon. In the words of William Penn, "If men cannot find God, they will be ruled by tyrants."
ReplyDeleteOk, I just want to set the record staight. Birth control does NOT cause abortions! Seriously, just becuase someone says they "believe" it does, does not make it true! Check WebMD before sending out a national letter, you sound ignorant!
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I will support your right not to provide a drug that you don't support for any reason. That reason could be as simple as personally not liking the shape or color of a drug, it's your business and you should be able to run it according to your religious/personal views. I back you up Hobby Lobby, just don't make rumors about how a drug functions in the human body!
All Business owners are people with a lot morals, some morals,or no morals. We live in a broken world, and where some people put their faith and moral beliefs on the back burner to buy things they want and don't need to sustain their life or ust don't want to lose their convenience, differs from those who stand behind Christ, something that will stand forever just as it has for over 2000 yrs. If people can't see that, they can post what they want and buy somewhere else, but a company is always owned by someone who had a dream, and in this case a dream and morals and faith . Just because the money maker drug companies who line the governments pockets make something doesn't make it right for our bodies just because doctors push it or you see a commerical for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is wrong with this world is most of today's society have lost their faith. The next thing is that our government is forcing us to abide by laws that we may not be agree with but we have no choice. I like the comment from another party. If you don't like Hobby Lobby's benefits then work elsewhere. I hope and pray that their businesses will remain open with their medical stipulatios .
ReplyDelete