Hate Groups Receive High Marks from the Better Business Bureau While Legitimate Businesses Struggle

America's most well known business reporting agency, the Better Business Bureau has come under fire after a 20/20 report revealed questionable practices on the part of the agency. It appears that the Arlington, Virginia based non-profit group should take a good look at their own "Standards of Trust" that they require their accredited members to follow.

The 20/20 investigation found that such well known names as The Ritz Carleton, Wolfgang Puck, and Disney World have received the lowest rating offered by The BBB, an F. None of the three are accredited (paid) members of the BBB.

The 20/20 report came after business owners complained about questionable practices buy the consumer watchdog group. Just one example of the "pay for an A" ppractice was allegedly video taped by 20/20. Liz's Antique Hardware had a rating of C when she was reportedly told that it would not be changed unless she became an accredited (paid) member. According to 20/20 she gave them her credit card number and within 24 hours she had a rating of A+.

The BBB claims that not just anyone can be an accredited member, accredited members are by invitation only and must agree to uphold the highest standards of business practices (and pay the membership fee).

Angry business owners, with the help of an anonymous blogger, submitted Hamas and a racist website, stormfront.org and payed the $425 fee for accreditation. Using Bill Mitchell, president of the L.A. BBB and Aryn Whiting as the business owners along with fictitious address, the two businesses received an A- and an A+ respectively.

After watching the report I decided to search the BBB website and see what other colorful businesses would turn  up with good ratings.

It took me about five seconds to find the  Ku Klux Klan with a B+ rating. The KKK's business type is listed as general membership and lobbying. According to the BBB they have had no complaints filed against them and the BBB has no information regarding any government actions against the KKK.

A few minutes later I discovered the  American Nazi Party, self described aryan revolutionaries, sporting a impressive B rating. Once again the BBB has received no complaints and is aware of no government action against the ANP.

I need to point out that neither of these organizations are accredited (paid) members of the BBB. It appears that if they would pay their membership fees they could easily have an A+ by this time tomorrow.

I am sure I am not the only one who has a problem with the idea that hate groups enjoy B-A ratings while many legitimate businesses have to struggle with a C and pay to receive an A+.

In the heading of the BBB website it says  "start with trust", perhaps the American trust has been misplaced when it comes to the BBB.

Richmond Va: No Welcome Mats for Westboro Baptist Church Hate Group

Recently, representatives of the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church visited Richmond Virginia to picket outside of the Holocaust Museum, Hermitage High School and other Jewish sites around the area carrying signs and chanting "God Hates Jews" and "God will destroy you."

In what could be described as a shinning moment for Richmond the group was met by counter-protestors at every turn, hundreds came out to voice their disapproval of the teachings of the church. As one young man so eloquently stated: "you can't come to Richmond to spread hate and expect not to be answered"

As the group arrived at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Shockoe Bottom, they found themselves facing as many as 400 counter protesters. Executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Jay M. Ipson, (A Holocaust survivor) invited the members of Westboro Baptist Church inside to talk; his invitation was declined with a member of the group saying they did not come here to negotiate. Ipson later told reporters that he invited them in because if they wanted to hate him they should at least get to know him first. He went on to express his pride and gratitude to the counter protesters by telling the Richmond Times Dispatch:

"I feel like I'm 25 feet tall, this community is standing behind one another in love, not in hate."

 

 

Counter protesters came from many walks of life including 28-year old Iraq war veteran Nathan Cox of Mechanicsville, who played rock music through a megaphone to drawn out the group. The group is known to protest at the funerals of American soldiers killed in action, Cox told reporters that he first heard of the group while still serving in Iraq.

Although the Westboro group never picketed at Virginia Commonwealth University VCU students, faculty and staff took to the campus with their own anti-hate rally carrying signs with such slogans as “God Loves All People,” and “God Hates Morons”. The VCU rally that focused on inclusiveness was also joined by several faith-based and community organizations from around Richmond. The group was also met by opposition and increased police presents when they held an anti-gay protest at Hermitage High School.

It seems that the visit from the group has only served to give the people of Richmond a chance to stand together and speak out and their message was clear: Hate groups such as this one are not welcome.