Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Consumer, do not buy more from those who finance anti-democratic acts

What can a citizen do, besides voting, to contribute to democracy? Invested in the role of consumer –something that happens frequently, many times without us noticing–, it should give a red card to companies that finance acts like the invasion of the three Powers in Brasília, Sunday, January 8th. If they didn’t adhere to the democratic precepts for good, let them do it so as not to close the doors.

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Allies in World War II, is credited with defining democracy as the worst form of government, except for all the others. That is, there are problems, yes, in democratic regimes, but they can be improved by voting, by peaceful demonstrations, actions that respect the Federal Constitution and human rights.

The CDC (Consumer Protection Code), for example, is only so good because it emerged from the meeting of several specialists who, certainly, did not have exactly the same thoughts in all aspects. Diversity –of ideas, cultures, tastes, political and economic views– makes up the mosaic of experiences of a society.

Anyone who pays for buses, barbecues and camping for criminals to invade the Planalto Palace, the STF (Supreme Federal Court) and the National Congress must have their products molding on the shelves, without buyers. If they are service businessmen, they should not be hired.

To live in society –and consumption is a social practice– we have to respect the current legal framework. If we do not agree with certain laws, the path will be to elect political representatives who change them in the vote.

There are undoubtedly many battles ahead to improve the lives of consumers (I highlight this aspect because I write about consumer protection weekly). For example, asking for the readjustment of the IR (Income Tax) table, so that there is more money left in the current account to buy food and medicine, as well as for other expenses with health, education, housing, clothing, culture and leisure .

This is done with democratic organization, care when choosing candidates for elected office, and critical monitoring of the mandates of the representatives that we help to elect. But always, without exception, peacefully, democratically. Anyone who considers they have been disrespected in consumer relations does not vandalize the store, but resorts to Procon or Justice. Act civilized, therefore.

When the investigations indicate those responsible for the turmoil on January 8th, do not buy the products they manufacture and sell anymore, just as we should not put our money in businesses that destroy the environment, use child labor or condone prejudice and exploitation of the environment. work.