There's been a boycott launched against Whole Foods  because John Mackey, the CEO, came out against the health care reform package presented by the administration. Mackey, whom I met a few years ago at a Compassionate Living Festival, is a quirky guy, yet his opinions should not spark a boycott of the world's largest natural food grocery chain. To his credit, he stopped taking a salary in January 2007, he abstains from all animal products except the eggs from his own chickens, he's helped to lead the way to humane measures in WF such as ending lobster sales and purchasing strategies that earned WF Greenpeace's nod as the most sustainable major chain for seafood. WF is a savior for vegans in many communities without alternatives, although they have been known to price out smaller groceries when they first open near competitors. Not a Utopian model by any means, but progressive in many respects. And here in Portland Whole Foods stepped up as an event sponsor of VegFest (this Sept. 19), only one of two firms contributing at that level. That means we can reach more people to inspire more compassionate, conscious diets, which will lead to increased patronage of small, local veg restaurants and stores.