Tom's Shoes... Pig suede?

"TOMS shoes uses pig suede for the insole of their shoes. FAIL! Moslem friends, i'm sorry for being the bearer of bad news."


This was the status for one of my friends Google chat accounts. I am not suggesting that there is anything wrong with it but it got me thinking. Tom's uses pig suede in the insoles of their shoes, this is not a rumor it is confirmed on their website. You know what else is confirmed... for every pair of shoes you but from them they will give one pair of shoes to a poor child that is in need. The latter part sounds like a pretty Islamic idea albeit from a non-islamic company. I don't know if Muslims should or should not wear Tom's that I figure is everyone's own choice. There are some other facts that do give me pause though.

Nike was accused and has admitted to using Child Labor all over the planet. Sounds pretty unethical perhaps Muslims shouldn't wear Nike's.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines01/1020-01.htm

Hershey has also been accused of Child Labor infractions, perhaps Muslims shouldn't eat Hershey's Chocolate. In fact most chocolate is probably the result of Child Labor.
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/16/hershey-child-labor-suit/
http://theithacan.org/27273

Do you like Cotton? A lot of cotton production has been implicated in Child Labor violations.How about Diamonds? How about Rubber? Apple Ipad anyone?

Child Labor is just one cause that came to mind. I am no religious scholar but the status just made me wonder. Is the Almighty worried about the fact that a company that helps the poor uses pig suede? or that the national economy of a country like ours is predicated upon exploiting children for their labor? I am not suggesting that I have an answer, questions like this always puzzle me. The status just got my juices flowing and the rant you just read followed. The post is about Islam and Muslims but I think is applicable to most religious beliefs. Hopefully some of you have comments to share. Thanks for reading.