If you are a Starbucks customer - and who isn't - you've noticed a curious trend: There are
quotes, quips and thoughts by notable people on many cups. As part of the
"The Way I See It" campaign, here's Starbucks' official description:
Sparking conversation In the tradition of coffee houses everywhere, Starbucks has always supported a good, healthy discussion. To get people talking, "The Way I See It" is a collection of thoughts, opinions and expressions provided by notable figures that now appear on our widely shared cups.
A range of voices We invited a group of people who brought both diversity and life experiences to the mix. Those who accepted, offered pearls of their life experiences to entertain, engage and hopefully get us all thinking.
Examining the
list of those appearing on the cups - Chuck D, Al Franken, Keith Olbermann - you can see where I'm going with this. The
Nuisance Generation - the vocal majority of the Christian Taliban - is
not happy. Moral outrage after the jump.
Some
feedback from the Starbucks' site:
I've read several "The Way I See It" messages on cups and so far they have all forwarded a liberal viewpoint. I hope in the future Starbucks chooses to balance these messages with a conservative viewpoint or this loyal Starbucks customer may be looking for another brand to support.
- Jeff Frum, Foothill Ranch, CA
The way I see it, Starbucks is now pushing ever more than before toward the left and becoming more outspoken. It is making it clearer every day that it is increasingly for the destruction of family values and virtues. I am glad that I now have other choices in coffee shops in my neighborhood so I don't have to concern myself with supporting Starbucks agenda. Now that Starbucks is declaring itself a moral and political spokesperson, it can get its money from liberals. Signing off, a former Starbucks customer.
- Marty Mallet, North Richland Hills, TX
For what it's worth, I do not enjoy reading the new quotes on the side of my coffee. I want to enjoy your product without having Earth Day Network propaganda thrust at me. Please stop putting quotes on your coffee cups. Let's keep them cups and an advertising vehicle for your product, not a views billboard.
- Malachi Salcido, East Wenatchee, WA
As a stockholder since 1993 and an avid Starbucks fan, I was very disappointed to see Starbucks use a quote from Al Franken. Mr. Franken's political leanings, as well as his attacks on conservatives in general and our President specifically, are offensive. I am disappointed that Starbucks would feature such a biased individual.
I suggest you play it safe and use more moderate individuals and avoid offending dedicated Starbucks fans. I don't think Starbucks wants to be in a position of promoting political viewpoints.
- Deborah Lysek, Claremont, CA
Is there
anything these people won't complain about?
Here's some more coverage from the St. Petersburg Times. Looks like these guys are going to have to brew their own thermoses before they picket hospices, movie theaters and abortion clinics. Oh well. Our nation, just like our coffee - chock full o'nuts!