Read editor's comment below the article. Please add to the discussion.
Posted 09.30.13 by Jennifer Kruse, TPNN Contributor
Growing up my mom would say, “Get a Kleenex and blow your nose” when she noticed my constant sniffing. On special occasions, my brothers and I were offered a “Coke” at dinner. It wasn't until I was out of the house that I realized that my family (and probably yours) referred to some everyday products by their brand name. We weren't told to grab a tissue or offered a soda no, Kleenex and Coke had gotten us to buy into their marketing.
Today, I see it going one step further with Starbucks. They aren't just “coffee”, they are an experience, a lifestyle. Who knew that paper cup and cardboard protector sleeve could be a status symbol. “Grabbing a Starbucks” means something different to each of us who experience it.
For grandma’s and their granddaughters, it’s about slowing down to catch up. For business people, it’s about doing a deal. For first dates it’s finding out how their date orders their drink. For birthdays and anniversaries, it kicks off (or ends) a special day in our lives.
When we “grab a Starbucks” we are doing it for our own reason. But have we bought into their marketing? Will we be persuaded by their progressive stand on different issues? Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz recently said, “Starbucks has become a part of the culture of the country. There’s an emotional attachment to Starbucks, so we’re treated differently.”
He recently wrote a letter to his fellow Americans about his stance on guns in Starbucks. He let us know his preference would be we disarm before coming into a Starbucks. Those who still carry a gun will be served, but he would prefer we show up without guns. Schultz said, “For those who champion ‘open carry,’ please respect that Starbucks stores are places where everyone should feel relaxed and comfortable. The presence of a weapon in our stores is unsettling and upsetting for many of our customers.”
Those customers need to be reminded they can walk out of an establishment when the Second Amendment is offending them. Mr. Schultz, I believe my emotional attachment to Starbucks is fading. I think I just might treat you differently. As a matter of fact, I think I am going to “grab a soda”.
http://www.tpnn.com/from-a-tea-party-mom-starbucks-im-done/
Editor's Comment
Those who are engaged in fighting the leftist takeover of
American culture have been making tough decisions for a few years. Give up this and
that, but for how long, and when are we forced to buy something just because
there is no other way to exist?
These tough decisions might be true for gasoline, clothing,
food, education, etc. But it will never be true for coffee and coffee like
beverages which include latte’s, chai’s and espressos; the products in which Starbuck’s
specializes.
Up until recently, I was buying Starbuck’s Americano with
some cream and sweetener. I became accustomed to the flavors rolling around in
my mouth on a cold day. But the owners of Starbucks being who they are, unadmitted
socialists joining the small but loud percentage of other leftists who are
trying to do away with the Second Amendment, and while they’re at it, put my
family in even more danger by promoting more dangerous places for armed thugs
to perpetrate their attacks; I have decided that I no longer need that Vente
Americano with crème and sweetener for almost $3.00.
And in our neck of the woods, the great northwest, there is
an “Espresso” drive-through on virtually every other corner and even on some
backroads in amongst the trees and near the beaches. And, they are mostly owned
and operated by locals. Locals who have yet to gain a national or global stage and try their hand at changing our culture and spitting on The Rule of Law; our U.S. Constitution. Why? Because they're just trying to sell coffee.
Mr. Schultz, I suggest that you make yet another announcement. I suggest that you apologize for stamping on the heritage of this great country, and forgetting your place in society. After all, since your grand announcement to make those of us who support The U.S. Constitution into second class citizens, America is still the greatest place to live on this planet in spite of your efforts to the contrary. And, when all is said and done, you are no politician, you are not an elected official at all, you're not even a Hollywood star or a community organizer. You're nothing more than a bean salesmen. And, by the way, they're burnt.
So, the attachment that I once had for a once great American
icon, Starbucks, has now been replaced with a mild loathing whenever I see the
logo, or hear of someone spending money there. And, whenever I have an opportunity,
I share my plan of boycott with others. And, every time I see a Starbucks, I immediately think of the three nearest Espresso drive-throughs within eye site, and often head that way. So, in a way, Mr. Schultz has begun adding to the riches of some small business owners in south west Washington.
Yes, I am only one individual with a readership of a few
hundred on this blog and a few dozen on another blog; and one who attends a small
church with a regular attendance of just over a hundred, where I infrequently
get to preach. I wonder how many others like me there are out there?
I also wonder if any business owner in these tough economic times
can afford to leave behind the business of being in business and take on the
political arena instead.
I will no longer carry my weapon into Starbucks to get coffee, seeing as how I may offend
So, at least in south west Washington State, there are some
of us who are taking Starbucks’
CEO Howard Schultz’s words to heart. I and my side arm are getting our
coffee elsewhere. And, I don't even carry it in the open. I carry it just like the criminals do, concealed.
Editor
