Sebastian reminds us that, among other things, Sunday, February 21 is Starbucks Appreciation Day.
Now, here in the Seattle area we have sort of a love-hate relationship w/Starbucks. Yes, we love coffee. I mean, we loooooooove coffee. Maybe it's a Scandihoovian thing, I dunno. So, yes, there are, in fact, intersections in Seattle where there are two Starbucks kitty-corner from each other, with a Tullys and an independent espresso cart in the other two corners. (Or were. Not so much these days.)
But... In a region of coffee snobs, it's inevitable that some won't like the major player. The "Charbucks" sobriquet that Starbucks sued some outfit in Connecticut (I think) over started here among those who feel Starbucks over-roasts it's beans. plus all the Birkenstock wearing socialists who feel that any large corporation must be eeeee-vil, must be screwing "the little guy", and the similarly clad tree-huggers (actually, the same people) who claim the coffee growing make Mother Gaea cry. Or something.
Plus, some just like The Other Guys' coffee better.
If you know what Starbuck's Appreciation Day is all about, you can stop here. There are too many potential links, so I'm going to skip them. Check with Joe, Uncle, or Sebastian for details.
Anyway, in case you hadn't heard, some Second Amendment activists in California had realized that, they might not be able to get a concealed carry permit, but Cali' law says that open carry is legal. (Although the gun has top be unloaded, which kind of defeats the purpose, but hey, this is California...) A bunch of them got together at a restaurant which was surprised to see the guns, but was reassured that it was legal, so they served them.
PSH ensued. Brady sent out a letter, claiming to have a petition with 25000 signatures urging restaurants to prohibit carry. The restaurant did so. So did Peets Coffee and California Pizza Kitchen.
Starbucks, OTOH, says that it will abide by the relevant local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms.
Thus, Starbucks Appreciation Day: Have a cup of whatever, and let Starbucks know--the local store, if you feel it's appropriate, but corporate HQ, in any case--that you appreciate their stand.
I will never refer to Starbucks as "Charbucks" again.
1 comment:
I am surprised to see a chain like Starbucks take a stand like that. It's an encouraging sign.
While I'm not a big fan of their coffee, because I'm one of those people who thinks it always tastes burnt, I might have to make an exception and have a cup as a way to show a little support.
Oddly enough, the best coffee I've had here in the states can be found at Pilot truck stops. Their house blend is great stuff.
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