Just want a cup of coffee. Don't really want the money I pay for coffee used to push political social issues I don't believe in. Now is a good time to try the new Caribou Coffee place on Western in Lake Forest.

Thanks, Ted., for your comment.

I BELIEVE THAT CHURCHES SHOULD STAY OUT OF POLITICS OR LOSE THEIR TAX FREE STATUS ...THEY ARE ALSO STICKING THEIR NOSES IN HELPING ILLEGALS WHO BREAK OUR LAWS---THEY STEAL CITIZENS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS,... WHY ARE THE CHURCHES PROTECTING CRIMINALS THAT SHOULD BE IN JAIL---OR DEPORTED ?? IS BEYOND ME... HAVING SAID THAT, I SUPPORT MAN--WOMAN MARRIAGE ONLY.. THE SUPREME COURT WILL SOLVE THE GAY MARRIAGE PROBLEM SOON FOR GOOD,,,YES TO CAL PRO 8.....ALSO THE SUPREME COURT WILL SOON SOLVE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MESS..THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS NOT ENFORCING THE IMMIGRATION LAWS, SO STATES SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IT ..HOPING THE SUPREME COURT RULE IN FAVOR OF ARIZONA AND I THINK THEY WILL....ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL..

Hi Ted

I am a Christian and work at one of your local Starbucks. I don't necessarily care who marries who..... it isn't any of my business. I do care about paying my bills and keeping my kids in college So, when you take your business elsewhere because you don't agree with the top executives at a corporation, consider the harm you do to your local Christians that are simply trying to make ends meet in their lives.

I agree with the last post. By "boycotting" three local Starbucks chains, you aren't going to change the views or stances that the corporation as a whole has taken. Rather, you are negatively impacting the lives of the employees of those particular stores; individuals who are likely members of your own community and who may not necessarily even share the views of or care about the issue that you base your boycott on.I will continue to give my business to Lake Forest/Lake Bluff stores because of the quality of the product they serve and because of the relationships with those employees that I value as a customer.

This same type of story was out a couple years ago and it wasn't true then. Do you realize how diverse we are.? We pride ourselves on knowing our customer AND there drink.! Please worry that good people could lose their livelihood more...

I agree with the above two posts. Really people, there are a lot of good people that work at these Starbuck locations who need their jobs. Boycotting these stores will only hurt these people in the pocketbook more than help this so-called "cause". Last time I checked, there was a Starbucks on just about every street corner in every city in every state in the country. Now much much "hurt" do you think boycotting these 3 stores is going to do? How about taking your complaints and rants to your congressmen? That's where the party starts. If your have a problem with your mocha or latte, THEN you can complain to Starbucks.

It is too bad that Starbucks feels like it has to take a position. That is freedom of speech I guess. I did not like it when Starbucks ran an add in I believe 2009 making fun of the Tea Party movement. Thought I read that Caribou is funded by Islamic banks!? I too think of the employees and when I am thirsty for a good drink & will stop for one despite the politics. McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts sells a good & less expensive cup of coffee! Now, when Starbucks or any of these businesses come flat out and endorse Obama, they have lost my business. Sorry, I had to include that.

Thanks for giving me a good reason to make a Starbucks run today....from another Libertyville mom

If a company makes a statement supporting a hot political topic, they should fully expect both a positive and negative reaction...

As far as my coffee purchases... I'll be sticking with McDonald's coffee, it's really the best value.

Ted

I don't have a concern with my company. I have a concern with people posting stupid articles like this one trying to get people to consider to boycott a company based on what a few executives might say publicly. All the establishments you mentioned employ equally hard working individuals and I frequent most of them as a happy customer. My intention was not to persuade people against any local company, just to persuade people not to boycott Starbucks based on the article. By the way, Starbucks does employ many people of all faiths and life styles as do Caribou, McDonalds etc. We all just want a fair chance to earn a living without a local news article trying to brew up controversy.

Mike, I worked at McDonalds growing up and yes, they pack a powerful bang for the buck and not just the coffee. I also think Americans should have the choice to choose a happy meal for their kids!!! And what's wrong with including a toy? I'm with you.... I also love McDonalds! Please don't stick the employees with having to fully expect to consider the positive and negative reactions for political comments made by their executives they have no control over being made. Politics in general have made a mess of our beautiful country. Lets band together and equally support all hard working americans regardless of who they are employed by!

As individuals, the owners and stockholders and employees of Starbucks or any other company has the right to believe, endorse or support anything they want. As an organization, however, while they retain these rights, they should keep their mouths shut and just sell coffee, etc. For those of you who don't CARE what organizations are promoting, and pretend to care about the employees working for these organizations in the U.S., you also probably don't mind buying clothes, shoes, cars, etc., made in countries known for their exploitation of women and chldren.

Now I feel like I have to stop by Starbucks, just to show my support of their bravery to standing up for equality for all people, not just some people.

I rarely buy at Starbucks, since it's so bloody expensive, but, as others have already said, now I feel pretty much obligated to buy coffee there until this ridiculous "boycott" is over, and then again on Valentine’s day to show my appreciation for their support of both equality and our 2nd Amendment rights!

Judging from the results of the above poll, they may need to hire a couple more baristas!

Ted,
Re-read the article and click on the link for the Feb 14th boycott. It is happening because they serve coffee to gun carrying individuals. The group wants Starbucks to stop serving them because they carry guns. So it appears to me they are saying the don't mind your sexual orientation, saying everyone should be allowed the same things...and don't mind you exercising your rights as a citizen.

I get that. I'm not really concerned with either stance they take which means I probably shouldn't have bothered posting. I was just responding to Ted's comment about them imposing on the second amendment right...which was wrong and painting them with a pure liberal agenda when they are showing both sides (pro second amendment and pro gay rights.) Just trying to keep things straight about the article.

I'll stick to the issue at hand then and say that I don't really mind what their stance is. I agree with them, but it won't effect my coffee buying either way. They can do what they want and I will still enjoy their coffee from time to time. No different then me continuing to shop at Autozone although they do not offer domestic partner benefits to their employees.