Starbucks coffee and a cause

by Christopher Davis
Arizona State University Web Devil

Starbucks wants you to talk. The coffee company's "The Way I See It" program is a collection of short commentaries with the stated intent of "sparking conversation" in the coffee shops. And with contributors like Mitch Albom, Chuck D and Yo-Yo Ma, there's a lot to talk about.

Unfortunately, the most spirited responses have come from conservatives complaining on the Starbucks Web site about how offended they are by the liberal messages printed on the sides of their cups.

After reading some cup commentary by environmentalist and Earth Day creator Denis Hayes addressing the issue of the rising national debt, Brad Nelson of Kennewick, Wash., wrote: "You can put opinions on the side of your cups if you want to. But know that some of your customers do not appreciate unexpected political ploys such as that from Mr. Hayes."

More...