The Evil 1%: Starbucks

Some things you likely didn't know about the Evil Corporate Machine...

Yes, Starbucks coffee is more expensive than 7-11. That’s for a reason. See, if a part time worker averages over 40 hours per pay period, they are eligible for the Starbucks Health Insurance. (In fact, this is why I went to work for them once my treatment was finished). As you might imagine, this costs money, and that money has to come from somewhere. In addition, Starbucks has committed to paying their farmers and other people in the supply chain at least the minimum wage for their country, if not higher. In addition, in the past, Starbucks has invested in medical clinics, hospitals, clean water, and schools for the villages in which the coffee farmers live, as well as lines of credit and loans for farmers to smooth out the financing before and after harvest. This costs money, and it has to come from somewhere. Starbucks invests in these efforts because healthy farmers with stable finances and hope for the future of their children are less likely to get involved with business-destroying ventures like revolutions, thus keeping the supply lines open, and helping to ensure ongoing quality of product into the future.

So, every time you pay more for that cup of coffee at Starbucks, it’s because you’re paying for more. You’re paying for the healthcare for the part time workers, for the medical clinics and clean water projects and schools for the villages. Certainly, if you don’t wish to contribute to those efforts, no one is forcing you. Go ahead and get your coffee from 7-11. That’s the nice thing about a free market– you can choose who gets your hard earned money.

Lots more at the link, including Starbucks' common-sense gun policy.  This is part of why the folks at the local 'bux know me by name.  :)