When he's not plotting ways to expand his empire of overpriced coffee products, Starbucks ( SBUX ) chief executive Howard Schultz apparently endeavors to reform politics as usual in Washington through economic coercion - finally, a cause I can stand firmly behind.
Schultz made headlines this week when he sent out a letter excoriating elected officials for their failure to quickly and effectively raise the debt ceiling. In an effort to spur change in Washington, Schultz is recruiting his fellow chief executives to withhold all political donations, a move he suggests will ultimately force leaders - an ironic term - to actually act on behalf of their constituents.
"I am asking that all of us forgo political contributions until the Congress and the President return to Washington and deliver a fiscally, disciplined long term debt and deficit plan to the American people," Schultz wrote.
Schultz is essentially working to boycott politicians, and though my indolence customarily precludes me from participating in such acts of defiance, I am wholeheartedly endorsing his plan.
I realize I am not the chief executive of a major corporation, but I have no intention of donating to candidates in the future.
In his letter, Schultz asserts that our elected leaders are increasingly motivated by money and their political futures, rather than the public's best interest. The circuitous debt talks are entirely representative of our leaders' failure to compromise, and Schultz contends cutting off their money supply is the only way to prompt change.
I think that every single person in the U.S. should participate in this political boycott. With household debt at epically high levels, persistent joblessness and economic growth stalling, there are a myriad of other ways I'd rather spend my money.
A Starbucks coffee, unfortunately, is not one of them.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
