The Starbucks
CEO is concerned about the economy, unemployment and the general direction of
the country. As the 4th of July approaches, he is speaking out -- and not
pulling any punches.
As Americans
begin observing Independence Day, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has written an
open letter to the nation, "How Can America Win this Election," in which he
spells out his concern about our economy and specifically unemployment.
In the letter he
asks politicians to stop fighting and for business leaders to step up. "I love
America, but we all know there is something wrong. The deficits this country
must reconcile are much more than financial, and our inability to solve our own
problems is sapping our national spirit. We are better than this," he writes.
Schultz is
running the letter in an advertisement in national newspapers and websites this
week. Schultz previously voiced his unhappiness with the state of the union last
summer during the deadlocked federal budget debate.
Schultz said
that his letter is a continuation of the concern that I share with many
Americans about the economy and unemployment and the lack of political
leadership to address the problem. Since I took this position a year ago things
really haven't gotten better, they have gotten worse.
“We can't be
bystanders anymore. It's a dangerous time, we are drifting towards mediocrity.
You probably read that Stockton, California just declared bankruptcy. What was
incredible to me was how it was reported in such a de minimus fashion. Like it
was not a big deal,” Schultz added.
“I hasten to
think what might happen if we end up in another budget deadlock in a few months
and S&P lowers the U.S. debt rating again. I was just in Europe. We don't
want that to happen to us. We need real leadership from Washington and from the
business community. I've been the ultimate beneficiary of the American dream and
that dream is now in jeopardy. I can't just stand by.”
AHT/ARA
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