Dear Friends,

In our last update we reported to you the content of Starbuck’s statements released on Thursday, February 2nd, 2006. It sounded like just what everyone wanted to hear:

“As we reviewed coffee donations and other community activities, we learned that some of these events included rodeos. As a result, and consistent with our values and guiding principles, we have asked our local marketing teams to ensure that Starbucks does not affiliate with events that include rodeos.”

Resultantly, from that update SHARK received a limited number of unfortunately misguided responses from Buck Starbucks campaign supporters suggesting (as Starbucks so transparently hoped we would) that we should consider it a victory, call off the dogs-- they’ve given us what we wanted.

Our response to this line of thinking is a resolute and most urgent, not only “NO!” but “Hell, NO!”

This is a pivotal point for the Buck Starbucks campaign. We must not allow even the slightest of our growing momentum to be compromised by any of Starbuck’s continued lies and side slide shuffle. That statement is the best proof that (even as they continue to officially ignore the awareness of our existence, and thereby cowardly refuse direct dialogue where they would be forced to acknowledge their digressions) our campaign is hitting the Thugs where it hurts--exposing their PR propaganda and greenwash for just what it is, Lip Flap!

In response to Buck Starbucks campaign supporters’ barrage of contacts to them, Starbucks present statement of February 3rd, 2006 reads:

”At Starbucks, we are deeply committed to living by our six Guiding Principles, which include Contributing Positively to our Communities and Environment. One of the ways we give back is by supporting activities that are important to the communities we serve.

As a result, a significant portion of Starbucks marketing efforts are locally driven and focus on connecting with the community through sponsorships, events, product donations and community giving programs.

Also, Starbucks store partners (employees) are encouraged to support and participate in their local neighborhoods in ways they feel are most relevant to their communities. For example, one store may provide a coffee donation for a local breakfast, while another might serve as a gathering place for a local group meeting or event. To us, this is the best way our stores can be welcoming and focused on what's most important to the communities they serve.

Because our store partners are the best people to identify what's important to the communities where they work and live, it is very possible that a local Starbucks could be affiliated with an event, such as a rodeo, that is relevant to their community. In all cases, we strive to support our communities in a way that is consistent with Starbucks culture and values. Our goal is to support, not to offend, our community of neighbors."

This, one day after their latest attempt to lure us off track with their most recent of ongoing lies. We and our ardent supporters were seeking confirmation to their red herring in the form of a firm corporate directive to their “local marketing teams;” directing (not “asking” or requesting) that in holding consistent with their values and Guiding Principles they must henceforth ensure that Starbucks does not affiliate with events that include or relate to rodeos.

This, and only this, with subsequent strictly enforced adherence to it will provide the victory the Buck Starbucks campaign will accept.

Consider cockfighters still legally operating in Louisiana and New Mexico. Assume they are putting on an extravaganza of one of the longest standing atrocities known and condoned in those parts, and a Starbucks partner being the “best authority on his communities events” opts to share sponsorship of this event.

No Problem Starbucks?

Consider bullfights in Madrid or Mexico City. In some parts of the world these “traditions” are generally accepted and culturally embraced. Starbucks has stores worldwide, making a local store partner’s decision to sponsor these events a possibility.

No Problem Starbucks?

Of course they would want us to assume that in keeping with their “Six Guiding Principles” they do not support such atrocities, even when they are real possibilities based on Starbucks’ latest backstepping statement.

We’ve updated you consistently, demonstrating the Thug’s methods of lying and deceiving. In just one day’s time we’ve now shown Starbucks backing away from the bone they threw to derail our campaign.

We’re not deceived.
We won’t back off for a second.
That’s exactly what Starbucks wants.

It's apparent these corporate morons don’t know squat about SHARK or its supporters!

	How Do You Spell Scum? S-T-A-R-B-U-C-K-S

Were it not for the animal suffering involved, the Starbucks/Rodeo issue would be downright comical. Here is a company that has made an enormous amount of money selling overpriced products in large part because of a slick marketing campaign that fools people into believing that it cares about people, animals and the environment. The truth, however, is that you'll search for a very, very long time before you find a bunch of corporate stooges that could compete with the sleaze factor exhibited by Starbucks personnel. These people are about profit and nothing more. They are the dregs of society, even if most people have yet to figure that out.

Here are just a few of Starbucks positions, all of which are of course based on their “Guiding Principles.”

-The Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo is a “Native American Cultural Event.”

This is an outrageous lie. The “Native Americans” involved in Cheyenne are there mainly as props for foolish tourists to stare at. Animal People editor, Merritt Clifton, did some quick research and sent Starbucks historical proof that their corporate line was nonsense.

-Starbucks has no affiliation with rodeos.

Another blatant lie. Starbucks is an advertiser and/or sponsor with at least four rodeo events in four different states. In Washington State they cosponsored a Miss Rodeo pageant with the Washington State Trappers Association. In another rodeo Starbucks was a “Gold Spur Sponsor.” Starbucks sponsored the American Royal rodeo in Kansas, a rodeo that was exposed by SHARK video cameras for the last two years in a row. And then there was Cheyenne, Wyoming, whose Frontier Days Rodeo was one of the most brutal and deadly rodeos SHARK investigators have ever witnessed.

Yesterday Starbucks claimed to have asked its people not to sponsor rodeos. Today it is acceptable to sponsor rodeos according to Starbucks. And no matter what position Starbucks takes, it is all in line with the company’s “principles.” Now that really is funny, because Starbucks has absolutely no principles.

It is amazing to think about these lying, arrogant buffoons hiding away from the truth, pretending to be something they so clearly are not. I ask that everyone call Starbucks and let them know exactly what you think. If possible, go out and protest. In the next couple of weeks the Tiger Truck will be in Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. I’d love to see you at the protests.

Kind Regards,

Steve Hindi and your SHARK Team

Abused and injured from head to hoof, this horse's condition speaks louder than Starbucks' greenwashed image.

Any thinking person can see Rodeo Hurts!

How many injured horses, steers, and calves must to be dragged out, never to be seen again, before Starbucks stops their shameful support?

Quick Links...