Ranter

Starbucks, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, to name a few, have all offered incentives to voters just to vote – to do their patriotic duty.  Unfortunately, some state laws consider these incentives illegal.  Georgia, for example, has it written into their law:

“Any person who gives or receives, or offers to give or receive, or participates in the giving or receiving of money or gifts for the purpose of registering as a voter, voting, or voting for a particular candidate in any primary or election shall be guilty of a felony.”

Makes me grateful that I live in the United States while making me think – some lazy ass people need an incentive to get out of bed – what’s wrong with giving them a cup of coffee for the trouble of voting, too?  Because you have to chose a party, I understand why incentivizing registration would be illegal, and I get that we can’t buy votes, but sometimes people need a kick to get them to vote – why is this so wrong?

Fortunately, Tara Darrow, spokeswoman for Starbucks, has come out to say “to ensure we are in compliance with election law, we are extending our offer to all customers who request a tall brewed coffee.”  In recognition for their effort I bought my regular drink and a bit more, too.  Thanks Starbucks for trying to do the right thing and then standing up and doing the right thing when your decision was questioned.  I don’t like everything you guys do, but agree with your decisions here.

Krispy Kreme didn’t have a statement that I could find as to how they might change things, although considering the cost of a doughnut I’m sure they will do the right thing too.  Ben & Jerry’s site simply says that everyone is getting a free scoop of ice-cream, so I guess it’s safe to say that they’re doing the right thing, too.  Thank you all.

Ranter

Ranter

Does Barack Obama have the experience needed to succeed as President of the United States?

By all accounts, Barack Obama is a new-comer in politics and lacks any real experience in government.  Some say this makes him a bad candidate.  Most established politicians say this makes him unqualified.  Not surprisingly, the majority of Americans seem to have their own opinion on whether Barack Obama is qualified and capable of running the United States of America.

Yet, there are others, that feel differently but are still voting for Barack.  A die-hard democrat, grade school teacher that I talked to told me that she isn’t voting for Obama because he’s qualified or the right person to lead the country; she’s voting for Obama because she doesn’t want to see McCain/Palin in office and a yes vote for Obama is a no vote for McCain.

Interesting perspective to say the least, but looking at the records it begs the question of how many Americans are feeling the same way – as though neither candidate is outstanding, but the one they’ve picked is the lesser of two evils and ultimately who they’re going to vote for.  It’s definitely a sad day for America when voting Americans aren’t voting for who they want to see in office but against who they don’t.

Ranter