Good points Mick. I've always been pro-union, my grandparents were involved with union organizing of Pennsylvania coalmines around the turn of the 20th century, and I do try to buy union made whenver possible.   I just throw that out because of the earlier comment as it stands with Starbucks. As you say, debating the current need for unions is probably fodder for another thread.

I always make Starbucks my first stop whenever I need paint thinner.

There is a person who I would like to mention. His name is Ahrre Mahos and he runs a concert series here in NJ called "Coffee With Conscious". It grew out of his business Ahrre's Coffee Roasters which sells great fair trade coffee. Local guys like Ahrre exist all over the country, and Starbucks - good or bad - becomes a tough competition.