Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, emerging with a lengthy statement after largely dropping out of the public eye, is declaring once and for all that he has ruled out an Independent bid for President.
“Common-sense policies and initiatives that can help address widening inequality at home, while strengthening America’s standing in the world, will be a priority.”
Laudable goals, sir, but I think we have more dire issues to address. How about voter suppression and gerrymandering. There are some solid initiatives happening right now that could use your tens and hundreds of millions. I mean, wow, what an impact it would be to sock that kind of investment where it’s sorely needed.
I wish he’d take some of that money and give it to MadDogPAC… 
Seriously, I agree with @beattycat that he should contribute to some of the good causes that are in desperate need of $$. Innercity schools, subsidized lunches for kids, legal assistance for migrants, the list goes on and on and on…
Or perhaps we can talk him and some of his other überwealthy friends to “adopt a country” – and help Puerto Rico or, now, Bahamas with contributions to rebuilding.
And a nation bows its head in mourning, after laughing hysterically for about 5 minutes.
Thoughts & prayers for the demise of Howie’s ego.
These are great ideas. Innercity schools and subsidized lunches are my most favorite. As a kid, I was never hungry, but our family was always on that edge until I was in high school. Also, I knew many kids who needed it. Considering how very important full bellies with nutritious food is to a kid growing up physically healthy and mentally sharp, I have never EVER understood why breakfasts and lunches aren’t provided at no cost, just a necessary investment. It boggles my mind.
Another thing way up high on my list is subsidized childcare centers — free for those under a certain income level, then graduated contribution based upon family disposable income.
Yes! And I have a perfect match up for how to help: My old high school taught childcare as part of parenting. They even had a small number of babies and youngsters (probably children of teachers and other staff). Fully flesh out these programs and you’d have a win-win for the local communities in need of these types of services. Obviously, the size of the operation would depend on the size of the high school and how successful they would be at recruiting students in each grade level (the higher the level training, the more responsibilities). Again, investing those dollars
I feel like Howard was the last to know. The rest of us knowing 3 days into his roleout.
Would certain be a start. However, the problem isn’t only confined to infants and toddlers – working parents have problems for kids K-6 if, say, school ends at 3 p.m., but the parents have to work to 5 or 6. Some schools have after-school programs for those kids, which is another help, but…school breaks? Summer vacation? Not everyone can afford to send their kids to camp… It’s a problem until kids are old enough to be left on their own. And if you have more than one child, how old does the oldest one have to be to be able to care for younger siblings? (Plus: what kind of childhood is that – shoving an 11-yr-old into a quasi-parental role?)
It’s a complicated problem.
And America said …
I don’t believe him.
Wait until after the Dem convention. He will come back and run third party because he won’t like the candidate - doesn’t matter which one, but he’ll do it.
This quote is just unimaginably gross. Even as he quits this nonsensical non-run, he blames his loserdom on the peasants who value getting rid of Trump over Howie’s know-nothing “independent” status.
Prediction: Nobody will remember this schmuck the day after he dies.
You’re right, it would be a start as well as some of the logistical problems. Sorely needed. My Mom (and my sister and I) babysat for many years for small amounts of money. At times like summer vacation, before and after school, winter weather closures, etc., we had as many as 15 or more kids of all ages in addition to our family in that small house. Those were good times, actually.
“The money that I was prepared to commit to a presidential campaign will instead be used to invest in people, organizations and ideas that promote honesty, civility and results in our politics, and that move the country beyond two-party gridlock,” the billionaire added."
If this is code for moving the country toward a one-party system until the Republicans have served a decades long penance for Trump and McConnell, I love it.
I guess the cost of garnering nine votes was just too high, like the cost of his undrinkable coffee.
“Not enough people today are willing to consider backing an independent candidate because they fear doing so might lead to re-electing a uniquely dangerous incumbent president,”
He has just realized what everyone knew the day he rolled out his possible candidacy. And yet he uses the term “Common-sense” as something that he can provide. Clearly he suffers from too much ego or too little intelligence, or perhaps both.
Yeah, I babysat too (for $$, of course) and my mom had a few “daycare” kids for a few years since she stayed home while we were little. My sister-in-law did the same 30+ years later, after they’d moved and she didn’t start working again at the new place right away. But the 30 years difference meant it went from a casual sort of agreement to home inspections, insurance and other stuff. Which, in fact is good from a variety of points of view, but means the relatively cheap deals my mom could make in the 60s are out of question…
“The money that I was prepared to commit to a presidential campaign will instead be used to invest in people, organizations and ideas that promote honesty, civility and results in our politics, and that move the country beyond two-party gridlock,” the billionaire added.
Translated: “If I see someone coming for my tax breaks, I’ll be funding a third party candidate.”