The War on Terror: Local Businesses versus Evil Corp

by S.A. Prince

Freedom of Espresso, a local Upstate New York coffee shop takes full advantage of the basic human right “Freedom of Expression,” employing its ideological significance in their business’ name with a slight change. This adjustment is much deeper than a simple play on words though. It is a battle cry and a ringing shot to be heard by the masses. That battle cry: Local businesses do not negotiate with terrorists.

That may sound extreme, and maybe it is, but that’s the war that local businesses are facing. It’s a battle of attrition against businesses that don’t adhere to any social consciousness, to those whom value a dollar over a life. So when I see a local business like Freedom of Espresso doing all they can to survive and thrive with integrity, I’ll go out of my way to spend my money at their establishment. It’s the real war against terror and oppression if you ask me.

There are other coffee shops that are also fighting the good fight: Café Kubal, Strong Hearts, and Original Grain all are local Upstate businesses going against the grain. These are mainly centered in the city and downtown area of Syracuse, so I understand that the traveling isn’t always convenient. You’re on your way to work, and you want a quick option. I get that. But no matter where you live, any time you can bypass a Dunkin’ Donuts or a Starbucks, do it. Find a local business that is actually invested in your community.

We vote with our dollars. Ask yourself: What are you voting for? Sometimes your hands are tied, and you have to go to Wal-Mart. There are times where there’s no way around doing business with the Evil Corps of the world (because of how intertwined they are with our economy’s supply and demand), just know that these corporations have no intentions of ever doing anything to benefit you or this world. It’s all about the profit.

Before you go into that Starbucks next time, think what have they done for us lately, or even ever?!