Burger King distances itself from franchise’s ‘Global Warming is Baloney’ signs.
Burger King distances itself from franchise’s ‘Global Warming is Baloney’ signs.
The Memphis Flyer recently caught multiple local Burger King franchises sporting a big “Global Warming is Baloney” sign. When reporter Chris Davis called one of restaurants to ask about the sign, employees initially denied that the sign was there. When they finally admitted that it was, they claimed that “Global Warming is Baloney” is the official opinion of the Burger King corporation:
BK: The sign was put up yesterday.
Me: And it’s not a mistake?
BK: No.
Me: It reflects the opinion of BK international?
BK: Yes. Would you like to talk to the home office? I can give you a number.
Me: I’ve got the number, I’ve already contacted them. Thanks.
On Friday, however, Susan Robison, Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Burger King Corporation, told the Flyer that the signs do not “reflect a Burger King Corp. (BKC) opinion or view. The two restaurants where these signs appeared are independently owned and operated and were not authorized to display this statement. The signs have since been removed.” (HT: AMERICAblog)
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Hmm, I wonder at what point those independently owned stores will have “Waterboarding in not Torture” on their signs?
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:26 amThe Memphis Flyer recently caught multiple local Burger King franchises sporting a big “Global Warming is Baloney” sign.
“Home of the Whopper” indeed…
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 amIt’s cowardly for a business owner to inject his divisive political views into a brand name that he basically rents.
At least the “English Only” Cheesesteak place in Philly owned the business outright. I don’t agree with the politics, but hey it’s his name he put out there. The owner of these burger kings might be freaking sued.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 amA denying global warming denial denial.
Vertigo.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 amI think the initial plan was to get hundreds or thousands of Global warming proponents to picket the stores. The protestors would obviously get hungry (from all the picketing) and eventually sneak in for a Whooper with cheeze, biggie fries, and a shake. Of course the store sales would skyrocket and the owner would pocket some real green. But, someone put in a call to BK HQ and buzz killed the whole plan. Nice work.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 amINBRED IGNORANT SLOGAN FOR INBRED FCUKWITS WHO EAT FOOD FLAVORED WITH LIQUID SMOKE AND ONION RINGS MADE FROM GLUED TOGETHER ONION FLAKES.
BETTER SLOGAN: FAKE FOOD FOR FAKE AMERICANS
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 amWell, it happened at BKs in the red state of TN – where a$$backward thinking reigns supreme.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 amOn Friday, however, Susan Robison, Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Burger King Corporation, told the Flyer that the signs do not “reflect a Burger King Corp. (BKC) opinion or view. The two restaurants where these signs appeared are independently owned and operated and were not authorized to display this statement. The signs have since been removed. We are now asking them to remove Freedom Fries from their menus.”
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 amThe two restaurants where these signs appeared are independently owned and operated and were not authorized to display this statement.
– - Coincidentally, the Whole Foods market down the street had a sign reading ‘COWS BLOW METHANE’
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 amTENNESSEE,
Where they make Kuntry Muzik for Cuntry Folks.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 amThe cattle industry is a major contributor to climate change gasses, and they are allowed to graze on federal land via the BLM.
At least Burger King offers veggie burgers and many franchises permit biofuel seekers to have their used frying oil free of charge. At least in my town.
PEACE
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 amWasn’t it John Boener who recently blamed “cow flatulence” for Global Warming?
Suddenly, the connection between “eating beef” and “reducing global warming” becomes clear(er). :)
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 amI think of global warming more in terms of a nice salami. ;)
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 amEat Mor Chiken.
Actually, nah. Make your own meals, and eat healthier.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 amThose two stores must be where dick goes to get his guilty pleasure:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 ama 30 percent fat ground baby burger basket.
ReichWingers are idiots.
Fcuk the Republic Fascist Party
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 amThis whole thing would never have happened if Mayor McCheese was running point.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 ambcup, you might be onto something for the FIRST TIME, but my money is on the Hamburglar…
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am[...]employees initially denied that the sign was there.
Deny the obvious then lie about the actual reasons: That’s what reichwingers do best. Lie, mislead, obfuscate, rinse, repeat.
They can’t help themselves.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 amBurger King gave me food poisoning once. They should put that on thier signs.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 amHamburglar quit the biz. He ended up doing softcore with Wendy.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pmThey denied the sign was there?! These people should be the poster children for global warming deniers.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 pmA better slogan for BK:
OUR FOOD TASTES LIKE SHIT, BUT THE LINES ARE SHORT.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 pmbackup Says:
I think the initial plan was to get hundreds or thousands of Global warming proponents to picket the stores.
I wouldn’t be surprised if those franchise owners actually thought it could work: Only a group of idiotic rightwingers would come up with a cartoon-like, Wile Coyote-style plan like the one your describe.
Next stunt: “Obama will take your guns away” signs…
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:06 pmGregor. my initial thought was that it might have been an idea to increase traffic. But, after thinking about, I don’t see how it could work. Then I came to the conclusion that it was just another fool that thought it was a good idea to bring politics to the workplace.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:11 pmmy initial thought was that it might have been an idea to increase traffic. But, after thinking about, I don’t see how it could work.
I think I found your problem.
Look at the 3rd word in your quote above.
You’re just not doing it right…
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 pmNot that I needed yet another reason not to patronize Burger King, but I will definitely be adding this to my list. Conservatives who are not intelligent and respectful enough to refrain from alienating potential customers who simply have a different opinion on the issue do not deserve anyone’s business.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pmNice.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:17 pmanyone that eats at BK deserves to have their climate changed
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pmFred. It’s one guy that owns a couple of stores. HQ smacked him down as soon as they heard about it.
I think you’ll be okay to continue to have it your way.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 pmHow he squares this concern with his company’s drive-thru, meat-munching business model is another matter, though.
I am not too fond of defending the fast food industry, but Burger King is in business to make money, and it may take them a while to come up with an alternative business plan that will allow them to both be environmentally friendly and still make money.
It’s not as if they can give up selling beef patties,
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pmfreedfrench fries and soda overnight. Many a family’s livelihood depends on Burger King, in one way or another.But is it warm baloney?
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 pmGlobal Warming is not Baloney
But our burgers are.
[There, fixed it.]
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 pmMugsy Says:
Wasn’t it John Boener who recently blamed “cow flatulence” for Global Warming?
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 am
____________
Yes, and he’s only partially correct. It’s cow burps that are the major methane contributor, not cow farts.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 pmJ. Fred Smug Says
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Conservatives who are not intelligent and respectful enough to refrain from alienating potential customers who simply have a different opinion on the issue do not deserve anyone’s business.
_____________________________________________________________
True — but let’s remember this was the work of a franchisee in Memphis who apparently owned more than one store (or perhaps a group of Memphis franchisees), not the entire BK Corporation. Franchisees in Sacramento or Albuquerque or Duluth or anywhere else had nothing to do with this, and don’t deserve punishment (although if you want to continue to avoid them because their food is mediocre, go right ahead).
The corporate HQ of Burger King cannot be expected to police the signage of all their outlets 24/7, and so must depend on concerned observers to bring things like this to their attention — as is most likely what happened in this case. And, in this case, they took appropriate action. I’m sure the BK Corporation sees the same logic you do — that when your objective is to get people to come in and buy food, it doesn’t make sense to alienate people with differing political viewpoints.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 pmWhy do I have a feeling this won’t end here? It’s just a matter of time before the Hannitys and Becks and O’Reillys and Limbaughs and the other science deniers start calling for a boycott of Burger King for censoring this delusional owner.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 pmSecond misscoleopteramolly, so rare I am not on the peoples’ side BUT:
When I need a meat fix the Whopper Junior WITHOUT ketchup, mayo and pickles actual tastes like a burger, add Value Onion Rings and drink (refillable), your total in high tax counties. $3.30 ( MUCH lower fat and sodium 40%? without those condiments).
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 pmraynman Says:
Hmm, I wonder at what point those independently owned stores will have “Waterboarding in not Torture” on their signs?
No, no, no, that’s their competition, the “Whataboarding!”
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pmProud babbles:
blah blah blah… I have no clue what the conversation is about…. blah blah blah… and I prove it by bringing up irrelevant facts… blah blah blah… like Al Gore and freedom of speech… blah blah blah… am a moron and damn proud of it too… blah blah blah…
Our troll awes the crowd with his ability to string together thoughts that are both completely nonsensical and irrelevant…
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 pmProud Says:
So much for free speech, why does the left only approve of free speech for those that agree with your nonsense.
You’re free to say whatever you like, just don’t complain when someone else remarks on the stupidity of some of what you write.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 pmProud Says:
So much for free speech, why does the left only approve of free speech for those that agree with your nonsense. As much as you long to worship at the altar of Al Gore, I think our free speech rights outweigh your right to censor a business owner.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
___________
Took you long enough, child molester.
And since when did “we” censor a business owner? Do you not believe that a private corporation has the right to control the communications of its franchisees?
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:52 pmProud. I imagine there’s some lingo in the franchise contract that says not to put up divisive statements on the signage.
If it wasn’t a franchise, I see your point. But, BK wants to make money. They aren’t going to make money with some guy inciting patrons to boycott.
This is not a free speech issue. Unless you’re a politician or a pundit, you shouldn’t bring politics to work.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pmone more reason to not eat at Burger King
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:56 pmThe more I learn about the “fast food industry”, the less I tend to eat there.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:56 pmI wonder if The King knows what’s being said in his name. He does look like a conservative though.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 pmThis is not a free speech issue. Unless you’re a politician or a pundit, you shouldn’t bring politics to work.
Or a religious figurehead. Pat Robertson should keep his nose in the Bible, and out of politics.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 pmProud Says
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I think our free speech rights outweigh your right to censor a business owner.
_____________________________________________________________
And you are completely missing the point. Nobody here is advocating the censorship of free speech — we’re just pointing out that it’s not right to amplify your personal free speech message using resources that aren’t yours to use.
If a guy owns his own diner and wants to put his political views on his signage, that’s his business (assuming his signage meets all municipal ordinances). And then it’s my right as a potential patron to go eat there or not.
But when you are speaking your views through somebody else’s loudspeaker (in this case — Burger King’s), the owner of the loudspeaker (in this case — Burger King) will want some control over the message, as it will be perceived by many to be BK’s viewpoint.
This is not something limited to chain restaurants. Broadcast media, blogsites, print media, etc. have always been held responsible by the public for what goes through their loudspeakers (for example — one of Bill O’Reilly’s hobbies is cherry-picking through comments here on this site to find “evidence” to support his accusations that it’s a “hate” site). And in turn, we hold FNC accountable for the content of Bill O’Reilly’s show.
We support free speech. But you gotta provide your own megaphone. And when you are a franchisee for a large corporation, you gotta abide by their rules.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:05 pmIt’s true, pride comes before a fall.
In the words of Lennon/McCartney:
What have I done to deserve such a fate
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pmI realize I have left it too late
And so it’s true, pride comes before a fall
I’m telling you so that you won’t lose all
The point of my earlier comment (#29) was completely missed.
I choose not to patronize ANY business (whether small business or one location of a big franchise) which chooses to alienate its potential clientele by its choice of words or actions. It’s a basic, smart business proposition: I’ll patronize anyone who offers a good product at a reasonable price. What I don’t need is for them to tell me how or what to think at any point during the business transaction.
Conservatives are always screaming about free speech. I’m all in favor of free speech, so long as it’s intelligent speech.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pmProud babbles:
Insert garbled English here
Please, if the topic of the thread isn’t clear to you or you are unsure what other people have said, please -resist the temptation to post anything and to embarrass yourself in public.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pmProud Says:
So what is your point? If he put up “Stop Global Warming” on his sign you hypocrites would be praising him and going after BK Intl if they made him remove it.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
____________
That may be true, depending on the circumstances. Though our issue wouldn’t be free speech, but BK’s implied endorsement of science denial. It would provide a good opportunity to pressure BK International to improve the carbon footprint of all their business practices.
It’s not hypocrisy, just an overwhelming support of the truth. It’s very difficult to defend free speech that you know to be a lie.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pmProud Says:
And I guess your boy that killed 1 soldier and wounded another at the recruiting station was never influenced by the hatred of the military promoted by you radical left wing nut jobs.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
___________
I already condemned Mr. Muhammad’s actions on behalf of all progressives in an earlier thread, so you are no longer allowed to refer to him as “our boy” or claim that we supported his senseless act of violence.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pmSo much for free speech, why does the left only approve of free speech for those that agree with your nonsense. As much as you long to worship at the altar of Al Gore, I think our free speech rights outweigh your right to censor a business owner.
sigh.
I’m sure this is a complete waste of time, but the 1st Amendment does not address the right of franchise owners to say things that may hurt the image of the company they have a franchise contract with. I bet the owner of these 2 BKs could risk losing his franchise with BK if he does anything that is detrimental to the company as a whole.
You do know what a contract is…right?
The 1st Amendment protects our free speech from being limited by the government. It does NOT protect your right to speak freely at your place of employment or to break clauses in contracts.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pmYou can’t yell fire in a crowded theater, you can’t incite others to violence with your words and you can’t say that global warming is a bunch of baloney if your words will cost BK money.
If we are going to debate the sign, we should probably consider the owners statement on the matter:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-R1xOxtHaM1A/ding_fries_are_done/
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pmProud Says:
This isnt a free speech issue. Then again you show over and over that you are FAR too stupid to understand what free speech is. You do know how stupid you are dont you?
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 pmAnd I guess your boy that killed 1 soldier and wounded another at the recruiting station was never influenced by the hatred of the military promoted by you radical left wing nut jobs.
Oh, frak you.
If it is shown by our local police that Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad/Carlos Bledsoe was influenced by some “radical left wing nut jobs” TV personalities who said those specific soldiers were murders and said it over and over again on a cable network then we might have something to discuss, but as it is now disagreeing with the war is not the same as influencing the killer of Dr. Tiller.
Religion is gonna kill us all one day if we do not deal with these extremists.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:28 pmbcup AGAIN proves the lack of funny bone among Republitards.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:28 pmEmployees denied the sign was there ????????
What kind of idiot couldn’t just look outside and see that the sign was there?
Either this was :
1) Repub 101 where you start lying at the start of the discussion to avoid the Christmas rush.
2) The people who deny Global warming are dumb enough not to even be able to read their own signs.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pmWhy do you hate free enterprise?
This reminds me of last year, when Target told their employees to say Happy Holdays instead of Merry Christmas. Of course, Bill O’Reilly had a hissy fit and accused liberals of infringing on the free speech rights of Target Corp. If fact, O’Reilly was railing against the right of Target Corp. to institute their own workplace rules.
How can you wingnuts be so stupid that you always get things 180 degrees wrong! My god, I would think you’d be correct about something once in a while just by accident.
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:06 pmThis issue is a tempest in a happy meal.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 pmI’m wondering about people who would go up to the “take out” order place, make a big order, and then drive off… that would be a really really bad thing to do to poor old Burger King.
Burger King
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 pmI don’t mean to be rude but anyone that cares about their body would not be eating this nonfood. Raise your own or buy as local as you can. This shit is not food….
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:26 pmany one that does there own thinking knows the planet is always changing,and WE cant stop it.Climate change has always happened.GLOBAL WARMING is a damn joke.
June 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 amand yes i agree with water boarding.
Burger King will give you worse gas than any other fast food joint. They are actually CONTRIBUTING to global warming, so it’s no wonder they don’t want anyone doing anything to stop it.
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pmHey Kevin. I just saw the YouTube video about web 3.0 and I have had this idea about our future economy.
June 6th, 2009 at 5:12 amIt’s a bit in tune with the Zeitgeist film. See, if all of our knowledge was shared, we couldn’t make money of it. Siki?
porno
Porno izle
sex videolar?
I’m a musician and I kinda have the feeling that in the future people will pay for live performances, because we have computer software that is very close to sounding like a musical instrument, with a modelled human touch. So, if a person that has never played the guitar, can click a button and sound like Jimi Hendrix, than what is the coolness about all this digital music really? Infact, I think that the more advanced this gets, the less interesting it becomes. We are still in awe over a youngster that can make the violin cry and we will definately be in even more awe when a person can actually do with their fingers that what we can do in an iPhone application.