FW: Liberal should pay more

Talk about a publicity stunt.

 

What I like about Chris Rock, which is one of things that makes him popular, is that he deliberately tries to say the most outrageous thing possible.

John Coffey

 

From: Witmer, Robert C.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/55642295-79/burnett-liberals-smoothie-vernal.html.csp

 

 

At Vernal smoothie shop, liberals pay more

Politics » Colorful owner reasons that their policies are costing his business more.

 

By Kathy Stephenson

 

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Jan 16 2013 04:16 pm • Last Updated Jan 16 2013 07:28 pm

 

George Burnett believes that big government, entitlement programs and reckless spending are "liberal programs" that cost jobs and bring higher taxes.

 

So, the Vernal businessman has no problem charging liberals a higher price than conservatives at his Main Street juice bar called I Love Drilling.

Photos

 

"They’re costing us money," he said of his left-leaning customers. "So it only seems fair that I charge them a little bit more."

 

Burnett doesn’t try to hide the price discrepancy. The menu board above the register clearly states that liberals will pay $5.95 for a 16-ounce smoothie or juice, while conservatives pay $4.95. (Employees pay only $3.95.). When ordering the drinks, which are named after famous oil wells, the cashier simply asks "What’s your price?"

 

"We use the honor code," Burnett. "We’re not going to quiz them, because it’s not a big deal."

 

But it has become a big story.

 

Earlier this week, a local newspaper wrote about the price discrimination and the story went viral. Since then, Burnett and his smoothie shop have been a discussion topic on national television and radio shows, websites and blogs, including The Huffington Post where there are more than 5,500 reader comments. On Wednesday, during an interview with The Tribune, Burnett was headed to Salt Lake City to be featured on the Fox News’ afternoon business program.

 

While it looks like a gimmick, Burnett insists that his varied pricing is a way to get the country to deal with its budget woes.

 

"In my own little way I’m saying we need to talk about this or we’re not surviving," he said. He likened it to a married couple who keeps spending money they don’t have and pretending the family finances are okay. "I’m not trying to create a divide. We have to deal with it."

 

Since the news broke Monday, the store’s co-manager, Isaac Burnett (George’s son), said the smoothie shop has seen a big increase in business thanks to attention to their policy.