You may have heard about the recent hubbub going on in Tennessee where a BK franchise company put up signs on their outlets saying, 'GLOBAL WARMING IS BALONEY'.

Needless to say there was some outcry, and the offending signs have all been removed. The interesting part of the story to me was the quote from Susan Robinson (Vice President, Corporate Communications for BK): "under the franchise agreement, we do not allow the reader board, the restaurant, or any other advertising/promotional vehicles to promote any specific political and/or religious beliefs".

This does appear to contrast a little with, say, the $48K Burger King PAC donated in the 2008 election cycle (28% to Dems, 72% to Rep.) or the almost 2 million dollars spent lobbying between '98 and '09. It also contrasts with BK's notoriously bad environmental track record.

I spent about ten years as a canvasser for various environmental groups, and the best day to canvass is always Halloween. This is because you know if the light's off they won't answer the door - and frankly, if someone's unwilling to give candy to children on Halloween, they're unlikely to give to an environmental group.

I think this BK fiasco is a little like that - I'd rather have them admit they don't give a hoot about green issues or global warming with a giant stupid sign. I say, show your colors, Burger King!