Political opinions and views seem to influence everything we do — who we hang out with, what news channels we watch, what we post on social media and recently I’ve seen a lot of people let it determine where they eat and shop.

This raises the question: should stores and resturants release statements about their political standpoint?

Starbucks, owned by democrat Howard Schultz, has made many political statements since the election season began, stating that no matter the results they had to work for unity and peace and stated that Starbucks would hire 10,000 Syrian refugees and welcome all people into their stores.

While hundreds of people voiced their opinion of this onto Facebook and other social media, Schultz said that their sales remained the same; it wasn’t causing less, or more people from coming into their store.

Before his death, S. Truett Cathy, founder of Christian-oriented company Chick-Fil-A, made his statement in support of traditional marriage, stating that his opinion is based off of his faith.

Despite the outrage it set off in people, it didn’t affect their sales. In 2012, when the statement was made, the company brought in $4.6 billion across their many locations in the United States.

Many companies make political statements in which some of their customers may disagree with, but overall freedom of speech is something every person has been granted — despite their CEO title. While companies sales may be affected by the statement and others may not, it would be something to take into consideration when releasing their statement.

As for myself, freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. I respect everyone’s opinions and do not judge because of them; therefore, I will continue to eat at the places I want to and buy clothing wherever I please, despite that companies political views.

After all, the political and social affiliations of the people making my coffee or Chick-Fil-A sandwich doesn’t change the product that I’m buying.