OK, a total non-news story, just right for Fark. Business owner has every right to put up the sign. Democrats have every right to boycott. Where is the problem here?

Phil the SWO: OK, a total non-news story, just right for Fark. Business owner has every right to put up the sign. Democrats have every right to boycott. Where is the problem here?

That alienating a ton of your customers to display a political sign is a terrible business idea?

Because there's really a difference between republicans and democrats.

How long before some tard comes in saying something about free speech and how "libs" only support speech with which they agree? Gotta wait for a greenlight, I guess.

Exactly how does someone boycott a hotel if they already live in the area?

/you're doing it wrong

smooshie: That alienating a ton of your customers to display a political sign is a terrible business idea?

A lot of business owners -- especially franchisees and small business owners -- do not understand and/or accept this concept. I've worked with many who, if asked, would angrily swear that they "have a god-given right" to say whatever they want. They'll gladly go out of business before admitting that doing something like taking sides in a political debate is a bad idea.

Really, it's economic darwinism at work. Which is kind of ironic when you think about it.

Sylvia_Bandersnatch: Exactly how does someone boycott a hotel if they already live in the area?

Someone obviously DRTFA.

/you're doing it wrong

Sylvia_Bandersnatch: Exactly how does someone boycott a hotel if they already live in the area? You're doing it wrong

Banquets, weddings, health club, weekend getaways, that sort of thing.

Displaying the same business acumen that we're seeing in the world financial markets.

Two Dogs Farking: Sylvia_Bandersnatch: Exactly how does someone boycott a hotel if they already live in the area?

Someone obviously DRTFA.

/you're doing it wrong

You're right, DNRTFA (until now), but I worked in hotels for years, and you don't even need that experience to understand the obvious: Most hotel business does not come from the local community. And most actual paying patrons don't get as worked up over stuff like this as these few squeaky wheels. Where is live is just as blue, but there are businesses with Republican stuff posted, and I've never heard of any boycotts here. This is so stupid.

smooshie: That alienating a ton of your customers to display a political sign is a terrible business idea?

There is, strangely, nothing that makes me angrier than bad business decisions.

Case in point: the Lyons club, as a form of fundraising, provides this old black gentleman with a ware to sell around town. Good enough idea, the guy knows his way around and everyone knows him. Sympathy purchase and whatnot. But the ware they've chosen for him to sell are goddam brooms! WHAT THE LIVING F*CK ARE YOU DOING TRYING TO SELL F*CKING BROOMS ON THE STREET?!? I don't need a goddam broom! You put some f*cking cokes or some ice cream bars in a wheeled cooler and I guaran-goddam-tee you'll make more than minimum wage. What the f*ck are these people thinking?

Does this mean I should rethink displaying my penis at my Christian bookmobile?

TheMaskedUnit: How long before some tard comes in saying something about free speech and how "libs" only support speech with which they agree? Gotta wait for a greenlight, I guess.

Oh they'll be here, no doubt about it.

smooshie: Phil the SWO: OK, a total non-news story, just right for Fark. Business owner has every right to put up the sign. Democrats have every right to boycott. Where is the problem here?

That alienating a ton of your customers to display a political sign is a terrible business idea?

How? I normally dont stay in Hotels in my Neighbor hood, so the fact that 77% of the community is Dem has no bearing on their business, maybe 90% of the people staying are Republicans

Everyone involved has the right dop do whatever but it's retarded to boycott someone's business because they're not voting the same way you are.

the right TO DO

Actually, I think this should be illegal.

It's time we stood up in this country for people- that is people have the right to the political process. Businesses should not. If a business expresses a political opinion in an unapproved format they shall be given 1 warning fine, and the second time the owner will lose custody.

I'm sick of businesses using their authority to influence public opinion. That is not the purpose of a business- you exist within a market structure to provide a service or a good filling a demand. Any political opinions that you have can be expressed on your own time. If you attempt to use your business influence, well you should lose your business.

/I know, you're not going to agree with me. I don't care.
//You have the right to opinion and speech, you do not have the right to power

I have strong political views, but my job requires me to interact with the general public, and if I want to make money, I leave that stuff at home. It's not wise business acumen to immediately piss off the people who pay your bills.

sloppy shoes: It's time we stood up in this country for people- that is people have the right to the political process. Businesses should not. If a business expresses a political opinion in an unapproved format they shall be given 1 warning fine, and the second time the owner will lose custody.

I'm sick of businesses using their authority to influence public opinion. That is not the purpose of a business- you exist within a market structure to provide a service or a good filling a demand. Any political opinions that you have can be expressed on your own time. If you attempt to use your business influence, well you should lose your business.

This is just pure insanity.

Mugato: Everyone involved has the right dop to do whatever but it's retarded to boycott someone's business because they're not voting the same way you are.

Just as i have the right to take one look at the sign and make a judgement that the business owner is a douche (if he doesn't follow my political views, ie).

See how that works?

Mugato: Everyone involved has the right dop do whatever but it's retarded to boycott someone's business because they're not voting the same way you are.

It's still a dumb idea if it means a certain unnecessary loss of revenue. Especially these days. It's also unfair to the workers who might lose hours/get laid off as a result of low occupancy.

Confabulat: This is just pure insanity.

why?

I've noticed the only time this happens is when it's a stubborn act of intimidation. It does tend to get noticed. It's probably not the owner's political views that piss people off, but the aloof attitude that was shown to them from someone whose supposed specialty is HOSPITALITY.

By daybreak, pandemonium had broken loose all across heavily Democratic Prince George's County. Many local supporters of Democrat Barack Obama, jolted by the message as they headed down Branch Avenue on their Monday morning commutes, grabbed cellphones and BlackBerrys to notify friends. Operators of neighborhood e-mail group lists cried foul to their memberships. The NAACP logged calls. Community leaders demanded boycotts of the hotel, a common venue for Democratic events.

Complete over reaction to something so innocuous as a sign? You betcha.

The marquee supporting the GOP ticket in "an area that is strongly African American was like putting a stink bomb in the middle of the living room," said University of Maryland political Professor Ron Walters. "What it does show is the emotions that are around this campaign and this election."

And doesn't this say much more about the people than the candidate?

sloppy shoes: why?

I think yours is a knee-jerk reaction to a situation that seems to be working fine. There's no need for legal intervention.

sloppy shoes: why?

If you own a business in America, it's your right to put up any signs and posters on your own property all day long.

It's stupid business to piss off your potential customers, but it's still your right as a business owner. I used to live by a little pharmacy that had anti-abortion signs all over the front of it, and I never once stepped in there, even though it was closer to my place than the CVS.

But never once did I think the government should sweep in and close the place down because of the owner's political views. That's just scary, and completely un-American.

thamike: sloppy shoes: why?

I think yours is a knee-jerk reaction to a situation that seems to be working fine. There's no need for legal intervention.

Really? Cause it's not just this situation.

Lobbying has done this country so well. It's helped businesses so much. That's not to say that lobbying can't be good, but all business opinion needs to be in a public, open forum. If a business contacts or expresses a political opinion in a manner unapproved, they will be severely penalized.

Businesses are not citizens. They are run by citizens who are welcome to have views in private. However, we cannot let the power structure and opinions of the few over power the populace. We need to have open political discussions with the electorate- businesses do not have a vote and should not have more than the smallest of says.

Snowflake Tubbybottom: And doesn't this say much more about the people than the candidate?

Nope.

Confabulat: sloppy shoes: why?

If you own a business in America, it's your right to put up any signs and posters on your own property all day long.

It's stupid business to piss off your potential customers, but it's still your right as a business owner. I used to live by a little pharmacy that had anti-abortion signs all over the front of it, and I never once stepped in there, even though it was closer to my place than the CVS.

But never once did I think the government should sweep in and close the place down because of the owner's political views. That's just scary, and completely un-American.

No. Businesses should not have rights. Citizens are welcome to display opinions and speak openly. Businesses are not citizens. They are meant to serve the public. If abortion is legal, then they cannot speak against it. Again, businesses should not have rights. PEOPLE have rights. Businesses exist in a format to provide goods and services to the people- they are an entity meant to harbor the fortune of the people- not express interest or political opinion to sway sentiment. IF the government is considering something that will harm their interests they will be given ample time to speak in front of the public in a forum with government officials. However, in private transactions and regular operation they have no opinions or voice other than the goods and service they transact.

sloppy shoes: PEOPLE have rights

People have the right to own and operate businesses without having the government approve of every little thing they post, say, think, and act.

Who will be the police force charged with enforcing such political displays? Who decides what is political speech anyway? If I operate a tobacco shop, my ENTIRE BUSINESS is politically charged to some people. If I own a head shop, I may as well shut down immediately according to you.


Your plan is completely unworkable, dangerous, and quite scary.

Do you think we need an army of government inspectors checking the parking lots of every small business owner in America, to ensure they are keeping their own property free of potentially charged material?

Thanks, but that's no country I want to live in.

sloppy shoes: thamike: sloppy shoes: why?

I think yours is a knee-jerk reaction to a situation that seems to be working fine. There's no need for legal intervention.

Really? Cause it's not just this situation.

Lobbying has done this country so well. It's helped businesses so much. That's not to say that lobbying can't be good, but all business opinion needs to be in a public, open forum. If a business contacts or expresses a political opinion in a manner unapproved, they will be severely penalized.

Businesses are not citizens. They are run by citizens who are welcome to have views in private. However, we cannot let the power structure and opinions of the few over power the populace. We need to have open political discussions with the electorate- businesses do not have a vote and should not have more than the smallest of says.

I still think you're overreacting. Any business owner who wants to express an opinion takes the risk of alienating the customer base. Sounds like a free country to me.

sloppy shoes: Businesses are not citizens.

Yeah, we get that, OK?

sloppy shoes: No. Businesses should not have rights.

What does this even mean?

Confabulat: sloppy shoes: PEOPLE have rights

People have the right to own and operate businesses without having the government approve of every little thing they post, say, think, and act.

Who will be the police force charged with enforcing such political displays? Who decides what is political speech anyway? If I operate a tobacco shop, my ENTIRE BUSINESS is politically charged to some people. If I own a head shop, I may as well shut down immediately according to you.


Your plan is completely unworkable, dangerous, and quite scary.

Do you think we need an army of government inspectors checking the parking lots of every small business owner in America, to ensure they are keeping their own property free of potentially charged material?

Thanks, but that's no country I want to live in.

First of all, in many places if you own a head shop you'll be shut down currently.

Second of all, complaints would be handled through the courts and police- a system that works fairly well. So your visions of scary country are far fetched.

Third, I never said anything about taking away the individuals right to free speech. So you have nothing to fear.

Fourth, if you were to own a tobacco shop, you would be selling a legal product. So no political speech would be involved. If someone came into your store and harassed you, you would politely ask them to leave. However, you would not be able to talk about pending legislation or adopting new rules until you got off duty. If someone reported you, it would go to a judge (or possibly simply be a ticket). If you were found guilty a second time, nothing would happen to you individually, but the court would seize the business and sell it.

Fifth, People have a right to own a business. People have a right to voice. Businesses do not. Businesses are regulated.

thamike: sloppy shoes: No. Businesses should not have rights.

What does this even mean?

Actually, that's not true. I would give businesses some rights. But different rights. Government should not be able to just come in and change things. However, if businesses commit a crime, they should be held highly accountable. Practicing political speech would be a grievous crime- why? They are not part of the electorate. They aren't even people. The individuals involved already have freedom of speech. Businesses don't need to be dragged down in that process.

sloppy shoes: Second of all, complaints would be handled through the courts and police- a system that works fairly well. So your visions of scary country are far fetched.

Well I'm sure the courts and police have nothing better to do, as they have solved all other problems in the country.

What if I own a bar and some guy slaps an Obama sticker on his bar stool, and I don't notice it until your heroic government inspector comes by on his monthy visit to ensure I am following the rules?

Sports cause as much passion for many people as politics. What if I open a New England Patriots bar in Green Bay, Wisconsin? Isn't the natural extension of your idea to have that shut down, as it offends the populace?

Your idea is the most foolish thing I've read in a long time.

thamike: I still think you're overreacting. Any business owner who wants to express an opinion takes the risk of alienating the customer base. Sounds like a free country to me.

It is similar to why businesses cannot hang racial slurs and refuse to serve blacks, except more broad. As a business you are making an implicit public contract to perform a service or provide a good at a price to the public. Your political statements are unnecessary. The private citizens who operate the business are welcome to make their own political statements when they leave work.

Drew Curtis owns and operates Fark.com, a American business. Should the government monitor our headlines too?

Your plan makes no sense at all.

sloppy shoes: Businesses don't need to be dragged down in that process.

Unless of course it is their business, in which case it is their choice, yes?

Confabulat: Your idea is the most foolish thing I've read in a long time.


I don't know about "most foolish," but I'd have to say it is more baffling, incoherent, and juvenile than the norm, in this context.

sloppy shoes: It is similar to why businesses cannot hang racial slurs and refuse to serve blacks, except more broad.

No it isn't. It isn't at all. There is absolutely no correlation.

sloppy shoes: Your political statements are unnecessary.

They are, however, ethical and legal. The only risk is a loss of customers. The risk is solely on the business owner, not the public.

Confabulat: sloppy shoes: Second of all, complaints would be handled through the courts and police- a system that works fairly well. So your visions of scary country are far fetched.

Well I'm sure the courts and police have nothing better to do, as they have solved all other problems in the country.

What if I own a bar and some guy slaps an Obama sticker on his bar stool, and I don't notice it until your heroic government inspector comes by on his monthy visit to ensure I am following the rules?

Sports cause as much passion for many people as politics. What if I open a New England Patriots bar in Green Bay, Wisconsin? Isn't the natural extension of your idea to have that shut down, as it offends the populace?

Your idea is the most foolish thing I've read in a long time.

The Courts and Cops provide a valuable service. They are not perfect nor will they ever be. However, unlike their imperfections, there is no reason to give business open voice.

The Obama sticker example would be an obvious case of a misunderstanding. Contrary to what you may believe, Cops often have repeated engagements with people before they actually charge someone. If they were to notice a sticker and you remove it, then you'll be fine, no questions asked. However, if you consistently become a problem that is the issue.

As for the sports bars, that could either be a notable exception to the speech rule (with the obvious stipulation that all patrons will still be served and treated with respect), or the speech would be allowed but without political statements. Sports is not a political statement.

Again, it's not just because it's controversial- it's also a philosophical and political argument against the status of businesses. They should have limited and monitored admittance to our democracy.

Confabulat: Drew Curtis owns and operates Fark.com, a American business. Should the government monitor our headlines too?

Your plan makes no sense at all.

Freedom of the press would be an obvious constitutional exception, genius. I'm talking about a Hotel chain expressing open support for a candidate. There is an obvious difference.

I LIKE living in a country that allows freedom of expression without government intervention.

You clearly do not.

Nothing I can do to change your mind except to grow a pair and quit being upset every time you see a political sign next to a farmer selling boiled peanuts by the side of the road.

sloppy shoes: However, unlike their imperfections, there is no reason to give business open voice.

The whole thing is a 1st amendment issue.

sloppy shoes: There is an obvious difference.

Not according to the Constitution.

thamike: sloppy shoes: Your political statements are unnecessary.

They are, however, ethical and legal. The only risk is a loss of customers. The risk is solely on the business owner, not the public.

I didn't say businesses weren't allowed to do it now. Obviously we are talking about change. Further, this is not the broad sweeping Democracy and Capitalism ending change you guys think it is. It is merely stating that people need to separate their political opinions from their business opinions, unless of course they are the press, in which case they don't. However, most businesses are not part of the press, so they can shut up.

snuff3r: Just as i have the right to take one look at the sign and make a judgement that the business owner is a douche (if he doesn't follow my political views, ie).

See how that works?

That's why I said that they have the right to boycott. It's just my personal opinion that it's silly to do so. Just my own opinion.

thamike: sloppy shoes: There is an obvious difference.

Not according to the Constitution.

Citizens are given the right to free speech. Businesses should not be. That is the difference. (Businesses aren't currently given all the rights, by the way- again, you can say racial slurs, public businesses cannot).

I'm simply talking about adding on restrictions to what businesses cannot talk about.

sloppy shoes: It is merely stating that people need to separate their political opinions from their business opinions, unless of course they are the press, in which case they don't.

Which is your opinion and, no matter how silly, it is your right to have one. However, what you're suggesting is a violation of the Constitution.