Oct 18 2008
Should Public Business Openly Endorse A Candidate?
Today I went to another town to do some shopping that most unfortunately can not be done in Pikeville which has only one small privately owned bookstore.
The bookstore I visited has been a favorite haunt of mine for years, carrying rare books which are hard to find other places. Even more appealing to me, they have an entire section devoted to the paranormal happenings in eastern KY and a large religious section which I simply adore. I very much enjoyed hunting through the many books, all of which I’d have loved to bought if only rich, to find the two which I finally decided upon. Pleased with my choices and ready to begin reading I made my way to the cashier to hand over my $30.
Suddenly I was confronted by something completely unexpected, a John McCain and Sarah Palin sign sitting right next to the register. I’m sure the look of disgust covered my face immediately. I laid the books down and said never mind to the cashier/owner and turning at the door I told him he should remove the sign if he wanted anyone to buy from him. He neither laughed , argued, nor agreed but looked at me straight faced and said nothing.
I find it appalling (not to mention stupid) that any business would so openly endorse either candidate.Had it been an Obama sign it would have been offensive too. (only slightly less winks) Surely, they know they will lose and offend at least some of their customers no matter which candidate’s sign is sitting next to their register. If they wish to support a candidate would it not be wiser to do so privately?
I find it even more appalling that this was done in a bookstore. Bookstores main clientele are avid readers and FREE THINKERS who come there to find unbiased knowledge that will lead them to their own decisions and opinions. Bookstores are not places where one wishes to have a political agenda of another preached to them.
What do you think? Should public businesses openly endorse a candidate? Me? I’m boycotting Readmore bookstores! (although with mourning for the loss of my favorite haunt)
