Bigot in Raleigh
Amanda Alpert of Raleigh, NC is a bigot. And she's happy to announce that to the world (and, more importantly, the press).
You see, Amanda has asked that a sign be taken down that causes her to be offended and because the message on the sign is "upsetting" to her. She is clearly bigoted because she is intolerant of anyone else's religious view. The sign? Oh, it says, "Merry Christmas, Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Where is it? On a privately owned business property (McDonalds). She called the corporate headquarters of McDonalds and tried to get them to force the local franchise to remove the sign. HQ told her that the owner could do what he wanted -- it was his store. There's no word whether the bigoted Amanda Alpert will be suing for emotional damages. And my favorite part of this whole story? The part that shows I'm right all the time when I say the market will adjust?McDonald's managers say the sign has been good for business. They say church groups have stopped by to eat, and some people who usually don't eat food from McDonald's have stopped by because of the sign.
Ahhhhh... Free Market. Update: I noticed Teach blogged it and has the picture if you want to see it.
Comments
1
My sister in law lives in Raligh, I'm going to have to ask her about this!
Posted by: Jo at December 15, 2005 12:29 PM (xlos6)
2
I can agree with her on not wanting religion forced on her, but still let the sign stay.
I wish people would grow up and realize that you can't have everything you want! If you don't like it don't go there!
This is like the banning of smoking in bars, let the owners decide not the government.
I wish people would grow up and realize that you can't have everything you want! If you don't like it don't go there!
This is like the banning of smoking in bars, let the owners decide not the government.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at December 15, 2005 12:31 PM (/k+l4)
3
The store is on the corner of Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest Road. Be warned -- I hear that store is pretty crowded these days...
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 12:32 PM (/k+l4)
4
I'm not sure exactly how it is that people feel that seeing something it the same as it being forced upon them. If that's the case, I could just as logically complain about any sign or billboard I see and demand it be taken down.
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 12:56 PM (/k+l4)
5
Amanda Alpert needs to see a shrink.
Because she is really sick.
McDonalds should enjoy the boom and favours of the reason for the season, Jesus Christ.
God loves America.
God bless.
Because she is really sick.
McDonalds should enjoy the boom and favours of the reason for the season, Jesus Christ.
God loves America.
God bless.
Posted by: Orikinla Osinachi at December 15, 2005 01:30 PM (fAMw8)
6
I do believe in freedom of religion and the seperation of Church and State. However, I don't agree with freedom from religion. I can honestly say I was not upset on my trip when I saw a huge dradel(sp?), the jewish hannukah top thing, in a store. I'm not jewish, but it didn't bother me. It didn't even make me want to not shop there.
Some people need to grow up.
Some people need to grow up.
Posted by: Contagion at December 15, 2005 01:51 PM (Q5WxB)
7
I am really amazed at how many people have this same point of view -- that they somehow have the right to determine what other people can and cannot do based on their own perceptions of reality.
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 01:57 PM (/k+l4)
8
it is all part of the entitlement society we live in today. I am entitled to drown out your beliefs and views because I don't agree with them.
Gotta love private property and free expression!
Gotta love private property and free expression!
Posted by: oddybobo at December 15, 2005 02:26 PM (6Gm0j)
9
That's exactly why I love private property (including gun rights).
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 03:08 PM (/k+l4)
10
They discussed this issue at length on the Bill Lemay show (680-WPTF) in Raleigh. I tried to get through, but the lines were slammed. Most people were very supportive of the sign. The only negatives were that it was using Jesus's name to sell food.
Supposedly, the story was picked up by CNN, but, I don't watch the Commie News Network.
I gotta drive that way today, gonna see if I can get some good photos of the sign and the intersection.
Supposedly, the story was picked up by CNN, but, I don't watch the Commie News Network.
I gotta drive that way today, gonna see if I can get some good photos of the sign and the intersection.
Posted by: William Teach at December 15, 2005 03:35 PM (AkiXU)
11
What? No one was offended that would dare do this? No Jewish people calling up, complaining?
Oh, right, you're in Raleigh, not Chapel Hill...
Oh, right, you're in Raleigh, not Chapel Hill...
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 03:46 PM (/k+l4)
12
The woman who complained was a Jew.
Shame on her for not being a Christian!
Maybe we conservatives can round up all the Jews who complain and...let's see, maybe concentrate them in one place, like a camp.
Then we can have our state religion!
Shame on her for not being a Christian!
Maybe we conservatives can round up all the Jews who complain and...let's see, maybe concentrate them in one place, like a camp.
Then we can have our state religion!
Posted by: Ronald Reagan at December 15, 2005 06:25 PM (LQJdM)
13
You give those loonies enough rope, they just hang themselves, don't they? Thanks for stopping along, Mr. Reagan.
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 06:29 PM (/k+l4)
14
I seriously doubt that Jesus would have any problem with it. He'd probably stop by and get a Filet o' Fish and a couple of extra rolls.
Loaves and fishes and all that.
Man, people have GOT to start lightening up. This is getting nuts. Everybody's "offended" by everything. My community has for decades put up rows of public menorahs and Christmas trees side by side on the city green, everybody loves it for crying out loud. There's a guy down our street who puts up little signs in his yard all year long quoting Scripture. He always chooses something uplifting, he's not telling us we're all going straight to hell, nobody minds, nobody's getting all upset.
Anybody, ANYBODY running around all "offended" all the time has got far, far too much time on their hands, great galloping gators. Run out and do some community service or get a job or read to little kids, DO something with your mental energies other than being offended. Damnation.
Loaves and fishes and all that.
Man, people have GOT to start lightening up. This is getting nuts. Everybody's "offended" by everything. My community has for decades put up rows of public menorahs and Christmas trees side by side on the city green, everybody loves it for crying out loud. There's a guy down our street who puts up little signs in his yard all year long quoting Scripture. He always chooses something uplifting, he's not telling us we're all going straight to hell, nobody minds, nobody's getting all upset.
Anybody, ANYBODY running around all "offended" all the time has got far, far too much time on their hands, great galloping gators. Run out and do some community service or get a job or read to little kids, DO something with your mental energies other than being offended. Damnation.
Posted by: Laura at December 15, 2005 10:26 PM (6BLTq)
15
I only wish the courts would actually realize that you do NOT have a right to not be offended...
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 10:43 PM (uSCkp)
16
Wait . . . that means . . . should I be offended by this? Or just confused. I have no right to not be offended? O nooooooooo. Is that covered in the First Offendment? I'd better start running around being offended before I get busted for non-offendedmentness.
Just kidding around with you.
I like the Ninth Amendment, which says, "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
Seems apropos here.
Just kidding around with you.
I like the Ninth Amendment, which says, "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
Seems apropos here.
Posted by: Laura at December 15, 2005 11:05 PM (6BLTq)
17
THe first offendment? Classic!
And you obviously misunderstand today's Constitution. Today's "living document" interpretation is that the Constitution GRANTS rights, you see...
And you obviously misunderstand today's Constitution. Today's "living document" interpretation is that the Constitution GRANTS rights, you see...
Posted by: Ogre at December 15, 2005 11:12 PM (uSCkp)
18
Yes, I do have this quaint fondness for, nay, dedication to, the Constitution as actually written and intended, it's true.
On my way downstreet to get a Filet o' Fish at MacDonald's now. There are Christmas trees, little menorahs with lights, and Christmas wreaths there. It's nice.
On my way downstreet to get a Filet o' Fish at MacDonald's now. There are Christmas trees, little menorahs with lights, and Christmas wreaths there. It's nice.
Posted by: Laura at December 15, 2005 11:58 PM (6BLTq)
19
mMMMmm...greasy McDonalds fish...and freedom...
Posted by: Ogre at December 16, 2005 12:37 AM (uSCkp)
20
Mr Ogre,
At least get your facts straight when reporting the informaiton on your website. I did indeed call Corporate McDonald's and FILED A COMPLAINT.
I never told them to take the sign down. THey also never told me it was the franchise owners sign and they could do what they wanted with it. They simply took down the information and paced it along. Just as if I had an eyeball in my chicken nugget, I would have done the same.
The Franchise owner's assitant called me after receiving that complaint from the Corporate office. The woman was very rude, condescending and never once asked what she could do to help, She asked for my suggestion, which was to CHANGE the sign to one of more DIVERSITY and TOLERANCE, for ALL NON CHRISTIANS, Not just Jews. She adamantly said no, how this was her decision I don't know, she was not the owner. Then I got really pissed b/c of her horrible treatment of me and then I wrote a letter to the owner.
I felt that McDOnald's Is not the appropriate place for this personal type of sentiment. I feel it was a bad decision by a woman who is a business person and leader in the community to be so intolerant of others. A church, fine, a christmas tree lot, great, your home, put up all the tacky blow up Santa crap and lights you want, but what other Public places do you see with this specific type of sentiment?
All I wanted was a little respect and tolerance. I tolerate Christmas being crammed down my throat 4 months out of the year and I respect that Christmas is one of the more holy days of the Christian's year, but in my opinion, McDonald's is not the appropriate place for these words. We need to respect ALL people and ALL Holidays at this time of year. Which would Include Thanksgiving, New Year's, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzza, as well.
At least get your facts straight when reporting the informaiton on your website. I did indeed call Corporate McDonald's and FILED A COMPLAINT.
I never told them to take the sign down. THey also never told me it was the franchise owners sign and they could do what they wanted with it. They simply took down the information and paced it along. Just as if I had an eyeball in my chicken nugget, I would have done the same.
The Franchise owner's assitant called me after receiving that complaint from the Corporate office. The woman was very rude, condescending and never once asked what she could do to help, She asked for my suggestion, which was to CHANGE the sign to one of more DIVERSITY and TOLERANCE, for ALL NON CHRISTIANS, Not just Jews. She adamantly said no, how this was her decision I don't know, she was not the owner. Then I got really pissed b/c of her horrible treatment of me and then I wrote a letter to the owner.
I felt that McDOnald's Is not the appropriate place for this personal type of sentiment. I feel it was a bad decision by a woman who is a business person and leader in the community to be so intolerant of others. A church, fine, a christmas tree lot, great, your home, put up all the tacky blow up Santa crap and lights you want, but what other Public places do you see with this specific type of sentiment?
All I wanted was a little respect and tolerance. I tolerate Christmas being crammed down my throat 4 months out of the year and I respect that Christmas is one of the more holy days of the Christian's year, but in my opinion, McDonald's is not the appropriate place for these words. We need to respect ALL people and ALL Holidays at this time of year. Which would Include Thanksgiving, New Year's, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzza, as well.
Posted by: Amanda Alpert at December 18, 2005 08:44 PM (EGq1J)
Posted by: Greg Dyson at December 19, 2005 05:32 PM (dGesX)
22
Then why, Amanda, do you insist on not letting others respect their own faith? By complaining about that sign, you are declaring that your faith is superior to others and that Christians should not be able to show their own faith. That's pretty intolerant of you, if you ask me.
And thanks for stopping by!
(Good idea Greg)
And thanks for stopping by!
(Good idea Greg)
Posted by: Ogre at December 22, 2005 02:38 AM (dPyQ0)
23
Mr. Ogre,
I believe 100% that people should respect their faith; yet at the same time be respectful of others as well. I do not believe I was being disrespectful or intolerant of Christianity. I do not believe my faith is superior to others, I was simply asking that other faiths be recognized. Ms. Martin (the owner) is a Christian woman and I respect that, what I don't respect is her decision to post the sign. THAT shows intolerance and disrepect to others. While her sign shows her faiths and beliefs, I believe that it is not the proper forum, or perhaps a more inclusive type of messsage such as "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men." Still a Christian quote from the Christmas story ( not the Red Rider BB Gun one, the one about Christ being born : ) ), but one that is inclusive of all people and faiths. And please no comments about "men".
And if Greg Dyson that posted is my brother in law, I will freak out, too weird.
I believe 100% that people should respect their faith; yet at the same time be respectful of others as well. I do not believe I was being disrespectful or intolerant of Christianity. I do not believe my faith is superior to others, I was simply asking that other faiths be recognized. Ms. Martin (the owner) is a Christian woman and I respect that, what I don't respect is her decision to post the sign. THAT shows intolerance and disrepect to others. While her sign shows her faiths and beliefs, I believe that it is not the proper forum, or perhaps a more inclusive type of messsage such as "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men." Still a Christian quote from the Christmas story ( not the Red Rider BB Gun one, the one about Christ being born : ) ), but one that is inclusive of all people and faiths. And please no comments about "men".
And if Greg Dyson that posted is my brother in law, I will freak out, too weird.
Posted by: Amanda Alpert at December 26, 2005 03:13 PM (VygPn)
24
I just don't see the difference, Amanda, between you saying that they're intolerant for posting the sign, but you're not intolerant for not wanting the sign posted.
Asking other faiths to be recognized is silly -- the sign is only so big. It's not practical to say that all faiths should be recognized.
Saying that the message should be inclusive is just as silly -- I'm sure muslim terrorists would be offended by your suggested "Peace on Earth" sign as well.
To suggest there is ANY sign that can be posted that is not offensive to anyone is also silly -- SOMEONE will be offended no matter what is put on the sign, period.
Asking other faiths to be recognized is silly -- the sign is only so big. It's not practical to say that all faiths should be recognized.
Saying that the message should be inclusive is just as silly -- I'm sure muslim terrorists would be offended by your suggested "Peace on Earth" sign as well.
To suggest there is ANY sign that can be posted that is not offensive to anyone is also silly -- SOMEONE will be offended no matter what is put on the sign, period.
Posted by: Ogre at December 26, 2005 03:21 PM (s2+Ck)
25
Mr. Ogre,
Apparently we need to agree that we disagree, which is fine. I don't expect everyone to share my views on ANYTHING, a lesson very well learned with these events.
The point I was inititally was trying to make, which I thought was a simple one was that, what other public places (malls, restaurants,, stores, etc) do you go at this time of year that their signs don't say Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. Would you agree that about 99% of them do? Would you agree that this is a more proper and respectful sentiment? So this woman posts her religious beliefs on her sign, and it's okay (according to most) because it is her sign and her beliefs. My belief is that it isn't right and I did what I thought was the right thing to support what I believed in. Call it intolerant or what have you, I was only asking for some respect for others. And I really hope you aren't ignorant enough to think that all Muslims are terroists and don't want "Peace On Earth"
Apparently we need to agree that we disagree, which is fine. I don't expect everyone to share my views on ANYTHING, a lesson very well learned with these events.
The point I was inititally was trying to make, which I thought was a simple one was that, what other public places (malls, restaurants,, stores, etc) do you go at this time of year that their signs don't say Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. Would you agree that about 99% of them do? Would you agree that this is a more proper and respectful sentiment? So this woman posts her religious beliefs on her sign, and it's okay (according to most) because it is her sign and her beliefs. My belief is that it isn't right and I did what I thought was the right thing to support what I believed in. Call it intolerant or what have you, I was only asking for some respect for others. And I really hope you aren't ignorant enough to think that all Muslims are terroists and don't want "Peace On Earth"
Posted by: Amanda Alpert at December 26, 2005 03:59 PM (VygPn)
26
Yes, we clearly disagree.
"Would you agree that this is a more proper and respectful sentiment?"
No, no I would not, and that's where we disagree. I think that a person who owns property should be able to express their own religious beliefs, and no one should be able to tell them otherwise. It makes no difference to me if that's their own home or a place that they own that they invite other people into (a business).
If you owned the sign and wanted to put on the sign, "Christians Suck," I wouldn't ask you to take it down.
Also note I didn't say all muslims were terrorists -- I simply said that there ARE muslims who ARE terrorists who would be offended by you asking for peace.
"Would you agree that this is a more proper and respectful sentiment?"
No, no I would not, and that's where we disagree. I think that a person who owns property should be able to express their own religious beliefs, and no one should be able to tell them otherwise. It makes no difference to me if that's their own home or a place that they own that they invite other people into (a business).
If you owned the sign and wanted to put on the sign, "Christians Suck," I wouldn't ask you to take it down.
Also note I didn't say all muslims were terrorists -- I simply said that there ARE muslims who ARE terrorists who would be offended by you asking for peace.
Posted by: Ogre at December 26, 2005 04:29 PM (s2+Ck)
27
Noted on the Muslim comment. I misread that, I apologize.
So your basic arguement is that people can do what they want with their personal property, be it home or business. OK. I guess what I don't understand is why a more inclusive sentiment is wrong? Is it wrong because she CAN do what she wants with the sign?(in your Opinion)
There is this "War on Christmas" that is all over the media, how do we address people this time of year, etc. The part that noone can explain to me is how Happy Holidays excludes Christmas or takes the Christ out of Christmas. These are the things I have been accused of. Aren't we better PEOPLE by expressing GENERAL greetings to others?
So while I understand your view on the personal property front, I still am not sure how you feel about the general Happy Holidays statement. Is it or is it not more proper and respectful? Sign and personal property aside.
Perhaps I need to poke around your website a bit more to learn a little more about your views on things.
I do appreciate your respectful banter and opinions. The postings on the TV station website were for the most part absurd and ridiculous (and not b/c people didn't agree with me.) Most were along the lines of Mr. Reagan's from above. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts and opinions, because they are thoughtful and respectful, even though we disagree.
So your basic arguement is that people can do what they want with their personal property, be it home or business. OK. I guess what I don't understand is why a more inclusive sentiment is wrong? Is it wrong because she CAN do what she wants with the sign?(in your Opinion)
There is this "War on Christmas" that is all over the media, how do we address people this time of year, etc. The part that noone can explain to me is how Happy Holidays excludes Christmas or takes the Christ out of Christmas. These are the things I have been accused of. Aren't we better PEOPLE by expressing GENERAL greetings to others?
So while I understand your view on the personal property front, I still am not sure how you feel about the general Happy Holidays statement. Is it or is it not more proper and respectful? Sign and personal property aside.
Perhaps I need to poke around your website a bit more to learn a little more about your views on things.
I do appreciate your respectful banter and opinions. The postings on the TV station website were for the most part absurd and ridiculous (and not b/c people didn't agree with me.) Most were along the lines of Mr. Reagan's from above. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts and opinions, because they are thoughtful and respectful, even though we disagree.
Posted by: Amanda Alpert at December 26, 2005 06:47 PM (VygPn)
28
Sorry for the slow reply, I'd been on vacation for the past week.
At issue here, in my opinion, wasn't the sentiment in question at all -- at issue was one person requesting another person do something with their own property. To me, I view this the same as me coming to your house, walking in, and telling you that your bathroom decorations aren't correct, and that you should change them.
As for the sentiment itself, "Happy Holidays" is fine with me. I originally thought that came from people wishing others "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" at the same time!
I don't see "Happy Holidays" as excluding anyone. However, if someone changes from "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays" because another is offended, then that's wrong. You shouldn't change your ideals and beliefs because someone is "offended" by them.
At issue here, in my opinion, wasn't the sentiment in question at all -- at issue was one person requesting another person do something with their own property. To me, I view this the same as me coming to your house, walking in, and telling you that your bathroom decorations aren't correct, and that you should change them.
As for the sentiment itself, "Happy Holidays" is fine with me. I originally thought that came from people wishing others "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" at the same time!
I don't see "Happy Holidays" as excluding anyone. However, if someone changes from "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays" because another is offended, then that's wrong. You shouldn't change your ideals and beliefs because someone is "offended" by them.
Posted by: Ogre at December 30, 2005 09:00 PM (s2+Ck)
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