Thread: Sign Criticizes Muslims

A self-storage owner is in hot water after posting a sign outside his facility that criticizes Muslims. Read what the sign says here.

Obviously, this is a touchy subject. On the one hand, it's his facility and he's entitled to free speech. On the other, is he spreading hate and racism? As a business owner, is it his duty to be a role model in the community?

What's your take on this? What if the sign attacked the Jewish or Catholic communities? Would there be more outrage? Less?

This is a touchy subject. While his first amendment rights allow him to speak his mind, he is really asking for trouble making statements like this. I don't care what religious group it would be against, it's not OK. Not to mention, what a huge stereotype!

It's sad and unfortunate that he feels the need to be so publicly outspoken. Too bad he doesn't realize that it makes him look ignorant.

Originally Posted by acampbell

A self-storage owner is in hot water after posting a sign outside his facility that criticizes Muslims. Read what the sign says here.

Obviously, this is a touchy subject. On the one hand, it's his facility and he's entitled to free speech. On the other, is he spreading hate and racism? As a business owner, is it his duty to be a role model in the community?

What's your take on this? What if the sign attacked the Jewish or Catholic communities? Would there be more outrage? Less?

Free speech is free speech. While I do not like his message, I defend his right to display it. Is he a role model? Yes, at least he takes a stand and is unafraid to say what he stands for. Do I agree, no!, do I defend, yes!

What I don't get, we (society) are incensed by this sign, yet, we don't hesitate to deride and condemn a christian church from displaying a manger scene or a cross?

Is he spreading hate or racism? I think not, as we all are entitled to make up our own minds.

Once be begin destroying free speech rights, no matter whether we agree or disagree, we begin destroying a Free America.

Originally Posted by acampbell

A self-storage owner is in hot water after posting a sign outside his facility that criticizes Muslims. Read what the sign says here.

Obviously, this is a touchy subject. On the one hand, it's his facility and he's entitled to free speech. On the other, is he spreading hate and racism? As a business owner, is it his duty to be a role model in the community?

What's your take on this? What if the sign attacked the Jewish or Catholic communities? Would there be more outrage? Less?

Yep, free speech is still the law of the land here in America.
Yep, I think he is absolutely spreading hate and racism.
Yep, I believe there would be lots more outrage if the sign attacked the Jewish or Catholic communities. You betcha.

After reading the story, I know that I would never patronize this business. However, I know there are those who would specifically patronize the biz because they dig his signs/ideology.

So this dude is OK with our freedom of speech, but he is clearly not OK with our freedom of religion. Can't have it both ways.

Originally Posted by geraldine1051

So this dude is OK with our freedom of speech, but he is clearly not OK with our freedom of religion. Can't have it both ways.

Great point, Geraldine!

I'm with Jughead.

Originally Posted by geraldine1051

Yep, free speech is still the law of the land here in America.
Yep, I think he is absolutely spreading hate and racism.
Yep, I believe there would be lots more outrage if the sign attacked the Jewish or Catholic communities. You betcha.

After reading the story, I know that I would never patronize this business. However, I know there are those who would specifically patronize the biz because they dig his signs/ideology.

So this dude is OK with our freedom of speech, but he is clearly not OK with our freedom of religion. Can't have it both ways.

The beauty of American democracy is that we can and do have it both ways! One can only spread hate and racism if that hate and racism already exists in your heart. Freedom of speech AND the freedom of religion is the basis of our great society. Hey, I don't agree with his sign, but I understand his concern, albeit, his indictment of all Muslims is misguided. The Supreme Court defended our right to burn the American flag, as offensive at they may be for some, but the reality is that very few exercise this right because as Americans, we are a tolerant and understanding society.

We do, and should, have it both ways.....

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!" -Voltaire

He has the freedom to post such things, and his neighbors have the freedom to choose another facility. In a self-regulating society, if it really does offend people, his business will suffer, and vice versa.

It's certainly not friendly though!

Cheers,

Originally Posted by geraldine1051

So this dude is OK with our freedom of speech, but he is clearly not OK with our freedom of religion. Can't have it both ways.

How is making this statement against freedom of religion ? He is not stopping anyone from practicing religion. His statement is that he thinks this religious practice is destroying America from within. It's a statement, nor I do not think it's hate speech.

Maybe this business owner is referring to the practice of recognizing sharia Law in some states. I don't get that at all.

But it's his opinion. That's all.

Where is Alexlekas when we need him?

If the man had added one word at the beginning of his sign he'd have heaps of support across the board.
The one word; Radical.