Did you think Immigrant rights activists have the right to stand in front of store shouting Don't buy racism ?

Question

For several weekends now, protesters have been gathering outside the Pruitt's furniture store in central Phoenix and it's hitting the store where it hurts. Immigrant rights activists are targeting the store near 36th Street and Thomas. They gather shouting "Don't buy racism" at customers. Owner Mike Sensing says it's causing him to lose money. "Probably put us out 15 to 20 percent." "Overall, I think I've got about $176,000 in sales I've lost because of this." Sensing says he stands to lose another $400,000 through the holiday season -- his busiest time of the year -- with no resolution in sight. Sensing says they've lined the store's delivery trucks up in front of the parking lot in an effort to shield customers from the protesters. "I don't now that we could sit down and negotiate or do anything else. We just have to wait until the city steps in and do something, I think." Both sides claim the other renigged on a deal worked out by the mayor's office last year about where day laborers are allowed to gather. But, Sensing calls the whole thing ridiculous especially when it's affecting his bottom line. "We need to see the mayor step in and at least stand up for us. We are being called racist for crying out loud." http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=646215

Answer 1

If they are illegal aliens, they have no rights. If they are unhappy about something they purchased there, they can report it. But calling someone a racist or causing his/her business to fail due to anger over not getting a job or credit there is an awful thing to do and they should get the facts and the owner in turn, should be able to sue these people as slanderers, if not true or as vicious mongers for causing people to shy away from his place of business. It is a terrible thing for anyone to do when all they need do is not do business with this particular establishment. This seems to be a day laborer loitering spot at one time, I would not allow this to be done at my business either.

Answer 2

We need more law enforcement officers like Maricopa's Arpaio. The rule of law needs to be strictly enforced and day laborers should be arrested if they are not in the country legally. Why not have the County Pass an Ordinance that will not allow the gathering of day-laborers without a permit? Why not make sure that every person who hires day laborers is required to register with the county and report the names and addresses of all those who are hired? After all, there is still a requirement to pay taxes and how else are we going to collect the taxes due if we don't ensure that those who are working in the country are not only entitled to work here but are paying their fair share of the taxes? If we can regulate public smoking, require permits for solicitation, and otherwise restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens and legal immigrants, then why can't we regulate day laborers? Why not require that they must be picked up at the police stations instead of in front of stores or in parking lots? Enforcement will eliminate a great deal of the law-breaking activities and will do much to help the country in this time of crisis.

Answer 3

Get with all the people that feel the way you do and go to the store and buy something. The protestors will feel the heat. or go and protest the portestors from across the street. Let them know where you stand. Both groups have the right to free speech. USE IT.

Answer 4

It seems to me that US citizens have a right to freedom of speech. Why do you think that they do (or should) not?

It seems to me that protesting racism is a good thing? Why do you think that protesting racism is a bad thing? If protesting racism is a bad thing, does that mean that racism itself is a good thing? Why do you believe that?

It would be interesting to know the full and accurate story. Why are the protesters protesting? If they are protesting because the owner is racist, then it seems to me that the protests are a good thing and the owner deserves what is happening. If the protesters are just picking on some random guy, then the protests are wrong.

Unfortunately, we don't actually know the details. That makes it hard to form a rational opinion. I have no doubt, however, that some will attempt to do so.

It is interesting that without knowing the facts someone calls the protesters bullies. Another uses this as for an attack on illegal immigrants dispute the fact that nothing in the report indicates that illegal immigration has anything to do with this. Just because some is a minority, does not mean that they are illegal immigrants.

And without knowing the facts, someone wants to take a baseball bat to the protesters? What the hell is wrong with some people.

Answer 5

They have as much right as others would have to gather around them and shout "don't hire w*****ks." Free speach is an important right, but it has to be exercised peacefully.

Free speach, however, does not override other existing statutes. If you block traffic while exercising that right, for instance, you can be arrested and removed. And, obviously, if you're in the country illegally while exercising your right of free speech you can be deported. Why that isn't done more often, I can't imagine.

Answer 6

The real question isn't the bottom line. If we begin by stopping them there then where does it end? I am personally quite tired of my freedoms being trod upon. What if the neighboring car dealer sold a lemon and wouldn't fix it? Would the new unhappy owner be wrong to advertise that via a big sign on his car near their location? It's hurting the bottom line for the car dealer. Should we really have been duped as an entire nation into this horrible idea that we have to sacrifice some freedom for the sake of security? If you begin limiting the rights and freedoms for the sake of somebodies bottom line, which has already been done for corporate and insurance America, you open just one more avenue toward killing our God given rights.

Answer 7

that is called freedom of speech, as some people hate immigrants legal or illegals and people insult them, there is people that supports them and feel sorry for the abbuse they recieve, so they have the right to protest and express their opinion

Answer 8

US citizens have a right to freedom of speech. Illegal aliens have no rights, they are criminals and should be arrested for blocking the store and made to pay for the owners losses.

Answer 9

Yes, they have that right, unless they are illegal aliens. The owner should contact the media and talk about his problem. Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs, Glenn Beck, and a few others might be able to help him out. The mayor and police department should do more to help him.

Answer 10

They have a right to say any stupid thing they want, have the right to protest, but they should not have the right to ruin someones business. I am so sick of the race card. Officials are not doing their job. These people should be met head on.