Bookstore owner: I won't sell to Republicans!

[grasswire]

I was in a terrific used bookstore in the Pacific Northwest today. The owner and I got talking politics. She told me that she will not sell books to people she can identify as Republicans. She said that she asks them to leave the store. She says: "They're the enemy."

This is a committed woman, walking the talk.

I turned her on to DU, by the way.

[Fenris]

1. Bah! Intellectuals are the new Thought Police!

That is facist!

/sarcasm so off

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

11. I totally disagree with this tactic. EOM

[Room101]

46. I really disagree with the bookstore owner- GRRR

Can you image a book store owner saying " I won't sell books to non-Republicans"? I find this to be outrages defacto Thought Policing.

[asthmaticeog]

72. Hardly

It's not "thought policing" to refuse to sell stuff to someone. The people turned away can buy books elsewhere and continue to think however they wish. The bookstore owner may sell products to whomever she wishes. It would be "thought policing" if entire beleif systems were banned culture-wide and bookstore owners were charged with enforcing the ban, which is so ridiculous a scenario it wouldn't even make a passable short story in an 8th grade composition class.

[SapfireQueen]

97. So you are OK with refusing to rent to Gays?

If, as you say, "It's not "thought policing" to refuse to sell stuff to someone" then why are homophobes forced by law to rent to Gays?

[asthmaticeog]

100. You raise an excellent point.

Housing access (along with employment opportunities and other things) is quite correctly protected by law because of widespread trends in the denial of equality to certain minority groups. At one time the principle of competition didn't work for African-American would-be homebuyers, for example, since redlining was so common that it was demonstrably destructive discrimination - there was literally no competing homeseller one could go to to use the market to punish discriminators since just about EVERYONE was a discriminator. Though these laws are thus far imperfect and imperfectly enforced, they are far better than no laws at all.

There has been no such crisis in bookstore access to conservatives. If the denial access of books to conservatives becomes a looming or real cultural crisis (as opposed to one extremist excercising what is as of now a legal right, even if it's arugably a stupid application of it) I'd absolutely support government intervention to ensure equal bookstore access to proponents of all political beliefs. What we're talking about here is one kook, not a social problem that requires reform. If the terms of this discussion were to change in the future, my opinion will have to change with them if I'm to be consistent. But for now, this bookstore owner, though in my opinion a bit of a jackass, has the legal right to permit or deny anyone admission to her store as she sees fit. Since there's plenty of competition in bookstores and no widely applied ideological litmus for admission to them, this isn't part of a discriminatory pattern that excludes any group within our population from having access to books for sale.

On edit: Welcome to D.U.!

[Demonaut]

15. agree, but it makes us appear weak......ugh! I hate being the good guy

[Forkboy]

2. That's silly

Most DUers would be pissed if they went onto a store that wouldn't sell to Democrats.And rightfully so.This is no different to me.

I do appreciate the attitude though :D

[w4rma]

20. I agree. Silly. (nt)

[goobergunch]

25. I concur.

Discrimination is wrong in whatever form it takes.

[RummyTheDummy]

28. Yes, that's true

But Republicans are scum bags. I don't view them as human, really. More like some subhuman species that didn't fully evolve.

[Forkboy]

34. And that's how they view us.

It's wrong for both groups to do so.

[RummyTheDummy]

51. It may be wrong,

But in their case, it's dead on. I stand by my comments. Turning the other cheek gets you beat. Period.

[Catholic Sensation]

92. and I stand by this one:

it's a disgusting thing to say, and you're no better than anyone who says the same about blacks, jews, muslims, gays, or any other minority group.

[SapfireQueen]

98. Exactly...first you dehumanize the enemy then destroy them

I take it you approve of the premise for the "war on terror" that Kerry says he will continue?

[CatWoman]

43. you would, wouldn't you??

:hi:

:loveya:

[Forkboy]

63. Am I getting too predictable?

:D

:loveya:

[sangh0]

74. No

sometimes you include a sentence in the text of your response, and not just a quip in the subject line

[Forkboy]

75. How are you today?

[sangh0]

78. I am fine

.

[rinsd]

87. Agreed (nt)

[DBoon]

3. I'd be very nice to any Republican customers

and offer them special discounts on any book by Al Franken to show my appreciation for their business.

[madaboutharry]

4. This bothers me.

I don't see it as walking the talk. It is extremism. How is this different than a sign on the door that says "No Coloreds" or "No Jews?" I think even leftist can be really wrong sometimes.

[meow mix]

12. still thinking this one out - because they choose to be very evil.

the choice thing..

isnt that 1 reason we throw them off DU?

[SemperEadem]

13. I've had friends who are singer/songwriters

who've sung at Borders/B&N stores across the country... in one instance, one woman related a story about her experience at one of the chain store (forgot which one) and she sang a song that wasn't flattering about Bush and his policies, and the store asked her to leave when she was done with her first set because they didn't like the lyrics she was singing.

So, the repukes, who own and set policy in their stores are pretty much doing it.

I think the better road for the NW store owner to take is to not stock freeper-creepy books. Only liberal authors.

[Muddleoftheroad]

47. Not necessarily

Stores react to customer input. The BN stores I've seen look for non-controversial singers who make good background music and keep EVERYONE happy. If a singer is driving customers away of either the left or the right, I would get rid of him/her as well.

[SemperEadem]

57. Yaaawwnn!

you were saying.......?

[ldf]

5. what she COULD do is

by all means let them in and let them spend their money.

but make a point to tell them, when they ask for certain rightwing liefests, that she does not believe in lieing to the american people in order to help a fascist maintain his squatter's rights in al gore's whitehouse.

[ArkDem]

80. She should also talk about lying

.

[Cleita]

6. Um. I can't agree with that.

I wouldn't sell any RW books, like Ann Coulter's rants, but I would want them to buy books by liberal authors and I would steer them to these authors every time they asked for a book by Hannity, or Coulter or other idiots. If they still wanted the RW authors, then I would say that I was sorry, but I feel very strongly about lies and propaganda being sold as non-fiction and fact and tell them that they won't find them being sold in my store. If they chose to leave then, it would be up to them.

[bloom]

76. that's what I was thinking, also

Let them buy liberal things...

[ProfessorGAC]

89. That Would Be My Approach, Too Cleita

I wouldn't sell Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, O'Reilly, and anything published by Regnery, but i'd sell what i carry to anyone who wants to buy something.
The Professor

[MikeG]

7. Can Republicans read? Nah.

[IronLionZion]

8. that's not right

If they start spewing propaganda and making a scene then I can understand throwing them out.

But how do you tell if a customer is Republican? Do they look like rich snobby WASPs or what?

How would you like it if a store threw out Democrats?

[Township75]

9. Great! That will change their minds...

and really help our image as being inclusive.

:puke:

[Streetdoc270]

10. How does she 'identify' republicans?

how many liberal leaning republican initiates has she turned into true conservative hating fundies with that approach? As Christ says 'hate the sin, love the sinner'. Instead of throwing them out, introduce them to new authors and expand their viewpoints. She just might make some converts instead of enemies.

[MikeG]

14. Large white gelatinous heads.

[KamaAina]

19. With the patented KamaAina Repuke-O-Meter (TM)

It looks like an ordinary wooden doll. In the presence of a repuke, however, its nose begins to grow... and grow...

:-)

[meow mix]

16. i support it, DU style bookstores. bans repubs.

its her store.
politcal affiliation is not like race,religon ect..

throw the sickheads out.

[w4rma]

22. Slippery slope towards lots more applications. (nt)

[RossMcLochNess]

69. Ummm...

political affliation is EXACTLY like religion! They are both belief systems. Even if you are born into a religion, you are free to change it. Its discrimination, plain and simple. And it'll give the right one more reason to bash us.

[gold_bug]

17. it's discrimination

and downright mean IMO.

[ashling]

18. are yu by any chance talking about the bookstore

at Pike Street Mkt in Seattle. I doubt any republicans would go in there anyway.

[markomalley]

21. Maybe on the other hand...

...if all businesses acted that way then maybe we could starve them out of the country...

((slaps cold water on his face))

never mind...that was a bad dream about being Jewish in 1930s Germany...sorry...I'll go home now...

[SnohoDem]

23. Which bookstore?

I want to give her my business if I can.

[Bigmack]

54. SnohoDem...

I don't think the store this thread is talking about is the one my friends own, but if you want to patronize a good progressive-owned used bookstore, go to D_ _ _ _ _ , just south of your county line.

Not trying to sell anything, just turning folks on to good stuff sold by good people.

[OKNancy]

24. In my business, I get great pleasure in taking the

Republicans money. I've had a lot of them too. Especially one customer who is a constant caller to right-wing radio. Heeheehee..she just loves me.

[MAlibdem]

Uncool

Dumb for three reasons:

1. Losses the bookstore owner money.

2. Intellectually disgraceful to turn away someone who wants knowledge

3. She is a bookstore owner, she can sell whatever she wants, if she doesn't want to sell conservative books, she doesn't have to...so why would she be concerned what people are getting in the store. (If anything she's hindering people's ability to be "converted").

[Mick Knox]

26. Well if the bookstore owner happens by this thread..

I would like to say you give the Democratic Party a bad name and you should be ashamed of yourself. I wouldnt step foot in a bookstore that acted in that manner towards any person or group.

[grasswire]

27. the point is...

....that she's willing to give up some income to send a message to Republicans that their policies and principles are anathema to her. Who ever takes the time or opportunity to present regular Republicans with the idea that there is a resistance to their anti-democratic agenda? Not many people. Her path may not be the path for everyone, but the merchandise is hers; nothing requires her to sell it against her will.

And no, the store is not in Seattle.

[grasswire]

29. ....and by the way...

...this is a USED bookstore. It is filled with old collectible and readable used books, from estates. Not with political books. Not with Coulter. Not with propaganda. Not with books that could turn people into Dems or Repubs. Geez.

[Must_B_Free]

30. I agree

by taking up the tactics of the enemy, we will win.

Sure, we may sacrifice everything we stand for along the way, but at least we'll have the satisfaction of winning, regardless of what kind of monstrosity we become.

[grasswire]

32. SO.....

.....all of you who oppose this woman's policy as discriminatory...

are you saying that the policy of DU whereby known conservatives are kicked off DU is wrong, evil, whatever?

Is that it?

Are we to keep them all here just so we don't "discriminate?"

[MAlibdem]

37. i don't think it's discriminatory

I just think it's dumb. And counterproductive.

I might not sell a book to an elected Republican official, but not just some random person who makes up 40-whatever% of the population.

[MrSlayer]

31. That's stupid.

First of all it's discrimination which we are supposed to be totally against and second money doesn't have a party, I'll take anyone's.

[grasswire]

33. so ya...

...better tell Skinner that you want DU to stop kicking Republicans off the forums.

[bruce21040]

35. Not all registered republicans

get booted.
Only those that try to stir the pot too much in their favor.

Its simple. Don't start a fight, and you get to stay.

or, maybe its the repugs like myself that have denounced bushy as the next president that get to stay.

who really knows?

however, I do agree with the fact that this bookstore owner is very wrong in what she is doing.

[Mick Knox]

36. I dont see a problem with that..

As long as they are decent in attitude.

But it's not our call and it's only a message board. This is a person in front of someone's face and kids etc IN RL kicking them out of the store because she THINKS they are Repukes.

And it's not even a political store?

Please Post the store name and city. I have a mind to call her up and tell her what I think.

[nonconformist]

53. That's not the same thing

This is supposed to be a website of mostly like-minded people with a common purpose at this time - getting rid of Bush. Disruptors cause distractions so they are tombstoned, as they should be.

Now, if someone came in this woman's store and started causing a scene by spewing some right-wing bile all over the customers, then the owner is more than within her rights to ask that person to leave. They were disrupting.

But for what it's worth, I don't agree with asking people to leave any business just because "you can tell" what political party they belong to.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

55. Anyone can read this site, they don't have to be registered

And DU says upfront that they "ban conservative disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website."

So visitors to this site can "buy" anything they want. But they can't "sell" POVs that violate the stated rules.

That's the difference. This ain't a bookstore.

To go back to topic: That owner is loopy. Her discriminatory practices are not only wrong, but beyond that - HTF does she know what a liberal looks like?

[dansolo]

84. She probably baits people with political discussions

And if someone expresses a Conservative opinion, she delights in being able to kick them out. Pretty shallow, if you ask me.

[Christ was Socialist]

38. We need more of this. you people need to wake up

Dems are the pacification party now. No gay marriage, Bye affirmative action, you like marijuna, you go to jail, bush only gives money to christian social groups. But we have no courage to stand up, This woman gets a hand from me.

Remember in michigan doctors don't have to treat gays

[Forkboy]

40. It's wrong no matter which side does it

We are plenty awake,thank you.

[Christ was Socialist]

45. So if...

a neo nazi was able to capture a majority vote, it is wrong to outlaw the party?

[Muddleoftheroad]

49. Yep

You don't win freedoms by taking them away.

[Forkboy]

60. Damn that pesky democracy

[bleedingheart]

39. The dittoheads I have encountered don't read so they don't

go to bookstores. I even met this fellow who told me he was a libertarian but he didn't even know how to explain libertarianism...

..it's really quite sad.

[Ksec]

41. I won't sell to Republicans!......

not a problem . they dont read books. they like to look at pictures when theyre in their 'special place' though.

[Muddleoftheroad]

50. Yes, and they all have one eye and green teeth

Geez, the gross stereotypes you find here.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

42. On first glance I considered it was discriminatory, but the better point

it makes by her ACTIVELY declining to do business with them is this:

They are the ones that try to make every act of discrimination appear to be a tactic used by liberals to infringe on property rights. If as a liberal she is using her property rights to show THEM what it is like to be on that end of things, then more power to her.

[Piperay]

59. I agree nt

[SiliconMethod]

67. Ugh...

So I can buy a WalMart and say "I dun like you yahnkees!" and refuse to deal with New Yorkers? Or about I ban Jews because I detest what's going on in Israel? Or perhaps I should ban Baptists because I want to prove that if they think they're the only ones going to heaven, then they need not deal with aethist heathens like myself?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

86. No because WalMart isn't a franchise

and if you re read my logic and my comment I DO comment on that fact that it is a discriminatory taste of the medicine Repubs use to tear away at anti-discrimination regulatory efforts.

[Catherine Vincent]

44. As much as I can't stand repukelicans, I don't agree with this at all.

Everybody's money is green! Duhhh!!!

[osaMABUSh]

48. On the other end of the spectrum you have Walmart that

only sells repuke books. Walmart's book dept is always pathetic with it's dearth of selections. Recently I noticed the only political books were Hannity's book and that Hughes woman's who went back to Texas - '10 minutes to normal' or some such nonsense.

[No2W2004]

52. It's not right to discriminate,

but if they ask where they can find the RW book section, you can tell them you stock literature, not crap. They'll get the message.

[Bridget Burke]

56. Please, how can you "identify" someone as Republican?

If they're wearing a "Hitlery Klintoon" t-shirt? Does she have a corner with leaflets & notices of progressive meetings, etc.? Some Republicans might be ready for conversion.

Sounds suffocatingly self-righteous to me.

[DaveSZ]

58. Well it's her store, but I wouldn't do that if I were her

I'm one of those "nice" liberals though.

:)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

61. easy....the low brows and huge calluses on the knuckles are dead give away

[RandomKoolzip]

62. Ummm.....A used bookstaore really needs all the customers it can get

It's not like used bookstores are making moolah hand over fist. This woman is stupid and is shooting herself in the foot in regards to her business.


Plus, it IS discriminitory. Dems are not supposed to be discriminitory.

[GreenPartyVoter]

64. Sell them left-leaning books instead!

[SiliconMethod]

65. That's sickening

This is just as bad as refusing to sell books to Jews, or gays...

I for one wouldn't patronize such a store after hearing that.

[amazona]

66. that is hilarious

Have to admit I wouldn't be willing to do this. I'm only too happy to take the Republican dollar -- this is less money they have to donate to the Chimpster.

[outinforce]

68. I'm Just Curious

How will the bookstore owner be able to identify Republicans?

Are all white males immediately suspect?

Blond females who wear their hair in a particular manner?

Someone who has on one of those little American flag lapel pins?

Someone with a southern accent?

Someone wearing a cross around his or her neck?

A person with a fish on his or her car?

Just how will she identify Republicans?

[JimT]

70. why not take their money and donate it to Kerry's campaign? (n/t)

[Cat Atomic]

71. It's reasonable to refuse to carry Ann Coulter, Savage Weiner,

Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity... that whole bunch. It's just political propaganda. I'd have no qualms about refusing to sell it.

But cutting out Republican customers...? I think that's wrong.

[ibegurpard]

73. I would agree with you

But I certainly won't be losing any sleep over this.

[samsingh]

77. feels good but its not the types of society we want.

[ArkDem]

79. Sounds like she understands the principles our country

stands for.

[grasswire]

81. lighten up, Dems

This is just a spunky older woman fed up with the assaults on democracy by those who would just as soon see a liberal dead. Republicans declare themselves enemies of Democrats every day, boldly.

I wonder how you think it was in this land when the interests of Patriots and Loyalists spilled over into daily life?

People didn't worry a lot about "discrimination" when freedom from tyranny was at stake. Those who spit at the Loyalists are our heroes today.

We're in a war. The right knows that. Do we?

[wicket]

82. That's just wrong in my opinion

n/t

[dansolo]

83. Wrong approach

I don't mind if she refuses to stock pro-Republican propoganda. But if she really wanted to make an impact, she would be better off by trying to educate Republicans then by being exclusionary. If someone is rude, then she has every right to ask them to leave, but making a blanket generalization makes her just as bad as the people she hates.

[hughee99]

85. She could do this by

just not stocking the crap that repukes read. To refuse service to a repuke who wants to buy a cookbook, or Al Franken, for example, is just mean-spirited. She legally has every right to refuse service to anyone, but if it was a repuke refusing service to anyone who appeared to be gay, we would all be up in arms.

[silverpatronus]

88. yes...

so nice to see that it is now considered laudable to discriminate.

[callous taoboy]

90. I'd boycott

her store in a New York minute. What crap!

[TXlib]

91. That's not the right way to go.

I'd be upset if a republican bookstore owner kicked me out for asking for Clark's book.

I'd say a better approach would be to allow anybody in, and avoid stocking rabid right-wing books... but go ahead and stock moderate right-leaning books that promote opposing viewpoints you can live with, in addition to your left-leaning books. That way, repubs will have political books to buy that would do more than merely reinforce their stereotypes.

[mike1963]

93. That is, to put it politely, very fucking stupid.

...

[Ilsa]

94. She should take their money.

Just don't carry any of that Neocon crap by Hannity, Annthrax, etc, etc.

[Ksec]

95. You goodies need to find your sense of humor

Lighten up fer Gods sake. Its satire. And its brilliant IMO

[SapfireQueen]

96. Like we need a civil divide right now

Go team go! When does the shooting start?

[Blue_Tires]

99. i don't know about that

GOP money is as green as anyone else's..but then I'm not a business owner