My Turn: Here’s why I didn’t stop the Obama movie

The fact that any business owner has defend their political choices makes no sense. Any business person who decides to air their political alliances knows by doing that, they might offend some folks in the other party. Basically it boils down to smart business choices. These things work themselves out. The business that offers the best products or services succeeds. I go to the best Doctor because I want the best health care. where that Doc stands politically has no impact on my choice. It actually can lead to some informative discussions if we disagree. But it is best to avoid politics and religion if you are in business. Your there to provide a service or product. Ya talk about the weather, your family, etc. The Common Man does a lot of community Service. They offer a great product with terrific service. The only reason this is an issue is beacuse the Left cannot tolerate any negativity about their American Idol President. If this owner had ran a film trashing Bush, the Left would be praising him to the hilt.

Progressives only support free speech if it is issues they agree on. Same with hate rhetoric. They are fine if a Dem uses hate rhetoric but if they sense a Rep is using hate rhetoric they are not fine with that, Silence that Rep! Basically they are hypocrites. I have talked with family members at family functions, and they are so uninformed that they have no clue about this President's record. They actually believe that what the media tells them is true. When you pose a question to them to back up what they said, they have no answer so they change the subject. They talk about women's rights, class warfare and fantasy scenerios. When you ask them when Clinton reformed welfare how did that turn out. They have no answer. The left decided that soundbytes, fantasies, rewriting history and running a campaign on emotion would get folks to forget about the economy and jobs. It has worked to an extent. But like most fantasies, at some point reality kicks in. Lets hope they do not need two terms of this President to realize how misslead they have been.

Good decision, Mr. Ray, and for all the right reasons.

I have to commend Mr. Ray on standing on principle and not censoring the film in Plymouth. I am not sure what film it is, however, no identification of the film has been given. Having worked in the restaurant, retail and retail food industry for over 35 years and presently in senior management, I understand the industry. Many in the industry do support Obamacare as they believe it will lower their liability and expenditure on health insurance; others see it the opposite....most are taking a wait and see view. This week in Nation's Restaurant News, there was an eyeopening piece about how restauranteurs and restaurant chains are remaining mum on support of politicians in this election. Basically, it is pretty much common knowledge that taking a political stand, can affect your business. Earlier this year Chick-Fil-A took that gamble and won in the short term but the long term impact remains to be seen. Mr. Ray is a maverick in the local restaurant business. He has taken risks and has had phenomenal organic growth. In addition to that, his restaurants have a better than average reputations. He promotes from within and there are many positive aspects of the restaurant chain which he has built. That said, it is dangerous to wear your political views on your sleeve when you operate a small business. I know that I generally do not support businesses operated by activists. I have avoided the Common Man restaurants as I do not want to give my hard earned money to businesses who then donate and support candidates who are diametrically opposed to what I feel is best for this state and this country. After reading this thoughtful column by Alex Ray, I might consider spending some dollars there. Still however, a wise man / woman who runs a business reliant on the general public, keeps his political beliefs to himself / herself. Mr. Ray might take heed and perhaps tone down his unabashed support of political candidates. Perhaps, however, he feels as if it really does not matter or he is well healed enough to forgo any negative impact. In any event, his sense of fairness is admirable and his defense of free speech is appreciated.

I think it is funny that left wing extremists who hate freedom of speech if it comes from a conservative are boycotting this guy who supports Obama. Boycott away extremists. The Common Man is a great place to eat. I would go there more often if the Obama economy wasn't so bad.

Good job!