This decision is not one that I have come to without serious personal reflection. Weighing in in any political debate as a business carries risk no matter what you are advocating for. I have no doubt that this will upset some of our customers. I fully expect that this will lose us some of them. If I offend some of you I am sorry for it.
I do this for the love of my family and friends who are gay, because they deserve the right to share exactly the same relationship that I cherish with my wife.
Thank you for your consideration.
Posts
19 comments:
I don't live in your area - but seeing this sign would make me a customer. Perhaps I'll ride my Fargo out there for some set up tips.
Thank you.
Ben, Good for you! I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly.
Ben,
I admire your courage!
I don't live near your town, but I may need to spend some of my bicyle funds at your shop.
Doug/Duluth, MN
Hear, Hear! Bravo! Thanks for taking a stand!
Ben- Kudos to you for standing up for what you believe in.
Very Awesome! Have the t-shirt!
Ben~
why are you apologizing??
It's your business right?
We live in the U.S.A. still, right??
You are entitled to your opinion just as much as the guy down the block hanging the opposite sign in his window!!
Hey, I don't believe as you believe, and guess what, that's ok; because that's what makes this country great!!
I don't think you'll lose as many customers as you think!!
even though I don't share your beliefs, I respect them, they are yours!!
Bottom line Ben, you give great advice, run a top-notch business, sell quality crap ;) and are a good person!
Peace
@Joboo
Ben only stands to gain customers from this.
The fact this is even up for discussion is pathetically tragic.
Word.
Ben,
Thanks for stating your position on this important topic. I too have a "Vote No" sign in my front yard. In daily shopping I frequent businesses whose owners are on both sides of this issue. Being able to converse about differences is healthy and has made possible sea changes in such past controversies like civil rights and Viet Nam.
I would like to reiterate what Joboo said so well, "Bottom line Ben, you give great advice, run a top-notch business, sell quality crap ;) and are a good person!"
Eric in Northfield
Way to go Ben! Saw the signs yesterday and they made me even more proud of you. The only ones who should apologize are those who are politicizing a basic human right for the selfish hopes of increasing their fundraising and voter turnout. They are unworthy to lead and, truly, should be ashamed.
Ben,
I value your opinion and that of your staff. Theirs nothing wrong with speaking your mind. Also, why deny anyone the dizzying highs and the horrible lows and the creamy middles of marriage. I will always be a customer at your bike shop.
Corey
Props to you, Ben. I've let your fellow Northfielders know about this blog post here.
I am with you 100% Ben. Very admirable:)
Yes, kudos. I'd be your customer whether you had this, the opposite, or no opinion on this issue, but I appreciate your taking time to both think about taking a stance and taking this one.
I trust you'll come out as strongly for the Sunday beer sale law!
Ben, as someone who follows your blog from miles away, it really seems like you've built a lifestyle as much as a business or bike shop. I'd like to think that regardless of ones opinion on the subject, people will liken the situation to debating a good friend over a beer. You can disagree, but at the end of the day you're still friends. Best of luck.
My observation is that those folks most loudly & aggressively demanding that the government restrict who can get married also say they want the government to stay out of our lives - 'till they want lifestyles they don't agree with stopped...by the government.
Your principled stand & willingness to take risks based on it is admirable.
I sincerely hope that for every customer this sign loses, you'll gain a crowd of customers. It's unbelievable that anyone can have a differing opinion - it's not about religion or politics, it's about being a decent human being.
Post a Comment