The image below is a sign found in front of Salem Hardware, 6401 Salem Road in Cincinnati.
No room for prejudice and hatred
Racism, hatred, and religious prejudice are not American values and do not belong in the American democratic process. Our nation was founded in part by people running from religious prejudice, yet years later many in America fail to recall those core values.
When contacted, Salem Hardware espouses their right to “freedom of speech” in maintaining this sign in the front of their store. If you live in Cincinnati and find yourself offended by what is implied in the display of this sign, consider whether you wish to do business with such a company. Additionally, exercise your own “freedom of speech” to let others know your opinion of Salem Hardware and their sign.
24 responses so far ↓
Jill McBride // October 21, 2008 at 6:43 pm |
I wouldn’t be surprised if this ended up making the national news — once again casting Cincinnati in a negative light.
Neal Watzman // October 21, 2008 at 7:39 pm |
Apparently it’s been up for awhile, as the email that was forwarded to me is from around October 16. I hope that little publicity is given as not to bring attention to the store. The best thing we can do is spread the word and let people vote with their wallets.
John Harrison // October 22, 2008 at 12:07 pm |
Is eliminating freedom of speach part of you plan of “change”. No, thank you. Last time I checked, socialism didn’t work.
I will go out of my way to patronize his store… and I will vote to preserve my rights. McCain ‘08
Neal Watzman // October 22, 2008 at 12:24 pm |
I have no problem with “freedom of speech”, nor do I think it should be eliminated. On the other hand, I would exercise my freedom of speech to let folks know what I think of the message.
Tracy Jo // October 22, 2008 at 8:56 pm |
I am constantly amazed at what happens in our world! I read the story in the Forrest Hills Journal today. Salem Hardware says it is like a parody skit on Saturday Night Live. You might love it or you might hate it. Well, I do NOT love it! I am sending my energy to our community and our country that we might move beyond these kinds of petty parodies. I envision a community filled with open-minded and responsible people. Amen!
Neal Watzman // October 22, 2008 at 9:36 pm |
That sign just doesn’t seem to have the flavor of a good-natured parody.
If I’m correct, even Sarah Palin laughed at Tina Fey’s rendition of her. Others have done the same on SNL. I wonder if Senator Obama would react in the same positive fashion after viewing that sign.
My wish is also for a community of open-minded and responsible people. I’m tired of the divisiveness that has been a part of American politics and society. Regrettably, I believe that sign perpetuates those bad vibes.
Ignorance Rules « Notes From Neal // October 22, 2008 at 11:12 pm |
[...] About… ← Cincinnati Prejudice [...]
Beth Charlton // October 23, 2008 at 3:14 pm |
The sign in front of Salem Hardware is disgusting and should be taken down immediately. Bigotry and racism has no place in Anderson Township. I am ashamed.
Steven Young // October 23, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
I hope this does make the national news, to communicate the mindset that persists in our community.
OBAMA BIN LYING // October 23, 2008 at 3:45 pm |
WAKE UP AMERICA- NOTICE HOW THE HOMELESS AND UNEDUCATED ARE GROUPING BEHIND THE MUSLIM. BE WORRIED AND BE SCARED. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION MOVED OBAMA PASSED THE QUALIFIED CANDIDIATES. NOW WE HAVE HIS VP THAT ADMITS OBAMA IS NOT THE BEST CHOICE AND CLINTON CALLING HIM A CHICAGO THUG. SAD REALITY IS THAT PEOPLE ARE BUYING HIS SNAKE OIL… STUPID AMERICANS…
Beth Charlton // October 23, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Upon further inspection of the distasteful sign, I am disturbed to see the Muslim faith is also referenced with the necklace and the spelling of Obama’s name. Our neighborhood, community, state and country are all being harmed with this disgusting sign. It should be taken down today. I understand wanting national coverage of this attack and reference to Obama being a Muslim, but I don’t want Cincinnati seen once again as a bigoted, racist, narrow minded community in the national news. Barack Obama is not a Mulsim. Neighbors, unite…everyone call Salem Hardware and ask them to remove the sign because it is false and misleading. It is not freedom of speech to attack someone with bigotry and hate.
Take down the sign!
Paula Reed // October 23, 2008 at 9:07 pm |
I was under the impression that Obama left his race off his application to Harvard, so I don’t see how affirmative action moved him “past” anyone. What is it about hate-mongers and spelling?
Neal Watzman // October 23, 2008 at 9:43 pm |
Spelling and CAPITAL LETTERS. Also known as “yelling” in the ‘Net world.
That’s what I’d like to see get out of our political discussion. Yelling, hatred, and bigotry. We have a lot to do in this nation of ours, and these things have no place.
Anonymous // October 27, 2008 at 1:40 pm |
So the Obama group that papered his store Saturday night is better than he. Classy work by them. Check the Hamilton County Police reports for Sat. night and there will be a vandalism charge at his location. My neighbor can not even leave her McCain street sign out at night because 2 have been stolen. Obama has got a classy grade of supporters!
Neal Watzman // October 27, 2008 at 3:08 pm |
@Anonymous, you are quite correct. Vandalism is no appropriate than the offensive sign that is there. Whether that includes “papering” a property or stealing a sign.
Neither prejudice, hatred, or vandalism should be a part of the democratic process.
jdub // November 7, 2008 at 8:14 am |
These hardware people are not only ignorant but hurting other businesses in the area. Makes you wonder, since the “lawnmower” place next door is on board with this nonsense, what about Ulmer’s, Salem Gardens, Angilo’s? I won’t patronize any business in the area any longer. Also, might want to check out whitecincinnati.com, of which salem hardware is a proud sponsor.
Neal Watzman // November 7, 2008 at 9:01 am |
I can’t imagine the other businesses in the neighborhood are onboard with that prejudice of a neighbor. Salem Gardens is a great place to gather and has been an outstanding member of that area for ages.
Greg Wissman // November 7, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
Saw the article in the paper awhile back and just today saw the sign Obama bin lying on their sign. What’s the implication? That Obama and Osama are the same, in cahoots? It seems that “Country first” only pertains to when it’s your candidate that wins? So much for “family values” and so much for any business I would have sent their way!
catty // November 14, 2008 at 11:12 am |
This country still has a long way to go. I was fearful of the ignorance and hatred that I saw before the election. I’m downright disgusted by the trash I’m hearing and seeing since the election. Where are these people’s shame?
Patriot // November 22, 2008 at 6:19 pm |
Why is it when someone doesnt share your views you call them ignorant or hate mongers? Your arrogance is amazing…ignorance is millions of people voting for a candidate because he is black and not for his experience or track record. If Barack Obama was a white man, he wouldnt have even been considered. 94% of Blacks in america voted for him and thats not racism??? pleeeease…………….If the gentleman at Salem Hardware wants to practice his “Freedom of speech” then it’s his right, you don’t get to choose his ideas and beliefs, he does! Suck it up…Besides, I have to suck it up for at least the next four years, while some unexperienced smooth talking politician (Obama Clinton) (who you so called “Educated”people fell for) turns our country upside down with his socialistic, proven to fail, agenda while at the same time blaming George Bush for his own failures(4 more years of blame)………………..Change is coming alright, so go drink some more Koolaid!
Neal Watzman // November 22, 2008 at 9:02 pm |
Patriot, I would drink some Koolaid, unfortunately, I try to avoid drinking stuff with as much sugar as is in Koolaid. But then, that’s not all that germane to the issue at hand.
I guess we just disagree, and that’s OK. I don’t see President-Elect Barack Obama as a candidate with policies destined to fail. As you can imagine, I voted for him, and am hopeful that he can bring some positive change to our nation, that I believe needs it.
As to Salem Hardware, Patriot. Look, I am not complaining about their right to freedom of speech. That is indeed one of the great things about our country. On the other hand, I respectfully disagree with the sign and its implications that is the point of this blog post. This is my blog, and in my article I am stating my opinion that the Salem Hardware sign (which is not there now) is racist. My opinion, that is all.
The electorate of these United States has spoken, electing Barack Obama as the next President of our great nation. I understand that you may not like that, Patriot. But we live in a democracy and the man is our next President.
If you don’t like that, work with the people that can help you bring about the change you desire. Oppose him, create a dialog. But please. Quit the name calling.
black power // November 25, 2008 at 8:52 pm |
we all have the freedom of speech but you don’t have to say it aloud and hurt other peoples feelings you racist….
SOMANYPATRIOTSNOW // April 22, 2009 at 5:48 pm |
Salem Hardware certainly was on the right track with their sign! The sign remains up inside their store for people to remember the days before socialism. Obama played the Black Card to get elected. Now he want’s to kill our kids through abortions. Pro-Murder obama. The world would have been a better place if a mother would have aborted him… Oh well-
R. Williams // September 8, 2009 at 3:18 pm |
I agree with Salem Hardware’s right to free speech and if he wants to put someting up that you might feel is racist, tough crap for you. I guess racism is all relative, isn’t it? And you people who try and be sooooo politically correct that you can’t see past the ends of your noses, quite frankly, make me sick!!! It’s you and the same type of people as yourselves that will turn this country into something that we won’t recognize anymore. Good luck on turning it into The Socialist States of America!!!!!