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I'll take my furniture without politics, please

September 25, 2009 12:36 am

We prefer to patronize local businesses, but we never imagined that our quest for the perfect deck suite would be steered by the tumultuous political climate.

As we watch Iranians risk life and limb to cast a vote, we Americans can plaster our cars with politically correct (or incorrect) bumper stickers, post our contempt for elected officials (or our support of them) on blogs, stake signs in our yards, foolishly throw the swastika around in an attempt to characterize our government--all without having to endure the threat of imprisonment or death.

Our politics don't wholly define us. I don't ask for the server's political leaning when I eat in a restaurant; I just want quick and friendly service.

I don't ask the cashier for whom she or he voted when I'm making a purchase. It's not my business, and such a question would be woefully out of place.

Commerce is healthy, and it should be politically neutral. But it isn't at one local furniture store.

Each week or so, you can read a new political "insight" pasted right on the front of the building. Nothing particularly original, but everyone who passes knows how the store owners feel about the current administration.

It hit us like a great big stop sign during our recent quest to purchase deck furniture. What are they selling, deck furniture or votes? Apparently, alienating consumers who don't share their views is not their concern.

It wouldn't be my place to ask the shop owners where they stand politically. But since they voluntarily clarify, week in and week out, I'll just say thanks for the heads-up. I'm headed to the big-box store.

Liane DiStefano

Stafford