Dealership owner Phil Wolf was initially thrilled by the response to the sign, which questions President Barack Obama's birth status and includes references to jihad and the killings at Fort Hood, Texas.
But a group of protesters led by Pat Dunn has been picketing the business -- and in late November, she charged Wolf Interstate employees with trying to asphyxiate them with fumes from running vehicles. When Wolf learned about the incident, he put a stop to the gas attack, and last Saturday's protest went without incident. The one tomorrow may be different, though -- because Wolf is rounding up supporters to counter Dunn's forces.
The Wolf Interstate website is topped by an item entitled "Protest This," which rejects accusations of racism and more and then invites people who also wonder about Obama's nation of birth to visit the dealership on Saturday for "free coffee and good conversation with people who are concerned about what is happening to this great country."
The author -- likely Wolf, since the text is written in the first person -- provides the time when protesters are scheduled to arrive (10 a.m.). He adds, "Bring a sign or don't, but be sure to bring a smile and show these protesters that you can voice your opinion without using the profanity and the name calling that they're shoving on us."
Should be a lively time on the ol' picket line tomorrow. Here's the complete text of the Wolf invite:
We here at Wolf's Interstate have been called racists, bigots, hate-mongers, hillbillies, rednecks, and white supremacists among other things in the last few weeks because of our BILLBOARD that we erected on our dealership's property last month. Nothing could be further from the truth but some people won't let it go and insist that since they feel they're right and we're in the wrong our opinions and right to free speech shouldn't count.Our billboard still stands asking one simple question and until it's answered I don't think it's going anywhere so if you'd like to support the cause and show these people that they're not the only vocal citizens, come on down to Wolf this Saturday the 12th of December for some free coffee and good conversation with people who are concerned about what is happening to this great country. The protesters have organized to be here from 10am to 1pm standing on the corner but we'll be here from 9am until 7pm and you're welcome to come down whenever works best for you and meet the staff here at Wolf and tell us what you think. Bring a sign or don't, but be sure to bring a smile and show these protesters that you can voice your opinion without using the profanity and the name calling that they're shoving on us. Us "hate-mongers"? Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black.
