Boycott

Every week or so, it seems, someone suggests we boycott someone - some business entity - because of a disagreement with the ideology of the business' owners.. I never participate in one of these boycotts, because I think they are un-American.

You might look at it this way: What if the proposed boycott is against someone who holds beliefs closely aligned with your own? (Can you say Chick-fil-a?)

If you are an adherent to the First Amendment, you must hold that Americans' free speech is protected. The Supreme Court of the United States memorably stated “[i]t is firmly settled that . . . the public expression of ideas may not be prohibited merely because the ideas are themselves offensive to some of their hearers.”

Assuming the business is offering a product or service you want or need; a quality product or service at a fair and competitive price. You may not punish that business because the owners hold political views contrary to your own, and still say you will obey the U.S. Constitution.

That does not mean that, at the time of your purchase, you cannot express your disagreements. Remember, however, that if you are talking to a sales clerk, they will probably wonder what the heck you are talking about!