“Regardless of the opinion a person holds, or what I think about that opinion” says Claude West, “I believe he or she has a right to express it.”
As the owner of Harrison Sign Company, West spent a majority of Wednesday, Oct. 16, fielding calls from critics and supporters alike, each weighing in on a controversial billboard West recently leased at the intersection of the Harrison Bypass and Vine Street.
His critics say that West, by accepting the lease and posting what some consider to be a racist slogan, is intentionally or unintentionally lending credibility to the message expressed on the sign. His supporters, on the other hand, say they sympathize with West’s predicament — as a citizen who values the First Amendment, is it West’s responsibility to censor his advertisers?
“We definitely have guidelines for advertising,” West said. “We will obviously not allow someone to post profanity or nudity. In addition, some of the individuals who own property where our signs are located have made requests of their own concerning restrictions on content. We always honor their wishes.”
West will not disclose the identity of the person who leased the space and commissioned the billboard.
“I don’t think that would be a good business practice,” West said. “If that person wants to take credit for the sign, they will do so. It’s not my place to discuss my customers’ personal information.”
As for the advertisement’s message, West says he didn’t interpret it as being racist when the individual leased the space.
“The person who leased the billboard said they were tired of being branded a racist for expressing their political opinions,” West said. “Apparently, this person had been labeled a racist for expressing opposition to Obamacare and discontent with Washington gridlock. If the idea was to make a statement, I think that person’s efforts have been successful.”
For West, at least, the sign has led to what he feels are productive interactions with members of the local community.
“I sincerely believe a lot of people have taken the sign the wrong way,” West said. “Overall, the conversations I’ve had with folks who have called in to express their opinion on the sign have been very pleasant. I always enjoy talking with people and, after we’ve had an opportunity to discuss the issue and the intended message behind the sign, the vast majority — even those who were initially very angry — have told me to have a great day.”
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3 comments:
zeldasjim posted at 8:12 pm on Sat, Oct 19, 2013.
“There are only two ways of telling the complete truth--anonymously and posthumously.”
― Thomas Sowell
Sort of has a ring to it. Great for yet another billboard.
Bee posted at 12:22 am on Sat, Oct 19, 2013.
Evidently we don't have to worry about government censoring us as it seems uneducated American citizens will do a fine job themselves .
KennyKilpatrick posted at 6:47 am on Thu, Oct 17, 2013.
"West will not disclose the identity of the person who leased the space and commissioned the billboard."
Does he have any more boards for lease in other states?