"My point is that the founding fathers had more respect for private property rights and less tolerance for governmental meddling than now exists. Are you in favor of governmental involvement when someone is offended in a place of business?"
Government should step in when private industry either cant or will not perform something that is essential (IMHO). Again, IMHO, the previous story of the "Jew couple" comment from the same establishment shows a history. Racism is a very dangerous thing and a hard thing to identify where free speech ends and racist behavior begins. The Constitution is not a suicide pact as it has been said. If this was a Muslim establishment and it read "dirty American Pig" I am sure many would want government to step in.
"Government should step in when private industry either cant or will not perform something that is essential (IMHO). Again, IMHO, the previous story of the 'Jew couple' comment from the same establishment shows a history. Racism is a very dangerous thing and a hard thing to identify where free speech ends and racist behavior begins. The Constitution is not a suicide pact as it has been said. If this was a Muslim establishment and it read 'dirty American Pig' I am sure many would want government to step in."
I'm sorry, my friend, but we must part company on this one. If any of the patrons were physically assaulted, yes--police officers should have done their duty. But to bring in government bureaucrats when someone is merely offended? What's next? Someone at a bar files an administrative complaint when another customer gives them dirty looks that makes them uncomfortable?
The private market place should take care of this--the offended parties should withdraw their business and engage in word-of-mouth activity to let others know they believe they received raw treatment. Conservatives should not support government involvement in cases like this.