Right?
Absolutely.
Exactly right - a store owner should be able to display any banner he chooses. I probably wouldn't patronize any of those stores you describe, but if one of those flags was stolen and burned I would want the vandals punished exactly the way I want these kids punished...
Personally, I feel pretty strongly about socially/politically motivated vandalism of any sort - sign stealing, grafittiing, car keying, sticker peeling, etc. - all of it disgusts me.
Right?***
Right!
Wait.. uh no, that would possibly offend somebody.
Wait.. that's absurd, it's constitutionally protected free speech, and there is no right to not be offended, so of course you're right.
Wait... No it isn't. Hate crimes are 'different' and the equal protection clause or 1st amendment right to free speech of the Constitution don't pertain then.
Wait... no - THAT's absurd, of course you're right.
Wait, I forgot what I'm saying. What was the question again?!?
Oh hell, where's my pills?!?
:-)
"Yeah. This is America. The store owner should be free to display the gay flag if he wants -- just as he's free to display the Confederate Flag or the Nazi Swastika Flag.
Right?"
Without question.