In the heart of Lenoir City, Tennessee, a local business owner has found herself caught in an unexpected political crossfire.
Angie Monahan, the proprietor of Honey Blossom Boutique, has expressed her concerns over a large sign endorsing President Joe Biden, which she believes has negatively impacted her business. "I had so many people commenting saying, 'Ill never step foot in that business,'" Monahan revealed, as reported by WVLT-TV in Knoxville.
According to Gateway Pundit, Monahan, who has dedicated seven years to building her business, leases her shop space from the building's owner, the individual responsible for the controversial sign. The owner has remained silent on the matter, leaving Monahan to bear the brunt of the public's reaction. "This is how I make my livelihood. This is how my manager makes her livelihood, and Ive spent seven years building this business. I cant let one sign tear it apart," she asserted.
Monahan has been vocal about her belief that politics should not interfere with the shopping experience. "Shopping is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Its not supposed to be political," she told WVLT. She maintains a neutral stance in her business, believing that personal political opinions should not influence commercial operations.
Despite Lenoir City being a predominantly conservative part of Tennessee, Monahan insists her concerns are not politically motivated. "We dont need politics in business. It brings down the whole vibe of downtown," she stated, as quoted by the New York Post. She further clarified that her sentiments would remain the same even if the sign had endorsed former President Trump.
In an attempt to distance her business from the contentious sign, Monahan has displayed her own sign in the boutique's windows, adorned with American flags and a clear message: This business did not hang this sign. She has requested the property owner to remove the sign, but her pleas have been met with staunch refusal.
City officials, including City Administrator Amber Kelso, have expressed their inability to intervene due to the constitutional rights protecting freedom of speech. "Theres really not much we can do as far as our election sign regulation ordinance," Kelso admitted to WVLT.
Monahan's predicament has not only affected her business but has also led to personal safety concerns. After voicing her opposition to the sign, she has received numerous "nasty" and "threatening" messages from Biden supporters, prompting her to carry a gun for protection.
Her plight has resonated with her customers, such as Janette Collier, who visited the store to show her support. "I feel for her because the sign is imposing on her," Collier told the Post. "Shes here to run a store, not a political campaign."
Monahan's situation underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and its potential impact on small businesses. It serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences that can arise when politics infiltrates the commercial sphere.
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