Free speech is so useful for revealing bigoted assholes

It might seem to be commonsensical that a portion of the United States with a label such as the “Bible Belt” wouldn’t be too welcoming towards non-Christians, but thankfully, most folks are kind and tolerant and don’t have much of a problem with people of other faiths in their area.

And then, you get people who think this sort of thing ought to be encouraged:

Gas station message: “One nation under God and if you don't like it. Leave !” [source: WIS News 10]

Filling up your car up with gas is a mundane chore. You drive up pop open the tank and screw off the top. But at one gas station, you get a surprise message when you swipe your credit card.

"One nation under God and if you don't like it, you can leave." The bold digital statement has been there for a year.

How stupid, arrogant, bigoted and ignorant … How typically Bible Belt, really. And it’s not exactly like the owner’s getting called out for being a prick, either:

In fact, all the customers we talked to like it. "I think it's good," said one driver. "I think people should have a choice, if they don't like it, they can leave."

One woman says she continually gives the station her business because of the message. She hopes more people do the same. "I disagree totally 100% about taking God out of the system," the woman said.

The owner of the gas station didn't want to be interviewed. He said he didn't put the message up to get publicity. He's just standing up for what he believes in.

An arrogant and close-minded twit supported by arrogant and close-minded twits. Figures. Just too bad the station is privately-owned and not a governmental facility; the inner troll-baiter in me would’ve loved to see a lawsuit happen over something like this. Alas.

(via Dispatches from the Culture Wars)

Tags: USA • America • Christian Nation • religion • God • gas stations • free speech • freedom of speech •