While I’ve never owned my own business, I have great respect for entrepreneurs who take the necessary risks and who work long, hard hours to be successful. I particularly admire those who give back to the community through civicinvolvement, supporting youth, culture and well-planned development. What I do not understand, however, is the decision to use one’s business for political activism.

Perhaps it’s the Citizens United (corporations are people) thinkingthat makes some business owners believe it’s a good idea to place, or allow, campaign signs on their property. While it’s certainly within their well-defended First Amendment right of free speech to politicize their business, they must know of the potential consequence. Where I have a choice, and that choice may require traveling some distance for a product or service, I will long remember businesses who have actively supported certain ideals during these incredibly divisivetimes.

Alec Jensen

Port Townsend