Jul 11, 2009

Concord Mills Mall stands against free speech, costs jobsBy Hailey WilsonExaminer.com

Several employees of a local business will be losing their jobs because the owners of Concord Mills Mall do not agree with the business’s political merchandise. The employees work for Free Market Warrior a Conservative store and movement dedicated to promoting free speech and Capitalism.

Free Market Warrior sells bumper stickers, books, t-shirts, hats and other items that express patriotism and political opinion. One bumper sticker they sell says: “I proudly served in Iraq (you’re welcome)” and another one says: “I wear lipstick. I own a gun. And I vote!”

Since May, the business has successfully operated within the halls of Concord Mills Mall. But now Concord Mills has refused to renew their lease.

Mall managers appreciated the business of Free Market Warrior for several months until a letter to the editor surfaced in the pages of the Charlotte Observer. The letter to the editor accused the business of selling products that “support ideas such as racism, sexism and even slavery.” The author of the letter did not give any examples to support her claims. Loren Spivack, owner and founder of Free Market Warrior, responded in another letter to the editor: “We abhor racism, slavery or any acts of bigotry. In fact we promote free market principles, which can reduce these negative influences in our society. After all, the greatest cause of slavery around the world is authoritarian government. By encouraging citizenship and economic and political freedom, we are empowering Americans to stand up for their rights and beliefs against politicians who would encroach on them.”

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