Decatur Auto Repair Center Protests President Elect
By admin | November 7, 2008
Driving home from work today I heard a broadcast on WOWO featuring our own town’s Townsend’s Tire Auto Center. Townsend’s tire center is a local owned and operated auto repair business. Evidently the owner decided to protest the election of Barack Obama by flying the US Flag upside down.
Displaying the flag in such a fashion is a sign of distress and according to the owner Our Country is indeed in distress after this presidential election. After meeting with the mayor of Decatur the flag has since been taken down. This local auto repair station has created quite a stir among local residents and others. The auto repair center’s owner was interviewed on one of the Fort Wayne television stations in addition to being featured in the Decatur Daily Democrat. I personally don’t have a problem with him protesting in this way as it is not against the law, its a peaceful protest, and is his right to express his opinions as protected by the US Constitution. Townsend Tire isn’t the first business owner to display the flag in such a manner. A local business located in Greensboro, NC has also used the
same approach. July a couple protesting harassment by local police officer did the same
thing . As you can see the local auto repair business owner isn’t alone in his views and well within his rights. I for one am excited that the auto repair shop voiced their opinions in such a manner, it gave me an opportunity to discuss with my children the rights and freedoms we in the United States are given.
UPDATE:Townsend Tire has once again started flying his flag in all its glory high above the auto center. I am glad to see that he has decided to display the colors once again in the proper fashion.
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33 Comments
Maybe if he had done that before the election Barack wouldn’t have gotten elected at all. I for one will be doing all my auto repair at Townsend’s now. Nice to see someone has the guts to speak out.
I think that this type of protest, and I use the word protest very loosely here, is an utter disgrace to the political process of giving the elected President a chance to do the right things for this Country and get our Economy going once again with hopefully robust strength. Mr. Townsend, if your Republicans could have done something about your issue on abortion, they would have done something long ago. The Repubs just want to keep that as an issue! Wake up Gregory and support the decision of the voters in this Country instead of spreading the word of your self appointed title of “Lay Minister” as you outright JUDGE all others who also love Christ, but do not share your very narrow minded views which border on lunacy! YOU are giving Decatur on the news a true “Spot light on Decatur,” but not in a friendly and open Community way at all!!!
By looking at the facial picture of Mr. Townsend appears to be lost in space. I don”t know is seen in his eyes. I’m a veteran also and would never use the excuse of not liking a new president by flying my flag up side down. Cone on Greg, you might even start liking Mr. Oboma.
Mr. Townsend and Joe the Plumber have something in common, they are
both complete idiots!
One of Mr. Townsends employees has stated that business has increased by 300 new customers. All in 2 days, wow!!! Thats incrediable. Believe what you want to. I didn’t know that many people could stand all his baloney.
I would really doubt his business has increased by 300 in such a short time. Townsend’s is primarily a tire store not a full service automotive service center. I’d be curious to know if he is drawing new customers from outside decatur with all the publicity.
I’m not quite sure why so many are upset that one man decided to experess his views like this. That’s what is so great about our Country we have the freedom to do so without fear of being thrown in jail. Now I do think he could have gotten his point across without using the Flag. One thing is for sure his views are now widely known by all.
On my way to church this morning i did see Mr. Townsend did take his flag down and not diplaying it. I ask myself, “what would Jesus have done”? Would Jesus have been bull headed enough to take a flag down that represents our country and put the message to all veterans that Greg dosen’t care about the sacrafices we all (including himself) have made. This is veterans day and he is not displaying our flag. Come on Greg bury your pride and put the flag back up, we all like to see it at your business.
Absolute crackpot. Nearly anyone in decatur might know that. Checkout the letter to the editor he wrote during the week prior to the election. OMG, change some of the words and it would fit right into the beer halls of Munich during the Weimar republic.
We should be proud to display the US flag the way it is supposed to be. The election is over, and the new leaders of this country need to get down to the business of repairing our economy that is in crisis. Have you lost your retirement money…I have, and I am not happy about it. Hopefully the new leader will get our economy moving, or we won’t need that tire store, as we won’t be able to afford the tires or the cars. The jobs will be over seas. Think about that before you consider badmouthing the new leaders. The election is over…get over it. If the economy is not fixed, the tire store will not be needed. We need jobs in the United States…good paying jobs!!!!! I will take my car to Piqua Repair, as none of this stupid stuff goes on there. The article about this made the paper in Louisville, Kentucky. What a way to spotlight Decatur. Not in a good way.
“Lay Minister” Townsend continues to give Decatur a bad name by his flag news story now being in the Cinci Enquirer and the Louisville Network local station news!!!!! I guess it is true that all cities have their ‘crackpots.’ Toledo, Ohio has “Joe, THE Plumber” and we have “Gregory, THE Lay Minister.”
Be proud and support the new leaders, and display the American flag to honor it, and our country. You need to go on after the election, and get involved in activities that interest you, as you seem to have been let down. Maybe run for office your self, and try to change issues that you do not approve of. Get your mind off the election, and it is over, so “get over it.”
A change was needed for our proud country. Get the economy rolling once again.
Maybe the auto service owner didnt get it wrong. Barack’s own campaign spokesman said on interview with Brokaw that “Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule on day one.” Rule!!!! did we really elect a king?
All I can say is that Mr. Townsend may think he is a so-called “lay minister” whatever that means, but in my book, he is not a Christian. He is a radical and thinks his way is the right way. He is just mad that a Democrat was elected to lead our great country and I look forward to hearing what he has to say when President-Elect Obama gets our Economy and Nation turned around. He is obviously prejuidice. He looked like an idiot on television
and everyone saw what a jerk he is. He also is totally against Abortion and tries to push his views and beliefs on everyone else. Get a grip Mr. Townsend, accept the fact that the Democrats are going to lead our Nation.
Who got us in the trouble we are in today. I don’t believe the Democrats were running our country the last 8 years.
He acts like he has a uterus….he still lives in the dark ages…….Roe vs Wade is not Obama vs Townsend! It will not be overturned, and it has nothing to do with OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA! ha ha ha, what a privledged character, it is high time our country elected someone with different views than our founding fathers, stop throwing your fit, you lost dude. you lost.
I saw on t.v. the the post election letdown is causing problems for some, as they were very involved with the election, and after the election was over , wondered “what do I do now.” You need to get involved with activities that make you happy, and accept that the better person won the election. Pray for our country, our citizens, and the troops. Honor the flag and display it with honor for our great country. Do things that are great for our society, and town. Helping our children is one, as they are our future. Maybe start a scholarship for the high school senior classes, who can use money to go to college to learn how to repair vehicles, or something else. This would be a positive , and appreciated thing to do.
isn’t it odd that since his youngest daghter was interviewed on the TV with him, that his older daughter had to write a People’s Voice in the paper further pushing his issues?
Mr. Townsend has every right as an American to express his feelings about anything he wishes, unlike in many other countries.
As a local business man it may be a bit foolish to alienate some of your customers and I am sure he realizes that, but he feels so strongly for his conviction to protect the unborn that he is willing to take that risk, and should be admired for that.
Evidently many don’t agree and that is your right, but to call him names and a crackpot is just childish.
Does this give Decatur a bad name, I don’t think so, I am sure that there are many people that would agree with him all over the USA.
It is very understandable his distrust in President elect Obama, this guy came out of no-where, has very little experience, questionable connections, and some very far left ideas.
Some of you here are acting even worse than Mr. Townsend,
Ron Hammon and George, your comments that includes Joe the Plumber, come on, Joe is an average guy that did nothing more than ask a question that should have been Obamas downfall. He did not seek out Obama, Obama was in his neighborhood and all he did was ask a question that Obama answered, an answer that truly shows some of Obamas ideas, ideas that are truly radical.
And once the spotlight was on Joe, the Democrats did everything possible to discredit him, and now we learn even illegally obtaining information on a private citizen that did no more than… I repeat, ask a presidential canidate a question.
Lola, This nation has gone through alot since 9/11 and the economy has been strong and unemployment low, lower than when Clinton was in office, that is until about 2 years ago things began to slip, our present president is not perfect, I disagree on alot of his policys but I agree with alot of his other ideas. The present economy crisis stems from a number of thing beyond the presidents control. In fact do your research the regulations that has allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ease restrictions on loans (loans being made to unqualified recipients) was a actually done by the last president Bill Clinton in 1998. In 2001 & 2002 congress tried to change these rules but it did not pass. Just last July Barney Frank Democrat on the finance committee is quoted as stating tha Fannie and Freddie are in good finiacial shape, he knew better.
G crayg, you want to compare Mr. Townsend to the Nazi’s, Gosh was it not Hitler that was trying to create the Superior race by killing what he felt was inferior races like the Jews. Kinda like doctors now that will abort babies because they may have something wrong with them, like downs syndrome, we shouldn’t bring them into the world, huh.
“A society that destroys itself has no future.”
Come on Concerned! Get a grip!! It was so obvious that there was so much more to the idiot flying the flag upside down than just disagreeing with the political issues and stands of President (elect) Obama! After all, he did not fly the flag upside down when Carter was elected in 1976, nor did he fly it upside down when Clinton was elected in 1992 and then re-elected in 1996. Both Carter and Clinton are Democrats, the same as President (elect) Obama! So “Concerned,” what could the difference be that could have been a ‘root cause’ to him flying the flag upside down because Obama (who is a Democrat) won this time? All three of these Democrats are Pro-Choice, so what is the obvious difference between the three of them???
The election is over, so “get over it,” and do some good this Holiday Season. Maybe help the kids of the community, scholarships for the BHS seniors, helping the poor in the community, helping out in soup kitchens in Fort Wayne, or the church food pantries in Decatur. Do something positive for your community…the election is over. Help out by giving to families that you know will not have a good Christmas with out some outside help….buy presents, food, needs for poor families…this will make you feel great, do something great for someone, and get your mind off the election. Do you realize that there are children who do not have coats, or even enough food in the house to eat.!!! If you can help them.
George, While both Carter & Clinton support the supreme courts ruling on abortion, they both have a different attitude than what Obama does. The earlier presidents both walk the line that most democratic office holders who don’t want to “offend” take. That is “it is the law but personally they wouldn’t encourage it”. They both try to stay very close to the middle on this subject. But Obama’s record on abortion is extreme. He opposed the ban on partial-birth abortion — a practice a fellow Democrat, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, once called “too close to infanticide.” Obama strongly criticized the Supreme Court decision upholding the partial-birth ban. In the Illinois state Senate, he opposed a bill similar to the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which prevents the killing of infants mistakenly left alive by abortion. And now Obama has oddly claimed that he would not want his daughters to be “punished with a baby” because of a crisis pregnancy — hardly a welcoming attitude toward new life.
Mr. Townsend is a voice for the unborn, for they are the one party in this that does not get to voice their opinion.
You George seem to be trying to read between the lines that Mr. Townsend is racist, you can dislike Obama and not be racist. Personally I think is great that a black man will be president, but Obama is not the right guy. I do hope that I am wrong only time will tell.
Pray for our great country, and do help the poor this Holiday Season. We need to be concerned for the poor children now that do not have enough to eat at their homes, or even good clothing for winter. There are many working poor families that do not make decent living wages, and are having a difficult time supporting their families. Look at the low income apts. and you will probably find many families that work, but do not make much at their jobs, or do not work at all outside the home. Food banks are running low this season, possibly due to the economy. Children must eat, as they are growing, their brains and bodies are growing and need good food to grow up healthy. The election is over, and I pray that everything will work out fine, and I believe it will. We do have a problem with the economy, as we need to keep and make good jobs over in the US, so our children will have somewhere to make decent wages when they are out in the working world.
If you can help a poor struggling family this Holiday Season, do so. YOu will feel great about it, and the family will be grateful for it. I don’t make much money, but I do help other families with what ever I can do, such as hand me downs,time, tutoring, extra stuff in my pantry. With the economy so bad, what will happen when and if welfare runs out, how will the poor be supported then. We need to get the economy going again for everyone’s sake.
If you even help one family and donate to a food bank…St. Mark’s has one, you will feel great and it will be the best present that you could give.
How about an organization starting a free store, where people donate items that they do not use or need any more, and others can go in and get things that they are in need of for free. The items cannot be resold. It would most likely need to be run in a way that people could not take advantage of it, but that could be thought out how to do this. This would be a great way to help the needy, and get rid of stuff that is no longer used or wanted. The used stores are very pricey, and this would be an alternative to help those in need or anyone in the communityreguardless of income. Just an idea. Maybe put it where a recycling place is…next to it…would be conveniently located to recycle items, too. Just an idea, as I have heard of other communities doing this, and it works.
Happy Holidays and pray for the United States of America. Please help out a poor family this Holiday Season, do it for the CHILDRENS sake.
I guess that if you don’t like the government, then the next election run for office, or help to get things changed, and be willing to help support children who were born and whose mother must go on welfare to support the child. We are supporting these children, and what will happen if welfare goes belly up??? There are many unwed teen mothers with children out there, and I don’t know what the solution is except adoption, and not many unwed teens are giving up babies to adult couples who want a baby, as they could not have their own. Many couples who want to adopt have to go to different countries to get a child when there are many children/babies born to teens who cannot support the child. Don’t know what the solution is, and I feel for those who want to be parents and cannot. I DO NOT support abortion, and I feel that I could never do this to a baby. If this option is taken away, how many back alley abortions, and deaths will occur. Don’t know what the solution is to please everyone.
Everyone has their own opinion, and it will not be solved by arguing back and forth on this blog…only entertains others…we are lucky to have the right to vote, and to express an opinion. We also can work to change things, and can run for office, or be involved to help change things for the better.
Just my opinion, as I don’t know what the solution is that will appease everyone. Just remember that we all live with the consequences of those actions/decisions. Remember that some one may need help to have a wonderful Holiday Season. (:
While you people are busy justifying desecrating the flag, us real Americans will be supporting the true and rightful President Obama’s campaign to make America respectable again.
Kudos to you Don! YOU are right on the money on that!!!! Let us ALL {ray to OUR Lord Jesus for the Obama Administration to succeed where the Bush Administration did not even attempt to try!
Thank our wonderful Lord that change is coming the the great USA, as it was greatly needed. Let us support our new president and make the USA and our communities great again!! Show respect for our people who fought for us, and keep the flag flying the respectful way.
I’m happy with the outcome of the election. Lets see where 2009 takes us.
Brian: I think we are on the road to a depression. What do you think?
Concerned Mom: Yes, it appears that way. But, I can only try and be optimistic.
I do think the next administration given some time, can pull us above the fray.
~May good health, wealth and happiness find you all in 2009!~
This Townsend character that everyone speaks of is an example of how freedom of speech and expression is permitted and welcomed in this great country of ours. Without such persons we would all be left to only guess and have suspicions of how others might feel,what they think and not get to see, hear or realize these voices of the narrow minded and shortsighted views of what’s possible in a true democracy. I sincerely appreciate this person named Townsend for deplaying his breath of ignorance, lack of patriotism, and intolerance for accepting the will of the people who for the most part want to come together and work together in persuit of a more perfect union.
To do all they can to help the nation and yes President Barack Obama succeed. I suggest we leave Mr Townsend where he belongs, wallowing in an oil stained puddle of dispair, self defeat, self pity and “I don’t like you so you’re no good attitude”. To all I say not to worry, it’s just a matter of time before his “so called” new clients / customers will see the same attitude displayed towards them whenever they disagree with him and his views. Let’s all check in with him a year from January 20, 2009 and ask how’s business.
Until then Mr Townsend please by all means don’t stop your display we need people like you to remind the rest of us that there’s always somebody, somewhere feeling more down, feeling a tad blue and that sir lifts all our spirits.
Wisdom
Flying the flag upside down doesnt seem so bad now that we see what Obama is doing to the country
God Bless American Patriots like Greg townsend, he has the guts to call Barrack Hussein Obama exactly what he is. Our Country is not only bankrupt financially but morally. Its Obama’s democratic Party that is the party of gay rights and marriages, abortions and a Socialist world Government. When Obama was elected I took down my US Flag because this country as we knew it has fell. This Navy Vet will not fly it again until mr Obama is Impeached or voted out of office. God Bless my good Friend and fellow patriot Greg Townsend
How’s it look now that President O has had time to reveal his agenda. I for one don’t think that we need to “redistribute the wealth”, sounds like a bank robber defending his actions after he is caught and he is on trial. I hope we can have a fair election in 2010 and 2012. America is in trouble and the bank robbers are in charge for now! America – Back to the principals that we were founded upon.
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