Tags
Bill of Rights, business, choice, coffee, Declaration of Independence, freedom, Gratitude, kindness, love, NoShaveNovember
Ms. Anne Thrope continued her experiment in gratitude on Tuesdays in November. The sign at the register states:
Today’s Special: Order what you want.
Pay what you want.
Slapadaisical O’Bortnief was not a regular customer, but we knew Slapadaisical because of his three losing campaigns for the town council. He came to the coffee shop last Tuesday because he was curious. When he saw Ms. Anne’s sign at the counter, he said, “This blasphemes American ideals.”
At the register, Strawberry Mkrtchyan said, “I’m sorry. Please repeat your order.”
“I’m not going to support a communist socialist dictatorship where you are forcing me to pay for someone else’s food. This is anti-American! It goes against capitalism.”
Ms. Anne and I overheard this while we worked at the flattop. I called, “Order to go: Grant! Two blueberry bagels with bacon and jalapeno cream cheese. Grant!”
Ms. Anne said, “It’s all yours while I talk with this guy.” She went to the counter and said, “If you don’t mind, let’s sit at a table. I’d like to explain what I’m doing.”
“I’ve seen enough. I don’t think you need to explain this form of socialism.”
“Let me buy you a cup of coffee. My treat. I’m not being unamerican. I’m grateful to live in this country and want other people to experience a small part of what I’ve gained.”
“It’s anti-capitalism and undemocratic!” Slapadaisical’s volume grew louder. “People should work and pay for what they get.”
“I don’t disagree with you.” Ms. Anne remained calm. “I am simply thanking people for their patronage throughout the year. People pay what they wish. Some don’t pay anything while others pay more than enough. I think I’m serving the common good and encouraging people in their pursuit of happiness. Isn’t that what the Declaration of Independence says?”
“Not really. That’s the preamble and nothing official.”
“I think you need to read the Declaration again. It’s also my right to do as I please as long as I am not impinging the rights of others. You should read the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution along with the First Amendment.”
Slapadaisical’s vocal volume increased, “You’ll see what happens when you try to change the laws to suit yourself.” He walked out of the shop.
On Saturday he and his twin sons held up signs on the walk outside the coffee shop. People walked past them, ordered bagels and coffee and more, and then sat or took their orders to go. Chief McIntyre of the local police stopped by for his cheddar bagel and asked if he should do something about the protest. “They’re not hurting anyone,” said Ms. Anne.
They protested again on Sunday morning, but the coffee club is closed on Sundays. I saw them when I went on my bicycle ride. Nobody else out there then and they haven’t returned.
So it goes.