Recently, a sample business card from a North Texas lawn mowing company became "controversial" and a news item because reporters wanted it to be. The story began: "A North Texas lawn mowing companyhas come under fire, after an old, sample business card resurfaced. The controversial message has angered some people" [Controversy erupts over sample lawn mowing company business card, by Yona Gavino, CBS DFW, July 20, 2018]
Which people? Why is it controversial? The card said the business was "American owned" and advertised it as "your alternative to illegal lawn services." To me, it's enraging that illegal immigrants are even in the country, let alone working. Do I get the media to carry my water for me?
The business owner dutifully bent the knee and denounced racism. Reporter Yonga Gavino made several separate tweets trying to turn people against the business. Luckily, judging from the small number of RT's and Likes, no one seemed to care.
Business card backlash. We're working to hear what the business owner has to say about the controversial message that's left some offended https://t.co/SQ5XXrLdUu
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
This old Carrolton business card is causing a lot of controversy. The business owner says it's a mix-up: this is a sample card that was never meant to be handed out. @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/JcVNYTyCFP
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
But we saw this picture that shows the slogan on one of the company's trucks. We don't know when the photo was taken, but it shows the message was on more than just a "sample card." @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/87wNslCABv
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
This is a picture of the current card. @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/iVDmQmJ0vr
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
This is the front and back of the new business card, with a more patriotic tone @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/alZbMDJH8X
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
Jeff Hinkle, the business owner, says "I cannot control other peoples' opinions. It's obvious they grossly misinterpreted an old card someone found." @CBSDFW
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
He also posted a response on Yelp, in response to criticism over his card, and business @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/NsSESRcGOD
— Yona Gavino (@YonaGavinoCBS11) July 20, 2018
President Trump touched on a profound truth when he called the media the "enemy of the people." Reporters aren't just the enemy in the sense that they are politically opposed to the American nation, they also try to hurt individual Americans by inciting hatred against them. A journalist is far more of a threat to the life, property, and safety of a typical American than Russia, Iran, or whatever other imaginary enemy we are being lectured about this week.
