Politicians often face unwelcome treatment in businesses with differing views. Republican Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently did.
The governor was having lunch with two other moms at a restaurant named The Croissanterie in Little Rock, Arkansas. Of course, because of her position Sanders’ table was surrounded by several State Police Executive Protection Detail. One of the members was approved by the restaurant owner but they didn’t approach them to welcome the governor.
According to Sanders, the owner said to her security member that her “presence made their employees feel threatened and told us to leave.” Several people believed that Sanders was asked to leave because of her political beliefs. During the latter part of Sanders’ statement, she wrote, “Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality, and while that restaurant didn’t meet that standard, my administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down.” The situation didn’t end there. According to KATV, one of the staff members shouted at Sanders’ party “It’s time to go.” They also allegedly made a “crude hand gesture in her direction.”
On the other hand, the restaurant provided a different narrative. They claimed that the governor arrived without making any reservations. In addition to this, they claimed that her security was what made the staff members and some of the guests feel unsafe. After the party finished their meal, a member of her security team was approached and asked to help conclude the visit. According to the restaurant, that was because of “its standard 90-minute table policy.” They also denied that the person who made the hand gesture was one of their employees.
This situation made people talk about how not all politicians are welcome at establishments. It also sparked a conversation about how politicians shouldn’t be barred from places just because of their political views. Those who believe this were quick to criticize the restaurant and demand that it lose business. There were supporters as well who agreed with what the restaurant did to Sanders and those with her.
People Reacting to the Arkansas Governor Getting Kicked Out
A lot of people supported the governor and criticized the Arkansas restaurant. “A friend witnessed this! People need to put them out of business!” one person wrote. Another person said, “I wonder how the lesbian owners of The Crossanterie in Little Rock and their blue haired, nose ringed employees would feel if they walked into a restaurant and were told the employees and customers were uncomfortable with them being there? Would they like to be treated the same way? No, they would yell and scream like little [expletive] and run to the first television camera. If you live in a Little Rock, avoid this place at all costs until they treat everyone equally.”
There were also many people who supported the restaurant amid the backlash. “Me and my crew will make it our business to patronize this restaurant! We can’t wait to visit this weekend and will be a consistent customer,” one person wrote under one of the restaurant’s Instagram posts. Another person said, “I don’t live in Little Rock anymore, but I will be making the trip down this week to support your small business. Good job on the course correction.” Someone else wrote, “Keep doing what you’re doing! They don’t like when they’re discriminated against, yet we have to deal with it every day as people of the lgbt community, black people, people with differing religions, people simply with different opinions. KUDOS!!!!”
Clearly, both sides have valid points, which is why many internet users were so divided in their reactions.
