Waitress Fired After Showing Political Support

[RamboLiberal]

Source: KTHV

A show of support for democrat Hillary Clinton has cost a Little Rock waitress her job.

Micah Qualls used her break from the restaurant at Central Flying Service Friday morning to wave a Clinton campaign poster as republican John McCain arrived in Little Rock by jet.

Qualls say she was allowed to finish waiting tables during the lunch hour before she was fired.

Qualls says she was shocked to be fired for holding a sign behind a fence hundreds of yards from the flight line.

She says the fact she wasn't fired until after the lunch rush angered her the most.


Read more: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=64706

---

I can understand maybe a reprimand if she was in her restaurant uniform but IMHO firing is out-of-line. Wonder if the owner is a Republican or just not a Hillary supporter. I'm with Micah on this one. Saw too much of this crap pulled on working people last election.

[glowing]

1. Yep, I'd sue.

[unblock]

25. you'd lose.

i think it's pathetic and rather stupid business to fire someone for expressing a political opinion, but the employer is completely within their rights to do so.

the better counter is to go media and get that restaurant some bad press.

[Warpy]

31. And that's exactly what she's done

Yes, protesting in a distinctive uniform can get you canned and nobody will be standing up for your freedom of speech.

However, yes, you can go to the press and the press will be happy to have a human interest story to print. The bastards can fire you for exercising your rights as a citizen of this country, but it's going to cost them.

[Egalitariat]

73. I will stand up for her freedom of speech. If the state were to attempt to imprison her for her...

actions at the airfield, I'd fight like hell to keep her free.

[Warpy]

86. Same here, which is why I don't suggest legal action

against her boss. It's a losing proposition.

Costing him business by going to the media is a good idea, though. It will make other bosses whose businesses are dependent upon the good opinion of the larger community think twice about being so heavy handed.

[Egalitariat]

87. I agree***

nm

[jaybeat]

42. Only under BS "at will" employment laws

These are the ones that allow them to fire you if you have red hair. (As long as the red hair isn't an indicator of you belonging to a particular ethnic group. Maybe you dye your hair.) Not their favorite color? You're out.

Don't like the kind of car you drive? Tough shit. Buh-bye.

Political affiliation, on your own time? Nah uh.

Age or gender. Well, not technically, but unless they have been stupid enough to TELL YOU that's why, then good luck proving it.

They can change reasons. They can have NO REASON.

In this country, freedom stops when you get a job.

Nice how that works.

:grr:

[unblock]

44. i didn't say it was right, only that it's legal.

[Raine1967]

98. How is it legal when it was on her break?

This was her time. This was her earned break.

Show me where the constitution says this is legal.

[dysfunctional press]

101. not all laws are spelled out in the constitution...

show me where the constitution says that this is illegal.

do you know what the term "at will employment" means?

[Tesha]

107. "At will" employees can be fired on a whim. (NT)

[Freddie Stubbs]

120. Show me where the Constitution says it is illegal

[Joe Chi Minh]

54. Those totalitarian countries envy you your democracy, you know.

Actually, I remember being totally incredulous the first time I read of this sort of thing happening in the US. But apparently, it's common.

Truth to tell, I think we're too apathetic about politics in the UK - difficult to be otherwise with just the three corporatist parties - but even so, that's too high a price for political passion and commitment. It's outrageous. It beggars belief.

Until you remember the scale of the now endemic, nationwide, right-wing election fraud (tacitly sanctioned by the DINOs).

[awoke_in_2003]

62. I work in an "at will" state (texas)

and you are correct. They can fire you at any time for any reason (as long as the reason isn't for age or race and they are stupid enough to tell you that is why). If my bosses ever found out I was an atheist (the owners are big time bible thumpers), I would be gone for sure. I don't currently support Clinton, but I can't believe that this happened in Little Rock, of all places.

[raccoon]

114. Makes you wonder why the hell anybody would MOVE to an "at will" state to take a job.

Other than desperation, that is.

[awoke_in_2003]

125. Unfortunate, the states with the best job opportunities

are also the at will states. Compare Texas' job market to Michigan's (or a whole lot of other states, for that matter).

[Egalitariat]

74. It works both ways though. You can quit whenever you want and for whatever reason*

[bluerum]

75. That's like saying - ' Your'e not really a slave,,,, we just want you to act like one.'

[truedelphi]

79. Love your comment. It So-o totally sums it up. n/t

[Greyhound]

84. That's not both ways, when the employee can't quit, that's called slavery.

The burden is supposed to be on the employer. When someone accepts a job they commit half their waking hours to the pursuit of the employers goals, and when the employer is allowed to evade any commitment or consequences to alter the lives of people it becomes a one-way deal. The employers have all the power and the employees have none.

[Lucky Luciano]

85. If you are in the right industry, the employees have a lot of power. nt

[Egalitariat]

88. Your statement is only true with unskilled labor jobs

When the employee has specialized skills or unique abilities to create value for their employers, the employee holds most of the cards.

And nobody "commits" half their waking hours to their employers. The "committment" lasts only as long as there is not a better deal available.

[Greyhound]

89. IT is an unskilled labor job? How about physical therapists and the myriad of similar

professions? You think cooking 200 meals in a night requires no skill?

Last time I checked there were 24 hours in a day, 8 for sleep, minimum of 8.5 for work leaves 7.5 for commuting and all the rest that is required to live leaving part of the weekend for you. Of course if you live in the real Amerikan right to work state you should add another part-time job on top of that.

That's not a commitment?

[Egalitariat]

91. Did you reply to the right post?***

nm

[Greyhound]

92. "Your statement is only true with unskilled labor jobs". n/t

[NashVegas]

115. Except When Those Special Skills Cost $40k Plus and You've Got Massive Debt

This is what has happened: the rise of the specialized BA or higher degree that's become necessary for so many jobs has young people starting out their careers with outrageous debt.

This financial dependence has put highly - but specialized - educated people at the mercy of employers. And the thing is, these are skills that in previous eras were learned on the job!

Colleges that encourage students to get specialized degrees are nothing more than very expensive vocational-training facilities.

Meanwhile, the people making financial decisions are all getting their broad BAs & MBAs in Economics.

[raccoon]

113. Yeah, but the power equation is significantly different. nt

[Greyhound]

81. You got it. I didn't realize that this was a "right to work" state until after we moved here.

Pretty shocking the crap they get away with.

[Traction311]

124. Name one job that fires you because they don't like your car

Also, what is the logic behind it?

[jaybeat]

128. Any job without a contract in an "at-will" state

You could be driving a Japanese car and work for GM. Or the owner of the business might be a "buy American" fanatic. Doesn't matter. They don't have to have a good reason. They don't have to have a reason at all. Or tell you if they have one, or what it is.

http://www.glennsolomonlaw.com/Will_Employment.shtml

This guy wrote "You Could Be Fired For Reading This Book." From the back cover:

"It's true. You can be fired from your job at any time, with or without warning--for a false reason, a mean reason, a reason that is unfair or even capricious, just about any reason at all. In fact, you could be fired for reading this book."

That's the thing. There doesn't have to be "logic behind it." There doesn't have to be anything at all behind it. Of course, there usually is "something" behind it, but they don't have to tell you what it is. (And if it is something that actually is illegal, like your race, gender, etc., they, of course, won't tell you THAT. And it is up to you to prove that they fired you for a "bad" reason. Which is hard to do, because ANY other reason is "OK" as far as our whacked out system is concerned.

Glenn Solomon again:

"The economic forces that gave rise to the rule have not held sway since well before the Great Depression. A buyers’ market for labor been dominant for several generations. The simultaneous presence of a buyers’ market and the at-will rule has meant downward pressure on wages, working conditions, and employee rights."

Bingo.

[BearSquirrel2]

52. It depends where she did it ...

If she went out in the parking lot waving political material ... yeah, I understand the employers decision. Most folks don't want to turn off a segment of their clientel.

[DaveJ]

82. I understand it too, but I don't agree with it.

We're told we have freedom of speech just as long as it's not on "company time" or on private property, in a private forum, etc. Well what does that leave us? Practically nothing. The fact is, we are not free. Understanding the reason why we aren't free doesn't make it right.

[BearSquirrel2]

123. The John Kerry case ...

In the last election cycle there was the case of the lady who was fired for having a John Kerry bumper sticker on her car. Since this was clearly the property of the employee, there is no reason to believe that this was the endorsement on behalf of the employer. To me, this was a wrongful termination and I believe this should be illegal.

However, if you took your lunch break off to conduct a rally in a way that customers could think they were being pursuaded, then you are leaving a perception that the place of business is taking a political stand. If that is the proprietors wishes ... fine. However, it is not the place of the employee to advertise a political message using their employers business.

Another instance. If you wear a uniform and put a political button on it for either candidate. Then it could be perceived that advocacy for a particular candidate is endorsed by the establishment. This is true even if it's just "flair".

Of course, if you're advocacy is confined to advocacy on your break w/ other employees on their break in a place that is confined from client el, then I believe the employer would be out of line.

[DaveJ]

126. Political speech should be the most free of all...

I can picture cases where an employee just wants to get on the boss's nerves by advocating the opposite of what the boss thinks. Other than that, I don't see why people can't stand up for what they believe. Even if the employee is poor, and the boss is rich, why should the boss be able to plaster a big sign advocating a fascist dictator, while the employee can't where a John Kerry pin? Such a case would not be right -- it would not be in the spirit upon which the USA is founded.

So, we have a system where rich people who own private property can advocate their own politics? The rest of us are SOL? That is wrong. And fortunately, that is not what the US represents.

[BearSquirrel2]

127. Work for hire ...

On work time, you are there to do the companies business. On private time, it's you're own business. I would assume this would encompass break time as well.

[HDPaulG]

77. But was she not in a

Non work area during non work time? I think she has some protection from her employers action.

[unblock]

93. nope.

in fact you don't need any reason at all to fire someone in a "right-to-work" state.
you can fire someone just because you feel like firing someone. freedom is for the employer, not the employee, doncha know.

the only thing protected are the explicit discriminations such as sex, race, or national origin.

civil servants have more protections, but this doesn't apply to the private sector.

[N4457S]

29. OK, So You...

...would sue.

It's the south. You'd lose.

[Breeze54]

2. Isn't break time, her time?

That's pretty screwed up to fire her for that!

But then again, it's pretty screwed up that she held up a sign...

Oh, never mind... :P

[fudge stripe cookays]

24. That depends.

If it was her BREAK, or her LUNCH.

At most places, breaks are 15 minutes, covered by the employer. Lunches are usually considered "your time", and if you're hourly, you clock out for it. At least most of the places I've worked.

It sucks, but she may have been in the wrong if it was break time, and not lunch time.

[okasha]

96. If it was her break time, and she punched out for it,

she'd have a case even against an at-will employer. And even some at-will employers give paid time off for voting, so conducting political activities during work hours--as long as the employer's support isn't implied--isn't quite as cut-and-dried as it might be.

[fudge stripe cookays]

109. Yes, but that's what I'm saying.

Most of the time, you do not punch out for BREAKS. Only lunches.

If she was punched out, then Go Girl GO!

[Pharlo]

105. If she was off company propery and NOT clocked out,

that is a major no no as well. If it were her lunch break and she had punched out, THEN it would be her time. I'm an hourly employee in an 'at will' state. At my current job, I do NOT have to punch out for my lunch (I've worked places where you HAD to do this), and they automatically dock you for the half hour. If you work through lunch, you tell personnel 'no lunch on such and such a date'. If you LEAVE company property, you MUST punch out.

I'm not familiar with the situation, but, if she did leave company property and did not punch out, it may not be about the politics at all.

On the other hand, it could be that the owner is a "compassionate" conservative. The 'go to church every Sunday and pray for your salvation because you're sticking it to your employees every chance you get'type.

[truebrit71]

122. Not necessarily...break time is paid time by the boss...lunch hour is unpaid...

..therefore it is "your" time...

[LakeSamish706]

3. Yep, I'm with her on this one as well.... I hope she consults a lawyer...

The hell with letting them get away with this!

[Coexist]

21. she should kick up a big fuss

this is so wrong.

[glowing]

4. Let's keep this kicked and send it for KO to put up on his Monday show.

This is an example of what happens when people listen ot O'Reilly, Limpballs, and Hannity.. their hate filled lies effect real people. AND in a recession, everyone needs a job and shouldn't be worried about this shit..

[saracat]

14. Ko wouldn't cover it. It was a "Clinton sign. It would be wall to wall coverage if it was an Obama

sign. But hey this is another working class woman who doesn't count.

[a la izquierda]

18. That's totally bullshit.

I'm getting pretty tired of the KO bashing on here. He had a really nice, fair interview of HRC on last week; he doesn't like the bullshit her campaign is pulling and calls her on it.

Fucking crybabies I swear to god.

[saracat]

37. "fucking crybabies" ? Like those Obama folks whining about the "unfairness" of th ABC interview?

[FVZA_Colonel]

47. They weren't the only ones who thought that debate was a joke.

It truly was, and only a handful of people are trying to say otherwise.

[ima_sinnic]

59. you thought the "debate" questons were "fair"? figures.

only certain hillary "supporters," whose main function seems to be to sow dissent, be divisive, follow the orders and ideas of Penn & Limbaugh, would think a question about a flag pin, which has not been asked of Hillary or of McCain--or of any presidential or other candidate, EVER--would be a legitimate question when we are going bankrupt, people are being massacred in the Middle East, etc. etc. Somehow I suspect those "supporters" have never, and will never, vote for a Democrat.

so the more you imply that that was a legitimate "debate," the more you show how ridiculous and obvious you yourself are. And then you wonder why Obama is too classy to "debate" the Hildebeest again.

[Dogtown]

112. The ABC debate was unfair to both candidates

and you're being a patsy of the media by perpetuating the squabble.

If we can't stand together, we'll all lose.

[truedelphi]

80. Thanks for sticking up for KO. he calls Hillary out on what she does that is

Annoying, and what she does that is stupid or morally wrong.

But if she were to change he would applaud her. And if he heard about thsi waitress beign fired, he would probably give a worst person of the world demerit to the owner of the restauranrt.

And anyone who wants to help KO understand the plight of this waitress might try emailing him through this staffer's email:

[e-mail]

[The Doctor.]

71. Your temporary psycholsis blinds you. Of course he would cover it

as much as he'd cover the same for an Obama supporter.

She was on her break, that's her time, not the restaurant's. They were dead wrong to fire her.

[IsItJustMe]

72. I don't think you are being fair. I know he would cover it. No matter who the candidate was.

[Mojambo]

5. Total Bullshit.

She should look into her legal options for sure.

[boobooday]

6. What a creep she has for a boss

Even if she was in uniform, it isn't like she was attending a KKK rally, or sporting a Nazi flag. She must have a discrimination case.

[baldguy]

7. Thanks to Bill Clinton, Ark. is a "Right-to-work" state.

Without a specific contract saying otherwise, she can be fired at any time for any reason - with no legal recourse.

[aasleka]

8. Except that she should be protected by Federal law 5 U.S.C. 2302

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) contains a number of prohibitions, known as prohibited personnel practices, which are designed to promote overall fairness in federal personnel actions. 5 U.S.C. 2302. The CSRA prohibits any employee who has authority to take certain personnel actions from discriminating for or against employees or applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability. It also provides that certain personnel actions can not be based on attributes or conduct that do not adversely affect employee performance, such as marital status and political affiliation.

[InkAddict]

11. Only applies to persons in civil service, not civilian servitude.

[jaybeat]

45. Besides, good luck proving it

Unless the employer has testified under oath "I fired her for political affiliation" they can give some other reason, and then it is her word against his, even if he's changed his story. Hell, he can fire her and say there was "NO" reason, and the law says, "Oh, OK."

What bullshit! Like anyone would fire ANYONE for "no reason." Pretty much code for "a reason you could sue me for" but our BS system gives a pass.

[aasleka]

58. reasonable doubt and twelve honest persons

[jaybeat]

129. The burden of proof is on the employee

Now, since it would be a civil action, you wouldn't have to prove they fired you for a "bad" reason beyond a reasonable doubt--I think it would be "the preponderance of the evidence" standard, but I'm not a lawyer.

The thing is, unless the employer is incredibly stupid, there will be NO evidence. Other than circumstantial. Which doesn't count for squat.

An example:

Someone I know was fired from a job, out of the blue. No warning, no performance problems, nothing. They would not give a reason at all, whatsoever. "This is an at-will termination" is all they would say. Effective immediately, no severance, nothing. Escort you from the building. He said that his unemployment case worker told him his ex-employer wouldn't even return her call to tell her if it was for cause or not. (He got UI benefits because the burden of proof there is on the employer.)

He speculated that they fired him to save money--he was one of the highest paid employees in the company, and they basically had to close the business a few months later. But, it is age discrimination to fire someone because they make "too much," if the reason they make that much is because they are a more experienced--"senior"--employee. So instead of saying, "We're in some tough times, so we need to let you go." "Oh, really? Why me?" "Because you make too much, and we can get someone younger to do your job for less...Ooops!", they just said "We're not telling you the reason." He also wondered if it might have been because his wife had just needed surgery and the company thought that their group health rates might skyrocket as a result. That, of course, would also be a no-no, but again, how to prove it. He asked all his friends at the company to try and find out what they could, but the management kept things very tight--they let on that it was related to the company's financial troubles, but nothing in writing, and nothing that would stand up in court. Besides, he says everyone was scared shitless after this happened--if it could happen that way to him, it could happen to anyone. A great way to strike fear into every employee, keep people from questioning management, work longer hours, etc.

Not having to work under the at-will rule is one of the main benefits of joining a union, and one of the main reasons employers fight unions with every trick (dirty and otherwise) they can think of. And why Republicans oppose unions, and spin it as being "pro-business." Anti-worker is more like it.

[sasquatch]

9. Beat me to it

[formercia]

20. Oklahoma too

I was fired for refusing to join a sweetheart union. Go figure.

[katiedid07]

23. A little bit before Bill's time

Yes, Arkansas is a "Right to Work" state and has been since Amendment 34 was added to the state constitution in 1944; I sincerely doubt Bill Clinton had much influence in that legislation.

[baldguy]

33. Did he do anything to change it? Did Hillary?

Did they want to?

[Evergreen Emerald]

50. I knew this thread would eventually get to: "Its all Clinton's fault!"

You guys crack me up! lol.

[awoke_in_2003]

64. It is always

the Clenis' fault. Didn't you get the memo :)

[rinsd]

130. Because state constitutions are oh so easy to change.

:eyes:

You were wrong, have the decency to admit it.

[Jakes Progress]

34. Maybe his daddy's sperm did it.

Anything bad that happened in the last 100 years is Clinton's fault. Just ask anyone on DU or HPo.

[Clintonista2]

65. It's Bill Clinton's fault

Where have I heard that one before? :eyes:

[PinkTiger]

66. I think you are all confused. "Right to Work" is not the law in question. "Employment at Will" is.

The Right to Work Law in Arkansas and other states simply is the right to work without having to join a union. It effectively negates a union's ability to create a "union shop" labor force.

Employment at will means that unless you have a contract, you can be terminated at any time without cause, and vice versa (you can quit).
It is a doctrine of American law.

If the waitress had no contract, then they can let her go.

snip:
Although all U.S. states have a number of statutory protections for employees, most wrongful termination suits brought under statutory causes of action use the federal anti-discrimination statutes which prohibit firing or refusing to hire an employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap status. Other reasons an employer may not use to fire an at-will employee are:
for refusing to commit illegal acts – An employer is not permitted to fire an employee because the employee refuses to commit an act that is illegal.
family or medical leave – federal law permits most employees to take a leave of absence for specific family or medical problems. An employer is not permitted to fire an employee who takes family or medical leave for a reason outlined in the Family and Medical Leave Act.
not following own termination procedures – often, the employee handbook or company policy outlines a procedure that must be followed before an employee is terminated. If the employer fires an employee without following this procedure, the employee may have a claim for wrongful termination.<12>
end snip
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will_employment

[lame54]

83. You have it right except one thing

Family medical leave act only covers employers with 50 or more employees. I believe small businesses are exempt.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/ESA/Title_29/Part_825/29CFR825.104.htm

[MethuenProgressive]

69. Misinformation/Disinformantion

ClintonHate is a cancer.

[NorthCarolina]

76. But

like cancer...it's a reality of life.

[Dogtown]

111. You meant to say "Reagan"

I'm sure.

godfuckingdammit but i'm tired of the childish bickering.

do you people, from BOTH sides, really think you'll sway anyone with these cheap shots?

Seriously, DEMOCRATS RALLY and take aim at our VERY REAL ENEMIES.

I'll vote for Clinton, if she's on the ballot.
I'll vote Obama, if he's on the ballot.


I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK.

[RamboLiberal]

10. Interesting Blog on this story - and was Huckabee involved?

I'm in receipt of this letter from Micah Qualls, who says she lost her job today (Friday) at a business at the Little Rock airport for holding a Hillary Clinton sign in sight of where John McCain's plane landed. By her account, the sign drew the attention of Mike Huckabee, who complained to her boss. Huckabee, on Friday night, and the boss, in an interview Saturday, disputed her account.

-----

He didn't witness Qualls' demonstration, but was told of it by his son, Taylor, director of flight line operations. After hearing the details, he said, "I told the Flight Deck manager to relieve her. She was not on a break, she was on my time. She was wearing my uniform. That she was holding a Clinton sign was beside the point. She spoke loudly and a lot of people noticed."

Holbert said his son had told him that Qualls demonstrated not only near the flight line, but also walked over to be seen at a gate through which motorcades pass with people from arriving flights.

"We get all the candidates," Holbert said. "They're our customers. To have someone in uniform carrying on is disrespectful to our customers. It just absolutely flew all over me. I said get rid of her."

Holbert said neither Huckabee nor anyone associated with the McCain campaign had talked to him about Qualls. He said he'd asked his son whether anyone had talked to him and he had said no one had. "I asked him specifically if Huckabee had said anything to him. He said absolutely not." Holbert said Huckabee had talked to his son in passing and asked that he say hello to the elder Holbert, but there was no reference to Qualls.

-----

From Holbert's description of Qualls' effort to be seen, it seems unlikely that it would have been impossible for the McCain party not to have seen Qualls at some point. Holbert said he didn't know because he wasn't there.

http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2008/04/the_lone_protest.aspx

Michah Qualls Letter:

Today Senator John McCain made a stop in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was greeted on the tarmac at the airport I work at by Governor Huckabee and other Republican supporters.

In the heat of the moment, I remembered that I had my Hillary for President sign in the car, and spent my break time holding my sign outside the fence where the Senator was landing his airplane.

Apparently, Governor Huckabee noticed me as an employee of the airport, and raised questions with my boss about professionalism, and expressed embarrassment over the incident as the host of Mr. McCain.

I have been at my job for 7 years, and I was fired today because of the "embarrassment." I have no disciplinary actions in my employee file, and am loved by all of the customers.

I am shocked about this decision. But honestly, I would not go back and change what I did. It could have been argued, that though I was on my break, I was still on the clock. For that I would be willing to discuss consequences. But even so, to my knowledge there is no policy in the employee handbook that says we must keep our political views to ourselves. (This is, however more appropriate for any work place, but not illegal.)

I am proud of what I did. I stood outside that fence as one lone ranger expressing my First Amendment Rights.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Huckabee and the other Republicans felt threatened by my little sign. It cost me my job.

But it is worth it to me, because it is fundamentally American to express yourself.

Sincerely
Micah Qualls

[struggle4progress]

28. Very useful info! Thanks!

[Sam Ervin jret]

39. Bullshit Info, if this is true the action to take is to tell her to take off her uniform and demon-

state on her own time in her own clothes.

Any politician who is "offended" by a citizen voicing support for the opposition has a lot left to learn about politics and people.

Whoever did this made a BIG mistake. If this diner was a stopping point for politicians, this action made the word WAS a sure thing.

Damn we can't have these women "speaking loudly" and have "lots of people noticing." Very unfortunate choice of words that show exactly who and what we deal with and have dealt with and why women, especially disenfranchised women want a women president.

[EVDebs]

55. And Huckabee calls himself a 'Christian' ? I've got news for him...

He's not a practitioner.

[struggle4progress]

56. Reposting excerpt's from Quall's letter for emphasis:

Today Senator John McCain .. in Little Rock, Arkansas .... was greeted on the tarmac .. by Governor Huckabee and other Republican supporters.

.. I remembered that I had my Hillary for President sign in the car, and spent my break time holding my sign outside the fence where the Senator was landing his airplane.

.. Huckabee noticed me ... and raised questions with my boss ...

... I was fired today because of the "embarrassment" ...

It is unfortunate that Mr. Huckabee and the other Republicans felt threatened by my little sign. It cost me my job.

But it is worth it to me, because it is fundamentally American to express yourself.

Sincerely
Micah Qualls

link @ http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2008/04/the_lone_protest.aspx

[blue sky at night]

12. I would certainly hope this gets some coverage....

in the Little Rock area. Perhaps a little action on the part of the public toward this establishment might bring the owner to his/her senses. HOW About it Little Rock DU'ers, you really don't want to eat at this joint anymore do you? Perhaps a short letter in the mail to this place would help, perhaps a few signs posted on the telephone poles in the area would enlighten the locals?

[izquierdista]

13. Time for a boycott?

Probably not a good place for Democrats to eat lunch. This election season is going to be a bruising one, and the sooner Democrats wield economic power by refusing to buy from people actively supporting Republicans, the better. If a Republican wants my money, he's going to have to kiss my ass first -- then we'll talk.

[sasquatch]

15. Time to repeal the Taft-Hartley act!!

:rant:

[ekwhite]

41. Amen to that

It's also time for Arkansas DU'ers to boycott that restaurant.

[Jack Rabbit]

16. The boss was out of line

If I were planning any trips to Little Rock, I'd avoid that restaurant.

[mbperrin]

17. Yep, it's great to live in the land of the free, ain't it?

Wherever that would be.

Pox on the employer here.

[a la izquierda]

19. Sue the bastard! This is complete insanity. N/T

[Dukkha]

22. Just like the woman fired for having a Kerry bumper sticker

http://www.slate.com/id/2106714/

Further proof that all conservative idiots sincerely believe free speech only belongs to them.

[raouldukelives]

26. So if it were a McCain sign

The results would have been the same?

[mtnester]

103. DING...you get it absolutely

If this had been a sign in support of McCain....she would have her job today

Anyone who thinks otherwise really in their heart of hearts knows better

[kwenu]

27. Neither a Hillary or McCain supporter here but this is crappy. I doubt she can sue.

Unless she has a contract or a union job of some kind there is nothing she can do except what has been done, turn it into an embarrassing media story.

[OwnedByFerrets]

30. Instead of a lawyer.....

would it be better if she called the AFLCIO?

[mitchtv]

36. wouldn't help if she's on a company paid break

The guy claims she was on "his" time.If he's right , she loses, union ot no

[pattmarty]

32. UNION YES! ! ! ! !

[crimsonblue]

35. I hope Micah bankrupts this bullshit restaurant.

And I hope to God the ACLU takes up her case.

[peaches2003]

38. We still don't know the whole story-

How long was she gone from the restaurant? Longer than her break time? She said she was 'outside the fence', so obviously she was not on restaurant property. Breaks are short- probably she was not supposed to leave the premesis while on a break (not lunch hour). If she attracted that much attention in her restaurant uniform it sounds like it reflected on her employer. She has no case and in Right to Work states her employer does not need a reason to fire anyway.

[ekwhite]

40. That restaurant owner is unamerican

She was on her break - holding up a sign for an Arkansas favorite daughter. Of course, we have no rights once we enter the workplace. the Bush administration has made certain of that.

[WritersBlock]

43. "Please feel free to email or call 975-9315"

http://www.central.aero/flight-deck/


(The area code is 501, in case anyone is interested.) :)

[whistle]

46. Just another way employers have of coercing employees, this waitress

...was used as an example to the other employees to keep in line and keep their political views to themselves

[Ilsa]

48. The best revenge would be for Micah

...to open a restaurant or diner across the street from her former asshole employer. Maybe Hil can float her a loan.

[NM Independent]

97. So, I brought my laptop to the hospital...

...because I thought the delivery of my second son would take as long as the first (30 hours).

I was reading through posts on DU as my wife was going through (what we thought) was the early stages of labor.

Well, it went quicker than I thought and your post just so happened to be the last one I read before she began to transition.

I guess now that my baby boy is here and both he and his Momma are asleep I can get back to finishing up this thread.

Just thought I would share



Oh, back on topic, that employer should be shamed bad enough to hurt his bank account. However, she has no right to sue or anything, and frankly she was technically - though not ethically - in the wrong.

[Ilsa]

116. First of all --- Congratulations!

I work with new moms and their breastfeeding babies, but not at the hospital. YEah, the second births typically go faster than the first. I hope your wife and sons are doing well.

I know she can't sue or anything, but she does have the option of trying to compete if she dares to risk it.

[LiberalArkie]

49. No matter what you think, when the Clintons fly into Little Rock they goto Central Flying Service,

If Obama went to Little Rock, he would go to Central Flying Service. I do not know what their political affilations are, but I think they are where they all go.

[scarface2004]

51. at least i got fired for pissing on mkane's shoes...

while wearing a 'waffle house' uniform if you re gonna get fired....make it worth it!

[barbtries]

57. please,

i want to hear this story

[trthnd4jstc]

53. Micah Qualls is Innocent.

Micah Qualls is Innocent! She should not be fired based on her political beliefs. Isn't this against the law?


Here are some lyrics from a song that I wrote a few years ago. My mind started singing this after reading about her getting fired.

Fascist in love
Hurrah for our team
Fascist in hate
Hate a liberal.

Fascist in love
Hurrah for our team
Fascist in love
Making money.

Fascist in hate
Kill a hippy.

Peace.

Currently, I am trying to end my senseless rage. Not thinking I am any better, nor worse than anyone else.
We have the power to change the world.

It is too bad about this sister, if I was rich enough, I would hire her.

Let us become prosperous enough to not need money ever again!

End Tyranny. End Lies. End Opportunism.

Begin Democracy. Speak the Truth. Treat People Fairly.

[Zambero]

60. Hopefully publicity from this will land her a better paying job...

..and a good lawyer who'll sue the britches off her former employer.

[TheWraith]

61. Deservingly, in my opinion.

This isn't a question of political support. She stole something from her job, and tried to sell it, compromising the diner as well as one of its customers. Any business I know would fire someone for that.

[mbperrin]

63. What did she steal? And WHY did they make her finish the

lunch run first?

[TheWraith]

118. She stole a plate, silverware, and unfinished meal.

She also doubtless violated the agreements made when she became an employee there not to do anything that would publicly damage the diner. She did.

[depakid]

68. I'm glad I don't live anywhere near you

or patronize businesses like those you describe....

[TheWraith]

119. You'd be hard pressed to find a business that wouldn't fire someone for this.

Theft aside, this person conducted herself unprofessionally and embarassed the diner. I don't know where you work, but anyone who opened up their employer to that kind of liability, both in publicity and the legal jeopardy of advertising for sale something containing a person's DNA, could very reasonably expect the axe.

[IsItJustMe]

78. You are a dandy, aren't you?

[Name removed]

99. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TheWraith]

117. You've gotta love those silly ad hominem attacks. nt

[rinsd]

132. Are you reading a different story than the one in the link?

[bigworld]

67. The Chairman's given money to a Dem Congressional candidate

HOLBERT, DON
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202
CENTRAL FLYING SERVICE/CHAIRMAN

NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
05/07/2007 250.00 27930813183
08/10/2007 250.00 27990578454

HOLBERT, DONALD
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202
CENTRAL FLYING SERVICE

SNYDER, VICTOR F
VIA SNYDER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
08/24/1998 500.00 98033621372

HOLBERT, RICHARD
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72207
CENTRAL FLYING SERVICES

SNYDER, VICTOR F
VIA SNYDER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
05/11/2000 1000.00 20035892054

HOLBERT, RICHARD N
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202
CENTRAL FLYING SERVICE

SNYDER, VICTOR F
VIA SNYDER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
08/24/1998 500.00 98033621372

HOLBERT, RICHARD N
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72207
CENTRAL FLYING SERVICE/RETIRED

SNYDER, VICTOR F
VIA SNYDER FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
03/30/2004 1000.00 24990995534
05/11/2006 1000.00 26960208688

Total Contributions: 4500.00

[mcollier]

70. Gotta be careful with politics at work...

This is not a good time for anyone to be losing a job... Hope you find a job soon...

Best Wishes...

[greengestalt]

90. Kick butt and name names

I loathe Hillary, but this is where we need to draw the line.

The article was short sighted. It did not name names.


Anyone nearby? Find out who the manager was. Where he lives. His friends, his relatives, his children. Where they go, what they do. Pictures. Start an offshore based website and put all of it on.

And, let's introduce a concept in long term social protest; the "personal crusade" aka "Personal Jihad".
That is, you take one or more 'pet causes' of a limited scope and follow them for a long time. Rather than let this or that parasite, thug, creep think "I'll hide under my bed until this clears" they find they still get to re-live that day 1, 5, 10 and 20 years down the road. People keep pressure on them, they have no privacy, they are watched and hassled.

We can, as the politics need it support the big causes, but we can have personal "great struggles" like "The manager at MacCrud on 24th st and W. who fires non-Republicans..." and keep personal attention to them for decades, a few individuals who just once every few months, with the occasional year long pause to bait them with false hope, get together or act alone and make these people miserable.

Now, nobody do anything "Illegal" of course. We don't support any "Illegal Activities" here so of course we categorically deny any association with or any support of any illegal behavior against such maggots. Of course, American Justice is still in abstract "innocent until proven guilty" so support for a legal defense fund and for appeals is fair game, since we support the innocence, not any "Allgeged" crimes dreamed up by the new CointelPro....


But, say this guy is a "McManager".


He's at a barely paying dead end. But, there's a glimmer of hope that keeps him from just quitting and reapplying elsewhere weekly as is done to most of the "non bonded wage slaves" the rich elite are turning America into. Imagine if, even if his job weathers the complaints filed, the health department complaints, etc. five years later he's kissing a- for a promotion. And his potential boss's boss is covered with new complaints about how hated this man is... If he drops trash on the street, there's a person with a camera (drone bot?) to send it to the police. His car is parked 5 mins, again with the alarms. His restaurant better make a Japanese one bow in respect for all the time the health department will drop by. (we need more of that, regardless of politics!) And it won't quit, it'll just change tactics.


Will the NeoCons bail him out? Nope, they don't care. They won't pull any favors, even in the short term, certainly not the long term. They just care about the money they make. They can afford to run laughing to a guarded Mansion, an upper class gated community or some Bannana Republic when this is over. But it's their toadies who aren't so fortunate. They just do their work hoping to be a "Smithers" maybe someday. Putting pressure on them, on the individual level will do a lot of damage to the political/economic machine the NeoCons use to rape this country.

[Zhade]

94. She was on her break. She's got a case.

I don't understand her supporting a documented liar like clinton, but she has every right to express that support on her own time.

[dysfunctional press]

102. in an "at will employment" state, which arkansas is, she DOESN'T have a case.

the employer can terminate her at any time, for almost any reason.

[Solon]

104. as you said, almost any reason...

If the employer, in this case, is stupid enough to state publicly that he's firing her for her political position or affiliation, then she has a case, if he says that she's "not a team player" in general terms, she doesn't have a case. Its a fine line, and basically depends on the stupidity of your boss.

[LanternWaste]

106. If her lawyer can somehow manage to interpret this as

If her lawyer can somehow manage to interpret this as discrimination against her sex, religion, race, etc. she may have a chance of winning a lawsuit (and I've seen a few lawyers interpret the most random reasons for firing an employee into discrimination in TX).

Otherwise, I'd bet that the odds of winning-- or even bringing a case to trial are rather low.

[unkachuck]

95. maybe someone....

....should pass this on to the clintons....

"Micah Qualls used her break from the restaurant at Central Flying Service Friday morning to wave a Clinton campaign poster..."

....the clintons, the great Arkansas champions of labor and the working-class might want to contact a few people back home and see what they can do for this poor lady....

....but hey, it's their supporter, holding their sign....I would think they would want to help one of their supporters persecuted for supporting hillary....I could be wrong....

[donheld]

100. K & R

Sue their asses off!

[Jennicut]

108. Clearly this is against Freedom of Speech, its wrong, she was on her lunch break

Its out of line

[lonestarnot]

110. File a fucking complaint!

[truebrit71]

121. If she was on her own time (lunch break) then she needs to sue his ass...

...if it was on the bosses time (not lunch break) then she shouldn't complain.

[Maine-ah]

131. if she was in her uniform....

then I can understand it.

I'm a waitress, btw. I'm also currently in training for a management position.