Protesters recently urged Illegal Pete’s, a burrito chain with several restaurants in Colorado, to change its name, citing use of the word “illegal” by some to describe immigrants. (Associated Press file photo)
Re: “Debate over name of Colorado restaurant Illegal Pete’s mirrors others,” Nov. 10 news story.
Whether itap Illegal Pete’s, Chink’s Steaks, Bandidos or Redskins, please show me in our Constitution where anyone has the right to not be offended. Most people don’t open a business with the idea of shutting it down. The name of their business is usually chosen as a catchy marketing tool. If someone is offended by the name of the business, they have the free-market choice not to patronize that business. If enough people feel the same way, the business will close.
Let the marketplace take care of business names. The last time I looked, we had much bigger problems in this country to demand our attention. We need to stop being distracted by ridiculous political correctness issues; rather, we must pay attention to the important issues in our society.
Donna Jorgenson Farrell, Broomfield
This letter was published in the Nov. 16 edition.Despite his extensive, open discussion of how he arrived at the name Illegal Pete’s, Pete Turner continues to be slammed in the press by everyone with an ax to grind. If individuals do not feel they are associated with something illegal, what are they so upset about? I wonder if I named a coffee shop “Nosey, Bored Academics, ” who would be the first to protest?
I hope Turner sticks to his decision and moves on, as he has already given these groups more courtesy and time than they deserve.
Thomas M. Holzfaster, Lakewood
This letter was published in the Nov. 16 edition.I hope that the people who are taking the time to object to the use of “illegal” in the name of a restaurant at least spent time working on and/or voting in the last election. Much more could be accomplished toward helping illegal immigrants by electing candidates who support comprehensive immigration reform.
A lot of people didn’t vote in the midterm elections and the result is that many Republicans who have a long history of resisting comprehensive immigration reform will now represent us in Congress. There, they will cast votes on proposed laws that will significantly affect any such reform.
Don Peterson, Greenwood Village
This letter was published in the Nov. 16 edition.
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