Angel wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:26 AM:Good Lord, last I heard, it was NOT illegal, nor was it a "firing offense" to listen to a certain radio station. I find this article most disturbing. I see our Constitutional rights eroding away like the cliffs on the coast, thanks to our current administration. Soon the bluff (pun FULLY intended) will come down and we will be prisoners in the "Land of the Free".

John wrote on Mar 9, 2006 9:18 AM:Are we surprised by this type of censorship in the vicinity of the Congressional districts of Randy "Duke" Scamingham and Duncan "Duck and Cover" Hunter? What's next, book burning?

Bob wrote on Mar 9, 2006 10:52 AM: Well why not just get it over with and issue brown shirts and black boots. Why is her boss so afraid of someone who may actually have an opinion that differs from his. Sorry, I guess asking questions under this regime is out of the question.

Rob wrote on Mar 9, 2006 11:19 AM:This is what we have come to expect from a group of people that are hatefully driven by a rightwing media. The other day I heard a caller calling for the execution of Bill Clinton because he did not kill Osama Bin Laden. These are shameful people who should be feared far more than any possible foreign threats.

Kelley wrote on Mar 9, 2006 11:48 AM:I find this circumstance hideous. I hope Beverly Fath is ashamed of her actions. She sounds like she is ill-informed and a horribly rude person. Best of luck to Linda Laroca in suing the pants off both the offending party and the business.

Scott wrote on Mar 9, 2006 11:57 AM:There are a lot of facts that we don't know about this case. The article is vague and only states one side. For all we know, the ladies boss could have been planning on firing her to begin with when she asked her to meet up in a parking lot. A lot of employers have policies that give them the ability to fire someone for no reason at all for a period of time after the hire date. If she was infact fired because of the bumper sticker, then yes, that is grounds for a law suit. But I have the feeling that the employer may have a pretty good argument.

Corey wrote on Mar 9, 2006 12:34 PM:... In Response to Scott's comment... as a California Employer I can tell you that it is not permissible to mention anything politically related, racist, homophobic, or anything personal in nature in most cases to any employee. If the employer was stuipid enough to make any comments like this (regardless of the situation) they are in fact--at fault!

Joe wrote on Mar 9, 2006 12:51 PM:I hope more information gets reported on this story. Based on the claim, these Right Wing Lemmings are taking things too far. What kind of idiot fires someone because of their views?

Thurman wrote on Mar 9, 2006 1:11 PM:I used to live off 7th and Ft. Stockton. I'm from Kansas, and currently live in Nebraska. When people ask me about my time in San Diego, what San Diego's like, and so on -I tell them it's like Wichita, Kansas by the sea. Close enough to Oklahoma that it's terribly rednecked and ill-informed. I don't miss San Diego. Now I have something else to back up my assertions! Thanks Bev! You make my point all the more believeable. Y'all'd feel right at home in Oklahoma! Thurman

Jim from Delaware wrote on Mar 9, 2006 1:23 PM:I guess the way things are now, we would get sued for firing a Nazi sympathizer during WWII

Wayne wrote on Mar 9, 2006 1:25 PM:Perhaps Beverly Fath should try tuning in to Air America Radio. She just might learn something - that is, if anything can get into that closed mind of hers....

Buck wrote on Mar 9, 2006 2:20 PM:Hey Beverly Fath, If I were you, I wouldn't be throwing that al Qaida stuff around. Methinks you protest too much. Maybe the Homeland Security folks and FBI should take a real hard look.......... at you.

Mary wrote on Mar 9, 2006 2:48 PM:Corey's got this right. You can not fire somebody over their political views. Now if they are spending time at work espousing those views instead of working, that is another story. But over a bumper sticker - no. But I have to admit it is a bit suspicious that she waited until now to file suit. There maybe more here but the law usually errors on the side of the employee so as a manager you have to follow the rules. You can lay off people for no cause, but you have to have a good cause to fire somebody. It is just a matter of whether or not you protest their unemployment claim. And having an Air America bumpber sticker is not a good cause for firing under the law.

Max wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:22 PM:Let's keep in mind that a woman was fired for having a pro-Kerry bumper sticker in 2004, in the run-up to the election. Her employer was publically criticized and did offer her her job back, but the Kerry campaign had already hired her.

Frances wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:29 PM:This situation is about right for those on the right. If you do not agree with them, you are a traitor, not a Christian, dumb, stupid or just unAmerican. Yet most of them profess a love for Jesus Christ and Christianity. As Americans, we all have a right to single minded thinking. We do not have to be in lockstep with anyone. Yet, it appears that her employer is trying to ensure a police state mentality. What a shame.

Kurt wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:33 PM:Why is it that it's always people with Liberal bumper stickers getting fired? You never hear about a Liberal boss getting so worked up over a Bush supporter bumper sticker.

Gingo wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:36 PM:There seems to be something missing between "laughing nervously" and being "fired on the spot". If the two started arguing, yelling, and foaming at the mouth screaming at each other, and basically getting close to hitting each other ... That's sort of a different thing than being fired for having a sticker.

Canada Chris wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:36 PM:You Americans make me laugh! Can anyone say "red scare"? Good night, and good luck.

maco wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:41 PM:this is really very, very common, but usually much more subtle. I remember many years ago I went with a good friend on a job interview for an English Assistent Prof. The chair said, as a joke, you are voting for Nixon, aren't you? She hesitated one second - and the job was gone. This days the same transaction occurs over and over, but using code words like "family values" or fond references to Rush. If you're in the work place surrounded by self-righteous people, it pays to be a chamaeleon.

Luis wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:47 PM:Linda is my sister and the interesting thing is that we have opposing political views, I am a republican, and a Bush supporter. However, the day this happened she called me very upset because she was fired for having that bumper sticker. Even though our political views are different I totally support her actions and I encouraged her that same day to seek an attorney and file a law suit against this company. Everyone is free to express their own opinion, this is not Hussein's Iraq or Castro's Cuba. Good luck sis.

Theory wrote on Mar 9, 2006 3:57 PM:While we may not like why he fired her it seems to me that a person should be free to run their own business they way they see fit. Even if we think it stinks. As an employer I have every right to employ the people I want for the reasons I want, and that does mean I have the right to fire someone simply because I don't like them. But instead of just dealing with it people want to sue as if somehow money fixs the problem. When people sue because they were fired it makes small business owners like myself think twice about even hiring new people. I know that if I heard one of my employees listening to Hannity or Rush I would tell them to turn it off. If they didn't I would in fact fire them. I have that right, but when people continue to sue each other it take that right away. People talk about having freedoms but both the left and the right only want people to have freedoms they agree with. Shame. While I may think the guy is a jerk I will always fight for his rights to be one.

Lynn wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:17 PM:I just want to tell all of you out there bashing on Beverly, I know her personally and she knows nothing about politics and she wouldn't say such a thing! She doesn't even know what the bumper sticker looked like. I believe Laroca should be counter sued for false claims. It's he own fault she wasn't doing her job correctly. Also, the Press failed to contact Beverly to confirm this claim, they too should be sued. You all are only hearing one side of the story!

Blair wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:28 PM:At least it wasn't the gay rainbow. In most states, you got no case if you're fired for that one. Cali might (I hope) be different, but its just another example of the legal discrimination they feel.

Ashley wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:35 PM:Why did a professional person request to meet a subordinate in a parking lot? Why is it anyone's business what beliefs co-workers hold? Why does this story not surprise me in the least? And, lastly, why isn't everyone listening to Air America?

Darryl wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:41 PM:Welcome to George Bush America

Robert wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:49 PM: Re: Woman sues for alleged firing over talk show bumper sticker If Linda Laroca's account is true (the paper tried to contact the other side for comment without luck) then Beverly Fath and her company deserve to be sued--for a lot. They should also be reminded of the last words of Star Spangled Banner: "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Americans did not die to defeat Axis fascism and the Stalinist communism, only to have the radical American right inflict their own warped totalitarian views to our fellow citizens. They should take a moment to read the Constitution, which they seem to fear so much.

Tom in Florida wrote on Mar 9, 2006 4:56 PM: There was a time in the South when people who loathed lynching and segregation were forced to keep quiet about it for fear of violence, being ostracized, or, yes, being fired. My God, we've regressed that far in a few years! Even if this case turns out to be different, the posted comments comparing the women to "a nazi sympathizer" for listening to the "wrong" radio station shows how little regard we now have for the Constitution!

Bill wrote on Mar 9, 2006 5:02 PM:I'm in Florida, where we have some really "wonderful" right-wingers and "Dittoheads" trying to push their views on the normal citizens in the area. I just know how to push back, and not take their"goody-goody" baloney. I'm a little surprised to hear about this coming from a supposedly Democratic state like California. But, a Dittohead stunt man was elected Governator....ROTFLMAO!

Jon wrote on Mar 9, 2006 5:28 PM:Theory raises the idea of freedom of association. This is a real issue. However, this is also an issue of state law. If you want to run a business for profit in the State of California (or any state) and receive all the protections and legitimacy that the State offers you, you have to follow the laws of that State. If there is a law that says you can't fire a person for their political views, and you simply cannot have persons working for you with differing views than your own, then as an employer, you have two options. Check out the applicant's bumper stickers BEFORE you hire them, or do business in another state.

Tracy wrote on Mar 9, 2006 5:59 PM:Can you imagine the screams of outrage on FOX news and talk radio if this firing had been over a bumper sticker for a right-wing station? Or a Rush Limbaugh bumper sticker? But I guess freedom of thought and expression only count of you are politically correct, which these days means conservative.

FOX SECURITY wrote on Mar 9, 2006 6:31 PM:BREAK IT UP. BREAK IT UP. DON'T MAKE US HAVE TO VISIT ALL YOUR HOUSES.

notemployable wrote on Mar 9, 2006 7:21 PM:Theory wrote on March 09, 2006 3:57 PM:"While we may not like why he fired her it seems to me that a person should be free to run their own business they way they see fit. Even if we think it stinks. As an employer I have every right to employ the people I want for the reasons I want, and that does mean I have the right to fire someone simply because I don't like them. ### I'm a gay, black, ex-muslum and jewish. I vote the most progressive ticket I can find. Now, please tell me how you can NOT hire me because you don't like gays, blacks, muslum and jews. Really now, you do understand the law says that you have to hire or not hire me on things that have to do with your business, not things that have to do with my political opinions, colour, religion, gender or sexual preference.

Peter wrote on Mar 9, 2006 7:22 PM:This is unbelievable because the person doing the firing was her manager and not the "owner" of the business. Irregardless of an employer's right to terminate an "at will" employee, the fact that the "manager" made a comment regarding what they perceived as a politicvally oriented bumper sticker more than justifies the law suit. The "manager" should be terminated by the company in question, and the company should be required to pay the offended former employee.

Betty wrote on Mar 9, 2006 7:54 PM:I can't believe you all are making such a big deal over this issue when you haven't even heard the other side of the story! Do you all forget that people are sue HAPPY!! Laroca should consider working for her money instead of making false claims!!! Good luck Laroca, you'll owe more money at the end then you plan to receive!

MK wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:16 PM:I would love to be the plaintiff's lawyer. This is a slam dunk. If the story is true as written, then I see compensatory damages plus punitive damages in the range of $5 - $10 million. Haaaaa hhaaaa!

Erica wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:18 PM:"Neither Laroca nor the defendants could be reached for comment Wednesday. Laroca's attorney declined comment." And what does that tell you!? If NONE of the people involved in this case could be contacted, THEN how can ANY of these comments be true? Answer me that one...

Sally wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:21 PM:Ashley- A professional person working for this company would request to meet a subordinate in a parking lot because this company is a marketing company for GROCERY STORES, thus, meeting at one of the subordinates store is out of convenience, so they have to drive to the main office up North!!

lillian wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:27 PM:Excuse me, if all of you are trying to be politically correct quoting the constitution etc. Why on earth are you bashing someone you have no knowledge of, you don't know her views, you don't know what truly happened that day. So how can you say she is a horrible rude person??? I think that all of you who said those mean things need to look and see who is the hypocrite. People who are on the side of Beverly aren't talking crap about Laroca! I truly think these comments aren't helping the situation but perpetuating it.

Keith in So. Cal. wrote on Mar 9, 2006 8:55 PM:While Ca. is a blue state, it has many very red areas. Vista is one of those areas. I have lived in another for over 15 years. I am also a small business owner and find it amazing that any manager in this state could be as moronic as to tie a political view to a firing in this way, regardless of whether it was used as a justification or not. I suspect that Linda will be called every name but the anti-christ when this goes to court.

Melissa wrote on Mar 9, 2006 10:03 PM:To Jim on firing Nazi sympathizers during WWII. Bush's grandfather ,not only sympathized, but financially supported Hitler until he was stopped in 1943. So I guess it is all right as long as you are a powerful person with lots of money.

Doug wrote on Mar 9, 2006 10:36 PM:I have never been ashamed of living in San Diego County until now. Advantage Sales and Marketing deserves to lose all its clients for having the stupidity to hire a manager like that.

Chuck wrote on Mar 10, 2006 3:18 AM:Lillian claims some are "trying to be politically correct quoting the constitution." How dare they!! Imagine that, looking to the document where the First Amendment is found to determine a dispute about a First Amendment issue! Maybe we should just ask Bush what he thinks, since for many Republicans he, not the Constitution, seems to be the source for guidance on whether something is constitutional.

Melissa wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:15 AM:Sure there's a lot we don't "know" about this case. However, the plantiff really lost her job over a bumpersticker. It's sickening. There really is a facist mentality in San Diego. Maybe it's the result of military types. It's common to hear in the workplace derogatory things about people in the Middle East or "terrorists". People really show annoyance when you don't go along with it. The topic of conversation is absolutely unnecessary in the workplace, unprofessional...this "war mentality" is another excuse to express their prejudice and racist views. It's quite disturbing, but it feels as if our work environment require a tolerance to these additudes. Our military defense should not be used to encourage ignorance, discrimination, and racism. There's no good reason for it regardless of what our feelings are about this war.

cartwright wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:15 AM:How are the actions of the employer Bush's fault???!?!?!!? YOu Libs are reaching here...again.

esteban wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:16 AM:Anyone who supports that radio show SHOULD be fired.

morrine wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:20 AM:In these times of terrorists trying to kill everyone, I believe we must take, what may be perceived as, drastic measures to ensure OUR survival. It is also well known that our own people are trying to destroy us internally, as well as our traditional values. If another terrorist attack, domestic or foreign, happens on our soil, it will most likely be the result of the actions/inactions and mind set of the left. Simple as that.

bigdavefromqueens wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:07 AM:The writer of this article is extremely biased by claiming that Air America is "left wing." Left wing encompasses communism and socialism. (Ironically conservatism is simply socialism through the corporation) Progressives, labor first, greens,etc.. are center left groups. Liberals are actually centrist. But the author seeks to lump more than half the political spectrum into 1 category and then create a false straw man to define that category. That's bias.

William wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:28 AM:Hey Jim from Delaware, How is listening to a progressive radio station analogous to being "a Nazi sympathizer during WWII?"

Carl wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:39 AM:This is awful. If this sort of intimidation keeps up people may hesitate to become liberals. We may run out of liberals and need to declare them an endangered species. But then again we can always go to a college campus and find plenty more. They are being paid with our tax money to indoctrinate our kids to be good little lefties. Why shouldn't I be able to hire or fire anyone as I choose? If I choose to fire all the liberals working for me why is that any of the state's business? Did the taxpayers put up the money to start my business? Did any of you lefties offer to help when I was working 80 hours per week to keep my buusiness alive? But you want to tell me who to hire and fire. We have come so far from the concepts that once made us a great nation.

Lily wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:42 AM:Erica: "If NONE of the people involved in this case could be contacted, THEN how can ANY of these comments be true? Answer me that one... " A law suit was filed. It's irrelevant whether or not the people involved respond to the media.

Bill wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:43 AM:So Esteban thinks anyone who supports Al Franken's radio show should be fired. Should anyone who supports Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Bill O'Reilly lose their jobs because a manager doesn't like those radio show hosts? Come on, Esteban, use your brain. Step into the employee's shoes and see if you'd like it if you were fired for your Bush-Cheney sticker.

Goober wrote on Mar 10, 2006 9:47 AM:Any Bush supporter is a member of Al Queda. They have been trained as rabid dogs to attack and demonize their fellow Americans, not Al Queda. They have no intelligent arguments, just scream Al Queda and terrorism and patriotism and thinks that solves things. I always wondered how Hitler could seduce a country into thinking it okay to torture and kill Jewish people and their children, but you folks just prove how stupid people can be. Air America talks truth to power, and if you haven't figured out your shooting yourself in your own foot -- you deserve much more than to be called stupid.

Johnny wrote on Mar 10, 2006 9:59 AM:Carl, anyone can say they own a buisness and claim they work eighty hours a day. I must of heard this hundreds of times from callers on right wing talk radio. The truth is more likely that you spend that eighty hours chatting in fourms like this one, under the pretense of being a hard working businessman that just so happens to have enough time to write an editorial comment every now and then. Get a job !!!

IloveRush wrote on Mar 10, 2006 10:07 AM:I'm an employer and I've fired people for less than a bumper sticker or listening to a radio station. In the past, if I even suspected that someone was a lefty, I would fire them on the spot. Why? Because it's so easy being a rich, white male in George Bush's America. There are no consequences to our actions. Amen.

LOL wrote on Mar 10, 2006 10:11 AM:This is kind of funny but probably not true. Some lady probably got fired and dreamed up this scam to get some money. If it is true thought they company should pay up!!!

Tom wrote on Mar 10, 2006 10:17 AM:To all those that say they have the right to fire anone for their politics, You may not want to do buiness in the state of California, it is against the law. Then again most of you don't care about the laws if it affects you, only if it will harm liberals. Why don;t you just make a signing statement that says you don't have to follow the laws, that's what your president does

Lillian wrote on Mar 10, 2006 10:41 AM:Chuck--"Lillian claims some are "trying to be politically correct quoting the constitution." How dare they!! Imagine that, looking to the document where the First Amendment is found to determine a dispute about a First Amendment issue! Maybe we should just ask Bush what he thinks, since for many Republicans he, not the Constitution, seems to be the source for guidance on whether something is constitutional." First of all I wasn't saying quoting the constitution was a BAD thing!! I dont think you understood my comment. I was saying that if your going to be politically correct using that shouldn't you also be politically correct when talking about someone you haven't heard her side of the story?! You are all just assuming this writer gave fact, when she didn't even talk to ONE of the people involved in the case... SO cut the sarcasim because I totally believe in the First amendment and using it for cases, and situations such as these. Though be CONSISTANT in being politically correct or not, don't be a hypocrite!

Erica wrote on Mar 10, 2006 10:45 AM:Lily: "Erica: "If NONE of the people involved in this case could be contacted, THEN how can ANY of these comments be true? Answer me that one... " A law suit was filed. It's irrelevant whether or not the people involved respond to the media." Just because it's a Lawsuit does that mean it is TRUE? That it is FACT? Maybe if Beverly counter sued then that would be fact as well then we'd have a conflict of interest right? SO if your not hearing both sides of the story you can say that what this writer is saying is true. PLUS she quoted Beverly and where did she get that quote? From Larcoa? Again one side of the story.

Emma wrote on Mar 10, 2006 11:31 AM:My car has a bumper sticker that says "George W. Bush: Coward, Liar, War Criminal." Think I should apply to Ms. Fath for a job? Seriously, this kind of attitude is seriously wrong. There's a reason why it's illegal. If I worked for a company that fired a worker for having a Rush Limbaugh bumper sticker, I would be just as outraged, and I would start looking for another job immediately, and I'd make it clear why I was looking for one. This kind of thing is NOT okay. No matter WHO is in the White House.

Tony wrote on Mar 10, 2006 12:12 PM:How ironic that the supporters of Bush and his regime of corruption, cronyism, and incompetence are so scared that they are willing participants in destroying our freedoms in order to save them. It also shows how easily anti-terrorism rhetoric can be used against political opponents.

Paul wrote on Mar 10, 2006 12:27 PM:"The country is on a high state of alert. For all I know, you could be al-Qaida." "History is replete with instances in which warnings signs were ignored and change resisted until an external improbable event forced resistant bureaucracies to take action. The question is whether the US will be wise enough to act responsibly and soon enough to reduce US space vulnerability. Or whether, as in the past, a disabling attack against the country and its people - a space Pearl Harbor - will be the only event able to galvanize the nation and cause the US government to act." -The Rumsfeld Commission (assigned to assess US National Security Space Management and Organization) January 11, 2001 "You and other Democrats in Congress have voiced fear that you simply don't have enough money for the large increase in defense that the Pentagon is seeking, especially for missile defense, and you fear that you'll have to dip into the Social Security funds to pay for it. Does this sort of thing convince you that an emergency exists in this country to increase defense spending, to dip into Social Security, if necessary to pay for defense spending- increase defense spending?" -Donald Rumsfeld (speaking to Senator Carl Levin) September 11, 2001

esteban wrote on Mar 10, 2006 12:27 PM:Answer to Bill's question if Hannity/Bush/O'Reilly supporters should be fired...no.

Scott wrote on Mar 10, 2006 1:36 PM:I love the fact that there's outrage and concern for our civil rights on the part of the liberals (and even some conservatives) on this board, while the freepers (you know who you are) seem to just be sniping. Typical. Fact: Listening to Air America is not the equivalent of being a Nazi sympathizer. That's just stupid. Fact: A manager does not have the right to fire an employee over political beliefs in the state of California, even if that manager built the business from the ground up and sweated 80 hours a week to make it successful, like a great American. You've got to have a legitimate reason or the lawyers will be all over you (and your great American business). If you're really a business manager, you know that you must create incidents and document them. It's the American way! That said, I must note that this story certainly could use some more detail, like what happened between the bumper sticker comment and the firing. Unfortunately, nobody was available for comment. I'm sorry, but "not available for comment" is pretty vague and can mean either that they are sandbagging because they have no defense or they know that this paper is pretty liberal (judging by the response to this story, at least) and don't want to grease the rails any more than necessary. Time will certainly tell, but I'll bet there's more at play than just the obvious stereotypes. Seriously, folks, look at the characters: A callous, likely racist, conservative business manager (who forces her employess to work on Saturdays, no less) fires her liberal employee for nothing more than expressing an opinion. Said liberal employee goes running to her lawyers, filing a frivolous lawsuit in typical crybaby lefty fashion. It's too perfect. The characters are straight from central casting. I think we're unwittingly participating in a Karl Rove public opinion poll. If so, please tally me on the side of free speech and limited executive power.

db wrote on Mar 10, 2006 1:39 PM:Have the Fascists finally won? Anyway, since when did Americans beome such sissy-lalas? "Ooooh, you might be al-Qaeda! I*'m afraid!" Get. A. Grip.

Markansas wrote on Mar 10, 2006 2:19 PM:What part of "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ..." did Fath not understand? She needs a remedial Civics class! If Ms. Laroca's claim is true, when she wins her suit she should OWN that company (if she wants it). Dissent is not just protected - in a free society, it is IMPERATIVE. Our First Amendment rights to free speech are sacred and inviolable, ESPECIALLY when they conflict with the goals of the Chimperor and Bushco.

Teri Figueroa wrote on Mar 10, 2006 2:41 PM:Hello, this is Teri Figueroa, the author of the 3/9/06 story on the lawsuit filed by Linda Laroca. I have been trying to locate Ms. Beverly Fath for comment, but so far have not been successful. Calls to a lawyer who we're told is representing the company she works for have not been returned, and calls to the business involved have been received with a firm "no comment." If you know Ms. Fath, or how to reach her, please let her know she can reach me on my direct line at (760) 631-6624. Thanks!

Adam wrote on Mar 10, 2006 3:55 PM:Teri, Try to be more responsible when writing articles. I really don't think your "left wing" comment was unbiased reporting. You better refer to AM600 or AM760 as "right wing" radio stations in that case. A better choice of words may have been left leaning or liberal or even progressive. Instead you put the progressive part in quotes as if it was the station softening up some radical view. Keep your politics out of your articles in the future.

Jonathan wrote on Mar 10, 2006 5:12 PM:Some people believe in the Constitution and some use it for toilet paper. Remember, Bush put his hand on the Bible to uphold the Constitution, not his hand on the Constitution to uphold the Bible. I hope Linda takes this as high as she can go! God Bless her! She's our hero!

Kelly wrote on Mar 10, 2006 6:18 PM:Hey Markansas -- What part of "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ..." do you not understand, you nitwit? Since when is a private individual / business equitable to the legislative branch? Last I knew, private individuals were legally protected in hiring and firing practices, so long as their practices were not discriminatory based on a certain set of factors -- political leaning is not a protected category you idiot. Although apparently the way the neo-libs whine, probably won't be long before it it. She can still display and speak her mind freely, she just needs to get a paycheck from somewhere else. If the firing was against company policy, then Ms Fath (if this is even a legit story) was wrong -- but if she's got the authority to do so, she can fire someone for sneezing funny. Appears you're the one needing a remedial Civics class!

Kelly wrote on Mar 10, 2006 6:23 PM:Notemployable -- You need to understand that the law currently includes certain protected categories of people against discrimination -- race, religion, handicapped etc. Politics is NOT and should never be a protected category. Why is this so difficult to understand? People should be allowed to fire anyone, so long as those protected categories are not violated. Otherwise, what would protect employers from firing a lazy, foul-mouthed incompetent employee?

Kelly wrote on Mar 10, 2006 6:26 PM:Scott -- I think your confusing state employment and private employment. Private business doesn't need much documentation at all to fire someone.

American wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:19 PM:You people keep going on and on about the constitution. You might be talking about the first ammendment which says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This is not about the govenment in any ways. It is about a company owner and an employee. If the government forces business owners to keep employees, this will do more harm to our country than gwb will ever do

AdamC wrote on Mar 10, 2006 7:51 PM:Kelly: only a winger would exude with such glee falsehoods that support such an untenable, unrealistic, and downright callous position...Dubya'd be proud! Isn't it obviously contradictory to hire someone based on their ability, only to then fire them based on their political inclination? And who doesn't hate a hypocrite? I mean, besides Republicans? In my mind, the GOP has achieved cult status: they've let their interest in the furtherance of their party trump that even of their own country, much to its disgrace and dishonor. Termination of employment must be for cause: to wit, for some species of incompetence or inadequate performance. Clearly, political preference has no bearing on job performance.

Melissa wrote on Mar 10, 2006 8:04 PM:"Politics is NOT and should never be a protected category." ARE YOU SERIOUS? Political leaning should DEFINATELY be a protected category. So is our freedom of speech, when it occurs out of the workplace. Otherwise it would give employers power in the wrong category. Why else would they make the voting booths private? How would you say that we have an honest vote/freedom of speech if our mere incomes are directly affected by it? If there are any exceptions, it should be those working for any political parties or the military. Other than that, it's absolutely irrelevant to the work being done and certainly unnecessary. Carl, you may have "created" your business in which you'll cheaply pay any qualified employees. However all they owe you is labor for the time allotted. It may be a better idea to make friends if you really need to be around other Republicans than to expect it from an job candidate. Morraine, is your logic based solely on fear? I wish the Laroca best of luck. Faths' comments were inappropriate, unprofessional, and completely out of line. I hope the plantiff gets her rewards.

Ace wrote on Mar 11, 2006 12:08 AM:The world after 9-11 will never be the same. Anyone who is naive enough to believe that it will return to "normal" needs to take the shades off. Ya can't even draw a little cartoon without someone nut wanting to harm you or write an opinion about any group because its not politically correct. Its time we concentrate on continuing life after 9-11. You may not like it...but its reality IMO

Guiseppe wrote on Mar 11, 2006 12:47 AM:Thomas Paine grasped the danger of threatening another's free speech: "I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his own opinion, however different that opinion might be to mine. He who denies another this right makes a slave of himself to his present opinion,because he precludes himself the right of changing it." -- Thomas Paine, 1783 "

Hannitized wrote on Mar 11, 2006 2:32 AM:I just don't understand what is wrong with you liberals. You should know better than to speak up. Get it through your heads, it's not your time. It's our time, and it will be for a LONG time. God bless Hannity, Rush, the whole Bush family, and especially BEVERLY FATH. The rest of you libs keep your mouth shut or better yet, go to Iraq and prove you love our country. Pathetic...

To Skeptical Jonny wrote on Mar 11, 2006 8:21 AM:The company that I started 24 years ago now has over 500 employees in six states. My wife and I made it happen through many years of sacrifice. The government (state and federal) that liberals think is so useful did nothing but stand in the way. As any business owner will tell you the state is not your friend. Regulations, taxes, permits, inspections, lawsuits all make growing a business difficult. This is especially true in California where the lawyers are one of the Democrats largest campaign contributers and in return get laws passed that hinder business growth by making it possible for lawyers to sue businesses for nonsense. Fifteen years ago we had enough and moved our company headquarters to Colorado. We left much of the bureacracy and lawsuits behind but had to lay off 60 people when we left.

Lily wrote on Mar 11, 2006 9:33 AM:Erica, I didn't claim the story is true. I don't know if it is, I wasn't there. However, you said it couldn't possibly be true because those involved did not respond to the media. Correct?

Lily wrote on Mar 11, 2006 9:45 AM:Kelly wrote on March 10, 2006 6:23 PM:"... the law currently includes certain protected categories of people against discrimination -- race, religion, handicapped etc. Politics is NOT and should never be a protected category." Politics not only should be, but IS a protected category.

Judy wrote on Mar 11, 2006 9:49 AM:"I understand that San Diego businesses are in the practice of firing employees based on the type of bumpersticker they have on their car. Such is the case regarding a recent incident involving manager Beverly Fath with Advantage Sales and Marketing. I plan to pass this story along to all of my friends and family in the Phoenix area who, like myself, vacation in the San Diego area. I will make plans to spend future summer vacations in the LA area.

voiceofreason wrote on Mar 11, 2006 9:53 AM:i read a comment above - "after 911, we will never be the same." how true - you will be insanely stabbing windmills for the rest of your life, and justify doing so. you will teach your children and their children your irrational and cowardly fear of your fellow man, alternative ideas, cultures, and the future. you carry this evil fear like a virus, and it now has permeated our formerly courageous, principled nation who used to celebrate a reputation of freedom as a "free exchange of ideas." history will judge you worse than i ever could. "we will never forget" - no doubt! i will never forget the day my country went insane. shame on you, shame on the coward beverly fath, shame on this company for not firing ms. fath on the spot! shame on your cowardice.

Dave wrote on Mar 11, 2006 10:24 AM:I feel sick, having spent money with Advantage Sales and Marketing before. Never again.

End Culture of Corruption wrote on Mar 11, 2006 11:13 AM:In November remember the Police State tactics, the Domestic Spying, the Torture and Ruination of American Principles, the GREED, the Sellout of our Ports to Al-Queda tied Dubai, the Treasonous outing of an American spy, the LIES, the Warmongering and War Profiteering, the CORRUPTION, and the warped mindset of the GOP followers, like this one.

Bob wrote on Mar 11, 2006 2:02 PM:KLSD needs to be listened to by anyone who listens to those other tools of mass media. It give the brain a chance to hear both sides. I ponder on this: Does Valerie Plame Wilson have anything to do with CIA commercial cover and the Dubai Ports deal crashing or "setup" to crash publicly to reveal the feeble attempt of the GWP administration to place their own replacement players in the same manner other CIA operatives have used commercial cover? Maybe the Dubai ports deal was an attempt to give more power to a company that has been totally overtaken by CIA cover agents. I think both the left and the right live in a state of manic hypnosis that can only be stopped by intense meditation and a "little" herb. GWP good or bad is now a total lame duck and is hurting the security of our country. His crew blew the cover on the whole CIA commercial cover OPs. Now he thinks he can just change the players and start OPs up again. He and his crew are totally lame. He is hurting the Republicans, and hurting the National security. He needs to step down or get impeached for blowing the cover on the whole CIA commercial cover opps. Now they can not do their job thanks to GWB and crew.

Anonymous wrote on Mar 11, 2006 4:25 PM:I suggest you get Linda's last name correct: "La Rocca" and do a background check. Enough said.

Filner wrote on Mar 11, 2006 7:32 PM:First of all, Beverly Fath is an idiot. You can't fire somebody because they don't share your political views! That's absurd! There is much caselaw on the books regarding "wrongful termination" and the employee has a strong case. Second of all, you people who are defending Fath's actions are pathetically ignorant. Even if you agree with her politics, you would have to be brain-damaged to agree that somebody who listens to a particular radio station is "probably a member of al-Qaeda," etc. Where are your principles? Or do your principles only apply to the side you agree with?

ACherryGhost wrote on Mar 11, 2006 7:33 PM:I know! How about we just pass a law that says that an employer can fire you for any reason, and you can quit your job for any reason. That should work.

ACherryGhost wrote on Mar 11, 2006 7:36 PM:Markansas, you do realize that Ms. Faith is not Congress and did not pass any law, don't you?

imanderson wrote on Mar 12, 2006 5:23 AM:thanks for the article--I am posting it everywhere because I'm a copyright pirate http://forums.sptimes.com/Forums/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=26&t=004686

Earl in Atlanta wrote on Mar 12, 2006 6:07 AM:I can't wait to see the spin that right wing media nuts like "Fox News"will put on as their talking points,and then u will see the real Liberal Media...If the media is so liberal,why is it that they were never questioning nothing that this administration does..Its a trickle down effect.They(the republicans)are out to sale off this country,and make money.No one is questioning the ethics of this port deal,that the presidents brother got an "8 Biillion Dollar"investment from the UAE into his company.The president immediately says on air force one that he will veto any try at cancelling the deal,then a day later pretends he doesn't know jack about it???Come on..

Jim wrote on Mar 12, 2006 7:29 AM:To carry Kelly's comments to their logiccal conclusion, she would allow an employer to fire an employee based on their voting record. This, in turn, would imply that only those who own businesses should vote, meaning a minority would be in control of the majority. And that is the principle by which Republicans have been operating since the defeat of Barry Goldwater. That, in turn, is why anyone who is not a member of the priveleged class should be voting against them. If not, the erosion of the middle class will be completed some day, leaving only the very rich and the very poor. If you're not very rich now, guess where you will be in the eventually society that is the goal of the Republican party?

An Employer wrote on Mar 12, 2006 8:28 AM:Several people posting here seem to have the attitude that a job is some sort of an entitlement. Once you get one you are entitled to keep it forever. When I was an employee I saw my job as something that needed to be earned every day. If I slacked off or offended my employer I expected to be fired. This entitlement mentality hurts people out of the mainstream. I will hesitate to hire anyone in a protected group (someone of color, older people, gays, or a handicapped person). In these cases I will be careful to document their interview file to show that they fell short in some area such as "doesn't have the background we are looking for". Why? Because if you fire a person from a protected group for any reason there's a good chance you'll be hearing from a lawyer. And it's cheaper to pay the lawyer $15K-$25K to close the case even when you are in the right than it is to fight it. You can't make business owners do things that are against their best interest. If you liberals add political affiliation to the list of protected groups then I guess I'll need to start walking my parking lot to look for bumper stickers before interviews.

Sconnie wrote on Mar 12, 2006 9:11 AM:An Employer wrote: " If you liberals add political affiliation to the list of protected groups then I guess I'll need to start walking my parking lot to look for bumper stickers before interviews." Okay, here's the whole reason behind the firing; the number of rightwing employers who consider themselves above the law. This person has come right out and said they base their hiring practices - and therefore firing practices, if something changes - on political leanings. Doesn't matter if there are any laws against it, they feel entitled to break them if they feel like it and everyone else be damned.

Media Bias wrote on Mar 12, 2006 11:09 AM:This looks like another case where someone makes an unproven assertion that is picked up by our media and repeated as the truth. Who witnessed this discussion between the manager and the employee? Why is our media so willing to repeat these kinds of stories? Don't they have an obligation to dig deeper before they throw mud on someone? Guess not when the story, true of false, fits their own ideology.

esteban wrote on Mar 12, 2006 11:51 AM:Judy, thank you for choosing to now spend vacations in LA...Please tell your friends too...We have too many people down here in the summer as it is...Thanks for taking one for the team!!!

Free Speech wrote on Mar 12, 2006 12:21 PM:People protesting the alleged treatment of the lady with the Air America bumper sticker like to view this as a free speech issue. They say that you shouldn't be fired for speaking freely. I agree with that. Then how about someone being fired for preventing someone else from speaking freely? You cannot speak freely in a college class unless you are thinking "right" (actually left). Most profesors are not conservatives. They will not listen to a conservative viewpoint and refuse to allow you to speak about conservative ideas. If you say anything from a conservative viewpoint you will be chastised. Be sure you don't touch any of the hot buttons such as being gay is a choice and not preordained or your grade will also suffer. These professors should not be allowed to keep their jobs. The students right to free speech is no less important than the lady in this article who was supposedly fired for expressing hers. Where is the outcry when it's a conservative being hushed? The problem with professors not allowing "conflicting" viewpoints is now spreading to high school campuses. A kid in Colorado recorded his teacher ranting about the 911 victims deserving their fate. He was put on paid leave for a week then got his job back. His students said that he would never listen to anyone expressing conservative free speech. Yes there was a big fuss over this particularly on conservative talk radio. But in the end he is back in the classroom allowing only his thoughts to be discussed.

Jack wrote on Mar 12, 2006 5:19 PM:To An Employer: The reason we have these laws is to protect the employee from being discharged because of their status, not performance. I have no one suggest the plaintiff in this case performed her job poorly. She was fired for her political views (purportedly). Her firing is akin to me not buying your product/service because of your political views. Would that be right? Should you then have no political views?

RoseBud wrote on Mar 12, 2006 5:50 PM:Has Rush commented on this yet? This topic seems right up his alley.

RoseBud wrote on Mar 12, 2006 6:08 PM:We've all seen some very offensive bumper stickers that have nothing at all to do with politics, employment, etc. And I don't know of any laws against any bumper stickers unless they include bad language. I've seen some pretty bad ones, let me tell you. So I don't really see any fuss one way or the other over ANY bumper sticker because bumper stickers have been around for a very long time and have pertained to everything from churches to politics to war to...well, to any subject imaginable.

RoseBud wrote on Mar 12, 2006 6:21 PM:Last time I checked we are still a free country and have the right to express our opinions (thank God). However, perhaps we need to think twice about plastering our car bumpers with things that might offend others. I mean, why "purposely" offend others?

MountainLady wrote on Mar 12, 2006 6:25 PM:There's so much on TV and in the media, in general, why add to it by putting messages on your car that might make others feel bad? Isn't there enough bad in this world already? I've never been an employer, but "can't we just all get along" and try to be nice to each other and not put bumper stickers on that might possibly upset or offend others?

Shawna wrote on Mar 12, 2006 8:33 PM:Aren't our cars our "personal property" and have no connection with our employer, unless used for something other than transporting us to and from work? I don't see the connection between employer and employee's car.

Warren wrote on Mar 12, 2006 8:38 PM:How many of you would have even known what that sticker meant? How many of you even pay any attention to stickers? I don't! If you are, you're not paying attention to the road anyway.

Rita wrote on Mar 12, 2006 8:48 PM:If you can't go to work with a station sticker on your car for fear of being fired, what has this country come to?

Robert wrote on Mar 13, 2006 8:21 AM:Amazing... I will make sure Advantage Sales and Marketing never sees one of my dollars!

Doc wrote on Mar 13, 2006 8:21 AM:Get Along? Are you in America? People don't get along here anymore. Get along means to put up with or stand idly by while the GOP lies to you and systematically destroys America for the profit of their corporate buddies. Dissent of the most mild sort - a radio station bumpersticker - is no longer tolerated. This "getting along" bit is supposed to cut 2 ways. Stop Limbaugh and Hannity and then maybe we can talk. campliberty.blogspot.com/

Scooter wrote on Mar 13, 2006 8:44 AM:I find it interesting that some people interpret a sticker saying "1360 Air America Progressive Talk Radio" could be potentially offensive, unless you just think all advertising is offensive (which I do)...however, advertising, like it or not, is protected under our right to free speech. Don't believe me? Ask the Supreme Court - it was their ruling in the previous century!

Tiny wrote on Mar 13, 2006 11:07 AM:What about the bad boy stickers on window showing a punk taking a leak?

Zwoman wrote on Mar 13, 2006 11:13 AM:The irony is that Air America is a bourgeois liberal radio station, not a far left-wing one. Be that as it may, the idea of being fired for supporting a radio station is outrageous and the woman's employer was way out of line. It is absolutely true that it is against California law for an employer to attack an employee for his or her political beliefs. That boss should be fried until her buttocks are crispy.

Keith wrote on Mar 13, 2006 12:27 PM:It is obvious that Advantage Sales and Marketing, Inc. does not support American freedoms that so many have died defending!

tony wrote on Mar 13, 2006 12:49 PM:Media Bias and others are off-base to suggest the allegations have no merit as "just allegations." They are in a complaint in a federal lawsuit, filed under oath, under penalty of perjury. And they haven't been denied. That does not make them definitively true; however, it is more that a mere assertion.

Stephen wrote on Mar 13, 2006 1:43 PM:I think any employer who fires an employee over a radio station bumper sticker should be sued and boycotted. This marketing company has clients who should be contacted concerning this issue. Do those clients support this attack on Constitutional liberty, freedom of speech and civic involvement? If so, we should know who they are so we can stop doing business with them.

Logical wrote on Mar 13, 2006 1:46 PM:This woman didn't think before putting on that bumper sticker that might offend others. But on the other hand, the employer should have talked to her about it rather than firing her. It sounds like this employer acted before thinking.

Garfield wrote on Mar 13, 2006 1:59 PM:Those Garfield characters stuck to the inside of cars were way more annoying than any message I've ever seen on a sticker. Now there's something to fire someone for! LOL

Floridavoter wrote on Mar 13, 2006 2:10 PM:This is absolutely disgusting, and not at all surprising in our new Fascist States of America. I'm looking for another country with some good social and liberal values, so when they come knocking to get my kids to serve in Dumya's war, we'll be outta this mess.

TennisBum wrote on Mar 13, 2006 2:17 PM:I agree with Keith, that we fought many wars to be a free country and express our political opinions. But I'd also like the freedom to drive down the freeway and not stop behind a car with some moronic message in my face. I'm not referring to this lady's sticker, but there are some that have truly raised my blood pressure!

Garfield wrote on Mar 13, 2006 2:51 PM:Hey, FloridaVoter, try Iraq. President Bush that you obviously hate is in the process of making their country a democracy and they've "VOTED" for the first time ever because of his efforts and willingness to be verbally bashed by people like you. (oh, and don't let the door hit you in the...well, you know the rest)

Patriot Boy wrote on Mar 13, 2006 8:28 PM:Hate to tell all you Bush haters out there, but this is America, not Mother Russia. In America you work for the boss until the boss says you don't work for him. He might not like your hair color or your brand of perfume either. Too bad, so sad. Now there are some things that the lefties have written into law that will get a judge to call your firing illegal. Race, creed, color and all of that. But, sorry babe, we haven't yet got to the point where bumperstickers are protected by the courts.

Oscar wrote on Mar 13, 2006 10:05 PM:Sorry to burst your bubble patriot boy but there is something called freedom of speech...and don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure the words "bumper sticker" are actually included in the first ammendment.

Shauni wrote on Mar 14, 2006 6:36 AM:Can someone explain to me what specifically is "offensive" about a bumper sticker with the name of a radio station on it?

Sven wrote on Mar 14, 2006 7:19 AM:How about all those people who still have "W '04" stickers on their car. Its now 2006, and the time to peal those stickers off was 2 years ago after the election. Yet everytime I drive somewhere, I have another W sticker in my face. What's the deal here? Are they just too lazy to take them off? Do they think he's somehow going to run for reelection another time? Or is it their "in your face" mentality to the rest of the country that didn't vote for Bush? To all the people who feel its OK to fire someone over a sticker, how about firing all these people? I'm sure there are many people who are offended by them, as I am.

Rosebud wrote on Mar 14, 2006 9:30 AM:Dear Patriot Boy, The Soviet Union Collapsed in the 80's and I our government are friends with Russia. You do not represent any "Real America" that the rest of us know, you "fascist moron". Why don't you grow up and join the rest of us in the adult world. You have been served, Peter Pan! ,Rosebud

esteban wrote on Mar 14, 2006 10:01 AM:Anyone have Advantage Sales and Marketing's phone number? I'm looking to do business with them...and I will refer them to everyone I know.

Ron wrote on Mar 14, 2006 11:34 AM:She was there for only 3 weeks, and an at will employment state. Good luck. I've let people go for less.

Liz wrote on Mar 14, 2006 5:16 PM:In response to Robert who stated "I will make sure Advantage Sales and Marketing never sees one of my dollars!" GOOD LUCK ON THIS ONE!! If you shop for groceries it will be nearly impossible to NOT buy ones of their products!

thepickle wrote on Mar 14, 2006 8:54 PM:hey patriot boy, you weak kneed peon, get a clue. real men and women live to work, not work to live like common chattel. you might get your jollies genuflecting to your "Boss" but as far as i can see most if not all that's gone south in this country happened because jellyfish like you are so easily stampeded by an "elevated threat level" or some other nonsense. oh, and if you don't like my bumper sticker, well, who cares? get over it.

Garfield wrote on Mar 15, 2006 12:18 AM:Ron makes a good point, that many employees have been fired for far less than this. I also get the feeling this is like the finger in Wendy's chili, just a scam. Employers have so much to deal with, including scams by employees. I have a suspicious feeling about this one.

Warren wrote on Mar 15, 2006 12:41 AM:Patriotboy makes a good point. And my opinion, if you can't be adult and professional enough to fit in with the company you're working for and have the "common sense" not to offend your boss and other employees, well, get on your high horse and find another job. This is America and you are free to find a job where it's okay to be offensive. oh, and good luck! lol

Shauni wrote on Mar 15, 2006 7:13 AM:Many people speak with their emotions, but it actually breaks down like this. The bumper sticker advertising a liberal radio station was only as offensive as an advertisment for a steak dinner would be to a vegetarian. The manager fired this woman after seeing her bumper sticker and making three assumptions from seeing it: 1) She is a Liberal, therefore 2) She is against George Bush, leading to 3) She is against the United States, must be a Al-Quaida. Decisions based on fear is our current state of society. Tis a sad and shameful time.

Donna wrote on Mar 15, 2006 7:25 AM:To Warren, Are you 'out of your mind', or what? How does exhibiting a 'bumper sticker' on your personal vehicle, show or reflect your 'not fitting in with your employer(s)? IT DOESN'T YOU NARROW-MINDED AND SHORT-SIGHTED MORON! Your comments would carry some weight if the employee had put 'the bumper sticker' on a company vehicle, she was authorized to drive; but this is not the case. The woman placed the 'bumper sticker' on HER vehicle,one that she not only paid for or is still paying for, pays for any maintenance, insurance and gasoline; her company IS NOT PAYING ANY OF THESE OWNER COSTS, SO THEY HAVE NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER TO DICTATE AS TO WHAT THE OWNER DOES TO THEIR VEHICLE. Get real Warren and GET A LIFE! Pax, dcl

california_reality_check wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:02 AM:An Employer - It would be quite easy to fool you, Sir. And with someone like you in charge, you stick out like a sore thumb. I'd find a way to drive you out of business. Nothing personal you know. Just business. Good luck.

california_reality_check wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:04 AM:Warren - I love it when you knuckledraggers post your reasoning.

CO_Observer wrote on Mar 15, 2006 11:21 AM:Maybe the boss lost out on the account for "Air America". She is still bitter and took it out on this poor girl.

Logic wrote on Mar 16, 2006 1:19 PM:If I were Linda Laroca I would have appologized to my supervisor and removed the bumper sticker. That would have been a lot better than loosing her job and going to court. Once you get a good job you should do everything you can to keep it. I really like mine and I have had it for 15 years. My supervisor is very nice and the company that I work for treats everyone like family. It would bother me a lot if they thought that I was doing anything to make them unhappy with me. I have my pride but I also have common sense. A bumper sticker would not be that important to me compared to keeping my job. Giving an apology for doing something that hurts another person is only right. Then everyone could have gone on with their life. Some people I know would prefer to make a big deal out of something. I don't see why they would want to jeapordize their job and steady income for a silly bumper sticker.

Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2006 1:39 PM:It seems to me that an employee should be fired based solely on their past performance on the job. Why would any sensible manager look at it any other way? The manager is supposed to maximize profits for the company. Seems like the best way to do that is to try hard to retain good employees. We have a tough time getting good employees who want to work hard in the office where I work. Lots of people come and go. When we get someone who is smart and works hard I don't think my manager would let them go for any rea