The Skuby & Co. clothing store in Spring Lake Wednesday morning was humming.
Bill Skuby, the store's owner who made regional fame Tuesday for a controversial window display featuring President Barack Obama portrayed as a witch doctor, was answering the phone, which rang every minute or two, with a warning to callers that he'd be happy to talk so long as they were friendly.
Skuby said he opened shop that morning with dozens of messages — some supportive, others somewhat profane — on the store's answering machine because of a politically-charged Halloween display some have accused of being racist.
Skuby, a self-described Independent, denies being a racist.
“I don’t even see color," Skuby said.
Skuby said that he dislikes Obama's presidency and policies, not his skin color.
Skuby said he's voted for both Republicans and Democrats, including every Democrat on the Spring Lake council.
The clothier on Wednesday dealt with death threats and accusations of racism, but he also enjoyed a surge in business.
“It’s the best marketing campaign I’ve ever done," Skuby said.
Orders from across the country were coming in for anti-Obama hats Skuby had made up after the president's "You didn't build that" statement that became a Republican target.
The hats, Skuby said, were intended to mean, "For your business owner," but the acronym — F.U.B.O. — adopted, however unintended, a more vulgar version.
Foot traffic also worked its way into the store, and seemed a mix of regular shoppers and those who came to see things for themselves.
But Skuby said the neighboring businesses and town officials were pressuring him to take down the Obama display.
Skuby even agreed that all the commotion damaged the image of the entire town, but he remained adamant about keeping the sign in place.
“People want me to leave,” he said.
Skuby said an anonymous caller contacted his vendors to tell them about the display and get them to cease doing business.
Several vendors visited the store and take a look, but Skuby said none have stopped selling him product.
Skuby said he was done speaking to reporters who would twist his words and paint him as a racist.
“All of a sudden I’m racist, and this town is racist," he said.
Skuby said he was hoping to get an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News.
You really make Obama extremely appealing you convinced me!
BTW, ever hear the term "voodoo economics"? Bush 41 used that to describe Reagan's economic policies when they were competing for the nomination. Racism?
Definition of 'Voodoo Economics' A slanderous term used by George H. W. Bush in reference to President Ronald Reagan's economic policies, which came to be known as "Reaganomics". Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/voodooeconomics.asp#ixzz29DL4gtux
Stick to writing your stupid liberal hateful blog BOB. You must truly be sick to believe the garbage that you spew.
Stick to writing your stupid liberal hateful blog BOB. You must truly be sick to believe the garbage that you spew.
Freedom of speech. Bob Griffiths is the only person allowed to mock anyone else. Disagree with Bob"s liberal politics and see how fast he gets mean and nasty and hateful towards you in his blog.
By doing something like this he has likely lost 50% of his customers FOREVER. Yes, some people may like him for doing it it_____but an equal number do not like it and those who do not like it will Never shop there again. The Business owner___has 'nothing to gain' and 'everything to lose' by showing his stupidity in this manner. How does anyone expect Foreign leaders and people in foreign countries to show any respect towards the USA or our President when Americans openly show they detest him????? Like it or not__he is still the President of ALL of these UNITED States of America. If you do not like him___VOTE instead of doing unpatriotic things that the terrorists love to see and embarrassing the USA. Anyone who does not like him is Free to leave the USA if you think you can find a better country to live in.
I completely agree with Sal, vote instead of insult. And, If we have so much enmity and dissension in our small part of the world, how can we expect diverse nations to peacefully co-exist? Embarrassing ourselves in this way sets no example, just makes you a laughingstock,
If you voted for Obama in 2008 to prove you are not a racist vote for Romney in 2012 to prove your are not an idiot.
Get with it PEOPLE, Reverse Discrimination is in full swing!