By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – Protesters gathered around Checker Cab in Bloomington to voice their displeasure with a controversial sign put up by owner Aaron Halliday.
The sign states that Halliday trusts “a Palestinian on a motorcycle” more than President Barack Obama, a message that shocked many in the community, including Willie Halbert, a member of Not in Our Town.
“We just decided that we were going to come together in a peaceful manner,” Halbert said. “And we want to let the community know that we do not support businesses or anyone that would make some type of statement against a group of people.”
Halbert said Halliday has shown no remorse for the sign, and has lost at least one customer.
“I will not use it,” said Halbert. “I will tell everyone that I know to boycott and not use their services until there is a public apology.”
Mark Miller said the sign has no place in Bloomington.
“This is bullying,” said Miller. “This is reaching out and poking at people as they drive by. Some people will feel good about this sign, and that’s a terrible thing in this community.”
While he won’t entirely boycott the company, Miller said the sign makes him think twice about using Checker Cab.
“I don’t think we ever should say we won’t use him ever again because he may reform or change his mind,” Miller said. “But it certainly challenges my faith in this particular taxi company.”
Halliday has said the sign will remain up until Wednesday.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
