Political Pep Rallies?

Did you watch either or both party conventions? Do they still matter?

The 2020 Democratic and Republican party conventions are over. And many are questioning their relevance.

At one time the conventions choose the party candidate for the coming presidential election. These days that’s rare indeed. The candidate is already known long before the party meets and the convention are little more than cheerleading sessions.

This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing mostly taped speeches and few live crowds, just added to the criticism.

Still, some say conventions are valuable so voters can know where the parties stand and get a look at politicians on the rise.

We want to know what you think. Did you watch any or all of the 2020 Democratic or Republican conventions? Are party conventions still relevant?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette. com by Wednesday, September 2. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

Last Week: Economic Outrage?

Last week’s question was about President Trump’s call for a boycott of Goodyear after the company banned partisan political campaign gear, including MAGA hats. Should a president call for boycotts of American businesses? Is there any reason that might justify such a call?

What better way to bring attention to leaders of a major corporation who has garnered more than its fair share of tax breaks. They got caught with their pants down stifling the First Amendment for many but promoting the radical agenda of BLM. Blue Lives Matter, MAGA. — D.S., Texarkana, Arkansas

I do not believe the president should call for the boycott of any U.S. company. Goodyear allowed Black Lives Matter and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride slogans but prohibited Blue Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, and MAGA attire. While I do not think the president should call for their boycott it seems someone should have called Goodyear out on this. Under normal times that would be the news media or ACLU, but these are not normal times. — L.O., Texarkana, Texas

Yes, he has every right to. — J.O.S., Texarkana, Texas

Typical Trump small-minded vindictiveness. — J.B., Texarkana, Arkansas

I don’t know of any other president asking supporters to boycott a business. What I do know is, no other president has experienced the degree of attacks by so many, seeking to destroy their presidency. So, on what historical, or moral basis does anyone have for judging Trump for the degree he is defending himself this way? — D.H.M., Texarkana, Arkansas

From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette

■ YES he should!

■ Trumps stand is more about freedom of speech, in my opinion! Again, my opinion!

■ He is childish … Why listen to him?

■ I, honestly, don’t think a business should tell a person they can’t support a sitting President … if they had a policy against every type of agenda, I might think differently. Regarding

President Trump … we STILL have free speech, right?

■ If the company can tell employees they can’t wear MAGA hats, but can BLM, Yes he did the right thing!

■ Yes he should. I would say the same if this was Biden promoting his slogan being able to be worn, since other people get to wear political garment from other candidates. If one can’t be worn, NONE should be worn. If one can be worn, then so should his.

■ While I think it is ridiculous and unbecoming of a sitting president, the actual effect will be minimal. Far right won’t buy Goodyear tires. Far left will intentionally buy them. Everyone else will get the tires their tire guy gives them.

■ Any way you spin it, a touch of decorum would go a long way for Pres. Trump. Even when he does something good he ruins it by talking about it and interviewing poorly.

■ Everyone so focused on the MAGA hat. Also included was the Thin Blue Line movement that is forbid. So does that change the tone? It’s not right that some can be promoted while others can’t. ■ Goodyear brought first blood. ■ Idk about the boycott honestly, seems a little fishy to me for a president to back that.

■ However, either allow all political affiliations or none. Seems only fair especially for big businesses.

■ Goodyear disallows all campaign garb, not just Trump hats. Workers cannot wear a Biden t-shirt either.

■ The fact that an American company would endorse BLM, which we all know is fascist and has to do with the value of Black lives, is quite enough to call for boycott. Then when you disallow blue lives matter, you are anti American and do not deserve to operate

■ They were told they also couldn’t wear anything with Biden. Compare equally and it appears fair

■ As long as the rule applies to ALL political attire equally- that is understandable. In this horribly divisive time I can completely understand asking for employees to wear plain shirts and hats, free from any logos at all to curb potential conflicts. There is no point in fanning the flame in the workplace; it only results in lower productivity.

■ He is the president, but also a human being with human emotions! This is the only election that I can remember where wearing a hat or having a sign in your yard can get you beating up! He is mad , and all people should be mad whether you are voting for him or against him. He is mad at the double standard if it’s OK for one group to support what they believe all people should be able to. While Black Lives Matter is burning and looting the president is getting attention by getting in the pocket books of those he disagrees with. It may well be the best solution! Today it’s hats, pins, and banners; what will it be tomorrow!

■ Not allowing political attire in the workplace is common sense. Trump is a big whiny baby. Running them in the ground is wrong and I’m sure he is giving votes to the Democrats. He is his own worst enemy.

■ Goes to prove the people doing the most whining really don’t want real equality … just pretending to

■ He’s a citizen and America is a free country …

■ Someone send him a Cooper Tire hat! If they allow his hats!

■ As much as I hate Trump and most of his supporters, they have a right to show their support just as much as Biden or anyone else. I don’t think a boycott is really warranted on this, but people should be able to express themselves.

■ They don’t allow ANY campaign gear. Trump is such a whiny baby.