By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Idaho, sparked controversy by offering free beer to customers who helped ICE identify and deport undocumented migrants. Following the promotion, which gained significant attention online, Fitzpatrick revealed he received death threats and threats to his business. Despite the backlash, Fitzpatrick stood by his promotion, which is part of a broader campaign. He expressed that he was aware that he would get threats for his actions.
Read the original article here
Bar owner offering free beers to people who help ICE says he’s getting death threats, and honestly, the reaction is pretty predictable. When you openly support an agency as controversial as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in a climate where immigration is such a hot-button issue, you’re bound to ruffle some feathers. Offering incentives for collaboration with ICE seems to be a recipe for backlash, and it appears that’s exactly what’s happening.
It’s hard to muster sympathy for someone who seemingly courted this kind of attention. Plenty of people are pointing out that this bar owner seems to thrive on controversy. The suggestion that he’s a failure in business, and that his attempts at “straight pride” days failed to generate interest, hints at a pattern of behavior focused on provocation to gain attention. This latest move might just be another attempt to stir the pot and drum up business, albeit through a highly divisive tactic.
Many people are questioning the validity of the death threats. It’s hard to ignore the sentiment that this could be a fabricated story, or at least a highly exaggerated one, designed to play the victim card. The general consensus appears to be that, if such threats were genuinely serious, they’d have been reported to the authorities immediately. The fact that the bar owner seemingly hasn’t done so raises suspicions.
The owner’s actions seem to contradict fundamental American values and the Constitution, as some have pointed out, thus undermining American values. This, paired with his stance on ICE, has fueled a great deal of animosity. The comments suggest that many believe his business will fail and that this is a predictable consequence of his choices. People are not just upset, but they’re actively hoping his bar suffers, which is a strong condemnation of the situation.
It’s clear that the location of the bar, Eagle, Idaho, and the county’s political leanings are important factors in this narrative. The comments highlight the fact that Ada County leans heavily towards a particular political stance, which may explain why the bar owner is confident enough to make his stance known. This makes his actions seem calculated, and less about genuine support and more about a calculated provocation to gain notoriety.
The broader political landscape, particularly the rhetoric surrounding “liberals” versus “conservatives,” also plays a role in this situation. It’s evident that some see the bar owner as a representative of a certain political ideology, and the backlash he’s receiving is, in part, a reaction against that ideology. The comments also suggest a belief that the far-right is using inflammatory tactics in a bid to portray themselves as victims.
It’s worth noting that the owner is potentially violating Idaho law, which explicitly forbids offering free alcohol as a promotional tactic. This added layer of questionable behavior has further fueled criticism. It seems like the bar owner may have a problem with running a legitimate business and resorting to unethical business practices.
In the end, it’s a story about a bar owner who made a controversial decision and is now facing the consequences. Whether or not the threats are real, the situation underscores the potent mix of political division, business acumen, and the ever-present desire for attention that characterizes much of online discourse today. Many agree that the situation is a result of the owner’s choices and that any misfortune he experiences is a consequence of those choices. It’s a clear case of “actions have consequences,” with many people not feeling any sympathy for the situation.