by John McIntyre (The Baltimore Sun, 1/2/2011)
“My worthy former colleague Rafael Alvarez has weighed in on the bogus controversy about Denise Whiting’s trademarking of hon. I understand and respect his views, though I do not entirely concur with them. So before I leave this subject, as part of last year’s business, I’d like to explain why I think that all the outrage is misplaced.
Ms. Whiting has a brand to promote, and, so far as I can tell, has been doing so through legal and conventional means. She has not, like the horse racing and gambling interests, or BGE, attempted to gouge the public to make good for inept business decisions. She has not, like the insurance companies, extorted higher payments in exchange for reduced service. And I still think it odd that a city awash in tacky Ravens memorabilia challenges her on the grounds of taste and propriety.
Those who dislike the food she serves or the tchotchkes she flogs are under no compulsion to patronize her businesses. Those who do—and they appear to be numerous—are no threat to public order.”
Continue reading “Calm Yourselves, Hons” at The Baltimore Sun.
Related Links
- What We Talk About When We Talk About HON™ – Mobtown Shank
- Robert Irsay in a Dress: Rafael Alvarez asks: Does Denise Whiting love Baltimore enough to give the word “Hon” back to Baltimore – North Baltimore Patch