It looks like a Carteret County company that proudly sells rebel flags is coming under cyber attack by people who want to quash freedom of expression.
The Eastern North Carolina Better Business Bureau has been inundated with complaints about Stainless Banners in Emerald Isle, claiming the company has delivery issues.
The fishy thing is the complaints jumped from 0 to 25 since the first of the month. Not only that, but more than 1,500 people have inquired online with the BBB about the company since July 1, according to a news release Monday.
The whole thing smacks of someone who doesn’t like Confederate merchandise trying to hurt this company because it sells rebel flags.
While it was overdue for South Carolina to take down the Confederate Flag flying over its capitol, it is Americans’ God-given right for private citizens to fly rebel flags as they see fit.
Shame on anyone who would attack a company just for selling merchandise that is fully protected by Freedom of Speech.
“They can’t have my guns and they can’t have my stars and bars,” A Newport resident said at a local bar.
He said we shouldn’t trample the rights of hard-working, Bible-believing Southerners who don’t see the Confederate Flag as a racist symbol, but a statement of pride in one’s heritage.
—UPDATE—
Emerald Isle Police Chief Jeffrey Waters said his department has been receiving complaints from all over the country about Stainless Banners.
Turns out the owner of the company has been contacted by investigators and he has explained that he is having issues with PayPal releasing funds for orders due to the recent overwhelming influx in orders through his site. Police said PayPal confirmed this.
Due to funds being frozen, the owner is unable to get merchandise from distributors so police asked the owner to suspend the website until he can resolve his issues with PayPal. The website can be accessed but no merchandise can be ordered.
Anyone wanting a refund can launch a complaint with PayPal at 402-935-7733. For additional information regarding the case, contact Sandra DeLorme, a detective with the Emerald Isle Police Department at 252-354-2021.
So that’s the official story. I still smell something rotten going on here.