Ad featuring George W. Bush draws ire, threats
TACOMA, Wash. -- An ad campaign meant to grab attention has drawn unwanted attention for a Piece County businessman, who says a series of threats has left him fearing for his safety.
The controversial ad shows an image of former President George W. Bush scratching his head, and features the text "still confused about real estate?"
Entrepreneur Ray Pepper put the ad promoting his business, 500 Realty, on the sides of trucks. The ad has been making the rounds for only a month, but its effects have already snowballed into something much larger.
One person unleashed a rant on Pepper's voice mail: "Hey, can you remove your (expletive) truck from Proctor and 25th before I slash your tires? I'm sick and tired of your (expletive) truck being out front."
Pepper doesn't understand why so many people are fired up over his ad.
"I voted for George Bush and I was in the military for eight years. I don't find this derogatory advertising," he said. "If I put a picture of myself or anyone else on there, there'd be no message."
The message was intended to show someone confused in connection with Pepper's company, which helps people buy and sell their homes.
Pepper says he wasn't looking for a fight; he picked Bush after a conversation with friends.
"We believe that there's nothing wrong with this form of advertising," he said.
But some disagree, and they've made their opinions known.
"You think you're funny with your President Bush pictures on top of it? It's just pissing people off. Get rid of the (expletive) truck or the picture," said a voice mail message.
Pepper says he tracked some of the calls to a house in Tacoma. No one answered the door at the home.
Still, the businessman called the police, pulled the trucks from the road and is sticking up for what he believes is his right to free speech.
"I think we're dealing with people who are upset anyway, but we didn't plan on this happening," said Pepper.
Police said a sergeant will review the case to determine whether a further investigation is necessary. The case could qualify as harassment, a misdemeanor.
Meantime, Pepper said he'd have no problem putting a Democrat on the truck if that politician had a similar expression.
The controversial ad shows an image of former President George W. Bush scratching his head, and features the text "still confused about real estate?"
Entrepreneur Ray Pepper put the ad promoting his business, 500 Realty, on the sides of trucks. The ad has been making the rounds for only a month, but its effects have already snowballed into something much larger.
One person unleashed a rant on Pepper's voice mail: "Hey, can you remove your (expletive) truck from Proctor and 25th before I slash your tires? I'm sick and tired of your (expletive) truck being out front."
Pepper doesn't understand why so many people are fired up over his ad.
"I voted for George Bush and I was in the military for eight years. I don't find this derogatory advertising," he said. "If I put a picture of myself or anyone else on there, there'd be no message."
The message was intended to show someone confused in connection with Pepper's company, which helps people buy and sell their homes.
Pepper says he wasn't looking for a fight; he picked Bush after a conversation with friends.
"We believe that there's nothing wrong with this form of advertising," he said.
But some disagree, and they've made their opinions known.
"You think you're funny with your President Bush pictures on top of it? It's just pissing people off. Get rid of the (expletive) truck or the picture," said a voice mail message.
Pepper says he tracked some of the calls to a house in Tacoma. No one answered the door at the home.
Still, the businessman called the police, pulled the trucks from the road and is sticking up for what he believes is his right to free speech.
"I think we're dealing with people who are upset anyway, but we didn't plan on this happening," said Pepper.
Police said a sergeant will review the case to determine whether a further investigation is necessary. The case could qualify as harassment, a misdemeanor.
Meantime, Pepper said he'd have no problem putting a Democrat on the truck if that politician had a similar expression.