Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of 
Here's an entirely unsurprising story out of South Carolina:
Filling up your car up with gas is a mundane chore. You drive up pop open the tank and screw off the top. But at one gas station, you get a surprise message when you swipe your credit card."One nation under God and if you don't like it, you can leave." The bold digital statement has been there for a year.
Arrogant. Sanctimonious. Self-righteous. What an asshole. Then again, look at his customers:
In fact, all the customers we talked to like it. "I think it's good," said one driver. "I think people should have a choice, if they don't like it, they can leave."One woman says she continually gives the station her business because of the message. She hopes more people do the same. "I disagree totally 100% about taking God out of the system," the woman said.
Morons marketing themselves to morons. What a shock.
Politics
Comments
There was a wacky Going Galt guy in the Bay Area who owned a small chain of gas stations and convenience markets. He always included vituperative complaints about taxes and Big Gubmint in all register reciepts, gropcery bags, etc. The usual "This price includes $x in local and state sales taxes" was a chance to proselytize the Randian Creed.
He sold the chain. If I recall correctly, I think he lost his mammoth mountain top glass mansion to the feds for tax evasion.
Posted by: Brian M | August 31, 2010 11:09 AM
Eh, it's the business owner's choice. I'm sure he's got plenty of customers who do like it. I'd go elsewhere, too, but I'm sure we're in the minority.
Posted by: James Hanley | August 31, 2010 11:13 AM
"If you don't like it, you can leave."
I don't like it. And I live in South Korea, at least for the next year or two.
Ed, every day I read your blog, and every day it makes me less interested in moving back to the States.
Posted by: Eric R | August 31, 2010 11:15 AM
Well, yes, it's offensive to atheists specifically and more generally to anyone who knows anything about history and politics. But it works as a marketing device. With the South Carolina economy the way it is, I find it hard to be critical of a small local business marketing to its customers. I wouldn't be surprised to find such a station in Columbia (SC) with a message saying,"The Gamecocks [University of South Carolina]: Support 'em or get out of town!" The station's business would probably increase considerably. In a very different environment, a small business owner might make more money with a message saying: "Leave your imaginary cloud-dwelling friends outside, or stay out there with them."
Posted by: JuliaL | August 31, 2010 11:15 AM
Well of course its the business owner's choice. And his choice marks him as an ignorant arrogant prick. We're just happy to point it out.
Posted by: Robert | August 31, 2010 11:17 AM
And while were at it, what’s the deal with those people who end their voice mail prompts with:
" . . .and have a blessed day?"
It irritates me enough when I get your voice mail, and I don't want your sanctimonious "blessing" on top of that.
Posted by: Chilidog | August 31, 2010 11:19 AM
Presumably, Jesus causes less problems to the fuel system than ethanol additives.
Posted by: carlsonjok | August 31, 2010 11:20 AM
@ Chilidog: I had never heard the "have a blessed day" thing until I saw the Amazing Atheist's rant about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkXEWBWOss
He's over-the-top. That's his schtik. But still funny to watch nonetheless.
Posted by: mercurianferret | August 31, 2010 11:23 AM
And of course they never comment on all the beautiful roads they're driving on. Of course in SC calling someone stupid is defaming stupid people everywhere.
Posted by: Sideshow Bill | August 31, 2010 11:30 AM
"One nation under god, so kick a Confederate in the nuts today."
We really need to start emphasizing that nearly every word in the American socialist loyalty oath was designed to humiliate the South.
Posted by: justawriter | August 31, 2010 11:33 AM
"'I think it's good,' said one driver. 'I think people should have a choice, if they don't like it, they can leave.'"
I hear this sort of thing about 90% of the time anybody comments on the national motto. People with this attitude clearly think that freedom means "my way or the highway."
Posted by: the guy | August 31, 2010 11:36 AM
It's so much easier just to set up a group as the "other" - muslims, anybody who lives in a specific country or other location, Democrats, etc. - and defame them all than it is to deal with specific ideas and behaviors.
Posted by: JuliaL | August 31, 2010 11:36 AM
This nation was not founded as a Christian theocracy in which the benevolent Christians, acting out of their infinite grace, extend liberties to others, and if you don't like your boldfaced revisionism about the founding of the United States being exposed, then you can leave.
Also, I never fail to find amusement in the imaginary battles that some Christians try to manufacture in order to engage their flock. When they warn about taking God out of the system, they're deploring the fact that they can no longer dominate every aspect of this nation with their particular brand of theocracy. Of course, they still have plenty of religious liberties and know it, but if they can't flaunt their religion on every alley, then it somehow becomes oppression.
Posted by: swedishskinjer | August 31, 2010 11:39 AM
I have to agree with JuliaL's assessment. This guy knows his customer base and risks very little.
It smacks of the flag size war at auto dealership rows. To see the size (garrison) and height (100 feet or more) of some of the flags borders on a hazard to small aircraft navigation. Even at that size, I often cannot tell which flag belongs to which dealer and I certainly couldn't care less but our lapel pin culture apparently demands it.
Jesus in my tank offends me way less if the price is lower.
Posted by: MikeMa | August 31, 2010 11:41 AM
Funny how these folks are so quick to point out that "separation of church and state" doesn't appear verbatim in the Constitution, but the phrase "One nation under God" is supposed to have the force of law.
Posted by: Scott Hanley | August 31, 2010 11:44 AM
I would also get gas elsewhere. But if this station's business improves, other stations will follow suit. Where could I go then? Some other gas stations 10 miles down the highway?
Posted by: Greg | August 31, 2010 11:46 AM
There is a Sunoco station in my town with a little placard on the counter that says that. At least it had it 10 years ago. I read the thing, said to the guy behind the counter, "That's really offensive, I won't be buying gas here again." He responded with a "fine, fuck you."
I drive 25K miles a year. Depending on fluctuations in the price of gas over the years, I have spent about $25 to $35 a tank. I fill up twice a week. So that's about $26K to $37K that I didn't spend at the jackoff's gas station. Maybe I should stop in and let him know.
Posted by: bybelknap | August 31, 2010 11:46 AM
"Ed, every day I read your blog, and every day it makes me less interested in moving back to the States."
That's because you happily eat up a negative viewpoint and project it out. There's 100,000+ gas stations in the US. The owner of one is doing something silly and has a group of consumers that aid and abet said silliness.
OH NOES, if you don't stay in teh koreaz the bad christian fuel monster will get you b/c america is falling apart.
"It irritates me enough when I get your voice mail, and I don't want your sanctimonious "blessing" on top of that."
(omg can't) (stop) (jerking) (my) (anti-christian) (knee)
Posted by: Buffoon | August 31, 2010 11:49 AM
If you dont like it, can you leave before you put in your PIN code?
Posted by: Donalbain | August 31, 2010 11:50 AM
16
No.. To the "atheist gas station" bound to spring up in 15 minutes in response to that environment.
The profit motive is amazing.
Posted by: Buffoon | August 31, 2010 11:52 AM
"One nation under God and if you don't like it, you can leave."
Fair enough, but can I just add that the foreign born, black, muslim, socialist man with the funny sounding name was elected president by a majority of the voters. And you don't like it, YOU can leave.
Posted by: RobinSV | August 31, 2010 11:54 AM
I'm a Christian and I find it offensive. Should I ever venture that far south, I will be sure to avoid that particular station. I'm sure the owner wouldn't care.
I think having the motto "In God We Trust" is close to blasphemy. In that, I'm on Teddy Roosevelt's side and often wished he hadn't caved in to the religious rightwingnuts of his day.
It is people like this who scream "freedom!," but mean, "Freedom for me and anyone who agrees with me and the rest of you can go hang. And please, don't bother to join us on Just Us Sunday."
Posted by: Ellie | August 31, 2010 12:02 PM
@ bybelknap
Gasoline in and of itself is not a big money maker for stations. Often they cut prices as much as possible to get people in the store, because the same people who buy gas pay $2 for a 16-ounce Dr. Pepper along with exorbitant convenience store prices for other stuff (and here in Georgia buy lottery tickets, for which the store owner gets five cents per ticket, IIRC).
Posted by: Fifth Dentist | August 31, 2010 12:23 PM
Someone needs to remind this fundie that NON-THEOCRATS are U.S. citizens too!
Posted by: Ahab | August 31, 2010 12:27 PM
Ellie, it's not just a southern problem I'm afraid. Here's a story from Pennsylvania, just up the road from where I'm sitting in fact. Evidently someone thought it would be a good idea for a church carnival to use an image of Obama in an “Alien Attack” shooting gallery. It seems Obama’s campaign comment about clutching guns and Bibles wasn’t so much elitist as keen observation.
Posted by: Abby Normal | August 31, 2010 12:36 PM
Heaven help us if Jesus leaches into the aquifer!
Posted by: xebecs | August 31, 2010 12:57 PM
@Abby Normal,
Wasn't there a physics teacher who did the same sort of thing in Georgia? Some trigonometry problem with Obama as the target needing an unknown angle (elevation for a gun) solution? That is deep south of course but the idea to motivate based on popular culture and current cultural climate is almost irresistible.
BTW, I think I've been by that Mt Carmel when skiing.
Posted by: MikeMa | August 31, 2010 12:59 PM
"One nation under God and if you don't like it, you can leave."
No thanks. If I don't like something, I can vote. That probably scares you more.
Posted by: eric | August 31, 2010 1:01 PM
"One nation under God and if you don't like it, you can leave."
No thanks. If I don't like something, I can vote. That probably scares you more.
I think he means the store. Think.
Posted by: Buffoon | August 31, 2010 1:09 PM
The cynic in me says that, if I owned a gas station, I'd try doing this - then see how much more I could charge over other stations. How much is it worth to these people to have "God Bless America" printed on their receipt? Heck, call it a 'patriotism charge,' and there'd be a significant group of people who would line up to be charged that.
(I'm so patriotic, I paid extra so that my receipts show it!)
Posted by: Parse | August 31, 2010 1:09 PM
One woman says she continually gives the station her business because of the message. . . .
. . . probably driving a couple of miles out of her way to do so, past closer stations.
No surprise, she's a flaming dumbbell. The station to give your business to is the one closest to your house (or wherever your car lives). Even if it's run by wingnuts, or costs a few cents more a gallon. One day, your car isn't going to start. On that day, you will be glad you cultivated an ongoing relationship with the nearest gas station.
Posted by: Molly, NYC | August 31, 2010 1:13 PM
@Dentist
You are, of course, correct about the gas prices and where the money is really made. I didn't bother to add up all of the snacks and beverages I didn't buy because I stopped going there. The place is very convenient: directly in my path to work and just prior to the entrance to the interstate. I used to stop every morning for coffee and a ___ on my way. I probably spent at minimum $15 a week, so over the years it is still several thousand dollars that I haven't spent there.
Posted by: bybelknap | August 31, 2010 1:48 PM
Then he should've said "One store under God." ;-)
Posted by: Gretchen | August 31, 2010 1:51 PM
In general my spending habits favor local small business owners. I understand that franchises are owned and operated by local denizens, but the guy who owns his own sandwich shop or hardware store instead of operating a franchise to me is more worthy of my dollar. I'll spend 8 bucks on a hoagie at a mom & pop before I'll spend 5 bucks on a Subway or Quiznos foot long. And don't even get me started on BK or Taco hell or McDeathnalds...
Sorry, what were we talking about?
Unfortunately, there isn't any such thing as an independent gas station anymore. Is there?
Posted by: bybelknap | August 31, 2010 1:55 PM
@bybelknap
Not so much. I think the requirement that all underground tanks be inspected and upgraded pushed the mom & pop repair places that just happened to have a pump or 2 out of that business. There was a place that fixed lawn mowers like that near me and the cost of upgrading the tank would not have been recouped in 30 years by the slim margins on gasoline sales.
Posted by: MikeMa | August 31, 2010 3:11 PM
That reminds me of a gas station right near my house. They have a big sign with those removeable/changeable letters that always says 'Jesus Loves You' on it. But, during the summer it also says (a few lines below that)... 'We sell live bait'.
And that always cracks me up. 'Jesus loves you, P.S. - Buy your live bait here!' I don't buy my gas there, because I prefer patronizing businesses that don't shove their religion in my face. But, it still makes me laugh. I wonder if that really bring them in more money.
Posted by: cubefarmed | August 31, 2010 3:32 PM
There is an apple orchard northwest of Chicago that is run by fundy types. Nice people, they don’t push it too much (although the shop does carry a variety of religious Tchotchkes,). We rarely go there anymore as their prices have gotten too high, they have gotten too crowded with the closing of several orchards closer to the city and most importantly, they are closed on Sunday.
In a way, I have to admire that. Weekends in the fall are prime time for pick your own orchards. The fact that they deliberately cut a huge chunk out of their potential yearly profits for the sake of their religion says that they are consistent if nothing else.
Posted by: Chilidog | August 31, 2010 4:08 PM
Field trip!
I live not far at all from the location mentioned in the story, so I drove past to make sure I would never shop there (and luckily I never have in the first place). The facade of the store would suggest it is or was a BP affiliate, though all other identifying markers have been stripped from the store's outside. If it is still a BP-owned/franchised store, it's entirely possible they're getting hammered by this year's bad publicity and did this cynically, just to get some customers back in the store.
And, apropos to # 7, they do tout themselves as "ethanol-free" to the point of having a piece of paper taped to each of the pumps, explaining how you can "Google it" and see what's wrong with evil, evil ethanol (I didn't stop long enough to find out what that is, exactly).
Though really, this is only the most pernicious local case of proselytizing; a newly-built Taco Bell franchise not far away has giant "Praise Jebus" posters in the store, and some anonymous whackaloon in the area routinely defaces vending machines with stickers that decry "adulteress (sic) relationships" as the bane of our society. This shit plays here, sadly.
Posted by: CTC | August 31, 2010 4:09 PM
"The owner of the gas station didn't want to be interviewed. He said he didn't put the message up to get publicity. He's just standing up for what he believes in."
Aw, he's shy. Way to stand up for what you believe in...by turning down free air time.
Posted by: djfav | August 31, 2010 4:21 PM
CTC @ 38. Second that. I've been to that taco bell, seen those stickers, I'm about a mile from that station, used to go there all the time. Wouldn't have even noticed the pump message if it hadn't gone viral, this stuff is everywhere here.
Just came back from the store, SUV there with a bumper sticker dissing the Big Bang Theory: "God spoke, BANG, universe created"
Last year I sat by the main drag and counted 500 or so cars, and 28% had plates with "In God We Trust" (which,btw, cost an extra forty bucks)
OTOH, the local atheist groups are doing spectacular. :-)
Posted by: Uzza | August 31, 2010 4:43 PM
The worse part is that these same pople are accusing the Muslem community of shoving Sharia law down everyone's throats.
Posted by: Paen | August 31, 2010 5:04 PM
Abby Normal @25
I didn't mean to infer that it was a Southern problem. Only that I would avoid that particular station were I ever that far south. I have too many Northern acquaintences who no longer send me email because they don't like my responses to ever think this was a regional problem.
Posted by: Ellie | August 31, 2010 6:25 PM
Some may be doing that because of ideology, but I suspect most are doing it to deflect complaints about gas prices. "Hey, it's not us, it's the government!" And indeed the government is making more per gallon of gas than the gas station itself is, so it's not necessarily an invalid thing to point to people who think you--the gas station operator--are personally ripping them off.
Posted by: James Hanley | August 31, 2010 6:53 PM
It's actually not a big boost for the government either. It doesn't even pay for the roads they want to build.
It's a BIG payer for the companies they get their gas from.
Posted by: Lettuce | August 31, 2010 8:11 PM
One of the most convenient gas stations for my weekly commute, that has the crushed ice that I so strongly crave, has such over the top Jesus t-shirts that they strongly offend me, even as an atheist. http://www.kerusso.com/ is the manufacturer of them. Jesus knock-offs of Obama stuff, video games, etc. I want to complain, but don't know quite how to phrase it. "Even though in my opinion, religion offers few net positives, I am offended by the trivialization of other people's faiths. I may have voted for Obama, and think very poorly of Christianity, but it severely bothers me that you would so trivialize people's sincere belief to compare any deity to a freakin' politician! And seriously, Jesus marketed as a cheap knock-off of video games?"
I can handle generic over-Jesusication, and have told people that leaving "have a blessed day!" messages makes me not want to do business with them, etc., since it reflects poorly on their professionalism, even in Georgia. But, how do I express my distaste for this crap? Jesus crap is annoying, but it's how offensive it is to Christianity that bugs me the most, I'm used to having my views as an atheist written off as awful, no big whoop, and I just don't know how to express this without seeming like a total concerned customer troll. And, of course, I'd hate to see them just replace the crap with "tasteful" tchotchkes, because then I'd lose the {head-shake} value.
Never seen anyone buying any of the crap, then again, don't know that I recall seeing anyone buy any t-shirt at a gas station, period.
Posted by: Djinna | August 31, 2010 10:12 PM
I'm not surprised that so many customers gave their approval to this simple message. Just like some people like to have a hair do and spend considerable time managing it and fusing with it, some people just like to base their entire existence on old fables.
It works for them and I am not harmed when they indulge themselves. But not all innocence is without intent. When I am cajoled, nudged, herded and ultimately required by law to attend the same barber, I draw the line. I do so on excellent authority as we all can readily observe.
I ain't cut my hair since December 24, 1995. I do trim my beard every three months, out of simple courtesy.
Posted by: Crudely Wrott | August 31, 2010 11:46 PM
Chilidog@37:
They're closed on Sundays and their prices have gotten too high? I think you're talking about a thing I've noticed with a lot PTL businesses over the years. They keep holy the Sabbath and treat THEIR people well, fucking everybody else six days a week. I do NO business with self-id'd christian businesses. They want to be smug, sanctimonious fucks, that's fine--let JESUS save them from the jaws of their creditors.
Posted by: democommie | August 31, 2010 11:46 PM
Re: Eric R (#3)
I'm in agreement, I've been living in Japan for 8 years now, and my wife and I used to talk about moving back to the states eventually, we don't talk about that so much anymore.
Posted by: nickcan | September 1, 2010 1:18 AM
Re: Eric& Nickcan
Same here. I'm a expat in Australia and every time I watch the news from the states, I see more and more reasons to stay out of the country, whether it's corrupt police abusing their power, the nation's general post-911 paranoia or the Tea Baggers and their weird hysterics.
It just doesn't feel like there's no longer a place in mainstream America for someone who isn't and "American" in the Sarah Palin sense of the term. So I'll happily stay away. Expat living is more fun anyway.
Posted by: woods | September 1, 2010 5:59 AM
I am also an EX pat. Left in 99 when I retired. I don't see any reason to go back as I have a very good life here. I read these blogs and just figure that they have opened all the asylum doors and tossed the keys into a ditch someplace.
One other thing I have suffer with what some idiots in the states would call socialized medicine, guess what the system works, not perfect but works and I won't go bankrupt if I have a major health problem.¸I pay a monthly premium for this, about 80 U.S
Posted by: Ex Partiot | September 1, 2010 9:44 AM
James Hanley: I can assure you that the owner of the Cheaper chain was doing this for ideological reasons. All pumps in california show the taxes included in the purchase price. I did not make clear that HIS pumps said something like "45 cents wasted on pernicious government programs."
Dittos on the taxes not paying for the roads.
Posted by: Brian M | September 1, 2010 1:50 PM
I actually think it's a little sad there is no longer one day a week not devoted to consumerism. There is soemthing to be said for a day of rest not spent at the mall or the fast food joint.
Posted by: Brian M | September 1, 2010 1:52 PM
Brian, blue laws used to be common throughout the U.S.
Illinois still has one on the books not allowing new auto dealerships to be open on Sunday. (used car lots can be, however)
Posted by: Chilidog | September 1, 2010 5:02 PM
democommie @47
I don't know why they got so expensive. probably because there are only two decent pick-your-own apple orchards left between Chicago and Rockford, and one was wiped out by a tornado two years ago. (there used to be a dozen or so)
It's not the prices that keep me away, it's the crowds. By only being open on Saturday, it's too crowded.
(and a lot of times, I want to go apple picking on a sunday.)
Posted by: Chilidog | September 1, 2010 5:07 PM
WTF are all you pussies crying about? It is HIS business and if that's his position, he has EVERY RIGHT to display that. Just as the folks in that area have EVERY RIGHT to not go there. You all want your way, which is no exposure to religion as YOUR RIGHT but you don't give sway to these folks right to voice their opinions. As is pointed out on this blog, on private property, you have a right to say what you want. You may disagree (and calling him stupid just makes you look too vapid to come up with a better argument). Tsk tsk.
Posted by: Michael in Elgin, IL | September 1, 2010 7:45 PM
What are you talking about? Who's saying the owner doesn't have a right to display that message? You're fighting with straw men.
Posted by: Dr X | September 1, 2010 8:12 PM
Brian M @51--When you put it that way, I'd be inclined to agree it sounds like there might be a little bit of ideology involved.
And @52--I actually agree with this. I think we'd all be a lot more psychologically healthy if we'd slow down and take a weekly break. But it's one of those cases where I'd rather give up my preferred outcome than give government the power to regulate it.
@chilidog--It's pretty common for cities, if not whole states, to have rules keeping auto dealers closed on Sunday. The strongest supporters of the rule tend to be auto dealers, because they know if one remains open on Sunday, all the others will need to do so to, to compete. It's kind of a bootleggers and baptists kind of thing.
Posted by: James Hanley | September 1, 2010 8:40 PM
@55: "WTF are all you pussies...(and calling him stupid just makes you look too vapid to come up with a better argument)."
"Michael in Elgin, IL" and Self-Awareness: You two fellows should meet sometime.
Posted by: daniel rotter | September 1, 2010 9:33 PM
Michael in Elgin, IL, #55: WTF are all you pussies crying about?
Actually, the tears you see are from laughing.
Posted by: Chiroptera | September 1, 2010 9:57 PM