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The Hug That Lifted A Nation: Stand Up Against the Boycott of Scott Van Duzer
Scott Van Duzer is an all around good guy. He’s now famous for giving the best hug of the campaign to President Obama, indeed lifting him off the ground in joyous excitement. But before that, the owner of Big Apple Pizza & Pasta Restaurant in Fort Pierce, Fla. started a foundation to assist families and individuals experiencing financial and personal hardship called the Van Duzer Foundation.
Now his business is being targeted by very angry Republicans.
Here’s Scott talking about the hug:
Our 6’2″ President Obama said of the hug, “The guy’s just got a big heart, along with big pecs.”
The entire reason Obama stopped by Scott’s restaurant is because Scott, a registered Republican, has set records for donating blood. Obama said of Scott, “Here’s an example of somebody who is doing well, but he’s also giving back. So we just want to say how proud we are of him. I still wonder how he got these biceps, but what we know is that the guy’s just got a big heart along with big pecs. So we’re very proud of him, and we just want to say thank you for all the great work.”
Scott’s hug was a feel good moment for the nation, but angry Republicans are acting as if Scott funded taking away their rights (Chick fil-A), when all he did was show his excitement over meeting their President. It’s almost as if Republicans aren’t Americans anymore.
They’ve attacked Mr. Van Duzer’s Yelp Page and he says they’re boycotting him.
While Scott is a registered Republican, he did vote Obama in 2008 and says he’s looking forward to voting for his President again, “I don’t vote party line, I vote who I feel comfortable with, and I do feel extremely comfortable with him.”
Is it such an offense for Scott to hug the President of the United States that he deserves to by boycotted for it? In what way did his joy interfere with Republicans’ rights or infringe on their lives? No American deserves this kind of unhinged backlash for liking the President of the United States, and frankly, it looks like political harassment and intimidation as it has nothing to do with Scott using his business to fund something they don’t agree with.
Republicans are all for corporate “free speech” (read: money), but apparently business owners may not express their admiration for our President without fear of retaliation. And isn’t that their objective — to silence the political expression of Americans that disagree with them?
No matter how Scott votes, his organization and his joy (this guy spreads happiness, doesn’t he?) are a gift to this country.
Show Scott a little support if you can by stopping by his Yelp page to counteract the rage or donate to his foundation, as Daily Kos explains that Scott’s pizza business is being inundated with pizza orders right now by supportive Americans.
Image: Reuters
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122 Responses to The Hug That Lifted A Nation: Stand Up Against the Boycott of Scott Van Duzer
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A Walkaway
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
We need to support him and keep supporting him. Those that can should make it a point to regularly order pizzas from his company.
Unlike the flash-in-the-pan support that that chicken place got, let’s help the man out in a way that makes a difference! (No more symbolic flash over substance!)
Reynardine
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Dammit, Walkaway, I can’t *afford* pizza!
Benne the Clone
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Are you in the neighborhood, Reynardine? I’ll buy you a pizza from his shop.
Lori
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
“But before that, the owner of Big Apple Pizza & Pasta Restaurant in Fort Pierce, Fla. started a foundation to assist families and individuals experiencing financial and personal hardship called the Van Duzer Foundation.”
They are apparently overwhelmed by pizza orders & are requesting people make donations to their charity instead (per Daily Kos).
Sally
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Does my heart good that there are still moderate Republicans who give back, vote with their brains instead via puppet strings, and are truly happy people. Seems like the GOP is very very angry, and wants everyone else to be angry too. Sorry,boys, this Democrat IS doing better than in 2008, and I will be voting straight D this fall to get rid of the woman haters and union haters and people haters inhabiting our state and DC.
Sandy Button
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:40 am
Exactly…: )
tjLabey
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 11:35 am
Thank You Sally <3 Please know many Democrats have done/will do the same thing for Republicans when it's the right thing to do. We are Americans first.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 11:57 am
This democrat really isn’t doing better, but at least I know who is really at fault.
Down with the Republican party!
Vicki
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Well said!
Arthur
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Well said Sally.
If we lived there we’d buy his pizza, and donate to his charity.
That’s the problem in DC. No relationships, and no one cares what the other thinks, and doesn’t care whether what they do is beneficial to anyone but themselves or not.
Elizabeth
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:05 pm
He is asking for donations to his foundation instead. I guess they are trucking pizzas all over town.:-)
Scott Van Duzer
c/o The Van Duzer Foundation
2311 S 35th St.
Fort Pierce, Fl. 34981
Billie Mazza
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
that was a great thing you did yesterday.
try and not let those small-minded haters get to you, they know no better.
Denise
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
If I lived close to him, I would have had pizza for dinner. Apparently, the Republicans will eat their own. They have an “either you’re with us or you’re against us” attitude even when it comes to their own constituents. That is no way to lead a country. I’m glad Obama is president and I will vote for him again this year.
Arthur
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Lead? What a joke that is. The parties have no leaders. That’s one of the biggest problems.
Terry
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
if you don’t like a bear hug then the terrorists win. LOL
yay this guy he’s awesome
MSG CAPERS (RET.) STILL SERVING
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Veterans of Western Massachusetts & myself support you, Mr. Van Duzer!
I we can help, please reach out!
(525) Strong!!
jeff ridabock
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
More evidence that Republicans DO NOT SUPPORT small businesses. Yeah Obama has a few faults, as do all presidents. But Mitt Romney?!>?!>!>! Geeezubs. He is way worse than McCain would have been.
Arthur
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
And if Mittens isn’t bad enough take a look at Rayon. That’s a synthetic fiber.
Jodi
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
I googled how far this place was from me, and the several hour trip isn’t possible. I wish it was! I was going to take a mini-vacation to do so.
Mitt Romney
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Can you imagine Progressives trying to sabotage someone’s small business because they HUGGED someone? Seriously ashamed of some of my countrymen. Show you’re support. Go to Scott’s YELP page, give him five stars and a good review just for being a decent man. I did.
jlt
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
This is the yelp link to the Big Apple”
www.yelp.com/biz/big-appl...
Chris
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Aren’t these the same people who peed their pants and cried about free speech violations when marriage equality supporters declined to dine at Chik-Fil-A?
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Yeah, they’re the ones who were counting on tricking ordinary people into dumping their money into the “Christian alternate economy”.
(Well-documented problem in this country – the “Good Christians” have set up a black market economy including alternates to everything in the ordinary market. See Leah’s list and read the stuff published by Dogemperor regarding what is really going on. Most of it is horrific.)
[email protected]
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
I saw this picture and thought, wow, how awesome and uplifting! You have many people behind you Mr. Van Duzer! Don’t let any words from the right have one bit effect on you. You did what many of us would love to be able to do!! Obama is the right man for our time. Don’t let anyone sway you differently.
Heidi
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
I don’t understand the hate coming from Republicans in regards to this, he truly showed his joy about meeting the Pres.
People can support whom they chose, we don’t need hate in this process. I don’t agree with republicans but I am not going to bycott them or call them out of their names.
Josey
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
I’m actually more interested the Van Duzer Foundation not-for-profit 501-3c tax status. When I see a cozy relationship between a tax free organization and a politician I’m always suspicious that the funds being allocated to the organization are being directed properly.
AuntInAZ
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
I think you are reading way to much into the ‘cozy relationship’. So he likes Obama, and you want to use that to suggest there is something wrong with his foundation? Based on what? The fact Obama dropped by to thank him for donating blood? Have you done as much as Mr. Van Duzer has?
Bobbie
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:34 am
You tell ‘em AuntInAZ!! Good answer!
Rick
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
You have a problem with what the owner of a pizzeria is going do with a $5.00 donation but you have no problem with $100 million being donated to Super PACs by casino owners, banks and arms dealers.
Lori
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Do you really think the fact that President Obama went into his restaurant & the owner (& founder of the charity) gave him his support, as well as a bear hug, suggests a suspicious “cozy relationship”?
richard
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 4:05 am
Puleeez…..get a grip. The guy makes friggin’ pizza! Expressing his elation at meeting the President of The United States has you doubting his 501(c)3 status? Why don’t you call the IRS….you may be on to a huge illegal non-profit scam.
Ken Woodlock
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 7:24 am
You, my friend, are an a$$.
Ezra Gonzalez
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
“”And isn’t that their objective — to silence the political expression of Americans that disagree with them?”"
Chik-Fil-A
Jeebus, hypocrite much?
Shiva (Moderator)
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
No one tried to stop chikafillaaaaa, they just showed their disagreement.
There is a huge difference between trying to stop someone and disagreeing
Reynardine
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
I have eaten two Chick-Fil-a sandwiches in my life, because I don’t like them. I don’t like what they stand for, either. All the same, I don’t send them abusive language or threats, and I don’t do so to their patrons, either. That’s the difference.
The Fluff
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
I don’t eat Chic-Fil-A because I don’t like their food. I’ll eat the waffle fries is someone else offers me some, but I haven’t bought food from there in at least 6 years. When a few of my friends said that they were boycotting Chic-Fil-A, I said an unenthusiastic “Whoopee!” and continued not eating there… Like this pizza place. I would be more inclined to eat there now, but I don’t live anywhere near Florida and have no plans in the near future to go down there. At least his charity has received a lot of publicity and will probably get a lot more donations. I hope this is a blessing for him and not the curse some misguided individuals are trying to place on him.
The Fluff
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Ack! I misspelled some words in there, please forgive me.
Sergio
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Wow dick move on there part
Reynardine
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Never, in a life which began under FDR, have I seen any American so abused for giving a kindly greeting to a President of the United States- any President of the United States. Now, what is so different about this one?…
get real
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
‘Republican’ nowadays is just another way to say motherfucking hypocrite.
Nancy
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Im going to order a pizza from here in LA & he can’t feed someone hungry or take the money & put it towards his foundation. I’m proud & ashamed of people, both at the same time!
This world needs more people like Scott!!!
LeahFaith
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
What a great story and a great picture! I love hearing stories of people who help others. And I love my country AND my president. I was definitely a little teary-eyed when I read that this guy gives that much back to people who need it. Good for him!
Larry Legassey
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
The majority are with you. Even the majority of Republicans. Don’t be upset by a few low life morons. After we win this election, they can crawl back into their holes and dissapear for another 4 years.
PMom_GA
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Possible solution for those not living close by, but want to support Big Apple:
Find a local police or fire station in the area, call that office/station to see if they will accept your gift and explain why you are doing it (support Big Apple and them for their service), get name of station contact. If yes/acceptable, then call Big Apple, order & have them deliver to the first responders, attention of your contact.
Did that when a friend’s small restaurant had a bad patch. Fire/rescue were happy to accept the 3 pizzas I sent.
Lori
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Sorry to be repetitive, but I read this this morning on Daily Kos.
The restaurant is apparently overwhelmed by pizza orders (as well as the costs & personnel needed to deliver all the pizzas) & is requesting people make donations to their charity (the Van Duzer Foundation) instead.
alan
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
I am just so glad there are still people like you and Scott we still have real people in this world that care. That is a great idea.
Mary Anne Webster
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
That was a joyous moment when Scott hug the President. It so describes President Obama and what his confidence and leadership can do for this country. Of course the Republicans can’t stand it because it was a moment of truth.
Thomas Riley
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Scott is a truea American. This is still a free country and it is sad that the GOP wants to act like children and put him through that kind of crap. !
Pennyson
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
I have to travel to south Florida almost monthly for medical reasons and usually stay in ft. pierce before returning home my grand kids love pizza and will be getting one every month now because good people who do good things deserve the support of of those who believe in helping their fellow Americans and hateful people should never be allowed to successfully intimidate those who fulfill their obligation of citizenship imagine attacking someone who has done so much to help with the public need for blood donations just because they like the President of the United States when I find the big apple and buy that first pizza next month I hope Scott is there because I want to shake his Hand and thank him for all he does a couple of years ago while hospitalized I needed 7 units of blood in 5 days Thank God for Blood donors
Elizabeth
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
I thought the hug was a bit over the top, but this guy is clearly first rate.
Pennyson
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
just wanted to know if this is anything like chick fillet who’s life style did Mr. Van Duzer condemn? Because I’m positive that the thing at the chicken place had nothing to do with the owner liking mitt Romney plus it wasn’t even the same kind of man hug the chicken man was sniveling about
Sally
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
So when will Romney’s people set up a fake meeting with a ‘Democratic’ buisness owner? Bet no one wants to hug Mitt, except maybe a pickpocket.
Woody Drake
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Does he sell gift certificates? If so purchase those, and if they are not used its like a donation to the guy.
Ted Herlinger
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
I don’t eat pizza but if I lived there I would.
fltxag
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Hmmmm, wingnuts across the country boycotting a local pizzeria in Ft. Pierce, FL. I don’t think they get the concept.
Sonja Bruce
Sep. 10th, 2012 at 11:55 pm
I don’t live in FL but those of us nowhere near Big Apple Pizza & Mr. Van Duzer by ordering pizzas and requesting they be donated to the area homeless shelters or VA Hospitals.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Be careful of the homeless shelters. Some of them are so horrible that they steal from the people they’re supposed to help, and regularly abuse them. It’s common for people who are homeless to have “You brought it on yourself by your SINS!” shoved in their face, and to be told that their problem is they aren’t religious enough (gave enough money to the church, more like).
It’s so bad that there are two designations by people who study poverty – high demand and low demand. The high demand shelters insist on conversion or religious observance before allowing the people to eat or take shelter. They preach hellfire and damnation and the blame game. The low-demand don’t.
Most of the high-demand have horrible reputations known among the people who have been homeless for more than a few days, but when you’re homeless or poor, you don’t have much choice.
FedUp
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:11 am
Ignore the people that are attempting to boycott you. There are more of us that will support you and come to your restaurant next time we are in town!
Tracy M B
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:17 am
Remember how all you boycotting dickheads went to Chick-Fil-A because you were opposed to any kind of censorship or attack on free enterprise and freedom of speech?
Excuse me, but did you misplace your fucking mirror because you sure as shit need to look into it now you fucking hypocrites!
Really??
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:06 am
Why are wingnuts so vulgar and illiterate? Stay classy GOP TROLLS. By the way, no ONE takes you seriously. Your comments are worthy of the gutter.
Kathy
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 8:48 am
Tracy’s comments are directed at those who supported CFA and their hypocrisy…It’s in support of this gentleman and his business.
TT
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:53 am
The difference in the boycotts are clear. One side boycotted hatred and bigotry. The other side is boycotting because they are full of hatred and bigotry.
See, the left protested Chick-fil-A because they donate tons of money to hate groups to stop gay people from having rights. How exactly it hurts you for a gay neighbor to see his loved one in a hospital, so he don’t die alone, because his “loving” Christian family disowned him…I don’t know. But somehow, without any evidence, you all claim it does.
The right is protesting a man for hugging the President. Can you honestly give those two reasons equal ground? The only way you possibly could is if you are yourself full of hatred and bigotry.
JQP
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 6:50 am
Chik-Fil-A donated millions to groups who want to execute gays for being gays.
This man hugged the president because he was excited to see him.
Explain to me how that is the same thing.
krasblak
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:04 am
wow, i had non idea that donating funds to the ugandan exterminate the gays cause was the same as hugging the president. open up your eyes and shut your mouth.
John
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:31 am
The check is in the mail…
Rosemarie Benintend
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:33 am
It’s becoming ever increasingly harder to perceive most republicans as anything more than school yard bullies.
Next they’re gonna start pinning people down, committing assaultive hate crimes against them.
Oh, wait!
Done.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
They, or their dominionist backers, have been doing that for a long time.
Read what happened to Darla Kay Wynne or David Mullins – and it gets worse from there.
(The problem has been growing. I fear that if they loose the election they will try rebellion and also try to kill everyone known to be opposed to them – and if they win, they will use “the law” to do that. We’re only one step away from Theocracy.)
Nicole Stefanko
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:56 am
Tracy, Chik A Fil A donated money to an organization that is helping the Ugandan government draft a law that would allow gays to be executed by the government in that country. So an American company is financing an American hate group that is trying legislate the murder of gays in other countries. This story is fairly easy to find: see The Exodus Foundation. That’s NOT free speech. That is sponsoring oppression and intolerance. They also spent 25,000 asking congress NOT to condemn the Ugandan Bill : thenewcivilrightsmovement... And that is why people were so outraged. An opinion or prejudice is one thing; but supporting a stripping of civil and human rights is another. It is not the same as hugging the President!
T. Green
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:23 am
This is the same kind of treatment that Charley Crist got when he showed appreciation for the President of the United States. Did we forget that President Obama came to Florida’s rescue. Charley Crist was appreciative and thought we were all working together, but that is not the Republican way. President Obama has tried to do everything that he could for this country including stimulating the banks because that’s what Bush’s money man proposed as he sweated while telling us the ship was sinking. President Obama helped failing businesses, feed people out of work, provided healthcare, kept our young in college, helped to lower the interest rate, and respected all people. He is really trying to protect us from those who would step on the American people and feed us lies to divide us. No, this President is not a perfect man, but I would rather put my hand in his hand than Paul Ryan and Mit Romney. I don’t trust either one of them; they lie all the time. The Republicans forced Charley Crist out of the party, and the sad thing about it is that I sense that this kind of low-life treatment of other people who love the President is happening all over. But Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and Women from all over will do just what we did during the last election because we are not insensitive fools, we will go into the voting booths and quietly cast our vote for Barack Obama.
Flora
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:37 am
The haters are just green with envy and all too aware of how repellent the GOP politicians are these days, as a whole – no one would ever want to hug them like that. Can you imagine anyone wanting to put a bear hug on Mitt Romney?! People love the President!
Kaypee
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:57 am
I am better off than I was 4 years ago and proud of my president and the party that cares about people over profit. Republican hypocrasy embarrasses the US in the eyes of the world. Thank you to all Republicans who are willing to think for themselves and support the leader of our country.
Edward
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:59 am
In Mr. Van Duzer I see the love of our FATHER in Heaven…love your neighbor as yourself….
But in the boycotting hypocrites I see the vipers that they truly are…and we all should pray for their transformation back into good American Citizens
Really??
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:08 am
It is sad to see what the “Grand Ole Party” has become. Just sad…….
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Funny, but what I see in the boycotting hypocrites is the “Good Christians” I’ve been around all of my life, and in Mr. Van Duzer I see the non-Christians, atheists, LGBT folks, and flat-out liberals (viscerally hated by the “Good Christians”) I’ve been associating with for the last few years.
Joseph
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:59 am
It’s hilarious that you can’t even find a negative review…until he had the audacity to give a bear hug to Obama. Man oh man those conservatwats sure got their panties in a bunch over this.
Really??
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:07 am
Why are they all so BAT SH1T CrazY?????????
Really??
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:03 am
I went to that page. The GOP trolls are really a sad, pitiful lot. I guess I will file this under “when bat Sh!T CRAZY WINGNUTS ATTACK”.
TT
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:59 am
How large is that file? I am afraid I am running out of room and must start another. Just when I think the batshit crazy can’t get crazier…it does.
A Republican politician from Virginia recently said that all special needs children are punishment from his god for women having abortions. Tell me this, oh wise man of gawd….I’ve never had an abortion and my child is special needs…
Clinton took it home in his speech. But one of his best lines was how the other side lives in an alternate universe. Like the Clint and empty chair speech? Typical right wingers arguing with an imaginary Obama.
connie
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:05 am
I looked at the vicious “reviews” the hateful from across the country have spewed onto this lovely man’s business’s Yelp page. The depths of their depravity are incredible. #pondscum
Joanne
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:22 am
I love this picture and Scott Van Duzer. The Secret Service must have been freaked out! I’m with Pres. Obama all the way…great man and great president. And all you ignorant haters should do yourselves a favor and start accepting that the president will win re-election. It will be easier for you in November.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
IMO he’s the best president this country has ever had.
Based upon the sort of things I heard 4 years ago, when President Obama won the presidency, if he wins again (I hope!) I am afraid that the “Good Christians” (and southern low-lifes) will try armed rebellion. They hate him that much, and his decency is a barrier against the theocratic goals of most of the churches (in this area).
majii
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:35 am
Unhappy people tend to want others to be as unhappy as they are. Not gonna work. Mr. Van Duzer is the type of republican this country needs–someone who gives credit where credit is due. President Obama has done a lot for the country, but the diehard, authoritarians in the GOP refuse to give him any credit for anything, even those on whose behalf he spent political capital to have their unemployment checks extended or those he fought for so they could keep receiving the welfare assistance they need to survive. Hate is a powerful emotion, and it’s sad to see it consuming so many of my fellow Americans. I didn’t like many of the things that President Bush said/did, but I never hated him. President Clinton was right when he said in his convention speech that when he was POTUS, republicans treated him badly, but that he never experienced the level of hatred from them that they have directed toward PBO. IMO, the main cause for the unprecedented hatred directed at PBO is because he beat McCain in the 2008 election, and some republicans cannot believe/accept that America would vote for a person of color instead of a white person. Their opposition to the current president has always been about race, imo. That a majority of Americans don’t hate people of color and others is too much for some republicans to deal with. I believe that in their hearts and minds, any white person who likes PBO is a traitor to his race and to the nation.
nomad
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:37 am
Looks like he learned a very important lesson about how the conservative Republicans think and how they deal with anybody who steps out of line. No dissent will be tolerated and they will destroy their moderate base to maintain control of the message. Just another sign that the GOP is a collection of fascists?
TT
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 3:05 am
The people trying to compare this with Chik-fil-A are out of touch with reality. There is no comparison. The shit these assholes spew is a testament to the freedom of speech in this country.
Unfortunately, when you have that much freedom sometimes you have to hear things that make you go WTF! Common sense is easily proven not so common.
When the left decided to boycott chic-fil-a it did so because they donate large sums of money to prevent equal rights and to support laws that would execute people for being gay. Being gay is not a damn crime. Who does it hurt? They were protesting your awful hatred and bigotry.
The people protesting this man and his pizza place are protesting him hugging the President. Not hatred, bigotry and death. See, one side protested the hatred and bigotry of the other. The other side is protesting because they are full of that hatred and bigotry.
Donna
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 4:51 am
Scott Van Duser…..successful, compassionate, and more than slightly HOT!!! ;-) He will make some lucky gal very, veryhappy someday!!!! (just sayin’)……lol
Jeffrey Allender
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 5:16 am
Wow. Some of these republicans act like spoiled rotten brats. Like a 5 year old who is mad at his mommy for not buying him a candy bar at the store. Seriously? A lot of republicans are nothing but angry, spiteful, miserable hateful people.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
(Laugh) More like – a hateful little brat who because he doesn’t get his candy bar, doesn’t want any kids around him to be able to just EAT.
Butterflygem
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 5:28 am
I think this is what the country should be based on. When you are a person who cares about people in general you can’t go wrong. So what if someone in the US of A needs help, but heaven forbid we lived in an another country, you’ll help then……..I have no affiliation with any political group, but yet I vote for the person who wants to help. Children, women, and the elderly suffer when any group can’t let go of their issues of power. So to say anything bad about Constitution, Democrat, Green, Libertarian and Republican parties is a faux pas in itself, because people are really the issue not the label!
Dan
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 6:26 am
That’s what this country so desperately needs. Moderate Democrats. Moderate Republicans, and a common goal. Getting this country and her people back to work. If people put the BS politics aside we can do such great things.
Paws
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 7:56 am
I am disappointed in the reaction by conservatives but I must say, I’m not surprised. The man showed his enthusiasm for meeting the President of the United States and he gets attacked for it by his fellow citizens, who prove how small-minded and full of hatred they are by posting vile things about him. He’s a successful small business owner who is doing good things in his community. Whether one likes the President or not, he should be applauded for his good works.
TJ
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 7:59 am
If I ever hear that this man’s business is hurting, I’ll be calling up to order pizzas for the VA, hospitals, police or fire department. What a great guy who just had quite an emotional experience and now he’s getting bashed on for it. These people mocking him and boycotting his business were the same ones going to Chick-Fil-A to support the business when the LGBT community and others voiced their opinions against the place and boycotted. The difference here is this guy has all these benevolent accomplishments under his belt and simply was happy whereas the owner of Chick-Fil-A sends money to pay for hate groups that murder people for being gay in Africa. Seriously..wtf is wrong with some people.
Kathy
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 8:52 am
This man also got permission from the secret service, first – otherwise they would’ve decked him.
I will be honest, I’m not thrilled with a lot of Mr O’s decisions….but I can’t bring myself to vote for Mr R and his party of hate and ignorance. Voting for Romney is tantamount to voting for hate. It’s a shame that this party has allowed right wing extremists (their base) to dictate policy.
Barry Roope
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Kathy, I don’t think the Secret Service expected that hug because I saw an interview with the pizza guy and he said the agents jumped and started to move towards him when he picked the President up. He said he thought UH OH! when he saw them start to move, I’m sure they did background checks on him and all his employees prior to arriving, they always have advance teams go to places days before the President ever shows up.
Kathy
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:07 am
Amazing that the right wing nuts are annoyed that the liberals have taken over the Yelp site and given 5 stars.
It seems that THEY were the ones who tried to bash the man…and people with hearts and ethics decided to fight them. Yaaay for us!
Reynardine
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:08 am
Actually, what does Mr. Van Duzer want- blood? Is there any way we can give it for him? Or just give it! (Meanwhile, eat more beef liver. They kick you out if your blood is pink)
Joshapalooza
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:34 am
It is really disheartening to see the hate that is rising in America today. People are now not only facing bias on their skin color and sexuality, but also their political affiliation.
This is an issue that affects constituents affiliated with both parties. For example, the recent Chik-fil-e harassment on the online business page of chik-Fil-E). I think there would also be a similar reaction if a Democratic business owner was pictured giving George Bush Jr. or Mitt Romney a bear hug. There would be an uproar.
I’m glad people are coming to the defense of this great citizen but I really hope people can stop trying to draw lines in the sand and just remember that we are all Americans.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
It’s pretty obvious that you’ve never been forced to beg for food and had “Good Christians” (aka Republicans) tell you “Get a Job” and ask you “What did you do to bring it on yourself?” You haven’t been accused of being lazy because nobody will hire you (because of a combination of health issues and being over 50). You haven’t been told “Burger King and McDonalds are hiring. If you aren’t willing to work there, you’re just not willing to work! (Remember the health issues???) You haven’t been told “There is a safety net set up in case your health fails and it catches everyone – including all of the freeloaders” and then when your health DID fail, suddenly they called you a freeloader to your face.
What you’re doing is false equivalence, and it’s pure bullshit. There is no comparison.
Kathleen Robinson
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 9:53 am
I thought I lived in the USA, where we are free to vote any party, support any party, without attack. And this man is under attack for hugging the President of the United States! This is a truly frightening example of the kind of country the Republicans are trying to create. The people reviling this man are un-American to the extreme.
Erin
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 10:00 am
I support you sir! I saw this picture and was touched by it. He showed excitement and respect for our President. High Five buddy!!!
Jim Treacher
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 10:06 am
Where’s the proof he’s being boycotted? Who’s organizing it?
Jermaib
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 10:18 am
The Election of Barack Obama has driven millions of Whites in America CRAZY! Why do they behave this way?
SpiritOnParole
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 11:45 am
This is why boycotts by the right don’t work. They are doing it wrong for the wrong reasons
f joy
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
It was heartwarming and refreshing to see our President get the love and pride of the country for a change, especially from a fellow American who happens to be a Republican. BRAVO!
f joy
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Wow, a Republican with a heart! What a concept!
Floyd Jones
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Mr. Van Duzer gave a great answer to the final question! Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago. He said yes because he worked hard & took care of his business. He was not relying on any government assistance & if more people would think like this, the whole country would be better off! “PRICELESS” The Bear Hug was too! He made history with that hug & you gotta love his attitude! Not a closet Republican admits to voting for the better man for the job! Not Dem or Rep, but, the better man & will vote for the better man again! 2 thumbs up to you sir & I will stop in your shop for pizza soon too.
A Walkaway
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Working hard and taking care of business is no guarantee of doing better. In fact, it’s almost begging for the opposite.
I worked hard for over 15 years, during that period I had a total of 8 weeks off and worked most weekends and even holidays. I was regularly doing 15-18 hour days, and even had a couple that were 20 hours long. I took good care of my business.
It does no good when “Good Christians” and “Honest Businessmen” find out you’re actually American Indian and 61% of your customers drop you in the month following that information getting out.
It does no good when your health collapses – and the same people who insist that hard work and care mean you will prosper suddenly start calling you a slacker and parasite when you try to get disability (denied by a “good Conservative” judge and locked out of the system).
It does no good when you learn that “Good Christians” were deliberately thwarting efforts to find employment and blocking attempts to improve your business, because they wanted you to return to their cult.
Here’s a tidbit for you – the Book of Job is NOT a lesson on patience or trusting God… if you read it right it is a diatribe against the idea that God rewards good people with good things and punishes evil people with poverty and hardship.
The sooner you drop the “hard work and care” bullshit, the sooner you’ll start seeing the reality of this country – and it’s not pretty.
Eyes of TX
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Im putting my donation in the mail today!!!! The GOP will eat their own. Can you imagine how these angry people will act when President Obama wins reelection? Praying for our country!
as promised
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
The far right proving again that HATE tops their agenda.
Patricia Miller
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
I love the hug! We need more of these in our life. It’s so strange that conservatives want to TAKE rights away: the right to Love, the right to Hug, the right to Marry, the right to your own Beliefs and Decisions. Our Constitution is supposed to GIVE rights to the people, not take them. Here’s to fighting the good fight :)
Bryan
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Republican party is a bunch of racist pigs and can not stand that he was elected….they have done every thing they can possibly do to make him look bad and get rid of him so they can steal some more and ruin the country….just listen to the ass Limbaugh on the radio and the other ass Glen beck and this is what is the spokesmen for their party…..
Doris
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
TeathugliKKKans are built on a foundation of hate
and we must rid our country of these diseases on
November 6,2012…there a too many hate vapors coming from their infestation..
Obama~Biden 2012′ RobMe/Lyin Ryan 1040′s We,as a peope must save our counry because this country was not built on hate.
D. W. Skinner
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
The only good Republican is an UNELECTED one!
Chuck
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
WOW what a great man you are Scott if I lived closer we would be at your place eating pizza. Sorry we have ignorant Americans, but at least your not one! I feel your what America is all about! Thank you Scott for being such a GREAT GUY and making us all PROUD to be AMERICANS!
rebeccay
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Love this guy. A true American and he’s a republican! I thought all the good replicans were gone, but Scott proves they are not all gone! Good man this guy… Good man.
alan
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
You know I just bet Scotts pizza place is a lot happier now that the haters are gone. He will have a lot of better customers now!
Robert Plumlee
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Short and simple:From a fellow business owner, a fellow former repulican and a Vietnam Combat Veteran for Obama come best wishes and props.
Great move, Scott.
Ringo
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
I’d love to show my support for this man and his restaurant. Do they deliver to Oregon?
Jj5306
Sep. 11th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Need to go on QVC and sell all over country.
Timsee
Sep. 12th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Like him or not Obama IS the President of the United States at this moment. If you don’t like him the opportunity to remove the man draws near. In the meantime to attack, boycott, any man for welcoming his President is to strike at the fundamentals of democracy, namely freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of choice. If this is what the Republicans stand for are you really prepared to give them the power to greatly inluence the lives of everyone? Best of luck with that.
DC
Sep. 12th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I just went to the Yelp page. Amazing how so many people who don’t live in Florida suddenly have an opinion about the quality of the food there.
But of course, none of that has to do with politics. At least, that’s what the guy who calls President Obama “bro”.
gale Malone
Sep. 13th, 2012 at 1:19 am
I loved seeing this moment with all the excitement and joy of having Obama in his restaurant!
Obama was so cool and friendly and Scott showed just how he felt about him. Too bad Republicans don’t feel that way about Mitt. Ha, ha, ha.
Scott, keep on truckin’ and don’t care about what those who are full of hate and bitterness are saying. It is obvious you are a good guy and I was happy and proud to see you so delighted!!!
Larry Waldbillig
Sep. 13th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
I’d sooner buy a pizza from Scott Van Duzer than Papa John ANYDAY. Wish I lived closer. Like MOST small business owners, Scott Van Duzer knows WHO’S for small local businesses like his and who’s for megalomanic cronies like Vain Capital.