To whom it may concern:
My name is BJ Soper. I live in Redmond, Oregon. I’ve been a loyal customer your Redmond store since I’ve moved here in 2006.

Today, your company has lost my business and I’m very sorry to say that. I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars in this store and spend considerable amounts each month on feed and supplies for my livestock. Today that ends, and I’ll explain.

A good friend of mine was told to leave this store, Friday, July 31st. Not because he’s a thief, or a difficult customer. He was asked to leave because he refused to wear a mask.

Now I can hear your reply and before you tell me it’s not your fault, I want to say, I don’t want to hear it.

Your company is quite large and has a lot of resources at its disposal. Your management also has the ability to stand up and do what’s right, protecting the right of the People to choose, to protect liberty, which is the very concept in this Country that allowed Coastal Farm and Ranch to become a successful business from a mere idea in one person’s mind. It may sound excessive to say you have lost my business forever over an issue “that’s out of your control” but let me explain.

Principles matter. Standing against issues that affect every citizen in this State matter. Becoming a weapon of an over reaching government acting on what will ultimately be deemed illegal actions matter. People choosing how to handle their own medical concerns matter.

Your decision to force the State’s will upon anyone that would like to patronize your store is wrong. You are being used to force people into compliance, a task the state obviously can not do itself. You have become a weapon against a free people, freely by choice. Many other stores have decided to not enforce this mandate yet, Coastal chooses to be a tool of a tyrant. You have that right to do so if you choose.

I have rights as well. I have the right to choose what’s best for my body and mind. I have the right to choose what information to believe or not to believe, and also have the right to protest freely against abuses, and to boycott companies for the way they run their business, and treat their customers.

To put it simply, I can not in good conscience continue to give my money to business that would freely infringe upon the rights of their customers. I will not pay to be abused. I realize that your actions come under duress, all the more reason to stand on principle against abuses not only to your customers, but to your own company. Allowing the threats to your company, without response, also speaks volumes about your principles. Why should I support a business that chooses to be a victim??

I send this message to you so that you understand what you are about to lose.. not only will it be my business but countless other customers when they hear of this tragedy.. Rural Oregon is not on board and the Redmond store is in the heart of Rural Oregon.

Principles matter. Doing the right things matter. Now I understand mistakes are made, for which we are instructed by our Lord to forgive. I would change my mind on this entire issue if this company changes it policy and does not enforce this draconian, illegal mandate and issues and apology publicly to my friend and any other customer that was humiliated by the actions of your store and it’s employees. A week to do so sound fair to me.

I hope you will reply, and we can discuss this issue further if needed.

Sincerely,

BJ Soper and the undersigned below