58.95%	No
38.88%	Yes

Comment: I think the whole situation is horrible...it's too bad that there is still a lot of racism in the state of Maine...or any other state for that matter... from Buxton, Maine by Laurie

Comment: doing things like that is what gives other people the ideas to go out and actually do it. from Farmingdale by Steve

Comment: The person responsible for this act, and the people who might have participated, are showing their ignorance. This is beyond free speech. These are the acts that contribute to and feed hate crimes. We have a "War on Terrorism" policy here in this country. Condoning this kind of activity is placing a stamp of approval on it. What message does this send our youth - much less the rest of us. from Otisfield, ME by Genise

Comment: No. Although I do not agree with the sign I do believe it falls under FREE SPEACH from Lewiston by ***

Comment: would the same people be mad if the pool was for President Bush. It's time for equal rights for whites.I'm and alot of other people are tire of Blacks, are abile to say what what they want about whites, but any thing whites say is raceshal. if he did break the law he should be left alone. from south portland by michael

Comment: NO…. Absolutely NOT !! There was no direct threat !! End of discussion !! from Jay, ME by Bill

Comment: We still have freedom of speech, right? Was his sign in poor taste - Yes. Charges shouldn't be filed. After all this attention I'm sure he has learned a very valuable lesson. from Hollis, Maine by Beth

Comment: No, not arrested, but punished somehow. from Falmouth, ME by Eric

Comment: i beleive it is wrong for a store to do this.I think this store owner should be filed charges against them. black or white president makes no different to me but its not right to take bets on any president that has been elected from Gorham,Me by Joyce

Comment: he is excercising his 1st amendment rights!!!!!!!!!! from Standish by Billy

Comment: free speech. there not the only people wonderen the same thing. biggots can be very old and wise. from florida by chris

Comment: No. I don't believe that poor taste in free speech is criminally punishable. While this might be hate speech, I don't see how this could be a hate crime, since no crime was committed. I will admit, though, that I am sure Mr. Collin's business is done for because of this publicity. I think he will have suffered enough. If this sign were to become the flash point for a hate crime, I might have a different opinion. from Standish by Stephanie

Comment: As difficult it is for me to understand how a person could continue to carry prejudices toward other human beings, it is the freedom of speech that is what makes our country great. There is no accounting for his ignorance and lack of faith in the human race, and I hope that his "pool" has enlightened him to just how devisive and undermining he is to his country, his community and his business. from Portland, ME by Nancy

Comment: NO question about it. Inciting violence is illegal. from Oakland, CA. by William

Comment: All those comments of late is causing more commotion than is necessary; drop it! from Sanford Maine by Ruth

Comment: free speech. I have customers with George w stickers on their car with cross hairs on center mass of his head, but this is ok? double standard on this for sure from windham by John

Comment: I do think that charges should be filed against the owner because its not a good thing to be aksking that. Obama just started his new roll as presidentI think that people should have respect for Obama. from Maine by sophie

Comment: No there was no direct threat. I think it is becoming a huge deal because Obama is "african american". Would we press charges if the sign was about Hilary or Bush? from Portland, Me by Suzy

Comment: he didnt threaten him, he just made a joke saying what people have been saying since obama was chosen over hilary to run against mccain. from maine by haley

Comment: Yes. If it was a joke then that should have been stated quickly. Otherwise, it leads us to believe it is for real. With that being said, it sounds like a hate crime. Some kind of charges should be filed against this man so that this hate incident doesn't make others think that they can display hate as well. from Buxton, ME by Andrea

Comment: The sign is inexcusable and in poor taste. But no, I do not believe charges should be filed. Why should we be surprised something like this has happened? Look at the hatred directed towards President Bush these past eight years. Maybe if were were to apply a consistent set of standards we could eliminate these problems altogether. from South Portland / ME by Jim

Comment: They did nothing wrong. Merly expressing their freedom of speech, and only the store owners oppinion on the events mentioned. Move along people there's nothing to see here. by Jon

Comment: No, I think people are making more of this than necessary. I believe this is not a matter of racism but a personal difference. People are so quick to jump to conclusions that something is racism, If it was against Sen. John McCain I don't anything would be done about it. Those people who are MAKING this a racist issue should stop and take a look at themselves before they point fingers. from Fairfield/ME

Comment: My Fiencee and I live in the community. Right down the road from the store and we frequent the General Store. Steve provides a great service to the people who shop with him. He charges a VERY fair price for great food, and he is always friendly. This was nothing more then a joke. Honestly had it been a joke about when Mr. Mcaney was going to have a heart attack would we be having this argument? They both imply a death to the man. People need something to talk about and race is a hot topic. from Standish, Me by Joshua

Comment: Cumberland County Sheriff's office says the law was not broken. from Standish, ME by Beverley

Comment: Yes he should be charged with a hate crime. not necessary to cause hate and discontent. would he have said to same about John Mcain? from Union, Maine by Abraham

Comment: the man should be able to do what he want in his store people should mind their own bizz from sanford me by joe

Comment: There are no photos and essentially no proof of the sign to date. Although I disagree with the sign, the owner's free speech should not be compromised or persecuted. President Bush is publicly hazed every day; a sign in a small store in a small town puts this in perspective. from standish, maine by Melissa

Comment: I would love for any one of the individuals expressing their outrage to tell me what crime this individual should be charged with. Inappropriate, maybe;criminal, no. As far as I can see no threats against president-elect obama have been made. To quote your reporter "somewhat suprisingly" free speech is not a crime, bad taste is not a crime, even stupidity is not a crime. from Portland by Timothy

Comment: I believe that the owner of the General Store in Standish should be charged as being a complete idiot, and should be forced to confront his own stupidity daily. How sad for Maine that he is from here, as he embarrasses us all. from Portland, Maine by David

Comment: Yes, I am sure the owner knew exactly what he was doing. This should be considered as any other hate crime. from Monmouth by Cheryl

Comment: This is a hate crime that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. While it does not surprise me that this type of racial bias still exists, it saddens me that this happened in Maine. This mentality needs no encouragement and must be nipped in the bud. from Auburn, Maine by Joan

Comment: Would we even still be talking about this if he were white???? by DJ

Comment: Maybe if he had a little time in jail he could spend the time educating himself on racism and ignorance. by Mimi

Comment: This is an outrage and should not be tolerated. He should definitely make a public apology at least. And if this actually broke a law, he should be charged. from Waterville by Heidi

Comment: I don't agree with his view, but, this is America and he should have freedom of speach. Although he should have done it more privately. from Lewiston, Me by Janine

Comment: While I certainly think that it's a hateful and racist game to play, especially sponsored by a business, I'm not sure he deserves charges. Unfortunately there are people in our society who think unwarranted stereotypes and racism are just part of life, but we can't press charges everytime someone says something we don't like or support. from Wells by Eric

Comment: It shows racism is still real, even in a small southern Maine town from Westbrook by Tom

Comment: Certainly distasteful but I do not think charges should be brought. This was no worse than hanging a look alike of Sarah Palin. from Edgecomb/ME by Jessica

Comment: Although I admit I've been worried about the possibility that some derranged person/persons would attempt assasination, this kind of absurd, distrubed thing just gives the idea a more compelling thing to do to some weirdo out there!?! Ridiculous!! from Gorham by Diane

Comment: Freedom of speech...this is no different than what is being said about President Bush which is always broadcasted on the news. I am sick of people always playing the race card. from Auburn, ME

Comment: I feel he should be charged because it was his store. For him to say he did not know anything about the sign, I believe he's lying. from Biddeford/Maine by Sandra

Comment: YES, I believe that charges should be filed due to the fact that it was technically a crime. It is terrorizing and threatening. Not only to another human being but to the President elect. Shame one the owner of that store, shame on you. from West Gardiner, ME by Rev. Nathan

Comment: It's getting to the point that people are afraid to say anything even jokingly for some idiot will take it serious & blow it way out of proportion. from buckfield by allen

Comment: The 'fact' that money was exchanging hands via placing bets regarding the idea of an assassination of "President Elect Obama", I firmly believe that this person should be utilized as an EXAMPLE to deter others from such non-patriotic behavior! from Albany Township by Vera

Comment: This is outrageous. Barack Obama is "the persident elect". It is a threat NOT to be taken as a joke. If a business owner can partake in this racist behavior, it only encourages the ignorance to explode. I say "YES" to charges. This is close to "Treason". from Sanford by Karen

Comment: Hate is a learned trait;We are not born with it.Life in and of itself is a challange without spreading more fear and mistrust.This helps no one. from Portland by John

Comment: There is such a thing as freedom of speech. Although this was in VERY POOR taste he didn't actually make a threat against OBAMA. I do believe that anyone, including myself, that was offended by this disgrace can avoid going to his store and show him how distastfull this really was. from Portland, ME by Roy

Comment: NO. Though it is in poor taste, Maine is already a police state, and should not have the right to capitalize on poor taste. He should be asked to remove it for moral reasons, but not forced to, or be charged with a crime for crying out load. from Maine by Kent

Comment: Prosecute. Maine makes its living from being a welcoming place for all who want to come and share her beauty. This is no place for this kind of ugliness. We need to demonstrate with one strong voice that this person, in his ignorance, is not typical of Maine attitudes and does not speak for Mainers. from Westbrook, by Laura

Comment: I think that it was in poor taste however we have the right of freedom of speech. No he should not have charges filed against him. I'm sure the loss of business will make him think twice about what he puts up in his window from Gorham by Roger

Comment: Yes, People must be held responsble for there actions. This action was a threat to Mr. Obama and the rest us, not an opion or free speach. from monmouth. maine 04259 by Ken

Comment: Were charges filed against the people who had Sarah Palin hanging in a noose for the month of October? NO. They are BOTH in poor taste.I am tired of hearing about this story. Let it go...just like you let the S.Palin hanging go..... from Falmouth by Lisa

Comment: If he gets charged for it, then everyone else in the USA that did not want Obama in office should get charged....you can't tell me that other people haven't stated bad things about Obama. from Richmond by Jennifer

Comment: I think the united states is having a hard enough time with EVERYTHING without creating more issues,i feel he should have to be punished!I think he should be made to go fight for this country since he obviously takes his freedom for granted.Life means to live,not to kill. from Windham Maine by Nicole

Comment: Give him a break, he probably thought it was funny. No threat. No aim to incite. With the threats already made against Obama, it was a natural thought that crossed a lot of peoples mind. from Wilton, ME by Ann

Comment: I think it is sad that this man doesn't understand the consequences of such behavior; it has escalated beyond what he imagined I'm sure, accountability for actions is necessary. from Rumford, Maine by Dorothy

Comment: I believe the store owner and anybody on that list should be prosicuted with federal charges. Who is to say none of them wouldn't do it themselves or have someone do it to win the bet. from Turner, Maine by Anthony

Comment: He lives in the U.S.A. from Auburn. Me by Randy

Comment: He just wrote what everyone thinks. It was bad judgment on his part but we do still have freedom of speech, right? Did the government take that too?!?! from Richmond by Nicole

Comment: Why do you and the liberals interviewed portray this as a "hate" crime.I heard no mention of race in the pool description.Would the outrage be the same if a McCain pool was staged in a Harlem general store? I doubt it. from Biddeford by David

Comment: I personally heard at least 100 such jokes during the election. He is his anti second amemdment. If he tries to step on our constitutional rights the chances are very likely an attempt could be made. Many Americans gave thier lives to protect our freedoms and will not tolerate an elected official sworn to protect them try to destroy them. from Paris/ Me by Dan

Comment: His sign advocated murder of OUR President Elect. This is not a "joke" or poor judgement, it was his personal way of instigating someone else to commit murder. While we are thankfully free to publicly express our discontent with our elected leaders, we are not free to advocate their murder. This is not a partisan, racial or matter of "poor taste"; it is an intentional act to instigate violence against a public official and if that is not illegal it should be. Hopefully, in addition to losing his business this man will be charged with Federal crimes and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Just another reason to rally our support behind our next President. This sickness will not be tolerated in America. from OXFORD COUNTY, MAINE by Wendell

Comment: Gee i guess not everyone voted for obama...enough said ....lets move on from buxton by gary

Comment: Absolutely not! I see no evidence that the author of the sign was attempting to incite violence against President-elect Obama. More disturbing to me is the knee-jerk assumption that the stunt was racist in nature. Why does no one consider that maybe the store owner just doesn't like Obama's politics? from Waterville, Maine by Ryan

Comment: Of course not. There is no direct evidence of a crime. If charges could be filed, Im sure they would have. Or if it is under investigation, and they find evidence of a crime, then sure. But I think this is a ridiculous question to ask the general public, who know nothing about maine or federal law. from Portland by Frod

Comment: I think it is wrong.To me it does seem to be a threat to do harm to Mr.Obama and to this Country. It doesn't seem to be very civil nor right for the Man just simply walk away from it all.To have just a slap on the wrist.If not he should come forward and apologize to us THE AMERICAN people and to Mainers as well from Lewiston Maine by Terry

Comment: That is just messed up only cause he is black and who is going to put a sign after all that, "they hope there is a winner". This is our president like it or not he is going to do what any other president would do nothing different only because he black. from Portland by Jon

Comment: Domestic Terriorist alive and well In the USA. Send him to jail.... from Freeport by Tim

Comment: Gambling except with permits is illegal in this state. Free speech does not protect hate speech, especially when it is encouraging people to kill someone. from Standish by Dana

Comment: I wonder how long that sign was there before the election? from palermo maine by Brenda

Comment: He's guilty of bad judgement and more importantly free speech, but isn't that what this country has sacrificed so many lives for in it's history ? from Gorham, Me by Tim

Comment: The only crime he should be charged with is stupidity from Gorham by Steve

Comment: I Don't Think Mr. Collins The Store Owner Deserves To Have Charges Files Against Him Because This Case Is Solely Based On "Heresay" From An "Anonomous" Person Whos Hiding Behind His/Her Anonymity & My Guess Is Most Likely Is Being Offered Protection By The US Secret Service In Exchange For Their Cooperation & Testimony Or Being Given Some Type Of Special Priviledge."Who" Is This So-called Anonomous Person ? I Think We All Have A Right To Know Who This Person Is Thats Been Mentioned By All The News People. My Point Is Simply This " Its Heresay" He Said/ She Said Type Of Deal & No Matter The Way You Look At It Heresay Doesn't Fly With Judges In Courtrooms. I'm Not Condoning Mr. Collins Behavior & i Agree With You On That. I Feel He Should Make A Sincere Public Apology & Make A Direct Amends To President Elect Obama In Person. I Bet that would Humble Mr. Collins Real Fast. This Is My Personal Opinion Only I Welcome Yours. This Comment Has Been Approved By Me. from Portland Maine by Ralph

Comment: Leave the guy alone there are worse things going on in this country than the sign by Lisa

Comment: if the law was broken then charges should be filed and move on. too much attention is being paid to it as usual. from poirtland by john c

Comment: He might be an idiotic man, but he has done nothing wrong. Then again, would there have been this much of an outrage if this was Bush instead of Obama? I doubt it. from Biddeford by Carlie

Comment: As far as I know stupidity was not against the law. Hopefully the rest of the country knows this is not Maine humor..just one mans ignorance and prejudice. from hope by judy

Comment: Asking a question is NOT inciting violence. It is no different than selling squares in the office in a football pool. There are those on the left that have been threatening President George W. Bush's life for 8 years and that does not make news. And how about the threats against Joe the Plumber? It appears that the right has no rights but the left can do or say whatever it pleases. from Damariscotta by Gina

Comment: No, Did every one forget about Palin (dummy) hanging from a tree in CA.? I don't remember a meeting over that. from Gorham Maine by Sue

Comment: Would it be such an issue if the president elect was caucasian?? from Casco by Carol

Comment: On an emotional level I am certain that this man should be prosecuted, however, if this man has not broken any law then he should not be. from Standish by Cynthia

Comment: No. As stupid as this person is, I don't think any crime has been committed. from Norway by Alan

Comment: No,i think we should chock it up to stupidity.However i'm afraid some bigger idiot might actually try.Which is one thing this country definately doesn't need. from Auburn,ME by Skip

Comment: I BELIEVE THESE PEOPLE ARE BEING RACIST AND SHOULD BE CHARGED ,I COULDN'T IMAGINE TAKING VOTES ON ANYONE BEING ASSASSINATED IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT''BARACK OBAMA IS JUST AS HUMAN AS THE REST OF US AND I PROUDLY VOTED FOR HIM. from HOLLIS,ME by LIZ

Comment: I think he should be able to voice his opinion. Maybe it was tasteless but anyone that knows Steve will say it is harmless and HE SHOULD OPEN UP....WE MISS HIM! from standish by unknown

Comment: Yes, this is about assasination of the president elect, not to mention a racial hatred issue. Very uncool from wayne, me by jenn

Comment: No,Its a joke gone wrong.I think a public apology is a good idea. by Michael

Comment: I Strongly disagree with the whole thing but he'll pay by losing his business. from Durham by Lew

Comment: I do believe the sign was in very bad taste but I don't believe it was racially motivated. I think the point was made that it wasn't a great decision. We should all move on now. from Limerick by Stacy