Shuttered souvenir shops reflect Bush’s low ratings - Sheehan part of the "blame"

[powergirl]

I'm a proud Texan and I am thrilled about this. I like how one Bush souvenir shop also sells "crosses, saddles, guns and Western clothing in addition to coffee mugs, T-shirts.

Shuttered souvenir shops reflect Bush’s low ratings

A CLOSER LOOK

By Angela K. Brown THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


CRAWFORD, Texas— Near the lone stoplight on Main Street, a for-sale sign hangs from a dusty window where a souvenir shop used to sell cufflinks, cowboy boots and denim shirts emblazoned “The Western White House.” Another gift store across the street is shuttered too, though a sign says it will reopen elsewhere. And the biggest souvenir shop in Crawford is reporting a drop in sales.


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“I feel so strongly about the president that I wanted to continue to support him any way I could,” she said. “But I’m distressed about the poll numbers and think it was a combination of things: that and the protesters.”

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Crow suggested the anti-war demonstrations that Cindy Sheehan started in Crawford in 2005 have led some tourists to stay away.

“When the president would be home, more people would come hoping to get a glimpse of him,” she said. “But with the frustrations caused by the protesters, it wasn’t as popular to come to Crawford and pick up trinkets.”

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Bill Johnson, owner of Crawford’s largest gift shop, Yellow Rose, said he plans to continue running his store, which also sells crosses, saddles, guns and Western clothing in addition to coffee mugs, T-shirts and other souvenirs. “I think the president’s ratings will go up, and when that happens, the sales go up,” he said. “As far as Crawford’s future, I think it looks bright. Is it going to be as hectic as it was a few years ago? No. But Crawford’s name is known far and wide, and when he retires, people who are endeared to him will want to come to Crawford.”

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