North Country business owners protest Obama's remarks | News

KINGSBURY - Sparks are flying at Falls Farm and Garden Equipment on Dix Avenue.

But these days the sparks have less to do with lawn mower and tractor repair and more to do with a recent campaign speech from President Obama in which he said, "If you've got a business, you didn't build that, somebody else made that happen."

It was that part of the speech that infuriated Tim and Jane Havens, the owners of this small business.

"I walked through my house talking to my self and I thought, 'This is my thing and I'm not talking to myself any more,'" said Jane Havens.

So Havens invited other business owners to join her, so together they could speak their minds.

This event was equal parts rally and protest. Rallying in support of small business, while protesting President Obama's words and policies.

There were more than a dozen small businesses represented here. Falls Farm and Garden started 30 years ago and now employs 18 people.

"We did it on our own without any help. Anything from the government has been a hindrance," said Tim Havens.

Democrats argue that the President's remark was taken out of context, that he was trying to make the point that businesses often succeed thanks to help from others, including the government.

"He spoke what was on his mind. He made it crystal clear. There's nothing taken out of context," said Tim Havens.

"There are many who have said we're misinterpreting the president's words. Well, I don't think we're misinterpreting the meaning and the intent of disrespect toward business," said NYS Assemblyman Tony Jordan, R - Easton.

NewsChannel 13 sought comment from the president's campaign office, but has not heard back.