To the good Doctor I say this is our right to free speech, it's not a first amendment right that you agree with but for all to speak freely. Maybe Doctor you cannot grasp this concept or are not used to it but that is your hang-up. Freedom ain't free it makes people uncomfortable, mad, sad, sick but it's all good in America. I was born in another country and became a citizen our whole family and we love this country more then anything. It's easy to say boycott cause you do not like what I say and sure you can call me a racist or whatever you like, but that's the point of freedom. You Doctor are able to say that stuff about me with no fear of repercussions crazy this America. For all the children, fathers, mothers who have given up their lives so that you and I would be able to have this discussion even though we do not agree is a testament to how much we owe these brave people. Doctor you might be smarter then me have more money then me but it don't matter in America where I am the equal of you. Good day Sir

forgot say that it loaded with napalm and fueler with pig fat

Dr. Amesh Adalja, you don't like it, you can go, back to where you came from! We love his silly sign and look for it each week. Yes we eat there once maybe twice a week. There will be no boycott here. And I doubt from anyone else but you and yours.
We say here don't let the door hit you when you go. By-byeee!

Gotta love drunk people on Memorial Day.

Well I have lived here my entire life and hate the sign, so Dr. Adalja I fully encourage you to not go anywhere. I used to eat there and will not any longer nor will my friends or family. Pollice cannot say that it was just a joke and then post a sign informing the public to contact a dead soldiers parents. That is not a joke.

Here's the thing. It's a sign. Nothing more. There are much more important things going on in the world than a sign in front of a restaurant in Cranberry Twp, PA. I could care less what the sign says. It's his right to say it if he wants, and he did. Boycotting the restaurant shows what a real primitive mind is. Doing that just shows how out of line those folks priorities are.

Erin it is your choice to not come to our store yea how bout the rights of the dead soldiers. Dead yea it's an ugly word but it's real Erin. Dang you got some power over your family and friends to tell them where they can go. You went to Slippery Rock and still can't read. Before you open your pie hole think and then think some more, what year is it in your world Conners. Like Arnold said I"ll Be Back doing the same thing to make your life just a bit more uncomfortable & you can do nothing about it.

First of all, yes we have the right to free speech .... if you are in to showing off your religious ignorance. There is a BIG difference between a Muslim and an extreme terrorist. It's an embarrassment to our neighborhood to think someone would post something so completely asinine.

I agree with Erin. This sign spreads hate. Nothing funny about it. Yes there is absolutely a difference between terrorist and Muslim.

Personally, I find it offensive and belligerent. However, it is his inalienable right to make a fool of himself to whatever degree he wishes. That said, I too have the right to ignore his business and recommend to others that they might wish to try one of many other fine establishments in Cranberry who don’t put their bigotry on the menu.

wow so many comments so many differing opinions and today when we honor our heroes from all the wars that we have lost our men and women. This day is to remember them think about what it takes to keep this country free. So at least the sign has made you think by offending you or given you a smile but it did do something. To the people that I have not offended wait it might be your turn sooner then later. LOL JOKE

Personally, I don't care what the sign says. The jokes a bit lame but oh well. I don't like Domenico's food at all. That's why I don't eat there. Cranberry has soooooo many better places.

You really do have an exaggerated sense of your importance, don't ya Ronnie? I was just killin' time before going out to eat at "Anywhere but Dominico's" and thought that I'd weigh in on this pathetic discussion.
It did, however, remind me of my father's sage advice when I was growing up: "Son, you'll soon come to realize that there are more horses asses in the world than there are horses."
Your rant certainly serves to reinforce that.

Well your daddy is real smart I guess he is an expert on asses cause he sure did creat one. You must be a chip off the old block.

Hate Speech?
Hate speech is, outside the law, any communication that vilifies a person or a group on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or other characteristic.

In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group. The law may identify a protected individual or a protected group by race, gender, ethnicity, disability, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity,or other characteristic.In some countries, a victim of hate speech may seek redress under civil law, criminal law, or both. A website that uses hate speech is called a hate site. Most of these sites contain Internet forums and news briefs that emphasize a particular viewpoint. There has been debate over how freedom of speech applies to the Internet.
I wonder what Jesus would say?
Critics have argued that the term "hate speech" is a modern example of Newspeak, used to silence critics of social policies that have been poorly implemented in a rush to appear politically correct.

here is the down and dirty of it all. Its Mikes Sign, he owns it, and the buisness, if he wants to put up whatever it is he wants, HE OWNS IT. thats his perogative. the fact that some of you are easily offended, thats your own issue. but trying to tell him what you feel is right or wrong is a waste because I'm sure he does not care. and you'll learn in life sooner or later that if you cafe what everyone else thinks or feels. you'll go no where. spending all your time trying to please others.

I respect their right to sound off and make jerks of themselves. I also reserve the right never to spend a penny in there.

To the ignoramus and his restaurant sign, who thinks walnut-brained intolerance is a joke, suck on this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Rashad_Sultan_Khan

What is pizza boy's military service record anyway? Did pizza boy serve our country, or is he just using fallen veterans as a cheap deflective talking point in defense of his cheap bigoted PR stunt? Honor our fallen: feed the attention whore and make his cash register ring! Yeah some patriot, pizza boy.

Community standards so I live in Cranberry it's fine but if I do not I lose that right. Who is this
Standards Czar? Yea I do not live here but I live in America and Cranberry is in the US. Oh damn I solder in the IS Army what's your point? Are you saying by looking at his picture or his name you know what religion he practices ? He is a solider he is an American so ? Call your names you will never silence my voice. Suck on it on what you freak let's keep it clean.

Oh yeah, pizza boy with the offensive signs now he's Mike Pollice, defender of "let's keep it clean" standards of discussion. First he thinks bigotry is funny, then he uses fallen veterans as a shield for feeding his attention whore syndrome, makes his cash register ring off the offensive sign PR stunts, NOW he begs for polite debate.

BTW pizza boy asks gee what religion was that guy in the link? Reading is fundamental. It's only three paragraphs. If that's too strenuous, I'll condense: devout Muslim, US Army, Infantry, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, killed in action, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his faith and the faith of his bereaved parents are the target of your sign PR stunt, your joke ha ha. You talk about veterans, go to Arlington National Cemetery, lots of gravestones mixed in there with the crescent and star. That's America. That's honor. Your sign is neither.

Sounds you are a little obsessed with me and really I can't blame you being able to call names and no one knowing who you are. So your calling me pizza boy is that cause I amItalian by birth ? Gee u Hirt my feelings I am hurt can you send me a link to the site where little boys call names and hide o
In moms garage

So he is A Muslim in the army should he get a medal for his religion because you could sue so the army gives him a special medal you know like you got playing little league and everyone got one. Texting tough guy what's your record in the military? Your paintball championship yea we will count that sonney

Oh great now pizza boy attention whore dismisses what it takes to get a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, in combat, a guy killed in action? Wow some way to keep honoring all our fallen veterans there.

It's getting personel
Lazy Shark now it's about I
You and me s
And that ain't what it's a about so you know where I am come on down and we can discuss it like men.

Mike Pollice, man of honor, right, he thinks insulting dead US veterans who happened to be Muslims is a joke ha ha, then he invokes all the other fallen veterans to defend his attention whore PR stunt, to get his cash register to ring. Yeah man of honor big man throwing down a gauntlet. Go toss some dough. Or pound it. Cause I ain't setting foot near your disgraceful bigot-sign-promoted "restaurant." I prefer my food with real American taste to it, not the un-American bigotry and invoking of soldiers to make your cash drawer pop out more.

I have eaten here. The most offensive thing about this place is the food!

Yes lazy boy you won't show because oh it is so offensive or you are a

I wonder who is working the deep fryer for the happy hour and dinner traffic at the "Ristorante" while the owner is too busy jabbering all over the 'Net? Tell us about lazy, Mike. LOL

Lazy. Boy do u have a link to the soldier who killed solders in his unit what was he? 9 11 what did al those wonderful young men who came to NY Wash and PA have in common? Who has killed 6000 soldiers promised to destroy america

Haven't been in the place since the Ben Rothslisberger's problems and the disgusting signs he posted at the time. They were offense and inapproiate for children. Is he not aware that children are in those cars too. He is entitled to his opinion but guess what the rest of the world doesn.t share it.

I think that everyone has forgotten the real deal here. This is America, deal with it. You do have the right to cry about another's rights, just as they have the right to express themselves. I think the signs are funny and look forward to the new ones. This is the land of the free because of the brave, and if someone doesn't like the freedoms that come along with this country, there's no one making you stay...

<--- There you have it, folks. Proof positive that Mike Pollice and his signs aren't just a "joke" not meant to hurt anyone. He's a bigot, plain and simple. You mention that a number of fallen veterans and many other veterans happen to be Muslim, and he questions their medals, and goes into some broad-brush anti-Muslim bigoted blabbering. And when challenged, Mike Pollice invokes fallen soldiers to defend his PR stunt aimed at making his cash register ring. You know as much about honor and service as your french fry slinging knows about the words "Italian Ristorante."

That's the problem with the world today. Everyone thinks that their way of thinking is the only way of thinking, and that if someone doesn't agree with them then they are some sort of hater or racist or something. Suck it up people, get off the computer and enjoy this beautiful Memorial Day

I would say your mother bit I won't lazy boy. No one knows your name but I bet I can find you at game stop saving the universe. Please Lazy boy more food jokes cause I have a big bag of mother jokes

As a regular customer I've known Mike and his Family for many years, and I can state with 100% certainty that this was a failed attempt at off the cuff humor that unfortunately backfired into a controversy. Mike and his family have always given back to local charities in the community such as the Women's shelter. To paint Mike or Domenico's as racists in my opinion is unjust especially if you are making assumptions based on a silly 4'x3' sign. Others may feel it was unjust and insensitive for that sign to be displayed and that's your right to feel that way. If you were offended and didn't receive the response you anticipated than vote with your dollar and move on. Mike and his family are some of the hardest working people I've had the pleasure of knowing and just like those that choose not to patronize Domenico's, I will choose to continue to do so. The Men and Women who serve, have served, or given their lives allow us to do so.

But unfortunately, Mark, when you mention to Mike that his sign -- which he pretends was some one-off joke not meant to offend -- also scoops up any and all veterans who happen to be Muslim, Mike posts on here about Muslims wanting to kill all Americans, and gets sarcastic about the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals of that Muslim fallen US vet in that link, the guy who even Colin Powell honored in his TV appearances. So, Mike may give to charities and that's all well and good, but the discussion here is about that sign of his, his intentions behind those signs, and I'd say his mouth has given up the truth plenty here: bigotry, intolerance, and then using veterans to defend his bigoted intolerant signs, from which he needs the attention and gets his cash register to ring. Mike may be many things, but he is clearly these things too.

Ok it's my fault About ben f
Did u happen to tell your kids what ben did ? No u didn't because its the sign that is wrong.

Spoken like a gentleman. Mark Graham. Unfortunately, Mr. Pollice does not conduct himself in a similar manner and his "hardwork" is in vain, if he knowingly chooses topics which divide the community and that will ultimately result in the demise of his business from lack of patronage.

So it would be totally acceptable for Domenico's to put a sign about Christians because of Oklahoma City bombing?

I usually dont read this type of crap, and by that I mean the rantings and opinions of people that have nothing better to do with their time. but i did want to take the time to say to all the people of cranberry twp.......GET A FREAKIN LIFE. who cares about a stupid sign, really? dont like it? dont go there, end of story. you wont be missed, and you definitely wont hurt the business.

If Janet Butler represents all of Cranberry as She claims...God help us all, her comments are worse than the sign. Treat others as you would like to be treated, end of discussion...

You must buy your rc planes wholesale!

I'd not eat anything this guy might prepare. If he didn't like you, who knows what would end up in your food? I couldn't take that chance. If people thought about it they might come to the same conclusion.

I think of it like 'Family Guy' - I love the show, but every once in a while, it's my turn to be offended, and it doesn't make me like it any less. That's the risk you take with edgy commentary. If Mr. Pollice wants to express his freedom of speech, go ahead, it's one of our great American rights, and he is keeping it alive. If it makes less customers go through the door, or doesn't, that is something that he has to deal with. He knows what he is doing. I don't agree with or care for this particular message, but most of the time I love it and look forward to reading it. Everything is becoming so bland and watered down, especially in a town of chain shops and restaurants, that seeing something that wasn't created by a committee is refreshing.

It is a shame that the owner has total disregard for his employees and the customers that visit his establishment. While he has chosen to express his feelings in words not everyone always goes that route. It would be a shame to see someone get physically hurt over this.

Dear Megan I guess that is your way of threatening me to stop or what. Here you go Megan I will put whatever I like and there is
S not a dam thing you can do about it. How does it feel not being able to get your own way. Make all the hate come out of that pie hole and then go about your business that's what happens in a free country or you could sue to have it stopped please do that or hey physical threats
. That's what they do you know in some countries where the religion of peace rules with a just and fair hand. I will never stop and if I dream
Up something that will piss you off it will all be worth it. i could care at all about those religion of peace freaks . Megan silly little Megan how about u can't do anything about my right to speak nothing like you are Megan a nothing. Never will u silence me and u have to just take it. I am an attention whore and their uneasy u feel the more I will keep poking.

Alright folks, while we encourage discourse and appreciate your opinions on this site, let's please lay off the personal attacks and insults while doing so. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at jessica.sinichak@patch.com Thank you!

I think what bothers me more than the racist first sign, which implies that all Muslims are terrorists, is Pollice's interview in which he says he "just thought the words went well together" and that it was stupid fun. He has a right to post the sign, but he should also accept the consequences and admit to what he really feels when asked about it. He says it's just silly when asked but then posts a follow-up sign that shows he meant much more than a silly joke. If these are his opinions he should not cower behind his signs and should at least have the guts to 'fess up to his true intentions when someone inquires. Part of the precious freedom that so many have sacrificed for includes religious freedom! To attack all Muslims is to violate the right we all have to practice any religion, including Islam. Not all Muslims are terrorists.

Dear Jessica no you are wrong if you read the sigh where we're the words all the religion of peace members ate terrosites? Nowhere because u do not agree with me I am a moron. Why what a moron spouts would upset you. Because of a sign u have to call names you don't know anything about me. Sure is easy to call names while.hiding on a computer but it's your right. That's the point say what u want keep it coming I got the guts to stand for what wrote please give me the same. But no u don't want who cares what you hear that exactaly nothing no one cares.
Remember to not look at my sign drive the other way
Or you have recourse take me to court I know you can get a lawyer to do it. If you cannot afford one your put of luck.
a

Very well stated, Jessica. Kudos to you for ratcheting up the conversation to a substantially higher level. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here. Personally, I question whether "some" will be able to come close to those standards, given their most recent juvenile replies.

Thanks for the correction in my grammar now you r making fun of my fat fingers. Right never gone to college so you are so much more then I could ever hope to be. Targeting? Yes you are so much smarter then me or I or me. Thanks I will strive to do more better. Please I am very sensitive about my fingers do lay off.

It is unclear why a restaurateur would intentionally choose to upset and divide people in the neighborhood and any potential customers. As many have pointed out, the remarks on the sign indirectly characterized a large group of people in a negative way. It would seem that those who accept or endorse this stereotype, while they may not be hateful, exhibit a paucity of experience with a diverse population and thus fail to appreciate the beautiful variety that the world offers. Rejecting stereotypes may force us out of our comfort zones but doing so typically enhances the human experience, offers opportunities for personal growth, and strengthens a community.

There is a wonderful selection of exceptional Italian restaurants in the Cranberry area, so getting attention for a mediocre restaurant in an inconvenient location makes good marketing sense. I think the owner has managed to get a huge amount of free publicity with this marketing stunt and will undoubtedly see an increase in business, even if it's for a short term.

Mark - Mr. Pollice (assuming he and ron mexico are one in the same - as it appears in this thread) is a self-described "attention whore" (see his reply to Megan, above). Therefore, he's made it quite clear that in order to get the attention he wishes, he will use whatever means he chooses to do so. Unfortunately, like the Ku Klux Klan that stood on the steps of the city-county building in Pittsburgh about 10 years ago and the American Nazis that marched in the predominately Jewish of Skokie, Il prior to that, he does have certain protections under the US Constitution to spew whatever anti-social message he wishes. The bigger question would be, are the residents of Cranberry Twp. and his potential customer base going to endorse his bigotry, or will they opt to bi-pass his establishment?
Hopefully, they will choose the latter.

president Obama was right on when he said that people in PA cling to their guns and their religion. Obviously besides your stupid sports and signs that is all you people have to talk about? How sad. I am embarrassed to live here. never liked it and never will. Ignorant, stupid white people.

There are plenty of stupid people that aren't white...

To "getalife": I'm sorry that you feel that way. Unfortunately, as a white person, I am equally dismayed by the narrow minded, racist rants of this post. We obviously need to spend more time, as a community, thoroughly addressing this issue and acting upon it, so that Mike Pollice and those who think like him quickly become aware of the fact that this is unacceptable behavior in our community and that we will not have our reputation as one of the nation's premier living places damaged by his arrogant actions.

Dweezer - To be clear, I certainly find the original sign reprehensible but tried to encourage a positive course of action in suggesting the rejection of stereotypes. In some way, I feel badly for the man who posted the sign as the sentiments expressed are likely the product of generations of ignorance rather than well informed experience. He is missing out on alot by limiting himself to the narrow opinions he has been taught.

I already posted this once, but I'm going to post it again as a reminder. While we encourage discourse and appreciate your opinions on this site, please lay off the personal attacks and insults while doing so. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at jessica.sinichak@patch.com Thank you!

They usually have sex jokes on their sign or make fun of people with sickness such as aids, "Don't have phone sex you might get hearing aids." I'm not sure the owner is very business savvy. Why would you want to offend customers? If they were not in a busy area they'd probably be out of business. I no longer eat there because of their sign. Good going Mr. Business man.

It's a sign with his opinion that he displayed on his personal property. Make your own sign and put it on your lawn with your own opinion. Just b/c you don't agree with someone doesn't mean their opinion is any less or more valid than your own. I can't believe something this petty is so important to so many people. Don't like his sign don't eat there. I won't eat there b/c I don't like the food, not b/c of a dumb sign.

This was on cranberry patch a few months ago. http://cranberry.patch.com/articles/say-what-domenico-s-owner-known-for-memorable-message-board
So for everyone that thinks they know everything about mike from the 8 seconds played on WPXI (even though he was interviewed for about 5-6 minutes), maybe you should read this.

http://cranberry.patch.com/articles/say-what-domenico-s-owner-known-for-memorable-message-board

But why all the outrage now? Why not when there was a sign about gays, or sexting, athletes, musicians or politicians? Why wasn't everyone outraged when he wrote about "how it's funny that young couples think they will make it?" He was mocking the sacred institution of marriage? Signs have been outside of Domenico's for years, what makes this one worse? To me & many others in the community, t is a joke. I see no need for any apology.

No community is perfect. Some residents will read it & make ridiculous comments like the ones to Dr. Adalja & other muslims. But that's not Mr. Pollice's fault. I've seen many people at different places in cranberry that make comments about all races way before this sign was out. People in line at Walmart, Giant Eagle, bars & restaurants. Their ignorance will be there with or without a sign in front of a restaurant. Society today is too sensitive. I've heard jokes about my nationality my entire life. You know what, I laugh & let it go. Everyone has heard some sort of joke that starts out a priest & a rabbi walk into a bar...... & laughed. It doesn't mean they hate catholic & jewish people. No. I just want to know why everyone is so outraged about muslims?

I must Completely Agree with Francesco.

and as the oldest saying goes, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

If any of you who have commented your disgust about Mikes signs have NEVER once made some racial comment, even if by accident in your life. then you're a damn saint. I would be willing to bet though that this is not the case, even if you haven't verbalized it, but merely thought it, it still counts to the standards that you are trying to accuse him of.

If you cannot accept some jokes he has, then thats on you. You do not have to eat there, nor do you have to read his sign. while some people find offense to certain ones, others may laugh. Next week it could be the complete opposite. Living in a sheltered world where everything is rainbows and bunnies is not real. Please stop trying to make it as such.

I applaud anyone who is real enough to say what is on their mind, controversial or not, because that shows you to be true, whether anyone else likes it or not.

first thanks to the Patch and especially Jessica who does such fine job of putting the Patch together, she is a very fair journalist and is destined for bigger and better things. I really learned about people after this experience there are some who really believe in the First Amendment and some who will attack and just spill their hatred while on the web because they also are entitled to free speech. Thanks to the people who had my back you are what makes this all worth it. Wednesday I met with a few people who wanted to speak to me and we did. They listened to me and I heard what they had to say, no screaming no calling names just a talk between human beings. From that I learned that my sign did cause real hurt to the Muslim people and a lot of others who know them as people. I apologized to them about my insensitive words and just like I did not like what people who don't know me made me feel like poop I made them feel even worse. By meeting and putting a face to the people I had hurt made me feel like a Jagoff. To the people who came and spoke with me I will always be indebted to you for showing me how real people of faith behave towards those who do not know any better, your kindness and understanding was awesome. They invited my wife and I to visit them and promised they would not beat the poop out of me. LOL
Michael Pollice

Kudos to you Michael. It takes a lot to admit your mistake and you have done it well. I, too, have allowed this issue to bring out a negative side in myself that I'm not at all proud of. Certainly, we all have, and should have, varying views on life and politics but not to the point where people are hurt or made to feel uncomfortable.
I applaud your apology, hope that you will accept mine and look forward to stopping buy and meeting you sometime. Hopefully we will find something positive we like about each other and can build on that, rather than on negative perceptions.

I have known the Pollice and Lombardo families for a long time!!! They are wonderful people, and nothing Mike puts on his sign is going to change what I know and love about these folks!!! The apology was a good thing to do - and Mike is a good person! No surprise.........