It seems that people these days just aren’t content about anything in their lives – and often complain about anything and everything. Even a good deed, no matter how pure and real the intentions, still get many negative comments from these discontent people.
Recently, for example, a KFC outlet came under fire after announcing that it would give free meals for uniformed police officers the entire day, every single day! How could such an offer earn so much hate online?
The KFC outlet in question can be found in Gallipolis, Ohio. To honor police officers and give them something back for their service, the store put out a sign on its door:
“All uniformed police officers eat free everyday all day.”
Photo credit: Ohio Going Blue / Facebook
The sweet gesture was welcomed by many in the community, especially the police officers and their families who felt happy by the store’s show of appreciation for their service. But many netizens would soon angrily slam the store for being ‘selective’, saying other people such as first responders, military personnel in active duty, and veterans were not included in the free meal offer.
“Law enforcement across the country from Miami, California, and different agencies, calling us just to thank us for what we’re doing for our local law enforcement,” KFC Gallipolis franchise owner Doug Knipp explained. “We’re hoping this catches on and hopefully goes nationwide.”
He added that the free meals are not just offered in KFC Gallipolis but also in his other KFC outlets, too.
“You guys are putting your life on the line for us. Any time you’re on duty, it’s just our way of saying thank you,” Knipp said, addressing the police officers.
Yet many netizens still want him to open his doors not just to police officers but also to other people, particularly military, veterans, doctors, and first responders.
But not everyone feels the same way.
“If the owner of this establishment chooses to provide free meals to anyone that is his choice. It is his profits, his business, and his decision only. I respect for what he has done. Rather than trying to find reasons to tear people down for what they are doing, find reasons and ways to help embellish upon their actions to make it so that everyone gets respect,” a former first responder commented.
“Stop looking at the negative and build upon the positive. As a former first responder for over 30 years I never once looked for a free meal or handout. I respected those people who chose to give it to us but never once asked for it.”
Meanwhile, police officers are grateful for the outlet’s offer but many of them explained that they don’t often go out and actively ask for freebies from the community.
“This is a positive post, but some of you can’t see the bigger picture. As an officer, I do not go into any establishment expecting/wanting ANYTHING to be free or let alone even a discount, wether I’m in uniform or not, and I can tell you other officers feel the same way. We don’t like “special treatment”. The fact is that KFC is acknowledging law enforcement, which is why this was posted. To those who stated that other first responders should also be acknowledged. My answer? ABSOLUTELY,” a police officer commented.
As for the sign on the KFC outlet, Knipp says it will stay there. He doesn’t mind that he can’t please everybody as long as his intentions to honor these police officers are pure.