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Cyndie McGuire, a democrat operative from Bethel, is not new to activism or to controversy.

In fact, she was just arrested last year for unsafely following a federal immigration agent right after one of her activism groups, Greater Danbury Area Unites for Immigrants, posted a "Confirmed ICE Vehicle" warning on Facebook.

Another one of McGuire's groups, Bethel Defends Democracy Rallies, has been protesting Trump for nearly 60 consecutive weekends since he took office... so you can imagine the excitement and planning they put into No Kings 3 on March 28.

That "planning" included asking local businesses for donations to support Bethel's No Kings action — or at least that's what you'd think if you read McGuire's social media post.

"We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence," wrote McGuire. "Thanks to the more than 24 Bethel businesses that supported us and donated 33 gift cards totaling $665. Please shop and eat at these businesses and make sure you say thank you to them for defending democracy with us!"

But there's a big problem with McGuire's post.

Not every business on her list knowingly donated to the No Kings 3 protest, let alone gave consent to McGuire to use their business names in a political post.

Bora Restaurant and Bagel Crossing, both cited on McGuire's list, posted to Facebook that they "did not authorize the use of our name for this post, nor did we make any direct monetary donations or endorsements."

Bora confirmed the authenticity of the post in a phone call with the Centinal, but unfortunately noted that McGuire has failed to remove Bora and Bagel Crossing from the supporters list.

Curiously, McGuire turned off commenting on her post.

Perhaps that's because Bora and Bagel Crossing weren't the only businesses McGuire included on the list without consent.

The Centinal called other businesses on the list.

A similar story started to emerge: businesses did not knowingly support No Kings 3, did not give McGuire consent to use their names in a political post, and many were now receiving angry phone calls as a result of McGuire's disinformation.

"No, we didn't sponsor the No Kings protest," Armando's told the Centinal, frustrated about being dragged into someone else's politics. They said it wasn't right for McGuire to include their business on the list, and lamented, "you can't mess with somebody's business."

Armando's loves to support local raffles and events, but now will have to think carefully about how their name might be used before offering up gift cards for future events after McGuire's stunt.

Biksbees was equally frustrated, saying it wouldn't take a side or create confusion like that.

Bottega had no idea they were on a list, and also doesn't donate to political protests.

La Placita Markets said the same thing.

Michael's Tap Room gives gift cards to a wide range of local causes, but sometimes they don't have full knowledge of how the card will be used.

Casa Tequila was aware it was supporting No Kings 3, but indicated it had received complaints after being highlighted on McGuire's list.

We were unable to reach all of the businesses on the list, and at least one, J Fuji Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, hung up when we called -- twice.

Nearly everyone we interviewed expressed frustration over how toxic the political divide in this country has become. The last thing business owners want to do is alienate customers over politics -- it's not good for business.

Bottom line, just because a business was listed on McGuire's flyer does not mean it supports No Kings.

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