As Davidson’s Precinct 206 Democratic Party chair, I’ve distributed about 35 Obama for President yard signs to people
around town. These signs are an exercise of free speech, which is one of the great attributes of our country that my son is fighting for in Iraq.
I am therefore surprised at how many people have come to me saying their Obama signs have been damaged or stolen. Are Taliban or other terrorists prowling Davidson’s streets at night, trying to snuff out free speech in our hallowed democracy?
Maybe it’s just kids making mischief, kids who haven’t yet studied the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and don’t appreciate the millions of Americans who have fought to protect our right of free speech over the past 200+ years.
Knowing what John McCain has gone through in his life to defend and protect the U.S. Constitution, I doubt he would approve tearing down lawn signs. Sarah Palin’s son is in Iraq to protect and promote the U.S. Constitution. So it can’t be their true supporters.
Political yard signs are a red-blooded American tradition. I’m proud to see signs for McCain on many of my friends’ lawns. I’m proud that they are not afraid to speak out, just as Obama supporters are not afraid to exercise their constitutional right.
Anyone tearing down lawn signs here, probably belongs in Iraq or Afghanistan fighting for the other side – the totalitarian extremists. But it’s probably just immature, uneducated kids.
Note to parents: please explain to your children the value of free speech, about Patrick Henry and Nathan Hale and real patriotism. Tell them it’s terrorists who are intolerant of other people’s ideas, and they don’t want to be a cowardly terrorist when they grow up, do they?
Robert Maier lives on Walnut Street. He can be reached at bob96@earthlink.net.
RELATED STORY
The Davidson Police Department has put out an advisory about theft of political signs. DavidsonNews.net’s Laurie Dennis is among those whose signs have been stolen. Read her commentary, “Hey you, hands off my yard sign”
As the Republican Precinct 127 Chair, I second your admonishment of those stealing or otherwise vandalizing property and political signs this election season. The sign in my front yard for Bob Orr was stolen five times and vandalized twice during the primary (for that matter, the surrounding flowers and light post were vandalized at the same time, too).
I have fielded dozens of calls in the past 2 weeks from Davidson residents supporting McCain/Palin, especially on Concord Rd., in need of replacement yard signs due to theft (some more than twice in one week). Destruction is costly and invasive. Enough is enough.
Yet, knowing my good neighbors in Davidson, I cannot believe that any of them or the fine honor code-abiding Davidson College students would be responsible . . . nor will I take this opportunity to make any low blow comments pointing the finger at political opposition. Instead, I just ask that anyone who reads this comment, takes time to vote their conscience at the upcoming election whether at one of the early voting areas, via absentee ballot, or on election day. I applaud the passion of those in Davidson to constructively support the candidates of their choice. Please take time to vote.
Sincerely,
Wendi Amos
Precinct 127 Chair, GOP
P.S.-If you are interested in volunteering for the McCain/Palin campaign or are just in need of a yard sign (replacement or original), please contact me at spiritedattorneygirl@gmail.com. We also are in need of volunteers to help the many other Republicans running for office. I invite you to become personally involved in shaping our tomorrows.
I second the motion to stop pointing fingers in this pre-election foolishness. My guess is that the disappearing signs are more a result of mischief than anything else.
Truth be known, I find ALL yard signs eye litter. My only request is that all of you fine sign supporters make sure you take them down as soon as the polls close.
It’s not only partisan political yard signs that are being stolen.
Two “War Is Not the Answer” signs vanished in rapid succession from our North Main Street yard a few months ago. These signs, produced by a non-partisan and non-profit Quaker lobbying organization (Friends Committee on National Legislation), are meant to call both parties and all people to consider the costs of war and to seek peaceful solutions. But they seem to have angered someone, based on the vehemence with which one was wrenched off its metal frame.
Who is more un-American, I wonder? The person who believes in peaceful alternatives to war, or the person who violates both her private property and free speech to suppress that message?
So, expressing political views is “foolishness” and “litter?” I know people who have died protecting that right.