Secret Service Informed About Store's Obama Sign

[BlueJessamine]

Source: WMTW News

STANDISH, Maine -- A sign at a Standish convenience store has attracted the attention of federal investigators.

A reporter for the Associated Press said he saw a sign at the Oak Hill General Store for the Osama Obama Shotgun Pool, soliciting bets about when President-elect Barack Obama would be assassinated.

The sign is no longer on display and the owner of the store denied any knowledge of it.

Read more: http://www.wmtw.com/politics/17991950/detail.html

[acmavm]

The owner denies any knowlege of the sign? Funny what cowards these

people are when confronted with their bullshit and they have to defend their treason.

[bobd0]

1. If they allow these clowns to get away with this lame denial they are providing

tacit approval of these threats. Don't be McCain/Palin. Stop this NOW. Throw the book at these people and make an example of them no one would ever dare dream of emulating.

[WritersBlock]

24. YES!! Absolutely! What you said!! This must be stopped, and NOW.

Make examples of every single one of them. Prosecute to the fullest extent, and apply the harshest penalty the law allows once convicted.

These assholes have to learn that words and actions have consequences, and they must face those consequences.

And that goes for Sarah Palin, too.

Now, I am not a lawyer, but I've taken a few courses on statutes in the past. I'm pretty sure that in at least some states, the definition of "assault" includes threatening someone to the extent of making them fearful for their safety. If memory serves, battery is physically touching someone in a violent manner, but the offense of assault consists of the threat itself - or of making the person feel threatened.

Now, the Secret Service has publicly said that threats against Barack Obama increased after Sarah Palin started making her comments. If the Secret Service felt there was a direct link between this woman's words and actions and an increased threat to a major political candidate, then I think she ought to be prosecuted for assault in every single state in which she made those comments. Assault charges at minimum. And I'd love to know if she can be prosecuted on more serious charges, since assault is usually a misdemeanor.

[Rocky2007]

52. Count me in on this too!!

Time for them to line up and pay for their many sins -- in spades!

:kick:

[HopeHoops]

2. Racism is alive and well - unfortunately

[cui bono]

9. I don't deny that for one second, but

in today's climate of right wing hate mongering I wouldn't be surprised if it would've happened even with any Dem president.

[GinaMaria]

3. I feel sick to my stomach hearing this news

If any president can be 'gotten to' , it is a disaster for our country. It doesn't matter who's in office.

I plan to send the secret service a holiday card this year,thanking them for all they do year round to protect the stability of our government.

[jhrobbins]

20. And I am doubly thankful that it was Maine and not Texas-I'm just sayin

[jhrobbins]

21. What gave me the impetus to even think about the Texas paradigm

was I saw that it was a store in Oak Hill (it didn't have the state where I read it) and we have an Oak Hill just right outside of Austin.

[bobd0]

41. The first thought that came to my mind when I read your Texas reference

was this other similarity Maine and Texas share; Bushes just outside Kennebunkport and Crawford. :puke:

[crim son]

51. Well I'm in Maine, and I think it's shameful.

There were a couple of effigies of African American found on Mt. Desert Island. Yes, there was quite a protest when they were discovered, but it still gives me the creeps to know the degree of racism in my own neighborhood.

[AngryOldDem]

27. You and me both.

The hate in this country is beyond breathtaking.

The Secret Service is going to have an extremely busy four years. My hat is off to them, already.

[Rocky2007]

56. Isn't that the truth

But the SS are on him like they are super glued together.

They have learned a few things since Kennedy was shot.

Can only hope they have learned enough.

[mcg]

4. Anyone can write a review of the Oak Hill General Store at this link...

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Oak.Hill.General.Store.2.207-642-3600

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Oak.Hill.General.Store.2.207-642-3600/review/create

Some of the comments:

"... This store is an embarrassment to our country and mankind."

"... Oak Hill Store management now deserves to be boycotted by all."

"I have brought this to the attention of the FBI and Secret Service. I view this as a threat to a President. I hope they visit you. This is not some cute little thing you have done."

"... Boycott that son of a bitch!!!!!!!"

"... BOYCOTT the Oak Hill General Store! ..."

[barbtries]

16. excellent

these comments sound local, proof that the sign was there.

[humbled_opinion]

54. Exactly...

Here is some more horrifying news....

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2008/11/14/news/doc491bc5ab04e78208338058.prt

[mcg]

60. About the Palin effigy ...

From the link: "In Germana's view, nothing was done to the creators of the Palin effigy, while those who were involved with the Obama effigy were arrested."

The creators were not arrested, but they might have been if they had kept it up.
Some things were done to them. For example ...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27430997/

... Besides a constant flow of angry callers, the homeowners had received a visit from the Secret Service and criticism from a Los Angeles County supervisor who ordered an investigation into whether the effigy constitutes a hate crime.

Then, on Wednesday, neighbors covered up the Palin mannequin with sheets, and more protesters showed up later in the day accompanied by a man driving a vehicle adorned with an effigy labeled "Chad," with a noose around its neck, said sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore. ...

[humbled_opinion]

62. However,

If you remember, the way the media handled and the reports that I saw were basically saying that these palin guys were allowed to display the effigy as Freedom of Expression because it broke no law, they did not report on the civic actions that were conducted so Mr. Germana an avid Faux news fan, I am sure, was brainwashed by the media.

In any event, The sign should be removed, my point in posting was that this has the potential to get out of control quickly.

[TuxedoKat]

5. What a reporter?

And he didn't take a photo of it even with his cell phone? What a pity.

[Window]

37. My first thought also...no one took a picture of the sign???

[Mike Daniels]

39. yep. Because the reporter didn't capture any evidence of the sign

the store owner is now free to deny it existed.

[Princess Turandot]

50. According to the article, local Sheriff reported him..

so I assume that he either saw this himself or had a complaint from a credible party who will testify that it existed, for him to call in the Feds. It wasn't 'found' by the reporter.

[Faygo Kid]

6. All kinds of threats against him at Free Republic

Unbelievable to visit there and see the numerous references to guns and violence on Obama threads.

I hope the Secret Service is monitoring that site.

[humbled_opinion]

42. The truth is...

That hate sites like the one you mentioned should be taken down and people mentioned in this article should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am a great supporter of Free Speech. However, when you abuse your right to speak freely by threatening or inciting violence you can no longer be protected under the Constitution. Obama wants to end division and his critics use race and intolerence to attack him.

As a very intelligent and Wise man recently said..... ENOUGH!!!!!

[mellowfellowO]

43. Remember Sean Connery's quote from "The Untouchables..."

That's all I'm gonna say on the subject...if you seen the movie, you know exactly the quote I'm talking about.

[annabanana]

46. I'm sure they are.

They are pretty thorough.. .

[BREMPRO]

7. As a Mainer, i'm disturbed and embarrassed by the minority RW ignorants in our state

Most Mainers voted for Obama and would condemn this kind of idiocy. There are a few survivalist militia types here who cling to their guns, talk radio, and are racist. Standish is a few towns over from me and is 99.99% white, rural, blue collar, but is becoming a suburb of Portland and more progressive every year. Hope for the future.

[barbtries]

17. looking at the electoral map

all of new england is blue. there are small minded assholes everywhere.

[mcg]

8. More links for writing a review of the Oak Hill General Store ...

http://me.citysquares.com/standish/retail-shopping/clothing-accessories/oak-hill-general-store

http://www.ratepoint.com/companies/7438297-oak-hill-general-store-standish-me

http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?tuid=21614894&ycat=7766835&city=Auburn&state=ME&uzip=04210&msa=4240&slt=44.09803&sln=-70.2323&cs=4&stat=:pos:3:regular:regT:6:fbT:0

http://yellowpages.aol.com/business/me/standish/oak-hill-general-store/0-106786114/?query=Grocery+Stores#reviews

[ellie]

58. I wrote a review!

I cemented my chances of never getting a job in Obama's cabinet after writing that.

[rucky]

10. Mainiacs!

[Triana]

11. 'denied any knowledge of it'

Bullshit. :mad:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. Hope someone took a photo of it

or a video on their cell phone. I'm sure the SS has some sort of evidence that they will use to prosecute this bozo who, by his denial, is showing the world he is a racist coward (but aren't all racists cowards?)

[The Wizard]

13. Get the address and start mailing them used toilet paper.

Wait a couple of days and make a complaint with the local health department.

[Life Long Dem]

14. I see other racist incidents reported across the country.

And after making threats to Obama they say they were joking. Well guess what? There is no ignorance of the law joke or no joke.

[barbtries]

15. owner of the store

is a lying sack of shit.

[123infinity]

18. "I nevah made any sign!!!

and I won't do it again!!!"

:silly:

[Auggie]

19. I trust the Secret Service will investigate this fully and

come down hard on this bozo (and all others).

[mcg]

22. "Obama election spurs race crimes around country"

"Obama election spurs race crimes around country"
By JESSE WASHINGTON, KPLR 11

http://www.cw11tv.com/pages/landing/?blockID=135911&feedID=16

[intheflow]

23. Yahoo included this incident in a story a day or two ago, with more details.

At Standish, Maine, a sign inside the Oak Hill General Store read: "Osama Obama Shotgun Pool." Customers could sign up to bet $1 on a date when Obama would be killed. "Stabbing, shooting, roadside bombs, they all count," the sign said. At the bottom of the marker board was written "Let's hope someone wins."

:puke:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081115/ap_on_re_us/obama_racial

[Bjorn Against]

26. "Let's hope someone wins"? If that is not incitement to violence I don't know what is.

The OP was bad enough, but the additional information you provided shows just how sick and deranged this guy really is. Anyone who would place a bet in that contest is also a sick person, and I wouldn't be totally shocked if someone placed a bet and then tried to make it happen. In fact I think that is likely what the shopkeeper was hoping, they want someone to win this bet and they are encouraging them to try to win the bet. I hope the Secret Service comes down hard on this guy, because this is not just a casual threat made in a joking manner it is incitement to violence.

[rambler_american]

61. A few yearfs ago

some guy was sent to the slammer for three years for making a lame joke about a "burning bush." How much worse is this episode?
http://www.holysmoke.org/kh/kh581.htm

[JohnWxy]

25. Store owner is of course, responsible for the sign. Tantamount to inciting others to assassinate.

Store owner Should spend appropriate time behind bars.

[greiner3]

28. See below;

I was traveling in ME during the summer and drove into the General Store. I went in and picked out bottled drinks for the family. Problem was that when I opened the cooler door, there was a dead raccoon sitting on one of the shelves that contained soft drinks. I know this animal was dead because half of its head was missing.

[marzipanni]

40. That goes with the territory- see Post #7

Survivalist store manager encounters raccoon rummaging around the store dumpster, gets gun, blows head off, puts carcass in cooler to save to take home later for the little woman to make raccoon stew for supper. (Or possibly, but less likely, roadkill.)

[masshole]

29. Owner - Steve Collins

Here's some of Steve's right-wing activism:

At the Oak Hill General Store, across the street from the Higgins property, owner Steve Collins called the crossroads a "ghost town" and said he is deeply troubled that his neighbors cannot do what they like with their property. To protest the situation, he recently printed up red shirts that feature a yellow hammer and sickle and the slogan "People's Republic of Standish, Maine." The shirts are selling well at $14.95, he said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/11/27/in_southern_maine_a_clash_of_homeowners_and_history/

[OhioChick]

30. I hope the SS is all over this...

This shit has to stop and I've been hearing about far too much of it.

[Dinger]

31. I Heard Of A Local Bar Here Doing The Same Thing

And I immediately reported it to the Obama campaign.

[suede1]

32. Damn bigots!

[Lena inRI]

Here's satellite image of this Oak Hill General Store. . .

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=oak+hill+general+store,+standish,+me&fb=1&cid=5851185492349222397&li=lmd&z=14&t=m

At triangular intersection of Rt 113(Pequawket Trail) and Rt 25 (Ossipee Trail West). . .

Standish, ME.

:smoke: :smoke: :smoke: :smoke: :smoke:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

33. These people have been in power for DECADES (with a tiny break in which they destroyed Clinton)

Until we go legally after these people and leave them penniless for breaking laws, this shit will not stop.

[Dukkha]

34. His inauguration needs the tightest security ever imposed

His motorcade and swearing in is all too inviting for an assassination attempt by any of the ever growing hate groups out there. Of course the blame is squarely put on McCain & Palin for deliberately creating this atmosfear.
Frankly I wouldn't mind if the whole thing was called off. All the gala balls seem quite unnecessary and excessive with a recession and two wars.

[Webster Green]

38. Yep!

"Atmosfear",

Good one! :hi:

[AllyCat]

35. WTF is the matter with people????

Jeez. Arrest these mofos right now.

[Highway61]

36. GREAT NEWS!

I posted early this a.m....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4472864&mesg_id=4472864

I went to the Unity rally yesterday in Hardwick Township, NJ....(cross burning last week on a family's front yard.) So many showed up and it was so moving. Then I read about Standish, Maine this morning and was so pissed off. We spend a LOT of time in Maine and most folks there are really cool...however there are those who are pin heads like this assmunch who owns the store. I just got back and saw this headline on DU. Made me so proud...this shit has got to stop. That store owner belongs in jail... period.

[humbled_opinion]

63. However the madness seems to be spreading...

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2008/11/14/news/doc491bc5ab04e78208338058.prt

[Initech]

44. This happened on another board I post on.

I reported several threads like this to the mods and I think they wound up contacting secret service because of it.

[kleec]

45. A neighbor of Maine

I live in the neighboring state of NH. I have often been in Maine and found there are some quiet, but devoted repubs. Of course we have the same here, and in other states as well. What I found to be interesting is that the ones who have the least, and who are in financial straits, are often the most dedicated repubs. It just doesn't make sense to me. I have had a personal experience with that particular type of repub. They moved from NH to ME in very difficult times for them, and over the last years in their eyes there is nothing that the repubs have done that is in any way wrong. They are still not in a good financial situation and they still say the economical situation we are in was caused by the dems giving mortgages to blacks and other undesirables! What the hell?? One relative of theirs even turned books written by dems backwards in a bookstores' shelves........I guess she thought that would make a difference somehow! I really do not get it, my mind just doesn't work that way and for that I am most grateful!

These hate displays must stop, our country needs help not hate. This activity of hate is so regressive, we've had enough of that, enough. I am so glad when these things are brought out and dealt with. Ignoring it just helps it to grow.

[BREMPRO]

49. two words: talk radio.

their prejudices and preconceived notions are amplified and confirmed by RW corporate talk radio and they don't have the education or experience to be skeptical. I noticed many are from military families, often poor and undereducated with few job options. Talk radio hosts tell them it's the dem's fault, so they believe it. I think they buy the propaganda that America can do nothing wrong, and if questioned, that their patriotic emotions of their love of country is under attack. It's as if their faith and honor is challenged. It's a tough nut to crack. I wonder if the law can be applied to sue radio hosts that incite violence or are libelous. I think the libel laws in the UK for instance restrict this kind of sleaze. It's a slippery slope to freedom of speech, but you CAN"T yell FIRE in a crowded theater.

[humbled_opinion]

64. What needs to be done...

Boycott the radio stations that allow this hate speech to dominate the airwaves.

[democrank]

47. Chilling.

Hope a photograph emerges.

[BrklynLiberal]

48. The note I wrote...

What an embarrassment to the good people of Maine, and particularly to the town of Standish.

There is no way the store owner did not know about that sign. this should be prosecuted as a Federal hate crime. Barack Obama is the President of the United States!! The entire world was celebrating with this country at his election.
Can you imagine what would happen, and what the world and the people of this country would feel like if anything of this ilk happened?.
This is a disgrace! The people involved should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law...

[LatteLibertine]

53. Sickening and twisted

nt

[Vektor]

55. Wow, a liar and a coward, huh? Typical racist.

Weak, weasely, scummy, worthless.

[graywarrior]

57. I live a few miles from Standish

I may need to go talk to the owner myself. But I am not surprised. There are people here in this area who despise the fact that Obama won because he is a black man AND a democrat. Makes me sick.

[yellowcanine]

59. Sgt. Shultz, "I know nossing!" Wankers.