...sigh... can't they ever fight fair?

[Lefta Dissenter]

Here's an email that I received this morning from a friend. I have removed reference to the name of the person and the Town.

"Below is a copy of the letter that I just sent to the paper following this vandalism to our property last evening while we were away from home

Subject: Freedom of speech in the Town

Here lies free speech in the Town



My husband and I spent 3 days drawing out and painting the letters and design, and making and attaching the supports for these 2 signs for our choice of presidential candidate. We pounded in the stakes about 1:30 PM on Saturday (9/27/08). When we left with friends at 6:30 PM all was well. When we returned at 11:30 PM it was as pictured. Not run into by a car going into our field, but bashed with a crowbar or tire iron.

No debate as to honest difference of opinion, just violence.

The Town deserves a better reputation than this!

Signed,

xxxx xxxxxxxxxx

It's possible that the publication of my name could draw more violence toward us, as I would say that the minds capable of this violence, could do more."

I'm so sad about this. When our friend showed us the signs last week, and told us that she and her husband would paint them for anyone who provided the board and paint, we were just thrilled. My partner and I had decided yesterday that we would run to get some paint to give to them, whether they had time to make a couple of signs for us or not.

Anyway, they called the sheriff's dept, who went over to make a report, but there's not a whole lot else one can do. In the 2004 election season, when we kept having signs stolen, we coated the edges with "Tanglefoot," which made them awfully sticky for anyone to pick up. That works for the yard sign theft, but certainly can't stave off this kind of vandalism.

This is what worries me. They know that they can't win with the candidates they have selected - the only way to retain control is to resort to fear and violence. :(

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Something like that happened in my town.

The people with the vandalized sign left the vandalized sign in place and put up another Obama sign alongside it, simultaneously sending the message that they would not be suppressed, and letting the vandalism speak for itself. I thought that was the most brilliant possible move under the circumstances.

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. j r

I forwarded your message on to my friend. I wouldn't have thought to leave the old sign there - but you're right - what more powerful way to make a statement?

Thank you.

[petgoat]

5. Yeah, put it up with its battle scars.

You can fill in the broken parts with vinyl paste, then paint. Or not.

[midnight]

3. Your friend did a real nice job on the

sign. Sounds like what happens in Elm Grove.

[goddess40]

4. I guess it's time to start taking signs in at night

although the tanglefoot idea is good (I've heard of using dog crap too)