Sadly, for the second time my “Obama 08” sign was stolen from my yard. As I contemplated who and why, I could only conclude it was [taken by] someone who was unaware of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This amendment was so completely and powerfully stated, it only required one sentence: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The freedom of speech That an individual has attempted to deny my freedom of speech should dismay all of us citizens, both McCain and Obama supporters alike. And if I were ever to witness someone stealing a McCain sign from someone’s yard, I can be counted on to stop and speak with him. I will gently remind him of why so many have paid the ultimate price to allow that sign owner the freedom to express his opinion.
Whether or not I could convince him of the merits of the Constitution is questionable, but perhaps he would reflect on the words later and hesitate to steal a second sign. I will attempt to remain an optimist, or I would soon become misanthropically pessimistic about the future of our democratic principles and the retention of the Bill of Rights.
If I could speak to the person, or persons, who stole my Obama signs, I would assure him/them that there will be another one to replace it very soon. And for each sign that is stolen in the future, I will be donating additional funds to the Obama campaign. So keep on stealing them, and I will keep on donating.
If, however, I were to witness a McCain sign being stolen, I would hope [the culprit] could fathom why I will refrain from donating to the McCain campaign. Free speech is one thing, but to add more years to “no change and no hope” is another thing entirely.
— Doug Brock
Black Mountain
It was probably taken by one of the local right-wing brownshirt types; they’re scared to death that Obama is heading to a potentially historical huge win. Why, there are even ‘white supremacists’ that are hoping for an Obama win, banking on a national reaction against him that will bring back the good ‘ole days of segretion and lynching.
You’re not alone in this. I’ve had bumper stickers promoting Democratic candidates defaced or pulled off my vehicle. Right-wingers today do not support the Constitution, and especially freedom of speech. Forget Franklin’s ‘marketplace of ideas; these cretins know they can’t make an affirmative case for their side (have you seen one anywhere?), so it’s ‘smear, vilify, fear-monger and lie’, coupled with efforts to suppress the opposition.
It’s all they have.
… and it’s possible the Obama nation might actually lose. The sign might have been taken by somebody who didn’t want to pay $8 for it. … I am sorry your sign was stolen and there is no excuse for it but as we recently found out in another thread, the 1st Amendment is respected by many around here only when the message is agreeable to them.
Many people cannot appreciate an opinion different from their own and feel threatened by it. Too bad that things seem so polarized right now.
No matter who wins this election, I hope they help to pull this nation together and tone down all the rhetoric. Rove & Co. have managed to destroy the sense of unity we felt post-9/11. It would be nice to rise above politics as usual.
so you’re saying the Obama campaign won’t give anyone a sign for less than $8?
His campaign was selling them for $8 … can you get it cheaper? I don’t know … I have not had a need to find out.