RICHARD A. LIEBOFF
Glendale
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Don’t jump to conclusion on signs
Regarding Julie Wade’s letter “Are thefts a sign of the times?” Saturday:
Political yard signs are a time-honored way to exercise one’s 1st Amendment right to free expression. Where they are not prohibited by state or local law, they demonstrate our vigorous opinions and show the public our support of various candidates and issues.
Destruction of such signs, whether on private or public property, is normally a misdemeanor offense, as is trespassing on a homeowner’s property, as is defacing, damaging or stealing such signs.
Most of us, whatever our political views, would never consider acting out against our neighbors by removing or ripping their signs or violating their sense of security, whatever their opinions.
That said, let’s admit that there are probably plenty of vandals who would delight in making destructive mischief and irritating or frightening homeowners. I say probably because I have no particular evidence on this point, even though it seems obvious to me.
It must seem obvious to Wade that McCain-Palin signs are probably being defaced/torn/stolen by Barack Obama supporters. But who knows? Does Wade know? She comments that people who “on the one hand.?.?.?vote Obama, [then] vandalize or steal other people’s statements because they don’t agree.”
This statement puzzles me. Does Wade have information that her neighborhood vandals are supporters of Obama? If so, I hope she will provide it to the police, so that they can investigate and arrest those who are responsible. At that point, maybe the police will ask these vandals about their political leanings, and then, if the miscreants are indeed Obama supporters, we will have reason to share Wade’s particular conclusion, pending a trial, of course.
