Posted on 08/24/2004 7:21:53 AM PDT by esryle
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Hundreds of yard signs supporting Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry have been stolen and vandalized in this heavily Republican region known as "Bush Country," officials said, prompting some Kerry supporters to hang signs from trees to deter burglars.
About 350 signs have been stolen, according to Panhandle for Kerry organizers, which met with Pensacola police Monday. The group has distributed nearly 3,400 signs.
Police said they would increase patrols and Panhandle for Kerry members planned to conduct neighborhood watches, said the group's chairman, Jerry Holt.
"We have the availability, the funds and the will to replace every sign when we find out it's missing," he said.
Pensacola resident Anne Bennett lost four Kerry signs from her front yard before putting out a homemade sign that read "Nice people don't steal or vandalize." She hung her latest sign from a pine tree limb 15 feet in the air.
"It's like you don't have a right to participate in the public debate unless you are in the majority, and that is not one of the principles on which our country was founded," she said.
Northwest Florida is a Bible Belt region filled with military bases, veterans and Republican voters. In 2000, President George W. Bush beat Democrat Al Gore by better than a 2-1 margin.
Those caught stealing signs could be charged with petty theft or criminal mischief, said Bonnie Jones, Escambia County supervisor of elections.
Holt said he doesn't believe the thieves were affiliated with the local Republican Party
This might be a good thread to ask this question:
I thought one of the new rules made by the CFR law was that one couldn't put yard signs out in one's yard until 45 days before the election? (Sept 19th)
Does anyone know if this is true?
Wouldn't surprise me at all. I see Kerry signs around. I just kind of roll my eyes. Even deep down, I just haven't got the impulse to do something to them. A lot of us just aren't wired that way.
Kerry yard signs are selling for $5 each on eBay. I don't suppose some Democrat freeloader decided to make a few bucks?
I've never heard of this happening to democrat signs and its a pity this is happening. Juvenile behavior at best. I do have a lot of experience having my yard signs removed though. It gets me so mad I've fantasized about a nice all-metal sign, hooked up to enough voltage to smart but not damage. Go on further and have it trip a flood light and surveillance camera.
/on my fourth sign in 2 months
Wow, dems are having to face some of their own tactics for a change... listening to them whine over being the victim of the types of things they have been doing for years shows them to be the cowards they are.
The Dem. HQ just called me to let me know that my Kerry/Edwards sign has arrived.
I'm buying the sign I plan to deface.
I don't steal sKerry signs...I just put "VIETNAM VETERANS AGAINST JOHN KERRY" stickers on 'em.
Generally, supporters of Republican candidates are too busy to participate in this sort of thing. By and large, they are also law abiding, so they are weary of being reported to the police. Not saying its impossible, just unlikely.
I have participated in yard sign "borrowing." It was a city election when I was in high school and the night before the election, we "borrowed" a bunch of yard signs for the opposition movement and put them all in the yard of a buddy of ours for a prank. I won't say that was the absolute best example of model citizenry, but we at least disposed of the signs for the owners!
Call Newt Gingrich and ask him about yard sign theft.
Knock what off?
"I can personally attest that, in these parts, ripping up GOP-candidate's yard signs by the score at 2 AM and leaving them in the dumpster is a democRAT specialty."
You might consider spraying some kind of non-watersoluble dye on the signs that will come off when someone takes it, then can't be taken off easily. Something that would not be noticed at night, but only the next day when the perpetrators look at their hands. I don't know what this would be, but I'm sure someone else might have an idea.
I trust you've complained to the proper authorities.
I wish conservatives wouldn't do stuff like this. It never makes people think better of you or your candidate. Let's leave the liberals' tactics to the liberals.
I have grudging admiration for the cleverness of these losers:
Victimology, recycling and free publicity in one stroke!
Brilliant!
Nope. The Kerrybots would probably explode in flames. Rules are only for Republicans.
Besides only three people are able to see the sign. It's at the end of a dead end
"Oh, the humanity!"
I like in the Panhandle and from what I have been seeing, it's much to do about nothing. I think it's just publicity BS
Well, there is one explanation - a bit far fetched:
Scene: Local VFW.
Men, we are going to have a Search and Destroy reenactment tonight.
Another explanation - People in this heavily Republican region known as Bush Country,
tired of the signs suddenly appearing in their yards - and simple took them down.
OT, but... I can remember moving from New Jersey to Louisvile in 1968 and being reasonably impressed with the CJ. No longer! Old Mr. Bingham must spin in his grave when he sees what Gannett has done to his once beloved paper.
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