Posted on 10/15/2008 6:42:37 AM PDT by Nextrush
Janine Giambalvo wants people to know she supports John McCain as this country's next president, so she placed a McCain sign in her yard.
But someone who apparently thinks McCain should lose has taken matter into his own hands.
Giambalvo's sign was stolen sometime last Wednesday from her home in York Township's Marlborough West neighborhood. And police said hers is not the only one.
Police from three local departments said residents have reported a number of McCain sign thefts from the York area, numbering about 17 at this point.
Giambalvo said she is disgusted that someone would stifle her rights over differing political beliefs.
"I respect everyone's opinion," she said. "I should be able to express mine and not be punished for it."
Giambalvo said the theft spree is more than just a prank--its a crime.
"They're breaking the law. They're tresspassing and stealing something that doesn't belong to them," she said. "And they're infringing on our right of free speech."
'Concerted effort'
A. Carville "Peck" Foster, chairman of York County's Republican Party, said he's recently seen a "surge" in the number of McCain supporters complaining that signs had been taken.
"There's definitely a concerted effort in some areas" to steal or vandalize signs, he said. Foster said some theft victims also had their homes hit with eggs.
Foster said he hasn't heard of political signs for any other Republican candidates being stolen or vandalized.
York County Democratic Party Chairman Michael Johnson said he was unaware of the spree and "obviously" doesn't support it.
"We strongly encourage people participating in these types of activities to stop it," he said. "We condemn this type of activity."
If the thief or thieves think stealing McCain signs is somehow helping Sen. Barack Obama, they're mistaken, he said.
Adults to blame?
Springettsbury Township Police Lt. Scott Laird said thefts of political signs "happen from time to time during elections," but said recent reports have been only for McCain signs.
"I really don't think its kids, to be quite frank with you," he said, because youths wouldn't be that particular about the kinds of signs they took.
In Springettsbury Township, five people reported McCain signs stolen. Three of those victims had their homes egged, according to Laird. In one incident, an Obama sign was left behind.
Those incidents happened on Eastern Boulevard, Candle Wyck Court, Wynwood Road, South Royal Street and Cortleigh Drive. In a sixth incident, a Kingston Road home was egged by someone who left behind a homemade Obama sign, Laird said.
York Area Regional Police Sgt. Rod Varner said officers took a report about a McCain sign theft Sept. 23 in the Blossom Hill area of York Township. Police were also notified of an Oct. 7 political sign theft on Kent Drive in York Township.
Related?
Spring Garden Township Police Chief George Swartz said his department received nine complaints of stolen McCain signs between Sept. 20 and the first week of October. In one incident, an Obama sign was left behind.
The thefts happened on Strathcona Drive, Ogontz Street and Grantley, Hillcrest, Crestlyn, Glendale, Southern and Leeds roads.
People with information about the thefts are asked to call their local police departments, or reach an officer through 911.
“Poison Ivy resin on the sign.”
___________________
Remind me never to tangle with you MrB! :-)
Don’t forget the traditional “keying” of cars with Republican candidates on them. Nothing says Tolerance liek destruction of private property.
Thought of that because I’m currently experiencing the effects - I have no idea where I touched the stuff.
That's surprising, I'd have thought democraps would use KY Jelly. This is only the beginning. If the Fuhrer Obama goosesteps into office, it's only a matter of time until the Obamanazis set up reeducation camps.
I believe that is the Democrat platform, is it not?
I’m working the McCain HQ here south of Denver. We give them out to McCain supporters one day, they come back the next day for another one. We are now telling people to take them in at night, too.
Funny, how none of the Obama signs seem to go missing.
Missing in TEXAS as well, but the stupid college kids who stole them (big 100.00 cubed signs) put it on FACE BOOK, and got busted!
No one ever said the lefist are smart!
If I had road frontage, my signs would be sprayed with some kind of nasty-stinky trapper lure, like “hog-in-heat” (because we have no wild boars in this area). I guarantee you they won’t touch them!
Just a side note—taking the boys to school, I’ve noticed two “Another ex-Democrat for McCain” signs in our area.
In the last few days, I’ve noticed more McCain signs around Aurora. It’s been good to see things are picking up a bit.
yup, demorats in IA smashed all my m/p signs, ripped one off a t-pole 12 ft up.. so, I made a new one, put it 20 ft up....11-14-08. we’ll see how long it’ll stay there, check back I’ll post when the rats rip it down..
I just can’t bring myself to destroying other folks property no matter how I detest their political views..PLParenthood.. just moved into our community their anti pp signs were destroyed too....same dirty doers...
will update..
This happened in 2004 as well. My parents had their sign taken in York Township (south of York). So this year they didn’t bother getting a sign.
nothing new here, when I was in high school the local republican party officials used to pay kids a 25 cent per sign bounty for every Dem sign you brought in. Probably not officially sanctioned by the party but it happened anyway.
My McCain Sign Was Stolen By A Community Organizer
“Driving through Bucks County, PA recently, I spotted a large handmade wooden sign that says: Obama - why are you trying to deny my free speech?
The goons are at it everywhere. “
You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.
Wait until NEXT year....
- John
Talk about a "Teachable Moment"...
update on sign. .
m/p sign taken down by boom truck early wed morning..
I built a bigger m/p sign put it on my “wall” ..
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