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.
Some more thefts have occurred that have not been reported to police.
They even leave behind Obama signs when they take McCain signs in some cases.
Isn't this brownshirt style.
i stopped by our mccain office but there was nothing with palin’s name on it available.
they did have several mccain lawn signs that had been defaced by liberals.
We’ve hasd the same trouble here in SE TN...
I put mine in the garage at night,
and put it out early in the morning...
Bit of a bother but it’s just for 3 more weeks...
The goons are at it everywhere.
If you remember, during last election it was found that members of the teacher’s union were being paid a bounty for every Bush/Cheney sign they stole. It was a big problem in the south end of the county. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were at it again. If I were you I’d send a letter to the Daily Record reminding them. This is business as usual for that side of the ticket.
There’s a local black church here that has a LARGE Obama campaign sign right in front. And when I say large, I mean 4 foot by 6 foot (or so I estimate). Wonder what their tax exempt status.. I can tell you what it SHOULD be.
Same in our town (SE PA). McCain signs stolen or defaced while Obama signs are never touched...
I have had 3 signs stolen, two of them creamed with vaseline.
I don’t understand why they think this will win them an election. Just like trying to influence the polling results in the last weeks before the election. What do they think they are going to get from that? Even if every poll was very much in his favor, a poll is not an election.
24 hours later his sign was gone. Mine is still there... for now.
Here’s a little tip that I found helpful. After putting up your sign squirt some axle grease all around the perimeter.
Just a nice little gift for anyone who’d like to help themselves to it.
We've only lost one so far in Goochland County, but we're known to be armed here. :)
Yeah. If it’s still there tonight, I might bring it inside. Or I might rig up a little surprise for any intruders.
I want to take the opportunity here to condemn Janine Giambalvo. Her criticism of the Obama supporter who stole her McCain sign could promote hatred against Obama. Everybody, please, please, just let the stealing, the vandalism, the vote fraud, the in-your-face bullying, the Commie associations, and all other forms of abuse from Team Obama slide. Pointing them out could stir up hatred in America.
Thanks much for the kind offer. But I’ll go by the nearest HQ later this week, though.
That black hi-moly grease they use for CV joints would be even better. The stuff gets down into the pores, is a real pain to wash off and has a very distictive odor.
“Black” churches don’t have to follow the same rules as everyone else. And OJ SHOULD have gotten off even if he’s guilty.
Poison Ivy resin on the sign.
Four of us in row had our signs stolen.. Now we bring them in when it gets dark.... Michigan...
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