Same-sex marriage debate growing ugly in San Jose and beyond as campaign intensifies

San Jose Mercury News ^ | 21 October 2008 | Mike Swift and Sandra Gonzales

[CounterCounterCulture]

For the past three days, Michele and Bob Sundstrom and their five children have been painfully aware of the SUV parked in front of their house with a message painted on the rear windshield that says: "Bigots live here."

Their neighborhood near Blossom Hill Road has suddenly become the center of a political tempest over Proposition 8, the ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.

The Sundstroms said they were stunned on Sunday afternoon when two women parked a Chevrolet Suburban in front of their home and began painting slogans on the SUV to counter the family's huge "Protect Marriage Yes on 8 banner'' hanging above their garage. "Stop Bigots,'' one window read. "God Hates Haters,'' read another.

"All I see when I look at that vehicle is venom and hate,'' said Bob Sundstrom, who said he tried to speak to the women, who walked away and left the SUV behind.

The drama playing out in front of Sundstroms' house on Harwood Road appears to reflect an emerging trend. Supporters and opponents report a growing lack of civility and tensions running high throughout the state as Election Day nears.

The Sundstroms called police but were told there was no crime, and nothing they could do to move the SUV — except wait. If the vehicle is not moved within 72 hours, sometime this afternoon, it can be towed.

Police say they went to the home of the SUV's registered owners, but no one answered the door. The Mercury News tracked the vehicle's license plate to Mara McWilliams and Renee Mangrum, who could not be reached Tuesday.

[Maelstorm]

Defend your property people.

[Kickass Conservative]

It sure would be a shame if some of those Earth Liberation guys torched that Evil Gas Guzzling SUV, wouldn’t it?

Just saying...

[freeplancer]

You can’t control the street.

[spokeshave]

put a sign on it.....”free car....can’t pay lease”....

[tioga]

is it a crime to let the air out of the tires, or throw tarps over the SUV?

[tioga]

Ohhhh.......good one!

[machogirl]

Lefties, showing their intolerance.

I think that they are becoming bolder in their intolerance because of the obama campaign and msm.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Is the vehicle is parked on private property.. have it towed away.
I wonder ? can the owner of this SUV get a citation for abandoning a vehicle ? did they get proper permits to hold a protest if it is a public road ?

[ROTB]

>message painted on the rear windshield

1) Just cover it!
2) turpentine!

[CounterCounterCulture]

Public street in front of private property. Can only tow if left for 72 hours straight.

[Maelstorm]

I’ve found in life that one can do much more than they think if they have the will to just do it. One could drape a tarp over the vehicle. There are so many things one could indeed do.

[hinckley buzzard]

Spray paint the signs flat black. No problema

[Maelstorm]

Man I feel it too.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

ic... if it is a public street,,, then ? what are the local codes for public demonstrations or protest and if they need a permit ... if they need a permit.. then, it’s a illegal public demonstration or protest.

[Maelstorm]

Hang a sign on the vehicle, free for scrap.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Have others park other cars around it so they can’t get the SUV out.

[Kickass Conservative]

Well, you could get a car cover, paint “Merry Christmas” on it, and see what they do. After all, everybody loves getting Christmas presents.

There is nothing more depressing than an ungrateful Lesbian Couple, don’t you think? LOL

[Prophet in the wilderness]

" I’ve found in life that one can do much more than they think if they have the will to just do it. One could drape a tarp over the vehicle. There are so many things one could indeed do. "

I agree with you, but ? Freepers ? PLEASE ??!!! what ever you do... talk to a lawyer, and KNOW your rights... and protect you selves legally... C.Y.A.... we know the liberals would use the system ( that is rigged in their favor ) against us.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Is anyone here on FR that live in that area ? can you check the local codes for public protest and demonstrations ?