Two issues that President Trump claims to care about are the First Amendment and Law and Order. It seems as though some of his local supporters are not in agreement. They have shown that when a view other than their own is expressed, they become disrespectful and destructive. Many of us who wish to engage in our First Amendment rights are putting up Biden for President signs. These signs are being slashed, painted over, and thrown into bushes. On a couple of occasions, the men installing these signs have been verbally accosted.
The people perpetrating this childish violence think that wanton destruction of private property and yelled insults (bullying tactics, such as the ones their mentor uses) will sway voters their way. Little do they understand it is a reflection of themselves and their disregard and lack of understanding of the First Amendment and of our Constitution itself. Destruction of other people’s property is a criminal offense.
Again, for a president who claims to be a proponent of law and order, these particular supporters of his are breaking the law. We know the country as a whole is having trouble with civility, but we honestly expect a show of decency within our community and respect for our Constitution.
Citizens of Talbot County
Deborah Pulzone
Kip Requardt
Roger Vaughn
Suzie and John Hurley
Anna and Gib Snow
Dorothy and Jonathan Goldweitz
Lisa Hageman
Lisa Harrington
Susan Henyon
Sarah and Bob Ramsey
Jessica and Richard Johnson
Brooke and Larry Myers
Mickey Terrone
Susan Delean-Botkin
Madge Henning
Warren Davis
Wayne Gaiteri
Cathie Kelly
Curt Reintsma
Kathleen Hauck
Cindy Reed
Charles Fitzroy
Patricia Jessup
Reza Jafari says
Can you imagine that anyone had done the same awkward act against Trump signs. Do to others what you want them to do to you. It is utterly sad to see these immature acts of uncivility that are in direct conflict with our constitutional rights. You can vandalize the yard signs in people’s personal properties; but, you cannot stop the freedom of those patriots who will follow the law and order with their behavior and actions. Patriotism means respecting the rights and freedom of your fellow citizens. Our country is facing the crisis of trust, confidence and respect. Our beloved law enforcement team has to step in and stop this madness.
Glenn Baker says
To The Talbot Democratic Committee who signed this letter.
Try putting your signs on private property and not on the State Right of Way.
Even Real Estate signs are removed from the right of way by state roads employees.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Oh please. I’m sure it’s private property, right?
State employees would not vandalize.
Barbara Perry says
These are on private property. If any were on the State Right of Way, they would have been totally removed and not destroyed with the pieces left behind. Respect for each others opinions should prevail and that includes just ignoring the other sides’ signs and not destroying them or removing them.
Patricia Jessup says
Then let the State roads employees handle it. This does not dismiss the inappropriate behavior of those defacing signs
Julia E Hart says
Well said re the First Amendment and “behavioral issues.”
Rev Julie Hart
Nancy McNary Smith says
Yard sign integrity is hardly law enforcers’ job.
As teachers alone cannot make children willing and eager to learn, police alone can’t enforce civility or respect among citizens. Those character traits come from families, and from the Individual heart. As we follow-the-leader into the mud pit, we turn our country into a banana republic or a jack-booted dictatorship.
Dick Deerin says
Destruction of political signs is a criminal and cowardly act. I would bet dollars to donuts that the people doing it are big “Law and Order” types. Why don’t we respect each other’s right to free speech. That’s the American Way.
Linda D Wilson says
It shocks me how people are behaving during our country’s election. We all have the right to vote and advertise our political choice. There is a sign on Oxford Rd. that has been vandalized TWICE this week. It’s upsetting! I hope our police force can catch these narcissistic vandals.
Linda Wilson
Constance Del Nero says
My sign, which was entirely on my property, was stolen . I reported it to the police and learned that stealing political signs is a crime. I have since replaced my sign and written on it that every time it is stolen, I will make a fresh contribution to the Biden campaign. This way, rogues will be supporting my chosen candidate. Civility please! I respect the opinions of others and would never dream of stealing or destroying their signs. Tolerance is what makes our country great.
David Reel says
“ACCUSE THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT WHICH YOU ARE GUILTY.”
This quote has been attributed to Communist leaders Vladimir Lenin and Karl Marx; to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels and, more recently, to progressive hero Saul Alinsky (author of Rules for Radicals).
Regardless of who said it, it is very clear it is a tactic behind the recent Letter to Editor: Trump Supporters Show Little Support for 1st Amendment by Tearing Down our Signs.
The reality is those who vandalize/destroy/steal Biden signs are not representative of the huge number of law abiding and decent Trump supporters who DO NOT and never have vandalized, destroyed or stolen ANY political signs.
As a Trump supporter who has not and never will vandalize, destroy or steal any political signs, I am deeply offended to see no acknowledgement or outrage in the letter about President Trump signs that have also vandalized, destroyed or stolen in Talbot County as well as throughout the entire Eastern Shore.
I have no way of knowing just how many Trump haters are responsible for this uncivil and criminal behavior.
I do know the vandalism/damage/stealing of campaign signs is rampant beyond Talbot County and started well before Donald Trump was elected.
I also know in this yet to be held presidential election the damage to Trump signs already has been significant and will no doubt increase greatly between now and the election.
To date it includes, but is not limited to, at least ten acts of vandalism/destruction/removal of Trump signs in and around St. Michaels; at least six acts of vandalism/destruction/removal of Trump signs in Wittman; and at least two acts of sign vandalism/destruction/removal of Trump signs on Route 50 in Talbot County.
I am sure there are many more that are unreported or the original sign host simply gave up on replacements.
I also know many Trump supporters do not display any support for President Trump based on fear their property or vehicles will be vandalized.
What is wrong is wrong. One sign vandalized destroyed or stolen is one too many.
Expressing outrage only when done to Biden signs is the height of hypocrisy.
All political campaign signs matter.
David Reel
Easton
Barbara Perry says
The letter to the editor about the torn down Biden sign did not say that all Trump supporters were doing this. They, like you, are critical of only those who vandalize political signs. I agree that NO ONE should infringe on anyone’s right to support and display their support for their candidate. There is no hypocrisy with Biden supporters expressing outrage over vandalized Biden signs. You are free to express, as you have, your outrage over stolen or vandalized Trump signs.
James Mourlas says
I was wondering when someone was going to suggest that this is not a one way street. I totally agree that everyone has the right to put up any sign they want to as their right of freedom of speech–and everyone should have the expectation that their sign will be respected–and if anyone is caught vandalizing anyone’s sign they should be charged and fined and/or spend a night or two in the local jail.
Barbara Perry says
These signs are on private property with the given permission of the property owners. If signs were put on State Right of Way, then they would be removed and not trashed leaving torn signs and empty wooden shells on that Right of Way. Express your political views and support by putting up your own signs and not by destroying or defacing signs of your opponent.
William Junior Scarbro says
I have to agree. A leader of a nation is supposed to unite it’s people for a commoin goal.
That is, the welfare of our nation. However, that has not been the case for at least the last 4 years. (In my opinion). The current administration seems to be sewing distrust, racism, and civil discord, at every turn.
Add into that, recent surveys showing a majority of American citizens totally expect a civil war, and are preparing for just such a situation. This, is a sorry state of affairs for all Americans, and a direct result or the present federal administration.
Why, and who, created this? I give you one guess, and that is the self-proclaimed stable genious.
You all know that’s true.
Richard Holman says
Publishing this letter demonstrates the gross left wing bias of Talbot Spy. A great number of Trump Harris signs were defaced with black paint in the St. Michaels corridor in January, with no response by the Talbot Spy.
The editors of the Spy should also be real journalists. If they had done there job, they would have noted that most of the large signs paid for and placed by the Maryland Democratic Treasurer violate Talbot County and Easton Zoning Codes for Political signs.
Democrats seem to play by their own rules and lack respect for Talbot County values and dignity.
Patricia Jessup says
To my knowledge no Trump supporter wrote a letter to the editors of the Talbot Spy complaining about defacement or removal of Trump signs. The opportunity to voice an opinion is equal
Charles D Zvirman says
The Spy published a letter to the editor, that’s all. It is not some far reaching news organization that can field reporters to cover each and every story, let alone respond, as you’ve suggested, to an opinion piece.
May I suggest you take a deep breath, get your facts straight and write a considered letter based on your own experiences. I’d be willing to bet the Spy would publish it.
Maggie andersen says
Adding my name to those who find the defacement and destruction of campaign signs to be cowardly and unAmerican. Maggie Andersen
Cynthia Walker says
I highly commend my neighbors and friends who have wisely supported Deborah’s important article. Vandalism is vandalism and those who commit it should be apprehended and prosecuted.
David Lloyd says
Very scary behavior indeed! In addition to violating the Constitution, it is just another example of the fact that the Republicans cannot possibly win using their ideas and policy proposals. They lose outright because they have no good ideas. So, suppress the vote and tear down signs. Pretty sad, particularly for a place as wonderful as Talbot County!