A “Sign” of the Times?

A “Sign” of the Times?

This is the first year I have placed a political sign in my yard.  In the process, I have also given signs to friends who have asked and placed a few in public areas where allowed.

To date, 17 signs have been taken down and here’s why that makes me happy:

1.  It tells me that the candidate I support must be making an impact…otherwise, why would people take his sign down?  His success appears to be a source of concern for those supporting the other candidate.  Still, I’d prefer it they would not take down signs.  They could put up more signs supporting their candidate instead.

2.  It gives me an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with my children about the political process, freedom of speech and the nature of people.  While we have those conversations regardless, these incidents lend themselves to time appropriate discussions.  My kids ask:  Why did somebody take the sign down?  Who took the sign down?  Did they take signs down for other candidates?  Does this mean they hate the candidate you support?  Do the people who did that not like us?

3.  While it doesn’t make me happy, it reminds me that people will break the law and trespass to show their disapproval as they do so when they walk on private property and when they steal.

4.  For every sign that is taken, a new one goes up in the same spot and motivates me to share extra signs with others.

5.  This behavior reminds me (unfortunately) how some people from a party espousing kindness, supportiveness and fairness can sometimes be mean-spirited, uncaring , dishonest and disrespectful…especially of views that are contrary to their own.  (This behavior ironically runs counter to the inclusiveness they supposedly value.)

6.  A friend of mine who also had signs taken down now places a small sticker on his sign that state:  “If you take this sign down, I will make a $20 donation to this candidate and put another sign up.”  My friend has made several donations.

7.  I am not naive and I do realize that elections can be vicious and mean-spirited.  Some candidates and supporters act out in inappropriate and disrespectful ways.  I just didn’t expect it from neighbors in my community.  Notice I have not named which candidate I support?  You can guess, but it doesn’t matter.

Michael Poll

Resident, Highland Park, IL