Political Sign Vandalisim a Problem for Falls Church

Editor,

This fall, my husband and I started volunteering in non-partisan voter registration drives. This country is facing a critical election this November, and we believe in the importance of every single vote. It’s been an amazing experience, rewarding to help first-time registrants as well as seniors who have forgotten to file a change of address.

But I’m writing to shed a little light on the darker side of this campaign season.

You see, we decided to set up two political yard signs in front of our home a week ago. We thought this was a simple gesture, a way to exercise free speech and display the right that each person has to vote for whomever he chooses. Turns out there’s a whole lot of hatefulness simmering below the surface right here in The Little City.

On Friday night, someone trespassed on our property and vandalized our yard signs, ripping a jagged diagonal slash right through both of them. Really?

It’s not such a minor event, when you think about it. The action — even the violent appearance of those slashes– is loud and hostile. Whoever did this, is boldly telling us that our opinion is worth less than theirs. Whoever did this, feels entitled to trample on the private property of others. Whoever did this, is symbolically lacerating our right to the (nonviolent) expression of our political views. Whoever did this, is brashly delivering a clear message of intolerance. Such small-minded “mischief” has a malignant edge to it.

This was not an isolated incident. I’ve been told that a rash of “vile bumper stickers” have been plastered around town on similar yard signs as well.

I’m not shocked, but I’m disappointed (again). And I’m so very tired of the antagonist political climate that continues to block advancement in the best interests of all Americans. Why is it so hard to agree to disagree?

Well, I have my voter card and I’m more than ready to exercise my one vote. (And yes, a police report has been filed.)

Karin U. Battle

Falls Church 

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