SIGNS OF THE TIMES
It's that time of the year again - election season. How do we know? Well, for one thing, we see lawn/campaign signs (like those pictured below) sprouting up from the ground containing the names of many candidates, who are running for Federal, State, County and Local offices. We also see signs expressing opposing views on various proposals, which will be voted on in upcoming elections. No matter what the sign or the message contained on them, each sign represents political speech - freedom of speech and expression, which is protected by the First Amendment of our cherished United States Constitution. We are so fortunate in America, that we have the right to express our views openly without the fear of reprisal.
No matter who one's choice of candidate, or what opinion one has on a proposal, no one should take it upon themselves to remove or in some way damage these symbols of American Free Speech. To do so, would be to infringe upon the rights of a fellow American. If one does not agree with a message on a sign, or does not support a candidate promoted on a sign, one should not disrespect the choice or opinion of another American citizen. Instead, an individual can post their own sign (whether homemade or professionally created) which states their candidate's name, or, their position on an issue. In that way, the Constitution is respected and ALL Americans enjoy the right to express themselves freely.
The theft of and damage to political signs that has been witnessed across Westchester County over the last few years is very disturbing and, it is a direct assault on the Constitutional rights of other citizens.
We encourage everyone to exercise their right to Free Speech and publicly express their opinions. However, it also advised that everyone simply leave ALL of the signs alone; respect the Constitution; and allow ALL Americans to express their political views. We should never suppress the Free Speech of any other American, but, rather support it, even if we may not agree with what is expressed. Remember, as Americans we are ALL entitled to express our opinions!
It's also important to consider that the number of signs posted does not guarantee a successful election outcome. The messages on the signs merely inform potential voters that there are opposing views on candidates or proposals, and what choices they have when they vote. It would be great for ALL, if for one election season those on both sides could ALL act as responsible adults and respect the oppositions signs and leave them standing. After all, each sign represents that great Freedom that we in America are still fortunate enough to enjoy - the Freedom of Speech. Let us all do our best to support it!
Each year, as these signs appear, we hear grumblings about some being knocked down or damaged and some actually being stolen. Any one who would take such action is suppressing Free Speech and disrespecting the Constitution. ALL Americans have a right to express their opinion or support the political candidate of their choice, and they are supposed to be able to do so without fearing that their right to freely express their view will be suppressed.
No matter who one's choice of candidate, or what opinion one has on a proposal, no one should take it upon themselves to remove or in some way damage these symbols of American Free Speech. To do so, would be to infringe upon the rights of a fellow American. If one does not agree with a message on a sign, or does not support a candidate promoted on a sign, one should not disrespect the choice or opinion of another American citizen. Instead, an individual can post their own sign (whether homemade or professionally created) which states their candidate's name, or, their position on an issue. In that way, the Constitution is respected and ALL Americans enjoy the right to express themselves freely.
The theft of and damage to political signs that has been witnessed across Westchester County over the last few years is very disturbing and, it is a direct assault on the Constitutional rights of other citizens.
We encourage everyone to exercise their right to Free Speech and publicly express their opinions. However, it also advised that everyone simply leave ALL of the signs alone; respect the Constitution; and allow ALL Americans to express their political views. We should never suppress the Free Speech of any other American, but, rather support it, even if we may not agree with what is expressed. Remember, as Americans we are ALL entitled to express our opinions!
It's also important to consider that the number of signs posted does not guarantee a successful election outcome. The messages on the signs merely inform potential voters that there are opposing views on candidates or proposals, and what choices they have when they vote. It would be great for ALL, if for one election season those on both sides could ALL act as responsible adults and respect the oppositions signs and leave them standing. After all, each sign represents that great Freedom that we in America are still fortunate enough to enjoy - the Freedom of Speech. Let us all do our best to support it!
No comments:
Post a Comment