Don’t Hurt The Sign

http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2007/09/2 ... #more-1543
By Greg L | 21 September 2007 | Manassas Politics | 32 Comments



The Manassas Journal-Messenger is reporting that some people who have disapproved of the ugly and completely over-the-top sign at the corner of Liberty and Prince William Streets was the object of attempted vandalism the other day. Although the sign is pretty outrageous, and generates some pretty strong emotions, it’s something that we actually should be glad is not only there, but will be allowed to stay for the duration of Mr. Fernandez’s demolition permit. I call on everyone not to disturb this sign in any way, but to make sure that as many residents as possible get a chance to see it. If it looks like it might fall down, go out and prop it up. If it suffers damage in any way, go out and help repair it.

Manassas has a tradition of pretty genteel political activity, despite what may be some strong policy differences between activists on various sides. We go to our elected officials, we speak to them with the respect and decorum they’re clearly entitled to, and we shy away from over-the-top stuff like this sign. Although we sometimes depart briefly from this tradition of respectful discourse, when we do there is a pretty noticeable reaction from many residents. Getting ugly is not a good idea in Manassas, and this is awfully ugly.

This sign not only enrages long-time residents, but just about all residents. It’s visually unappealing, it’s bizarre, contains spelling errors, and pretty much makes the illegal alien lobby look pretty stupid and out of touch with the political environment. I’ve spoken with some members of the African-American community, and they’re aghast at being called racists and indian-killers on a sign at the entryway to a historically black neighborhood of Manassas. Many others are shocked that someone would be protesting the actions of Prince William County in such an ugly way outside of the jurisdiction. This sign isn’t drawing folks to the illegal alien lobby’s position — it’s driving citizens into more strongly opposing the unlawful presence of illegal aliens in our communities.

This sign does the illegal alien lobby no good at all. We don’t want to tear it down or harm it at all. We need to ensure that as many people get confronted with this outrage as possible. Free speech is a good thing. Dumb free speech by the illegal alien lobby is much better.