I'm scared to put up my Kerry/Edwards sign :(

[friesianrider]

I am totally ball-less.

I live in the "red area" of Pennsylvania. Within about two miles, there's three churches, and DOZENS of Bush signs.

My problem is: we have lots of kitties roaming outdoors (all are strays we "took in") and we also have horses outside. I just worry that someone might try and do something to my animals.

Please tell me I'm being a pansy-ass and to just put up my damn sign already...

[murielm99]

1. Put your damn sign up already.

Find a relatively inaccesible place for it. Put it in a window if necessary.

Take it in at night.

[Stew225]

2. You're being a

considerate person when you think of the welfare of your animals. Although the repukes are morons, I doubt that they would do something extreme like harming your animals. They might steal the sign but that's probably as far as it would go.

We live on a road in the country just outside of one of the strongest Republican towns in one of the strongest Republican counties of Ohio. Most of the homes along here sit on five acre tracts and there are probably 40 or more homes that I pass pretty regularly. Out of all of that there are only three Kerry/Edwards signs and probably 15 or more Bush/Cheney ones. Other than having our sign stolen one night a few weeks ago, there's been no trouble.

Good luck. You'll make the right decision!

[shance]

3. Well, just do what a lot of Republicans do........

Build yourself an electric fence and THEN put your sign up.

(who says we can't learn something from Republicans?)

:)

[venus]

63. Teehee. n/t

[Philostopher]

4. We finally did, yesterday.

We have a run out back for our cats, but since they don't roam the neighborhood, I don't worry so much. We don't really socialize with our neighbors, so if they don't like it, oh well. There's only one B*/C sign on our block, though -- our next-door neighbors. I think it was that, and the fact that five other houses on either side of our street have either K-E signs or other local candidate signs (our county Dem party elected not to buy more K-E signs, I got mine from a fellow DUer in the are who'd stashed several because her neighborhood is apparently more Republican than mine and hers were repeatedly stolen), and the only other B*/C signs are on the next block.

We figure ours will eventually get stolen -- Halloween if not before -- but we wire-tied it to the frame and drove the wires way down into the dirt; put the sign within the cone of motion detection from our outside light and walked away. We ain't gonna make it easy for 'em!

[KayLaw]

5. God!

It's horrible that you would have to worry about such a thing. If I were you, I would consider moving. I was a bit concerned about our K/E stickers and lawn sign, but we've only heard positive comments so far. None of our cul-de-sac neighbors have political signs, but we have one real redneck neighbor ( we like them a lot ) and a fundie family whom we also like. We figure we have all sorts around here, but I was never afraid they'd attack my pets, only that we would offend them.

[Terran]

6. I live in majority repub area

and I haven't had any problems with my signs, bumperstickers, t-shirts, buttons, or anything. I know that some people at DU have reported such incidents, but not every place is going to be so hostile. What kind of people do you live near?

[Dark Jedi]

7. Be Vigilant

:( I empathize with you. There's no telling what those rabid sickos out there might do. Many of them have a pathological hatred for animals. Sorry. This is probably not a response you want to hear. I am just very cynical about some of these evil scums out there. I hope you will get more encouraging responses soon! I do have one advice though. If you do put the sign up, look out the window every so often. How I wish society would enlighten enough that differences can co-exist peacefully. Good luck with whatever your plan is!

[MnFats]

8. my "BUSH MUST GO" sign got stolen....

....
it was only up there a couple of days.
i thought it might be my moronic across-the-street neighbors but their "Bush Cheney" sign got stolen too.
so it was probably neighborhood kids.
But my son, at 14 already a cynic, said "they probably took their own sign down so we wouldn't suspect them."

"What are we supposed to do with it?" I asked him.

"We have to burn their house down," he replied. He was joking. REally, Mr. Ashcrodt, he was.

Fortunately, I bought TWO signs outside the Vote for Change concert Monday and I will put up the second only a few days before the election. Hate to lose them both because I feel like it's going to be a valuable historic artifact i can show my grandchildren.

[osaMABUSh]

32. I have a huge "BUSH MUST GO" sign too

but I put it in the back window of my Honda Civic hatchback during my 50 mile RT commutes to Pittsburgh. A lot of people get to see it - I love it! I got it after the Bruce/Fogerty/REM VFC concert in Cleveland.

I have a K/E in my front lawn. I think the Bush Must Go is a little too over the top here in my repuke suburb but it is just awesome for the anonymity of a daily commute.

[karlrschneider]

9. You could rent a "guard dog", like a BIG MEAN Rottweiler from one of those

companies that make them available to protect businesses and tie him by the sign (if your yard isn't fenced)...of course that might cost a lot, not sure if you could manage but I'm actually serious. My sign is in my fenced yard and I have 2 large dogs that are really intimidating looking but I don't think they would ever bite anyone...but they sure raise hell if someone they don't know gets near. :D

[tinanator]

10. you could do what Im gonna :)

dress up as the Grim Reaper and stand at a major intersection holding a Bush/Cheney 2004 sign! I might even pile a few soldiers around my feet. Happy Halloween you ghouls!

[Blue Gardener]

13. Great idea!

Here's what I did with my yard sign...

[tinanator]

17. beauty!

come decorate our house!

[Blue Gardener]

19. It was really pretty easy to put together

The head is pantyhose filled with stuffing from an old pillow, and stitched together on the end. Glue on some felt eyes and mouth, and add marker eyelashes. The hat is from Goodwill and held on with safety pins. Stuff and old flannel shirt and bibs full of newspaper. Stick a dowel rod in the neck to put the head on (we wound up securing it to the bench). Stuff some gloves and attach with safety pins or twine. Put the pantlegs over a pair of boots...and there is your scarecrow! It was really fun making it, and not too difficult even for my limited crafting abilities.

[qnr]

50. I don't have a Kerry / Edwards sign, but I live in a small place

built of cinder blocks, I am going to take 4"x6" photo paper, put a letter on each, and attach them to the cinder blocks. Five inch letters should be visible enough from the street. They won't be able to pull them down in one fell swoop.

[JPace]

11. I live in the Southeast and wear my Kerry/Edwards button

everyday where ever I go. I also have my bumper
stickers (3) on my car. Nothing has happened so
far. Those that agree often speak out to tell
me they are voting for Kerry or some such comment.
But no comments from bush supporters.
I think it is just something you have to do with
a little courage as there are some jerks out there.
But this election is so important that I feel I
have to do things to support my candidate.

[rppper]

67. i saw something i never thought possible yesterday......

a hummer...the original not the H2......decked out with no less than 20 kerry/edwards stickers and various other anti-bush stickers.when i caught up to him at a light, i thanked him...he held up a village idiot sticker and said it was next. told me he NEVER got harrased by the redneck faction here...even when he goes offroad(the hummer was covered in mud).....i still think hummers are a waste, but at least there is hope.....

[autorank]

70. I have cats and a big Kerry sign in Virginina, no problems.

Killing cats puts you in the serial killer league. It's not a stretch to assume serial killers have other things on thier minds besides politics. Therefore, if the cats have been OK, they will continue to be OK with sign up. With all due respect, put the sign up already. You will feel better and your cat's will be indifferent (unless there is food on the sign).

[Mr Bojangles]

71. At least he used it offroad

That's saying something. Most people around here (Orlando) wouldn't *dream* of getting their precious hummer dirty...it might dull the bling. (there's hummers with those stupid spinning rims all over the place here)

[devinsgram]

12. If I may ask, what part of PA

are you in. I live near Hershey and it is big repug country, but a lot of Kerry signs here as well as * . Also lots and lots of churches. When I pass a sign I just laugh and figure they are not to smart to support that idiot.

[friesianrider]

25. Oh! You're close then!

We're in Berks Co - just northwest od Sinking Spring and Wyomissing. We're actually right off of 78 :)

[devinsgram]

31. Ok I know where you are.

I traveled that road a lot a couple of years ago. I thought Berks county was more democrats. Isn't that the area Tim Holden comes from. Which reminds me, I can't believe Patterno is going up agaisnt him.

[osaMABUSh]

34. Do you think JoePa and his pitiful football team is going hurt his

son's election? Now, I say this as an alum and diehard Penn State fan.

[friesianrider]

53. I'm at Penn State too and hate the damn football team...

I just don't get it. Everyone here puts these GIANT 6-toed footprints all over themselves and their cars and swear loyalty to Penn State :eyes:

And I hope Paterno loses. He's a nerd.

And yes, it's Holden up here. He's a Dem but may as well be a Repuke - very pro-gun and anti-choice.

[Dem_Loyalist]

14. As long as you have no specific reason

to fear retribution I wouldn't worry about it. Just put the darned sign up.

[blue neen]

15. This too is a PA repug county. We're working to make it blue this time!

My K/E sign has safely been up for over a month now. There were a few times when I brought it in at night. There is a also a big K/E sign in our window.

Good luck!

[The Night Owl]

16. My sign got stolen 2 days after I put it up.

I'm going to attach my new sign to a long string and put some bells on the other end of the string.

[truthpusher]

18. Put the sign up then sit on your porch in a rocking chair holding...

a shotgun until Nov. 2nd - Good Luck

[90-percent]

20. fear of signage

That anyone should be fearful about putting up a campaign sign speaks volumes about our "Uniter, not a Divider" Semi- President.

-85% jimmy

[Snotcicles]

21. Put the sign up if they do anything to your animals tell us

and we will kick your neighborhoods ass.

[texasmom]

22. Put your sign up!

I bet within days others within those two miles of you will put up signs, too.
I am in a very Republican area of Texas, and in my small neighborhood, we're only outnumbered by one Bush sign, I believe, at this point. They've got us 6-5. (Though one of the Kerry supporters has two signs up. Maybe we're even.) Some Kerry supporter was the first one to put their sign up.
Go for it. It'll make you feel good. Most people have their signs close to their house.
If anyone attacks one of your animals, call the police.

[knitter4democracy]

23. Put an American flag next to it

It worked for the U of M fans in the town where my mom used to live. They won't shoot anything next to an American flag in case they accidentally hit Old Glory.

[proud patriot]

24. that fact that you have this fear is the reason the sign needs to go up

It makes me so mad that people would have this fear
in free America . :grr:

not mad at you , but the people who have made fear .

[texasmom]

38. What an excellent point! n/t

[0rganism]

26. Your fear may be legit, but you MUST overcome it

I understand where you're coming from. If the sickos were to harm your animals because of the sign, you'd never be able to forgive them.

But if you cave in to this fear and let the fascists effectively gag you without even lifting a finger, will you ever forgive yourself?

[friesianrider]

27. I PUT IT UP!!

I went out and since my local Dem HQ is all out, I took two rally signs and stapled them together. I got a nice long wooden stake adn drove in in the ground so hopefully it'll be harder to steal.

FYI, our neighbor is pretty nutty. He gets these gun magazines that are like nothing but survival gear. He made some comment to me the other day about the government taking over our entire lives :eyes:

I decided this election is just too important. My main fear stems from the fact we write a lot of letters to the paper and we've gotten I think three death threats now. But I can't let my fear of the Repugs control my life - it's what they want.

Kerry sign is UP!!!!

[DemExpat]

37. Hugs to you, friesianrider!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

DemEx

Is your name referring to Friesland in Holland?
:hi:

[friesianrider]

54. LOL, yes, after my Friesian horses...

Which come from Holland :)

[proud patriot]

41. Huzzah

:toast: a toast to you my brave friend .

[0rganism]

46. Congratulations! Your act is made all the braver by your initial concerns

I predict you will soon know with certainty that you made the correct decision.

[venus]

64. We got your back! Kudos. n/t

[qwlauren35]

28. It's not our call - it's YOURS!

But here are some things I would do in your place.

1.) See if there are ANY other Kerry signs in your area.
2.) Look on line and see if there are any Kerry events in your area. volunteer.johnkerry.com.
3.) Call the local Dem HQ and find out if there have been any local "incidents".

To me, #3 is crucial. It's one thing to have your sign taken down. But it's another thing to have violent retaliation. If you aren't ready to be the first, you don't have to, but you can be the second. Perhaps you should scout out other Dems and all put your signs up on the same day...

[PyschoSteve85]

29. WHERE?

Where in PA? I go to school with a lot of replublicans but my local town has a lot of kerry signs up.

[friesianrider]

55. We're in Rehrersburg - Berks Co just northwest of Reading/Wyomissing :)

Where do you go to school? (PM me if you want!)

[RareLubbockDem]

30. I'm deeeeeep in bush country

and i put them up. Of course, they get stolen, but so far that's it. I just put up new ones.

Don't be afraid to do it.

[SudieJD]

33. I'm Looking For Signs!

I have to drive over 40 miles to get one though.

I plan on putting my up and then tie one of Alaskan Malamutes (the one that weights 135lbs) right next to it. Just let someone come within 10 feet of it!

Sudie

[sbj405]

35. Here's some inspiration

I was backpacking this weekend along the WV-VA line in what was clearly BC country. Nearly every house had a sign. I was hoping, hoping that at least one would have a K/E sign. Then finally the familiar sight proudly flying not 1, but 2 and bumper stickers on the cars. I'm sure their not popular among their neighbors, but oh well. That being said I was a little concerned leaving the car in the area overnight w/ my bumper sticker, but no problems.

So go for it. If nothing else, it might inspire others in what you think is red PA to put theirs out as well.

[venus]

65. Aaaah; that must have been sweet. n/t

[osaMABUSh]

36. I'm in a repuke Pgh suburb and put one up and I feel great!!!

Out here in rural/suburban Pittsburgh, PA I was hesitant because 75% of neighbors and friends are idiot Bush supporters. My wife was reluctant because she was afraid what her friends would say/think.

Well, after driving around the area on Saturday bt. kids' soccer games and flag football I was sick to death of all the B/C signs. I had just picked up a couple of signs at K/E HQ on Friday so I put it up. My wife comes home and says what's that in the front yard? I told her fuck all them B/C supporters; this America and gotta stand for our beliefs!

If it gets ripped down I have backups.

[sandnsea]

39. Oct. 27, how about that?

Just 7 days, can you do that? It'll help when we really need it.

I had a young punk scream "fuck Kerry" at me yesterday. If I'd known I could trust the light to stay red, I swear I would have jumped out of my car and ripped him a new one. With surfboards on the top of his SUV, this 20 something is screaming at a truck with "Veteran for Kerry" on it. What a little turd, does NOT scare me. If my 6'4" husband had jumped out, haha, he would have shit his pants for sure.

Now I can join the ranks of the harrassed for Kerry!!

[ezekiel333]

40. Fear...

It's their preferred method of control and when you succumb to it they win.

[Cattledog]

42. I live in Georgia and I have mine up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hell if I can do it down here you can!

[RebelOne]

43. I live in the red sfate of Georiga

and I have my Kerry/Edwards, plus my MoveOn.Org MIssion (Nothing) Accomplished bumperstickers and so far my no one has tried to run me off the road nor has my car been keyed. But if you have fears that your animals may be harmed, then I would definitely advise you to not post your signs.

[NEDem]

44. PUT YOUR SIGN UP!!!!!

We must not be scared into some belief that speaking out in ANY FORM is wrong or something to be ashamed of. Damnit this is America, stand up for yourself and PUT YOUR DAMN SIGN UP.


RISE UP AND BE COUNTED, NOW IS THE TIME!

[screembloodymurder]

45. Put your sign up and

get yourself an assault weapon. Split the day into watches and you and the whole family can participate in democracy.

Or, you could just stop being paranoid.

[Mr_Spock]

47. Assault weapons ban is history - put sign up - get an Uzi if they hassle

you! Just joking - don't be intimidated - lot's of folks put up signs, worst thing is someone might remove the sign!

[dave502d]

48. put your sign up.

Put one in your window that says (MAN WITH A GUN).

[w4rma]

49. I say put it up. If Frist comes after a cat, file a police report. (nt)

[jdj]

51. I think it is irresponsible if you think your animals will be in danger.

It's your responsibility to protect them, if you can't secure them then I just don't know that your fears are not founded.

They are innocent.

Sorry to be the voice crying in the wildnerness, but that is my code.

[friesianrider]

56. Don't worry...

I think it will be alright, but if anyone even touched one of my children (my animals) I COULD kill. The sad thing is I probably would kill if I knew who did it. I would die for any one of them and will do everything and anything to protect them.

[shance]

59. I think your response is callous and totally irrresponsible

He/she sounds as though they have a valid concern and you, frankly are an unthinking twit to be so cavalier.

Of course everything will probably be fine and I think *Fresian* should do WHATEVER feels most comfortable for Fresian, NOT FOR whoever you are. I am pretty amazed when I am met at DU by individuals with such a self-righteous, condescending tone.

*Sorry if Im the voice crying in the wilderness*, but this is my code and I find it more helpful and constructive to validate my friends concerns and try to help and support them in any way I can. I believe thats our job frankly: to protect each other and build each other up, not chastise someone when they are worried. Join the Republican party if that's your goal.

I have found it suppresses someones inner voice and instincts, and creates further self-doubt when you reply in such a cold manner, especially to someone who who might very well have valid concerns,

AND if he/she is worried, THAT right there should be a valid enough concern for me to believe them and take their concerns seriously.

[DemExpat]

69. I also think that safety first would be my choice......

but I do not consider it irresponsible in the least.

For it is an almost intolerable situation to be afraid of showing one's (opposing) political choice while everyone around you shows theirs!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

DemEx

[GoneOffShore]

52. We live in Philadelphia

in Northern Liberties.
No front lawn, but a sign in the second floor bedroom window, one on the front door and another one the side window.
Plus the bumper stickers.
No *co signs in the neighborhood.
Just remember, every sign and bumper sticker is worth a $40K media buy.
The more we put up the more frightened they are.

[alexisfree]

57. this is not the land of the free-speech

that's the way I feel all the time...i was afraid to put my lovely Kerry bumper sticker ...I did it after my medication kick in.."true story"

[LibDemAlways]

58. Tonight I was driving down the 210 Freeway in a

fairly conservative area east of Los Angeles when I saw the roof of a two-story house that backs up to the freeway festooned with big bright white lights that spell out "DUMP BUSH. " 300 cars a minute pass by there, and you can't miss the message. Whoever took the time to put those lights up is a true patriot.

So, by all means, put up your Kerry/Edwards sign. You should be proud to be supporting the intelligent team for President.

[shance]

60. Thats a terrific story****

now where did I put those Christmas lights??

thanks :)

[donheld]

61. go ahead

be brave. you might give others courage to do the same thing

[venus]

62. I understand. My neighbor;s sign has been torn down twice,

and I live in a primarily Dem are. The house is actually around the corner from where I live, and the thing is it's torn down the middle, to supposedly make a statement. There are numerous K/E signs along the causeway right in front of the house and they don't have the nerve to tear those down. I say put your sign up boldly. I did. And now I have neighbors who have put theirs up too. I don't take credit. I give it to those tireless canvassers.

[venus]

66. Plus we don't want the Bushco "terrasists" to win., now do we. n/t

[BlueCollar]

68. I put mine out Saturday

and gave away two yesterday as neighbours came over and asked where they could get them.

My precinct went Bush/Cheney 70-30 last election...that's changing though...one election at a time...

BTW..I'm in Fort Worth, Texas...Bush's back yard.

[Imalittleteapot]

72. You're being a

pansy-ass. Put up the sign.

There is but one Kerry/Edwards sign in my entire neighborhood.
I met a woman today who lives on the next street. When I told her what house I lived in she said, "Oh, the one with the Kerry sign."
She told me that she wanted to put one up but that her kids were afraid of what might happen if she had a sign in our conservative area.

My Kerry sign has been knocked down twice. Today it was removed. I found it way up the street in the gutter, ripped and bent. I recovered it, doctored it with tape and had my Repuke husband pound it deep into the lawn. The sign looks like hell, but it's baaaack. What a soldier. I suspect some local university frat joggers are playing games with my display.

[Catherine Vincent]

73. I read earlier where a poster put a small label on the sign

that reads "Smile, you're being video taped". I like that idea. That way they will think twice about stealing your sign.

[Name removed]

74. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[0007]

75. Please don't be afraid. Be afraid of losing your right to protest.

Let the cards fall as they may.
You have every little control either way.

[0007]

76. o



[NewYorkerfromMass]

77. They don't call it Pennsyltucky for nothing

apologies to the rest of Appalachia with an IQ north of 90 but I spend a lot of time in Pa. and appreciate you apprehension.
They are making a HUGE play for the state through the Pro-Lifers and flag waving Swift Vet believers.
I say do it, but add things like "VOTE UNION, VOTE KERRY" to accompany your message, and get them to realize that Kerry supporters are human beings too.