Need some help from DU re: the anti Obama billboard here in KC

[proud2BlibKansan]

Here's the video: http://video.newsmax.com/Manage/Videos/VideoGallery/Anti-Obama-Sign-Creating-a-Stir--Missouri

Please hold your nose and watch it. They interview one person who agrees with the sign and NONE who don't like it. Some journalism, eh?

They also never identify who paid for it. I would sure like to know.

At the 1:07 mark, they begin an interview with a pastor who likes the sign. I did a little research and found his church. It's in Grain Valley, MO. http://www.hicusa.org/

Here is an article about him: http://www.examiner.com/x-21219-Kansas-City-Nondenominational-Christian-Examiner~y2009m9d7-Heartland-International-Church-hosts-ministers-from-Scotland

This article needs a few comments from DUers :)

We are also asking folks to email the TV station and ask them to disclose the identity of the person who paid for the billboard. And we are encouraging them to do another story and interview some folks who don't approve of this sign.

The station's website: http://www.kctv5.com/index.html

And email: [e-mail]

Thank you DUers!!

[BlooInBloo]

1. Not sure why a person would think that DU is the place to go for support...

against anti-Obama people.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Thanks for kicking the thread!

[BlooInBloo]

3. Happy to help.

[MercutioATC]

55. Because not everybody here is a whiny little baby?

Gimme some credit. I toned it down from "whiny little bitch".

[BlooInBloo]

68. (shrug) I have no marginal problem with "whiny little bitch".

[DJ13]

4. Paintballs @ 3AM would fix it

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. It's next to a very busy interstate highway

Hard to do that and not get caught.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

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

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Excuse me?!?!?

I do plenty. Thank you.

[MNDemNY]

11. Just don't get caught.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. I don't even own a paint gun

I also don't think vandalism is the answer here.

But thanks for kicking the thread. :hi:

[Hissyspit]

52. You are responding to a person who is extremely politically active. As a Democrat. As an anti-war

activist. There is evidence of her activism ALL OVER the archives of this website. She is also a professional. She does not live in her mother's basement. You just make yourself look foolish when you do that. Also, you aren't being very civil. You just make yourself look like a jerk when you do that.

And I'm being diplomatic when I use the word 'jerk.'

[proud2BlibKansan]

56. Hissy

:hug:

There are some very odd responses in this thread. LOL

[mzteris]

43. i think you got her confused

with yourself.

She's VERY active. I am certain she DOES way more than you even dream of doing.

She doesn't sit in her "mother's basement" - she's her own woman and a school teacher for special needs kids, to boot. "Not getting caught" IS a priority when you're a school teacher and you don't want to lose your job.

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. Thank you mzteris

:hug:

[MNDemNY]

5. Quit whinning and put up your own damn sign.

Why on earth should the person who paid for that sign be made public? On what grounds?? Are you REALLY going to piss and moan about such a thing? sheesh.

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. Okay. You can be the first one to send me a check to help pay for it

If you don't understand why this person's identity is part of the story here, I don't know how to explain it to you. Maybe you support the message on the sign? Can't imagine why else you would be so offended by my wanting to know who is responsible. Also wouldn't surprise me to find supporters here. :shrug:

[MNDemNY]

15. Why do you think you have that right???

The message sucks, but too damn bad!!! That is FREE SPEECH !!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. Why do you support withholding his identity?

I can think of a few reasons, but I'll let you post them.

[MNDemNY]

22. Because that is his/her 's right. That is all.

You can't pick and choose how or when you will abide by the constitution, now can you?

[proud2BlibKansan]

25. Free speech includes the right to have your identity withheld??

Where is that in the first amendment?

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

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

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. Read my OP again

[caballero]

31. That sign might have been paid for by proud2BconKansan

one never knows who is whom. :-)

[proud2BlibKansan]

35. No, it's in MO

:)

[caballero]

36. Oh I keep forgetting interstate commerce is banned around KCM and KCK

;-)

[mzteris]

44. um - where does it say

you can be ANONYMOUS in your "freedom of speech"?

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. The plot thickens

Someone just left this comment on that article:

The Democratic Underground and Daily KOS sent me over here because they want people to complain about the billboard so I'm here. So if anyone knows who paid for the sign, please let me know so I can send a donation. We need one in all 50 states or the "57" states that Obama thinks we have.
October 5, 6:46 PM

http://www.examiner.com/x-21219-Kansas-City-Nondenominational-Christian-Examiner~y2009m9d7-Heartland-International-Church-hosts-ministers-from-Scotland

[mzteris]

54. wonder who THAT could have been . . .

Hello! any mods reading this thread? ? ?

[proud2BlibKansan]

59. I alerted

There is a full moon tonight. Maybe that explains it. LOL

[Maru Kitteh]

64. Little dweeby trolls. They get cranky when their diapers are full.

[Maru Kitteh]

20. If a person makes a public statement they ought not be dismayed at having their identity

attached to that statement. Otherwise they should shut the fuck up.

[MNDemNY]

23. Identify yourself...NOW!

[Bjorn Against]

57. My name is Bjorn Johnson and I am from Inver Grove Heights MN

I want to know who the asshole was who paid for that ignorant sign.

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

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

[caballero]

33. Wait...is your post a public statement?

I'm confused...

[intheflow]

41. To pay for a sign:

Try calling the local Democratic party, and local unions and non-profit groups to see if you can form a one-time coalition to pay for a billboard. If you're persistent about, and others are as outraged as you (and I'm sure they are), you'll probably have it up in a month or two. Many times groups like these are just as outraged but also can't foot the bill for a billboard alone, and are just ripe to be organized in an effort like this. It just takes one person to get the ball rolling.

[Cleita]

8. Send the picture to the White House SS. If they think it's threatening,

they will take care of it. Otherwise hire some taggers to "re-invent" it in the middle of the night. They know how to get it done.

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. The WH has been contacted

[REP]

9. Goddamn Blue Springs is not Kansas City, but thanks

Why are you smearing KC like this???

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. It's part of the metropolitan area

And a Kansas City TV station aired the story. Blame them for smearing KC. Or contact them and tell them they shouldn't have covered this story since this sign isn't in the city limits. Sheesh.

[REP]

65. Barely. Lawrence is closer than Blue Springs!

On edit: when did KCTV5 start doing news? Meredith is better known for Better Homes and Gardens than news.

[proud2BlibKansan]

72. Um no

Kansas City to Blue Springs: 22 miles

Kansas City to Lawrence: 43 miles

http://maps.google.com/maps

[REP]

77. I'm from Brookside; Blue Springs is a 50 minute drive from there; Lawrence is 40

But hey, I'm from Kansas City. Born there, lived there 33 years ... what the fuck do I know, right? Got streets there named after my family, but hey, Kansans know better.

[proud2BlibKansan]

87. I am also a lifelong resident and have lived on both sides of the state line

But don't argue with me. Google map it. That's what I did.

And I really don't understand why having streets named after your family gives you a better sense of direction. Or why you want to post snarky comments. I'm trying to be proactive about this. The exact location of the billboard and its distance away from wherever is not all that important in the grand scheme of things, now is it?

I am sick of these people who hate Obama. I am sick of their hate. I am tired of their idiotic tea parties. (They're having another one this weekend.) I am also fed up with our local 'media' paying attention to every sick and twisted stunt they pull, like this billboard. I have been standing on the street protesting against the war twice a week for way too many years now and can count on three fingers the number of times our 'media' has given us any publicity.

I would really rather be pro-active and combat this hate than argue geography with you. :shrug:

[cbdo2007]

95. I live in Blue Springs - if it takes you 50 minutes to drive here from Brookside you must be...

driving backwards.

Oak Grove is the Eastern boundary of the KC Metro while Lawrence is NOT considered part of the KC Metro, at least not to those of us on the Missouri side.

[spanone]

12. k&r.....

fuckers

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Phew

For a minute there I was wondering if anyone here agreed that this sign is repulsive.

[saracat]

18. Stage a protest in front of the sign. Get some air time.write letter to the editor.

[proud2BlibKansan]

21. We're working on those things

Contrary to what another DUer said in this thread, I do quite a bit of activism here and we have already written several LTTEs. (That's why I didn't suggest that in my OP).

Thanks for the great suggestions!

[saracat]

28. Your welcome. That is one idiotic sign but you are right to take some action.

You can also do more of what you did here send the pic out in email chains and let folks know how disgusting it is! But somehow, but somehow I think you are already doing that.

[caballero]

29. The sign won't change anyone's mind. That's just the unfortunate fact.

:shrug:

[Rosa Luxemburg]

34. no because these people think like that already

[caballero]

37. As I said.

:D

[Bjorn Against]

62. Why do you think that is "unfortunate"?

[caballero]

67. Oh, I see what you are saying. I only meant that putting up signboards aren't effective

ways to influence public opinion - either way. I shouldn't have said unfortunate...I was just lamenting that the perception is that Americans can be so easily swayed that some will spend a lot of money to do it. Maybe it works on idiots but a sign like that wouldn't have any effect on me...I just laugh at it...

[Bjorn Against]

71. You underestimate the power of advertising

It may not change anyone's mind, but when someone is already filled with hatred this kind of thing will only reinforce that hatred. Advertising is very powerful and research shows that everyone is influenced by it to some degree, that is why so many billions are spent on advertising every year. This particular billboard is not going to work on convincing most people, but it is going to work to stir up Freeper hatred.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

32. The KKK will be proud of these people

[caballero]

38. How so? The last part is the state motto of New Hampshire

:eyes:

[Maru Kitteh]

45. The KKK would be proud because they relate well to inbred, racist, ignorant fucks.

Like the people who would support and fund this billboard.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

47. Exactly!

[caballero]

60. I'll buy the ignorant part but I don't see how you're getting racism from it.

Could you please explain that part?

[Maru Kitteh]

69. I believe such an explanation would likely be an exercise in redundancy in your case

[proud2BlibKansan]

73. LOL!

[caballero]

81. I thank you for the lucid comment.

It would have been even better if it had addressed my question.
:D
Are you of the school that considers any criticism of the President to be racist based? I am just asking, please don't go off on me. I like Obama. A lot. But I'm not going to excoriate anyone who questions him as a racist KKK "ignorant fuck" or the like. I already said the sign IS ignorant and idiotic but how exactly is it racist?

[proud2BlibKansan]

94. So you are in Wichita?

Were you at DemoFest this weekend? Were you at the movie Friday night? Have we met? :)

[Rosa Luxemburg]

48. Well....

[Helga Scow Stern]

39. Keep us posted on how your region regains balance and sanity...

Thank you for sharing this; what an ugly, difficult thing.

[proud2BlibKansan]

46. The crazy thing is that the congressional districts here voted for Obama

KC is very progressive and the county it is in (where the sign is located) as well as the congressional district is overwhelmingly Democratic and voted for Obama. So did the KS congressional district on the other side of the state line.

There is another district up north and I am not sure how that vote went but at least two out of three districts were for Obama.

So the anti-Obama folks are definitely a minority here.

[cbdo2007]

101. The Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Grain Valley areas are all heavily Repube.

U.S. House Rep - Repube Sam Graves (Brother of Todd Graves one of the ousted US Attorney's fired by the Bush Admin)

State Rep - Repube Bryan Pratt, he's a big pro-life guy

State Senator - Repube Matt Bartle, just an all around Repube asshole.

[proud2BlibKansan]

102. Matt Bartle's church was featured in Jesus Camp

[firedupdem]

40. Thanks for the info on this...

I find the sign disgusting, just as you do. Whoever paid for it is truly a coward! I will send a note to the station, people who don't approve should be interviewed as well! Thanks again!

[proud2BlibKansan]

42. Thank you

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

50. Not Sure If This Has Been Suggested Yet...

I'm not sure if anyone has suggested this yet, but one option would be to find out which company owns and rents the billboard space (usually there's a sign somewhere on the board itself). From there, you can spread their contact info. around so people can express their displeasure directly to the company that owns the board.

[proud2BlibKansan]

53. There is no company name on the billboard

We drove out there and got out of the car and looked on the back of the sign as well. Nothing.

I do have a friend who thinks he can find out who owns the billboard.

Thanks for the great suggestion!

[mzteris]

63. hey - is this the location?

Gregory O. Grounds Park: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Gregory%20O.%20Grounds%20Park.&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS314US314&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

if it is - then check this:

COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 5, 2007 PAGE 2

NO. 24–2007 BILLBOARD - GREGORY O. GROUNDS PARK
Councilman Stubblefield moved to adopt Resolution No. 24-2007 approving a three-year lease agreement with CBS Outdoor for a billboard at Gregory O. Grounds Park. Motion seconded by Councilman Potter and carried with the following votes:
Fowler – Absent
Potter – Aye
Stubblefield - Aye
Via - Aye
Quibell – Aye
Reed – Aye

http://www.bluespringsgov.com/archives/31/March05_2007Min.pdf

[proud2BlibKansan]

79. It's along I-70

Visible from the eastbound lanes on the north side of the interstate. At the 22 mile marker. I don't remember seeing a park there?

LOL Now you have me wanting to drive out there again.

[mzteris]

83. on closer inspection

looking at google street maps - I get this:

On the back side (which may or may not be the "same" company - the phone number is [phone] - but when I look that up - it's an individual, not a co.

On the front side what it was before it says something about ANTIQUE MALL and a turn arrow.

I'm not positive it's the same billboard - it looks like there are more now than when google did it's street mapping, but . . .

anyways - the "address" for the billboard on google is about: 29714 E. Jefferson Rd. Grain Valley, MO.

[chat_noir]

58. billboard is owned by William Cody

NBC Action News reporter Sloane Heller confirmed late Thursday morning the billboard is owned by William Cody, a metro small business owner. He lives by the stadiums and works in metal fabrication.

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Anti-Obama-Sign-Displayed-on-Metro-Highway/mdjlnrpjG0qKxBY-H2Wk8w.cspx

[proud2BlibKansan]

61. You are awesome!

I feel so dumb. Didn't think to check if other stations had aired the story. Duh. :banghead:

[Solly Mack]

66. Buffalo Caca Bill is awfully proud of his ignorance to have paid for that billboard

[MNDemNY]

76. "Wild Bill"??? LOL.

Oh, I guess that would be Buffalo Bill.

[Treo]

70. Your commitment to free speech

Can be measured by your tolerance of viewpoints you don't like

[Bjorn Against]

74. Nowhere in the OP does she suggest the prosecution of anyone with views different than her own

I am a free speech advocate who has been known to stand up for the free speech rights of even the most repulsive viewpoints, I volunteer for the ACLU and I will defend the right of anyone to speak. I will also defend the right of people like the OP to call out the hateful bigots for what they are. Supporting someone's right to free speech does not mean you should sit back when someone says something repulsive, they have the right to free speech but we have just as much right to fight back when they speak hate.

[proud2BlibKansan]

75. Next you are going to ask me why I hate America

Right?

[Treo]

78. No I'm going to ask you

Why you're making such a big deal out of a sign that is so obviously bull shit? Do you really think this sign is going to cause some one to take a shot at Obama? It offneds you, so what itr won't be there forever

[Bjorn Against]

80. So you are suggesting we let their bullshit go unchallenged?

People need to fight back against these assholes, they aren't going to just go away on their own. The person who put up this sign has already said he is planning another one in the same spot after this one comes down in December.

[Treo]

84. Let him

What is it really going to change? You have the right to respond but you don't have the right to stop him from legally expressing himself. Respect for the viewpoints of others especially the view points you disagree W/ or find offensive is a true liberal value

[Bjorn Against]

89. Where did anyone say they were going to stop him?

No one here said anything about stopping him from putting it up, but that does not mean people should be silent when he does so. I support his right to free speech, but there is no way in hell I am going to "respect" bullshit propaganda. We have every bit as much right to free speech as the asshole who put up this sign does, he can say whatever he wants to say but he should not expect that we are going to show him respect for doing so.

[caballero]

91. Post #4 "paintballs..." would seem to advocate "stopping" the message.

So it does appear that "someone" suggested it.

[Bjorn Against]

92. Well I don't advocate that, but it is not a violation of free speech rights

The poster was suggesting that our opposition was due to wanting to limit this person's free speech rights, and no one on this thread suggested any such thing not even the person who wrongly suggested we use paintballs on it. Using paintballs would be an act of vandalism and I think that is wrong, but it would not bring the sign down and unless you used hundreds of paint balls it would not stop anyone from seeing the message written on the sign.

The first amendment protects us from government censorship of our words, no one suggested that it should be a crime for this guy to put up his billboard.

[Seldona]

85. Isn't the op making a 'big deal' protected speech as well?

I don't see them suing to have it taken down, just attempting to find out who in their community supports this bs. Perhaps a little counter messaging.

I know I would never do business with a company or individual that supported such nonsense. Yes I would be interested to know who in my community is paying for this. I can speak with my dollars, can't I?

[Treo]

86. Please do NT

[proud2BlibKansan]

90. Exactly!

[proud2BlibKansan]

88. Yes I do think this stirs up the haters

and increases the chances someone will try to kill him.

I also don't plan on doing any business with this guy and will share his name and business with my email list.

[Dirtyhairy]

82. Why do anything?

This must do more harm than good. It certainly isn't going to win anyone over to their side.

[proud2BlibKansan]

98. I wanted to know who paid for the sign

I now know.

I also want my local media to be more fair and balanced. This report was not.

I also disagree this does more harm than good. These wingnuts seem to be coming out of the woodwork here where I live. It's sad. If that's not the case where you live, how lucky you are!

At the national level, we have rw publications now suggesting military coups. A gazillion of them showed up in DC a few weeks ago to protest against Obama and his policies. They certainly do seem to be winning lots of people over to their side.

[unkachuck]

93. if I were twenty....

....I'd fix it with a gallon of cheap red paint and a large brush duct-taped to a pole....

....I'd cover everything except the words: DO YOU LIKE OBAMA THE TAXPAYER 1ST & 2ND AMMENDMENTS ARE FREE

[cbdo2007]

96. Last year we were famous as the Home of David Cook. Now it's because of this stupid sign.

[proud2BlibKansan]

99. I'm so sorry

Blue Springs is such a great place.

But hey, give the sign to Grain Valley. Isn't it closer to there anyway? :)

[cbdo2007]

103. I don't know...It's kind of funny, I make that drive on I-70 at least 5-10 times per week

and I've never even seen the billboard in person. I'm too focused on driving and singing along to the radio I guess :)

[proud2BlibKansan]

104. 22 mile marker - north side of interstate - visible to eastbound lanes

[Texasgal]

97. what weird responses in this thread...

Damn. :wtf:

[proud2BlibKansan]

100. Trolls

I have done my duty and brought them into daylight. :patriot:

[The Midway Rebel]

105. HA! I was just up there yesterday!

And I did not even see that garrish sign! Ha! What a bunch of hateful sore ass LOSERS Jackson County MO Republicans are! The county sent a black man (Cleaver) and a woman (McCaskill) to DC AND voted for a black president...all three DEMOCRATS...and this cheesy-ass-ugly billboard is the best they can do!?

I have three words for you Jackson County, Missouri republicans...

SUCK IT LOSERS!!!