An Open Letter to the Integrity-Bereft Republican Who Stole My Obama Sign

To the person or persons who took my Obama/Biden yard sign not even 24 hours after I put it up:

Do you really feel so threatened that we might finally succeed in electing a strong leader with vision, intelligence, outstanding communication skills, and policies that will ultimately restore our prosperity and credibility as a society, that you felt you had to commit a federal offense, trespass onto my private property, and violate my freedom of expression?

Are you filled with so much hate, small-mindedness, and fear that you cannot tolerate the display of an opinion that differs markedly from yours?

Do you really believe your larcenous actions and efforts to suppress our freedom of speech offer the kind of example your party wishes to propagate about itself, when so many people are already fed up with its penchant for lies, dirty tricks, contempt of habeas corpus, xenophobia, poor judgment, and voter suppression?

Don't think I didn't consider scouring the area for an enormous replacement banner to drape over my front balcony, then reconsider, because I don't underestimate your capacity for resorting to immature, ignorant, base behavior, like vandalizing such a banner and destroying the property to which it is attached. We've seen it before, and I wouldn't put it past you to descend to that level.

But do you actually think that invading my space, stealing from my home,and trying to shut me up is going to discourage me, suppress the energy Senator Obama has ignited across the country, and squelch his message and spirit of hope?

No, Sir or Madam, I think NOT. Take as many signs as you WANT. Go ahead. Make yourself look like a sleazy, cheating, low-class crook. Let that speak for your grand old party. Go. Take the signs away. It won't matter. You can try and take away our voice, if you fear it that much; but you'll never take away our spirit: the transformational power of a people united in concern and hope for every member of society, especially the voiceless; a people that truly does put country - not corporate pockets and special interests - first.

(In case you hadn't noticed, I'm MAAAAAAAD. Just had to vent. But the galaktoboureko I had for dessert tonight should be kicking in right...about...now, so I'll be calmer in a minute....)

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Thanks to Michael Leddy for this:

And to the Huffington Post for this:

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Addendum, November 3, 2008: A Follow-Up Letter to the Sign Thief

Dear Integrity-Bereft Republican Who Stole My Obama Yard Sign,

Just wanted to fill you-in on what an inspiration you've been since you trespassed on my property and tried to violate my rights and freedoms. I want to tell you about the amazing night we had tonight.

I replaced the sign you stole, of course, so yes, that's more money for the Obama campaign. Oh, and I bought three t-shirts, 4 buttons, and another bumper sticker, while I was at it.

Your behavior only served to remind us of how strong our admiration for Barack Obama really is. We don't just support him. We love him, the way we imagine the supporters of people like Kennedy, Lincoln, Gandhi, and King must have loved them. Our family has supported other democratic candidates in the past, but this one's different. His power to inspire is so great that my 11-year-old begged me to take her to the Obama headquarters in our area so she could volunteer to make calls. And you know what, tonight I did, and she did, encouraged by her little brother (her "trusty sidekick"), who stood by her side. I am immensely proud of both of them and the way they participated in their country's democracy (not to mention warmed to my core to hear her cute, sweet little voice cheerfully calling voters to encourage them to participate in the election tomorrow).

Obama's office was a-buzz with volunteers filled with spirit (as one commenter put it on 538, "This is what happens when a community organizer uses his much-ridiculed experience."). There was a kind of joy in the air that stoked the fire in our hearts. We were proud to be there, to be part of this historic "ground game." Charisma comes from the Greek word for grace - the spirit-filled kind, the kind that moves mountains. This candidate's charisma not only draws people to him but also flows outward from him and bestows on all of us an energy that produces willing, heart-filled action.

I am glad we didn't let your childish actions discourage us. I am glad we left ourselves open to adventure tonight, on a school night, found our way to campaign headquarters, and in our own small way, participated in this inestimably important political process.

Because I want what's best for this country and its relationship with the rest of the world, I hope to see Barack Obama as our new president. I hope the people who constructed the polling machines had more integrity than you, and will not have rigged those machines to default at a Republican position just so they can steal the election by cheating. I hope this country has the courage and honesty to let the people's true choice be recognized. And whatever the outcome tomorrow, I do wish you well, and I hope this country moves in the right direction for both of us in terms of human rights and freedoms, natural and financial resources, and care for every member of society. Despite people who behave as you do, I believe this country deserves that.