Dear Editor -
Inspired by brave Highland Park resident, Betsy Brint, who wrote an open letter to the person(s) that trespassed and stole from her (http://highlandpark.patch.com/articles/an-open-letter-to-my-yard-sign-vandal), we have a similar story with a Winnetka twist.
Three days ago, we posted several anti-Romney signs in our front and side yard. Granted, the signs are "rated PG." (PARENTS - Be warned, graphic descriptions follow. Shield young eyes). They are cheeky and some would say "sophomoric," but our sense of humor leans that way. It ruins the punchline to have to explain the joke, but before his Big Bird and 47% comments, the big Romney har-dee-har-har was the tale of when he stuck his dog on the car roof on a family vacation. One of our signs says "You're doggone right I'm for Obama!" Another one says "Dogs Against Romney. PEE Here!"
There's dual meaning for that latter one. Living across from the Village Green, we are guaranteed to see two things everyday -- canoodling pre-teens on the cannon and leash-law violators letting Scooby relieve himself on the cenotaph. "PEE Here" is simply reminding those dog owners they have other options.
On Friday afternoon, between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. someone ripped two signs and tossed two others in the street. Replacements were promptly put up, but they were stepped on the following morning. The Winnetka Police Department have filed a report and have promised to do more drive-bys.
Reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Several people have come to the door to ask if they could pose for a picture outside. I got high-fives and atta-go's from five tipsy strangers @ Little' Ricky's. The pre-teens leaving Love's and heading to the Green give us "thumbs up." On the flipside, we got one anonymous letter from "Fellow Winnekan Neighbor" and unnamed people mysteriously called the caucus chair to tattle.
We're not mad at whoever did this. But we're puzzled. I've lived in some sticksville towns (Grand Forks, ND, Clovis, NM, Mountain Home, ID) and major metros (NYC, LA, SF), and I've always displayed my viewpoints with colorful, edgy bumper stickers, yard signs, etc. Yet only in Winnetka have our signs have been trashed and several of our car stickers removed. Why is that? Is the line of what's acceptable free speech different in 60093? We're genuinely curious and hope people will voice their opinions below.
Cheers - - Jen McQuet528 Maple
No sophomore year. Manzanita T.P.
You just made the same angry and insane personal accusations....but in a "much more refined manner!" Not!!!! The original letter was about sign theft, freedom of speech, Winnetka's code of acceptability...can we get back to that?
http://sayitaintsoalready.com/2012/07/31/best-yard-sign-in-the-history-of-the-planet/romney-pee-here-yard-sign-via-dogs-against-romney-com/ Also wanted to report - no yard trespassing in the last three days! But got a complaint from the Hadley School for the Blind that one of their trustees told them (but for some reason didn't come over directly to our house) he/she thought it was disrespectful and should be moved to a spot unseen from their front door. Two points -- 1. he/she/trustee should not have involved an uninvolved 3rd party (our wonderful neighbors, the Hadley School) if they had an issue, they should have come to us. 2. He/she/trustee -- was changing the language of the sign to make it more offensive when they tattled to Hadley and embellished its position on our lawn... it isn't visible to anyone from the Hadley's front door. We can take - and welcome - anyone that wants to come to us and directly criticize the sign. But the passive-aggressive folks that involve neighbors, employers or near & dear charities in order to reach us are only inflicting uncomfortable situations for innocents 3rd parties. Hadley Trustee, please have the nuts or guts to come to us directly. You do understand that we're neighbors and we volunteer for them all the time, but they do not own our yard. You should seek the source, not the softest source nearby.
Your continued concern for our property is touching. It really is! I'm feeling closer to you each day. But I spoke too soon, I was @ Greeley for 3 hours this morning. And now the driveway sign is gone. Ka-ching....more spending of $$s and time to exercise "free" speech.
MH
Maybe in a weird way we just demonstrated how two sides and come together and agree to disagree and focus on the legit big issues (crime, 1st amendment, for example) and not get caught up on the inflammatory ways sometimes we (me = guilty as others) express opinions. I did not see this result coming with my original letter or the posts that followed, but I have to say, "MH, your post made my day."
If people that are for Romney have to resort to trespassing and stealing -- repeatedly -- it's a pretty sad statement about how desperate they must feel.
Folks might find this entertaining.... http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/11/floridian_steals_neighbors_oba.php
Am curious why you came on to this old blog.....3 1/2 months after it finished (very happily, I might add...with me and "Marie-Helene" making peace and the elections being over). It was unclear who you were insulting on my most recent blog. Now I assume it's me that you think needs your prescription of "Botox and wine"? How do I make you/us look bad? Who defines class? Please be more specific in future posts. And consider using a real name, it adds credibility. - Jen