Our upcoming Nov. 8 election apparently has taken a nasty turn. Tea Party supporters have posted signs noting various methods of government spending throughout the county. It seems several of the signs have been vandalized.

Regardless of whether there is agreement with that group’s political philosophy, members have a right to express themselves. The signs are being erected in the yards of supporters.
To deface the signs means an effort is being made to trespass and take action. And, because of the expense on the part of those who buy the supplies to create the signs, law enforcement becomes involved.

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is responsible to answer calls, but these kinds of calls are keeping deputies from their other duties. They do respond, but this is an incident that should not be taking place.

Party affiliation is not the issue. One of our most treasured freedoms is the right to free speech. That’s the case here. It doesn’t matter if the term liberal or conservative applies, everyone has the right to expression.

There’s enough ugly in politics. We don’t need more in our community. This evokes memories of Rodney King and his famous comment, “Can we all get along?,” after he was assaulted in 1991 by Los Angeles police officers.

Again, it isn’t a matter of agreeing with any particular political group — it’s about respecting boundaries.

Etc.

+ Time is running out to register for next Wednesday’s Dinner and Membership meeting of the Hanover Association of Businesses and Chamber of Commerce. For more information,