Something's rotten in St. Augustine.
No, it's not the wonderful people who live in the neighborhoods next to you and me.
It's the skulking, scurrilous sneak-thieves who are roaming our streets -- robbers and n'er-do-wells who are trying to negate democracy's process by stealing candidates signs under cover of night. Some are brazenly stealing in broad daylight, too -- but only if they can tell you're not home, that noone's around to catch or turn them in. That's how sneak-thieves work.
These sneaky, stealthy thieves are stealing our chosen icons -- the standard bearers of a democratic government -- from our residents, our communities, our citizens, our voters.
Now, I can't be certain if they are stealing signs from both the Republican and Democrat parties. But I can vouch that they are definitely stealing Obama signs -- I've lost five, yes five, planted in my condo yard in one week. And, yes, I'm a Democrat and I fully and enthusiastically support Barack Obama. And I bought a slew of his yard signs and placards to support his election and to pass out to friends.
But you won't see me advocating ripping off signs from those who publicly support McCain. No, indeed. I may not agree with your electoral choice, but I vehemently defend your right to make it. And to publicly promote your candidate by displaying his or her signs any way you legally can.
Our constitution protects such rights and so do most of St. Augustine's and St. John's County's law abiding citizens.
But this is an important and historic election year, and the good political people being victimized maybe can and should be taking counter-measures against these dirty tricksters. We need to fight these unconstitutional enemies of our basic democracy who want to subvert our right to work for and to vote for our candidates.
I have been canvassing others on this subject and know something about individuals who do not want my candidate elected. Because he's a Democrat. Because he's black. Maybe for many other reasons.
But racism has already clearly raised its ugly head. Ken Bryan, our successful black candidate for County Commissioner, has been targeted by klan-like thugs. He reported to the police and the press incidents of such thugs harassing a couple citizens who wanted to put up his campaign signs and then referring to him as a "n-----" candidate when they didn't succeed.
Then there are a couple of side-by-side homeowners off Riberia Street who I stopped by to compliment on putting their signs so high up on the side of their houses that NO thieves could reach them! Clever and cool!
Yet the woman who lived in one said her neighbor stopped by, pointing out she was afraid for her, because she "might get hurt" by the very thieves she thwarted. Scary? Yes, but the homeowner was undeterred.
So I say we should emulate this woman and our elected commissioner. Exhort our friends and neighbors and good citizens and yes, even our children, not to not look away or condone such actions or attitudes. Report this scourge of sign-stealers, anonymously if you feel it's necessary. Maybe justice will prevail -- if you put your signs up high enough!
Remember, such actions can only thrive when good men -- and women -- do nothing.
Say to the low-lifes on the prowl: Beware. Be prepared. Because we'll be vigilant, we'll be watching and waiting next time you steal. Be worried about being caught and exposed and prosecuted, you rotten gang of goons.
Dee Lovell
St. Augustine, FL 32080
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