Letter to the Editor: Election Sign Theft Exemplifies National Intolerance

When I found my Jennifer Moeller for Circuit Court Judge sign pulled out of the ground, I felt personally violated. Someone had purposely invaded my space, vandalized my property and taken away my right to express an opinion. It made me feel unsafe and a bit fearful that s/he would come up the driveway and try to intimidate me face to face. Yes, that may be an exaggeration, but my feeling of vulnerability and the implied threat were real.

It is disheartening to think this could have been done by one of my neighbors out walking their dog; or maybe it was a jerk drive-by who just thinks it’s funny to exhibit a differing opinion with an illegal act.

Theft or vandalism of yard signs is a crime in all 50 states. The Wisconsin state statutes which cover damage to property (943.01) or theft (943.20) do apply to tampering with nonpartisan election signage here in Door County.

So, my sense of violation is fading, my Jennifer Moeller sign has been reinstalled and I am still shaking my head at how this misdemeanor is representative of our growing national intolerance and prejudice.

It is so close to home. Literally.

Sally Everhardus

Fish Creek, Wisconsin