Dreaming of Freedom AND Talking About Liberty

It is sad that the supporters of Obama cannot win an argument with ideas. It is sadder that they believe censorship of opposing points of view is a good idea. It is sadder even yet, that the chairman of the Democrat Party would lament those pesky First Amendment Rights, which allow people to openly express disagreement with the direction this country is going.



Obama critics speak minds in face of vandalism

By MELISSA TOPEY | Monday, August 31, 2009 1:57 AM EDT

A local couple discovered expressing their political views can come with a backlash -- but they aren't backing down.

Since June, the Morin family has had their home egged, a garage window broken and signs speaking out against the policies of President Barack Obama torn down.

"Why can't I have free speech?" asked Paula Morin, who lives at 328 Fulton St. "I'm very concerned about the direction this country's heading."

Paula said she disagrees with the government bailout of the auto industry and banks, as well as health care reform.

Paula and her husband, Desi, filed a complaint June 10 stating a small window on their garage had been broken out, according to Sandusky police reports. A "Stop Obama Now" cardboard sign taped outside of a bay window had been turned backward in an apparent act of censorship.

Undaunted by the vandalism, she proudly posted a new sign in her home's front window.

"I wasn't going to be deterred. This is my property," Paula said as she sat in her living room with her granddaughters on a recent Friday.

The sign continues to attract attention. Last Sunday, Desi met with officers at the house after noticing someone had thrown a dozen eggs on the house by the sign.

"I hope the police presence was seen," Paula said.

She said they did not report the numerous times signs were torn down.

She doesn't know who is responsible but said she hasn't had any recent trouble with her neighbors. Paula said during the presidential campaign, neither her sign for presidential candidate John McCain nor her neighbor's Obama sign was damaged.

Amy Grubbe, chairwoman of the Erie County Democratic party, said while she and others may disagree with Paula's views, no one has the right to target another person's property in protest.

"She has her First Amendment rights," Grubbe said. "I may disagree with her view, but expressing them is her right. Vandalism of someone's property is not the right way to go about it. It's unfortunate someone has chosen to go about it in that manner."