Mich. Man Fights For Right To Display Anti-Obama Signs on His Property
A Michigan cattle farmer is fighting for the right to display two trailer-sized anti-Obama signs on his property, according to WOOD-TV.
Authorities in Gaines Township, Mich., say the massive signs on Vern Verduin’s property violate local zoning codes, which state that all political signs must be contained to 20 square feet.
The two signs, which are clearly visible from the highway, read “Marxism/Socialism = Poverty & hunger” and “Obama’s ‘mission accomplished.’ 8% unemployment. 16 trillion debt,” respectively.
“I felt that things were going in the wrong direction,” Verduin told WOOD-TV, adding that he’s concerned about hunger and poverty.
But here’s the thing: According to the same zoning ordinances, Verduin is allowed to display a sign that covers more than 20 square feet if it for the purpose of “selling ideas.” So that’s how he plans on fighting the town.
“You can have a 32-foot advertising sign. I don’t get that,” said the cattle farmer.
“This is clearly a violation of his free speech and free exercise right,” attorney Howard Van Den Heuvel added.
Source
8 comments:
It is HIS property. He should be able to do what he wants with it. Just as a woman has the right to do with what she wants with HER body.
No(body) can do want he/she/it wants - personal freedom has limitations in the interests of other people's freedom - it's a trade-off.
Apparently, in this town, "local zoning codes" is code for censorship. But it really doesn't matter since whatever their goofy code is, it's trumped by the First Amendment which "clearly" protects political speech, whenever and wherever.
I wonder if the authorities would take the same action in Dearbornistan, Mich.
If it were anti- Bush, I'm sure it would have been OK.
his property, mind your own damn business big brother. he'll win in court he has the constitution on his side.
Anon 3:36 AM..........Yes we all know that peacefully using your 1st Amendment right of free speech to oppose tyranny is the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded theater. More like showing the vampire libs a cross.
The.city will lose for sure!
The sign is on a trailer. Therefore, possibly mobile and should not be regulated by local laws.
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