This weekend, someone stole my John Kerry yard sign. Sadly, I know this happens on both sides of the campaign. I’m sure there are just as many Bush signs being stolen by Kerry supporters. Either way, it’s not only petty vandalism, it not only enhances the political division, it’s a kick to the 1st amendment nut sack.

It’s plainly obvious by even the most casual reader of this site that I’m a democrat. But I express my support in ways that, I think, encourage others to participate as well. I post my thoughts here for the open debate of anyone who wishes to question, challenge or support those statements. I would never consider stealing a sign, or even speaking ill to Bush supporter at a rally. We are all allowed our opinions and we all have the power to express the power of our vote.

A simple Google search on yard signs and central Ohio return article after article written in various newspapers about this crime happening to both Bush and Kerry signs.

I pride myself on being a good father. I like to spend time with my kids, take them to the park, and ride bikes, read books… normal fun parent stuff. The day in question, Sunday, I packed up the family for a trip to the Newport Aquarium, in Cincinnati. When we left, the sign was still in my yard, when we came home, it was gone. That means the sign was taken in broad daylight, while my wife and I were busy being good parents.

What really bugged me is when my son asked me where the sign went. So, answer me, those who think stealing yard signs is funny or appropriate, what would you like me to tell my 3-year-old son as to why your behavior is OK?

We know that Hitler was taught by several people to take certain poses and gestures that helped create his image and control his people. Is Bush using those same tactics?

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Progressive Society?,
originally uploaded by Taranis.

I guess I shouldn’t think too much about this picture. I mean, if I was hungry and a dog was all I could afford, I would eat it. It’s all about necessity.

I don’t know if that changes my feelings about eating dogs though. There is just something about a dog that lets it transcend that “just an animal” barrier. Dogs are more than that. They are so in tune with our inner selves that I think sometimes it’s easier for us to connect to them than to connect to another human.

“Terrorists are going to throw everything they can between now and the election to try and elect Kerry.” Utah Senator Orin Hatch, September 21, 2004.

“Terrorists in Iraq are trying to influence the election against President Bush.” Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage. September 20, 2004.

“If George Bush loses the election, Osama bin Laden wins the election.” Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, in early 2004.

Those are just a few of the recent, and many, comments by Republican party members. They are not trying very hard to tie John Kerry to terror. Earlier this month Vice President Cheney suggested that if we “make the wrong choice” in November, “we’ll get hit again.”

This is a deflection tactic by the Republicans to keep voters from thinking about how bad it is right now. The unspoken words are, “if you think it’s bad now, it’ll only get worse if you vote for Kerry.”

Guess what, folks, it’s only going to get worse no matter who the next president is. Iraq is a steaming cesspool of insurgents that the US Army can’t defeat. We have lost control of three Iraqi cities that are now in control of local warlords. Last month when the Army attempted to retake Fallujah, they were met with such resistance, organized resistance, that they eventually stopped attacking and have since labeled it a “no-go” zone. “No-go” is another phrase for, “we’re staying the hell away.”

Here is the truth. The insurgents in Iraq, as well as Al-Queda, don’t care who the next president is. They don’t hate us because of our president, they hate us because we are America.

The Bush administration seems very forgetful. They seem to think that the only time we were attacked was on September 11 when he was President, so he must have some sort of moral authority on the issue. Yet they are forgetting the bombing of the USS Cole, and the two US embassy’s in Africa, and the World Trade Center… when Bill Clinton was president.

With that in mind, terrorist don’t vote Republican or Democrat with their bombs. They vote death and destruction to freedom and democracy