Political Signs

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.

[Madelaine Amee]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.

Dr. Boogie, your post is excellent, I agree with your comment: What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I think the point is that we, in this country, have the right to show our preference whether it changes minds or not.

The enormous division in this country has not always been there, but our right to show who we prefer to lead us, has always been there, and hopefully will continue.

[davem4616]

I totally concur

that's just free advertisement and won't change anyone's thinking

I don't allow the car dealership to put their sticker on my car....I do offer them the opportunity to purchase advertising space from me (but at such a usurious rate that I've never had any takers)

[Stu from NYC]

When it comes to election day if you see enough signs you might remember the name of the candidate.

Overall agree it is useless.

[Bay Kid]

December will be nice. All the trash signs will be gone. Life will be normal....

[DonH57]

I don't put any political garbage on any of my property. I don't see the point in it.

[PugMom]

they probably benefit the vehicle owner most.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I consider political signs on the front lawn, in the front window, on the window of your golf car, to be tacky, unattractive. For a community that makes SUCH a big to-do about having pristine surroundings, some folks go to great lengths to prove that they don't actually believe their own criticism of everyone else's yards.

A beautiful, professionally painted mural has to go, but a yard covered in [insert whatever politics here] flags is somehow more aesthetically pleasing.

It doesn't change my opinion about anything. It just confirms that tacky people will bend over backwards to make sure everyone knows exactly how tacky they are.

[Luisa]

I’ll keep my signs. Don’t fall for this ploy to stop our messaging. Due to biased media, it is one of the few ways we have to show our support.

[vintageogauge]

I consider political signs on the front lawn, in the front window, on the window of your golf car, to be tacky, unattractive. For a community that makes SUCH a big to-do about having pristine surroundings, some folks go to great lengths to prove that they don't actually believe their own criticism of everyone else's yards.

A beautiful, professionally painted mural has to go, but a yard covered in [insert whatever politics here] flags is somehow more aesthetically pleasing.

It doesn't change my opinion about anything. It just confirms that tacky people will bend over backwards to make sure everyone knows exactly how tacky they are.
The painted mural was to be there forever against deed restrictions, political signs are temporary.

[billethkid]

The difference between political signage and one's home state or alma mater or golf verbiage......

perspective and attitude.

[VApeople]

When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."

Yeah, I used to think that when I was a young pup like you, but I have gotten more tolerant in my old age. I have come to accept that many intelligent and educated and clear thinking people can totally disagree with me and I can still enjoy their friendship.

So the political signs do not bother me at all.

[Luisa]

I’ll take signs any day over burning and looting.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’ll take signs any day over burning and looting.

Well sure, if you put it like that, if those were the only options: unattractive, sometimes insulting, tacky, and pointless - versus bad and criminal.

I like to think that most of us have higher minimum standards than that. Your mileage may vary.

[VApeople]

Well sure, if you put it like that, if those were the only options: unattractive, sometimes insulting, tacky, and pointless - versus bad and criminal.

I like to think that most of us have higher minimum standards than that. Your mileage may vary.

Not me. My minimum standard is to simply leave me alone.

Your expressions and opinions and political signs can be as "unattractive, sometimes insulting, tacky, and pointless" as you choose.

[Stu from NYC]

Yeah, I used to think that when I was a young pup like you, but I have gotten more tolerant in my old age. I have come to accept that many intelligent and educated and clear thinking people can totally disagree with me and I can still enjoy their friendship.

So the political signs do not bother me at all.

With more people can be tolerant of others believes when different than their own

[EdFNJ]

In before this thread is removed, but 3' x 6' flags on a golf carts and hanging from flag poles and 650 golf carts driving in circles while perfectly "1st amendment" stuff does nothing but incite (no better than those little old ladies and men shouting profanities while holding vulgar signs on the other side). It' all really disgusting.

[EdFNJ]

I’ll take signs any day over burning and looting.

Well sure, if you put it like that, if those were the only options: unattractive, sometimes insulting, tacky, and pointless - versus bad and criminal.

I like to think that most of us have higher minimum standards than that. Your mileage may vary.

LOL! Hey, I'd even take signs over war, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, hail, lousy corn on the cob, blue bags of poop and lovebugs! :D :D

[nututv]

Yeah, I used to think that when I was a young pup like you, but I have gotten more tolerant in my old age. I have come to accept that many intelligent and educated and clear thinking people can totally disagree with me and I can still enjoy their friendship.

So the political signs do not bother me at all.

I agree 100% and well said.

[Fredman]

No signs for me, too many crazy people out there

[karostay]

Its ones right to express what they believe in. Again it's our right to embrace it or disagree with it.
That's one of the many things what makes our country stand out in the crowd .We at the moment have choices unfortunately there are forces at work try to distort and take that right away

[BRN_RI_FL]

December will be nice. All the trash signs will be gone. Life will be normal....

I hope you are right but I’m thinking we will not see normalcy for quite a while.

[mtdjed]

I consider political signs on the front lawn, in the front window, on the window of your golf car, to be tacky, unattractive. For a community that makes SUCH a big to-do about having pristine surroundings, some folks go to great lengths to prove that they don't actually believe their own criticism of everyone else's yards.

A beautiful, professionally painted mural has to go, but a yard covered in [insert whatever politics here] flags is somehow more aesthetically pleasing.

It doesn't change my opinion about anything. It just confirms that tacky people will bend over backwards to make sure everyone knows exactly how tacky they are.

Not sure of your intent. Are political signs tacky? I agree , yes. Legal/ probably yes.

Beautiful mural, probably yes, but in the right place. Like on the side of a bus or truck that moves along. Not on a house forcing all of the neighbors to view every day. Seems more like an artistic grafitti picture illegally painted on a railroad car or Interstate urban city wall. I cannot imagine how "tacky" this would look if each Villager could do this with their own sense of beauty. Would make one think they were on a trip on the Cross Bronx Expressway.

I thank The Villages if they keep this from becoming a common practice. The person that had this done had to be pushing the limit and hopefully got called.

[thomp679]

Its ones right to express what they believe in. Again it's our right to embrace it or disagree with it.
That's one of the many things what makes our country stand out in the crowd .We at the moment have choices unfortunately there are forces at work try to distort and take that right away

Unfortunately, these days our country stands out in a crowd for all the wrong reasons.

In addition, momma always said just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

[Marklcoger]

The point is simple; it's their first amendment right to do so.

[Bob in Fishers]

Freedom of Expression

[Windguy]

December will be nice. All the trash signs will be gone. Life will be normal....

Well, that used to be the way, but many of the signs didn’t disappear after the last big election. I don’t know if that is a Villages thing or if it is everywhere.

[Bwolf1]

People like to pledge elegance to something or someone. For many of us being a part of something is important. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to notice the large number of golf carts decorated with alma mater logos from colleges and universities or professional sports teams or states or cities. I think political allegiance is a powerful extension of that human trait and many of us are very passionate in our belief that a given political philosophy leads to a better way of life.

[Windguy]

I was once very politically active. I was told by one of the politicians I worked for that signs do not sway votes. What they do accomplish is making people feel like they are part of something. The yard signs, bumper stickers, flags, and hats are also a great revenue source for the candidates.

I think it’s it a matter of showing colors—kind of like for street gangs.

[bluecenturian]

Today’s society is full of hypocrites. If it’s something that opposes my opinion it’s offensive and must be removed because I don’t like it. If you don’t like the candidate, sports team, color, decoration or whatever don’t put it on your property but as a veteran, no one has a right to say another can’t display something that matters to them. I go to a restaurant and hate string beans but I don’t expect them to be removed from the menu, I just don’t order them.

We as a society need to grow up and have more personal responsibility instead of crying about everything we hear/see that we don’t like.

[Annie66]

I'm convinced that automobile bumper stickers of any ilk are there to hide the rust spots. :duck:

[noslices1]

Political signs are not allowed below 466.

[allsport]

Actually when I put up my sign, lots of people came up to me and said thank you for being brave and showing your support for sanity. That makes me feel good.

[BlackhawksFan]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.

In a national or hotly contested state election like Governor it probably has zero effect. In a local election it may open someone up to a candidate or issue that's not as well publicized.

[coconutmama]

Actually when I put up my sign, lots of people came up to me and said thank you for being brave and showing your support for sanity. That makes me feel good.

And it reminds people to vote, that there are choices. Not to give up because it might seem hopeless

[Villages Kahuna]

You’re right. They’re sticky, hard to remove, and they won’t change anyone’s mind...certainly not mine.

Read my feelings in red below.

[camaguey48]

I’ll take signs any day over burning and looting.
Agree completely.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

I totally concur

that's just free advertisement and won't change anyone's thinking

I don't allow the car dealership to put their sticker on my car....I do offer them the opportunity to purchase advertising space from me (but at such a usurious rate that I've never had any takers)
If the car I want to purchase has a dealer sticker, I made part of the deal that they have to remove it, never had an issue with it. Once we went to an attraction and they automatically put a bumper sticker on my car, I found the manager and made them remove it like it was before. Since I don’t get paid, I do not provide advertising for them.
:boom: :boom: :boom: :boom: :bigbow: :bigbow:

[J1ceasar]

Exactly .

[J1ceasar]

I am pretty sure if you ask your psychology professor why people like political signs or any signs for that matter it is twofold first they like to show support for their preferred candidate or brand whether it's a political party or a particular breed of dog. Secondly there are a small percentage of those that are undecided for truly Clueless. In this way assign his people a chance to think Pro or con about various candidates.
I truly like the comment above about rear bumper stickers are there just because of the rust spots!!!

[mk1126]

There should be NO 'political' signs allowed on any real property within Bubbleland. TV perhaps caved because of their support crowd in Tallahassee.

[Saluce]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.


Well then your post complaining of the flags and signs is as “Stupid”!! Only you are using this forum without a candidate’s name, but I’m sure 99% of readers know who you are talking about. ;)

[Bay Kid]

Sounds like it could be dangerous to have signs nowadays.

[coffeebean]

Not sure of your intent. Are political signs tacky? I agree , yes. Legal/ probably yes.

Beautiful mural, probably yes, but in the right place. Like on the side of a bus or truck that moves along. Not on a house forcing all of the neighbors to view every day. Seems more like an artistic grafitti picture illegally painted on a railroad car or Interstate urban city wall. I cannot imagine how "tacky" this would look if each Villager could do this with their own sense of beauty. Would make one think they were on a trip on the Cross Bronx Expressway.

I thank The Villages if they keep this from becoming a common practice. The person that had this done had to be pushing the limit and hopefully got called.

Where is this mural you speak of? Is it painted on a driveway? We have one in our neighborhood and I was not happy to see it. Just wondering if the home owner got approval for it.

[Saluce]

Today’s society is full of hypocrites. If it’s something that opposes my opinion it’s offensive and must be removed because I don’t like it. If you don’t like the candidate, sports team, color, decoration or whatever don’t put it on your property but as a veteran, no one has a right to say another can’t display something that matters to them. I go to a restaurant and hate string beans but I don’t expect them to be removed from the menu, I just don’t order them.

We as a society need to grow up and have more personal responsibility instead of crying about everything we hear/see that we don’t like.


Amen!!!

[Mikee1]

There should be NO 'political' signs allowed on any real property within Bubbleland. TV perhaps caved because of their support crowd in Tallahassee.

Actually election/political signs are allowed by law and "bubbleland" cannot prevent temporary political signs anywhere.

[Cranford61]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs. I think these people are joyless and searching for like minded friends.

[meridian5850]

I'm surprised at the number of people posting in this thread that seem to be anti-1A. A yard sign for a candidate is protected political speech under the first amendment to the constitution, this nation's guiding document. I don't do it, because I've seen what one side overwhelmingly in particular does vs. the other and I don't want my property or car damaged. But I don't begrudge the person that wants to openly proclaim his/her support for a candidate.

[Denny9]

For offices where both candidates are well known a sign will have little effect. However for the down line offices: county commissioner, Judges, precincts, Board of Education, etc. these signs will just put the name in the mind of the voter. Many will not know either candidate. That is also why ballots have the names switched so the same person is not always listed first.

[ALadysMom]

December will be nice. All the trash signs will be gone. Life will be normal....

I thought the same thing in 2016 but it seems to never end now.

[TooColdNJ]

In a national or hotly contested state election like Governor it probably has zero effect. In a local election it may open someone up to a candidate or issue that's not as well publicized.

Ridiculous. Anyone with no interest in politics or is on the fence doesn’t care about the less publicized candidates and won’t make their decision based on a sign. They’re the ones that’ll either vote for whoever their spouse supports, not at all, or “eenie-meeny-mitie-mo.”

If every person put up a sign or flag based on their passionate beliefs about anything— every sports team they support, save the whales, black lives matter, LGBTQ rights, abortion — it would be deemed offensive and nothing but a mess. No one should be allowed to display their personal beliefs— political or other. If there are no signs allowed, that should mean ANY sign, Including political. Flags, other than the American flag, are flying only because The Villages doesn’t enforce the rules and relies on complaints.

[LG999]

I feel our flag is an exception. I feel a sense of comfort and pride whenever I see it flying.

[ALadysMom]

For offices where both candidates are well known a sign will have little effect. However for the down line offices: county commissioner, Judges, precincts, Board of Education, etc. these signs will just put the name in the mind of the voter. Many will not know either candidate. That is also why ballots have the names switched so the same person is not always listed first.

I go online to look at a sample ballot before I go to vote. Many times I have never seen the name on the ballot before so I do a little online research about anyone I’m not sure about. I think political advertising is unnecessary now. We would probably get many more people who would vie for office if not for the fundraising burden. Maybe we would have a better pool of candidates if we would eliminate all of it.

[Scorpyo]

When it comes to election day if you see enough signs you might remember the name of the candidate.

Overall agree it is useless.

How dare you! I can't believe you said that! Uh, uh, what was I talking about?

[ALadysMom]

...”No one should be allowed to display their personal beliefs— political or other. If there are no signs allowed, that should mean ANY sign, Including political....”

Were you referring to EVERY sign of any type, even those attached to personal property like bumper stickers on cars or carts, a metal fish on a car or a tshirt or even a JUICY logo on a girls‘ rear?

Or were you referring only to YARD signs, flags and symbols which were restricted by everyone’s agreement when each bought property?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I was once very politically active. I was told by one of the politicians I worked for that signs do not sway votes. What they do accomplish is making people feel like they are part of something. The yard signs, bumper stickers, flags, and hats are also a great revenue source for the candidates.

I think it’s it a matter of showing colors—kind of like for street gangs.

Yup. They also accomplish making people feel like they are NOT part of something. It reminds the minority that they are, in fact, the minority. No one needs to live like that.

[Stu from NYC]

How dare you! I can't believe you said that! Uh, uh, what was I talking about?

Hmm think I posted that a few days ago so remind me is there an election coming up???

[MandoMan]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.

Good post. The same goes for trying to put up a little cross or Star of David or a POW-MIA flag or any color of bow or other such symbol. Or even a football team sign. It lets people know where your interests lie, and if they disagree they can avoid you, and if they agree they can come over and watch the game or the service with you. They primarily serve to separate rather than to draw us together.

Actually, even flying our nation’s flag can alienate some people and draw others. (I’m flying one out back, in case you wondered.)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I feel our flag is an exception. I feel a sense of comfort and pride whenever I see it flying.

Well I feel MY flag is an exception. I feel a sense of comfort and pride whenever I see IT flying.

https://www.amazon.com/3dRose-fl_104122_1-Christmas-Cartoon-18-Inch/dp/B00BRFHUHS

[ALadysMom]

I think these people are joyless and searching for like minded friends.

Joyless? There’s plenty joyless people who have no signage or bumper stickers.

Of course they are seeking like-minded folks while trying to repel anyone who doesn’t agree. They also feel more important by advertising that they are part of a larger group. It’s just like Dr. Suess wrote about in, “The Sneetches.”

[ALadysMom]

Good post. The same goes for trying to put up a little cross or Star of David or a POW-MIA flag or any color of bow or other such symbol. Or even a football team sign. It lets people know where your interests lie, and if they disagree they can avoid you, and if they agree they can come over and watch the game or the service with you. They primarily serve to separate rather than to draw us together.

Actually, even flying our nation’s flag can alienate some people and draw others. (I’m flying one out back, in case you wondered.)

Our flag is the symbol of our NATIONAL UNITY. We should fly it proudly.

[Eg_cruz]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.
I look at as Freedom.....and that’s what makes us a great country......Freedom Speech and Right to Vote, isn’t this country great

[joseppe]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.

I'm not for the signs or flags either, but when you think about it almost the same could be said about flying the U.S Flag.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ve always found it amusing that so many wear a service cap here , most couldn’t wait to leave the service now they can’t stop talking about it I suspect this is less about patriotism and more about look at me , and before you jump on me I’m multi tour Airborne Purple Heart combat vet , no hat , no Tshirt no vest and if I ever tell a story about my time it’s only a fun one

[ALadysMom]

Today’s society is full of hypocrites. If it’s something that opposes my opinion it’s offensive and must be removed because I don’t like it. If you don’t like the candidate, sports team, color, decoration or whatever don’t put it on your property but as a veteran, no one has a right to say another can’t display something that matters to them. I go to a restaurant and hate string beans but I don’t expect them to be removed from the menu, I just don’t order them.

We as a society need to grow up and have more personal responsibility instead of crying about everything we hear/see that we don’t like.

The land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Thanks for your service & for being a patriot.

When our ancestors developed things like the carefully chosen words of our Pledge of Allegiance they knew we needed reminders that we citizens OWN this country and we should all take pride in it. They knew that it was a previous gift entrusted to us, not one that we can take for granted. Like almost anything you own, it requires maintenance if you want to keep it.

[Mumbles]

I’ll keep my signs. Don’t fall for this ploy to stop our messaging. Due to biased media, it is one of the few ways we have to show our support.

Frankly? What is the value of showing one's support for ANY business or governmental department? Does that person think it will INFLUENCE someone else's thinking or planning? As others have said, It Won't.

IMHO I believe vehicular sign users are severely PROUD. One would think that it ought to be worth a lot more to work for and/or contribute or donate to some cause one wants to support than to ANNOUNCE it publicly to people who don't give a T**d. Just sayin'.

[jimjamuser]

As I ride around The Villages and see all of the political signs, flags ad bumper stickers, I wonder what good do they really do? What is the point? I doubt that they will ever change anyone's mind. I doubt that one additional vote will come to either candidate because someone has a sign on their house or car. I think that pretty much everyone has made up their minds and all these signs do is to annoy people that support the other candidate. When someone sees a sign for the candidate that they oppose I believe that their thought is, "How and anyone support that idiot. We have a lot of stupid people around here."
I'm not taking sides and I don't think that this post is political. I am just putting forth the viewpoint that the only people these signs benefit is that people that make and sell signs.
Humans are TRIBAL. They are showing which tribe they belong to. Even for football. the Ohio State supporters wear red and go to the same bar.
Everybody knows, it's about tribal
That's how it goes, when everybody knows

[ALadysMom]

I’ve always found it amusing that so many wear a service cap here , most couldn’t wait to leave the service now they can’t stop talking about it I suspect this is less about patriotism and more about look at me , and before you jump on me I’m multi tour Airborne Purple Heart combat vet , no hat , no Tshirt no vest and if I ever tell a story about my time it’s only a fun one

Thank you for your sacrifice & service. Your story makes you who you are now. You might be surprised by how many might like to know more about you. I understand your frustration but there could be other reasons behind their display. What if they are a veteran who is suffering since he/she has returned to civilian life? If so, not feeling alone may help them feel a little bit better.

I’m not a veteran but I wasn’t nearly as proud of my alma mater while I was a student. I wasn’t proud until it was behind me, long after I had graduated. Maybe it’s similar?

[MandoMan]

I consider political signs on the front lawn, in the front window, on the window of your golf car, to be tacky, unattractive. For a community that makes SUCH a big to-do about having pristine surroundings, some folks go to great lengths to prove that they don't actually believe their own criticism of everyone else's yards.

A beautiful, professionally painted mural has to go, but a yard covered in [insert whatever politics here] flags is somehow more aesthetically pleasing.

It doesn't change my opinion about anything. It just confirms that tacky people will bend over backwards to make sure everyone knows exactly how tacky they are.

May I respectfully say that the mural in question, though painted by a professional, seemed pretty tacky to me. I wouldn’t want it in my neighborhood. It belongs inside the house, not on a garage door for everyone to, um, enjoy.

Every homebuyer in The Villages is given a photocopy of the deed restrictions for the given Village—and none of them allow murals on garage doors. Each homebuyer signs a form saying the restrictions have been received and read. So the woman who had this done signed something without reading it. Legally, she can’t say she didn’t know. She will have to remove the mural, or she could install a new garage door and have the old one mounted on her living room wall.

I agree with you that political signs on lawns are even tackier.

[kathy1516]

I’ve always found it amusing that so many wear a service cap here , most couldn’t wait to leave the service now they can’t stop talking about it I suspect this is less about patriotism and more about look at me , and before you jump on me I’m multi tour Airborne Purple Heart combat vet , no hat , no Tshirt no vest and if I ever tell a story about my time it’s only a fun one
You couldn’t be more incorrect. My husband wears his Army Air Corp cap, WWII cap, or his POW cap showing his pride in being a veteran of the greatest country in the world. He will not speak about any of his experiences , especially being a POW, to anyone. He’s turned down multiple requests for interviews with media regarding his war experiences.
Pride in honoring our veterans should be respected. It sends a message to young people that they live in a free country due to the sacrifices of our military.
Give every military veteran the respect they deserve. The cap speaks louder than words.

[MandoMan]

You couldn’t be more incorrect. My husband wears his Army Air Corp cap, WWII cap, or his POW cap showing his pride in being a veteran of the greatest country in the world. He will not speak about any of his experiences , especially being a POW, to anyone. He’s turned down multiple requests for interviews with media regarding his war experiences.
Pride in honoring our veterans should be respected. It sends a message to young people that they live in a free country due to the sacrifices of our military.
Give every military veteran the respect they deserve. The cap speaks louder than words.

I for one wish that thousands of WWII vets had kept journals and written their memoirs. I’d love to be able to read them. I’ll bet their families would like to read them, too. I honor their service, but I think words speak louder than a cap. I want to KNOW what they did, even if it’s my Uncle Johnny who spent the war playing on a general’s baseball team on a base in India.

Forty-five years ago I wrote a 400 page journal while working in an African hospital saving lives. I’ve just published it so others can know what it was like. The process of typing and editing and pondering my decisions and actions have been a wonderful experience. I’m so glad I made the effort. Another thing I discovered when I reread my old journals is that I’ve been telling some stories wrong over the years. I was so sure I had it right, but sometimes I didn’t. And some things I’d forgotten came back as I read.

[cegallup]

Some people are proud of their political affiliation - they feel Patriotic !

They feel that they exemplify that fraction of Americans who agree with them.

There is great camaraderie among like minded Villagers - very encouraging !

[dtennent]

After I retired, I was approached to run to be Town Supervisor of a small rural town in upstate NY. Since I had only lived in the town 15 years, I was, at best, an unknown person. After putting signs around the entire town, I knocked on 800+ doors (there were 2000 registered voters) to introduce myself and my ideas. The signs were very effective in that people knew that I was running for office. This made the conversation much easier. BTW, I won the election with 76% of the vote over a person who grew up in town. While I am not a politician by profession nor am I well versed in political campaigns, I believe that signs are very effective in local elections. How many of you know who the candidates are for the House of Representatives or for our state legislature? Please take time to learn about the local candidates and vote in November.

Oh BTW, this was all for a job that paid $10,000/year. My wife told me that it I was going to work this hard, I should have stayed in my original job!

[Mainiad]

My Dad (w/similar Service in WW2) just nudged me from his resting spot when I read your post. He would never have displayed any evidence of his service, in spite of his wounds. He taught me that those who advertise their service probably have large egos’ and bad memories. Thank You for you service.

[EdFNJ]

A yard sign for a candidate is protected political speech under the first amendment to the constitution, this nation's guiding document.

Obviously not in a deed restricted community but you can fight it in the courts:

Freedom in Associations: Exercising Free-Speech Rights in an HOA — Homeowners Protection Bureau, LLC (https://www.hopb.co/blog/freedom-in-associations-exercising-free-speech-rights-in-an-hoa)

Enforceability of HOA Restrictions on Free Expression.

Covenants set forth in a declaration are presumed to be valid and enforceable, like any other contract, as long as the covenant in question is not arbitrary, serves a legitimate purpose of the community, and does not violate public policy. Nahrstedt v. Lakeside Village Condominium Association, Inc. (https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10539112822454287144&q=Nahrstedt+v.+Lakeside+Village+Condominium+Associ ation&hl=en&as_sdt=806), 8 Cal. 4th 361 (Cal., 1994).

Thus, in general, HOA covenants restricting members’ rights of expression are enforceable unless the member can demonstrate some reason why the covenant should not be enforced – such as the public policy of the relevant state, as delineated by its legislature and courts.

HOA’s can get away with restricting speech that the government would be prevented from suppressing because an HOA is not a “state actor,” and enforcement of HOA covenants does not involve action by the state. See e.g., Golden Gateway Center v. Golden Gateway Tenants Assoc. (https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=701924013008503944&q=Golden+Gateway+Center+v.+Golden+Gateway+Tenants+ Assoc&hl=en&as_sdt=806), 111 Cal.Rptr.2d 336 (Cal. 2001). Consequently, the free-speech protections provided by the First Amendment and state constitutions generally do not affect homeowners associations.

What is a deed restricted community? (https://www.omegahome.com/blog/deed-restricted-community/)
Deed Restrictions Can Limit What You Do With Your Home | realtor.com(R) (https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/deed-restrictions-can-limit-home/)

From the linked article: Take for an example a woman out of Tampa, Florida (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAFLtroops.html) who wanted to show support for her deployed husband by placing a “Support Our Troops” sign in her front yard. She had believed this was her First Amendment right, but her HOA argued that the sign violated its bylaws. In this case, the HOA had a right to fine her until the sign was removed.

Conclusion [B]Purchasing a home in a deed restricted community may or may not be the best decision for you. If you’re someone whose absolute liberty is extremely important, certain rules and regulations may prove to be too cumbersome. Others don’t mind abiding by reasonable rules if it could help them when they’re selling their home down the road. Ultimately, it’s prudent to find out what the specific deed restrictions exist prior to purchasing a home and ensure that you can abide by them.

[Giolinh]

Best post yet

[kathy1516]

I for one wish that thousands of WWII vets had kept journals and written their memoirs. I’d love to be able to read them. I’ll bet their families would like to read them, too. I honor their service, but I think words speak louder than a cap. I want to KNOW what they did, even if it’s my Uncle Johnny who spent the war playing on a general’s baseball team on a base in India.

Forty-five years ago I wrote a 400 page journal while working in an African hospital saving lives. I’ve just published it so others can know what it was like. The process of typing and editing and pondering my decisions and actions have been a wonderful experience. I’m so glad I made the effort. Another thing I discovered when I reread my old journals is that I’ve been telling some stories wrong over the years. I was so sure I had it right, but sometimes I didn’t. And some things I’d forgotten came back as I read.
What you fail to understand is that many war veterans will not tell their story because they can’t. It’s too painful to talk about to anyone but they tell their story without words; hence, the ball caps. Your experiences were not the same. It’s great that you documented your experiences; however, many veterans suffer PTSD and even after 70 years it’s as fresh as it happened yesterday. I told this many times to media requests for interviews.
We need to respect their wishes and know that they have made a difference in our country. Thank a veteran for their service and leave it at that.

[alehew]

We have a sign in our window and it's not to change anyone's mind. I put it there so people buying a house that's for sale will know what our neighbors are. When we are golfing and I see Flags I know what party they are and we become very friendly.

[sloanst]

Do you support any sports teams?

[kathy1516]

My Dad (w/similar Service in WW2) just nudged me from his resting spot when I read your post. He would never have displayed any evidence of his service, in spite of his wounds. He taught me that those who advertise their service probably have large egos’ and bad memories. Thank You for you service.
You don’t have to have a large ego to be proud of your service. I’m sorry your father doesn’t feel that way. Maybe his experiences are too painful. My husband won’t discuss his experiences, but is proud to have served in the greatest military in the world.

[EdFNJ]

We have a sign in our window and it's not to change anyone's mind. I put it there so people buying a house that's for sale will know what our neighbors are. When we are golfing and I see Flags I know what party they are and we become very friendly. So you aren't friendly with people of "the other" party and/or don't want outsiders in "your neighborhood?"