It’s that time of year when political signs sprout up like scorpion weed on street corners. Being that I’m the one driving, I see them, but then again, I don’t. I’m generally watching out for crazies trying to run over our little car more than anything.
The other day my wife said to me, did you see so and so’s sign back there? That’s the first time she’d noticed this particular candidate. I told her I didn’t have a chance to look, because a lifted Dodge pickup suddenly changed lanes, almost knocking us into the left-side pocket like an eight-ball.
Folks are now complaining as they always do about election signs uglying up our city. Webster’s doesn’t recognize the word uglying. They should. I use it all the time.
Personally, I have zero problem with political signs, as long as they aren’t blocking my view while driving or being some kind of visual hazard. I suppose in some countries like communist China and Russia, residents don’t have to put up with them.
Political signs are similar to the loud military aircraft and helicopters flying in and out of Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport. Some folks voice disapproval about them as well. They evidently don’t view this noise as the sound of freedom.
Running for public office is a thankless task. Time taken away from family, friends, and hobbies to try and make things better for all citizens is a sacrifice. Just trying to get elected is an ordeal. Let candidates have their election signs for a few months. They’re as American as apple pie and Chevrolet. I can deal with red and blue signs more than I can dodging all that debris on Highway 95. Now that’s something to fuss about.
In 1971, a song came out about signs performed by the Five Man Electrical Band. Starting lyrics are most memorable,
“And the sign said, long-haired freaky people need not apply.“
In 68 years, I’ve never come across a sign dictating such. Something tells me the band made things up. These days, some businesses around town would bend over backwards to hire such people. Evidently, Five Man Electrical Band had no issue with political signs, otherwise they would’ve mentioned it in their lyrics.
Some signs we don’t need, but political signs we do. The moment those signs come down because they’re labeled an eyesore, will be a terrible day in the USA!
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