Theft of Yard Signs Tonight - Theives Caught

[TooRaLoo]

This is an email I received through Obama's website, from the Tulsans for Obama group. I hope he doesn't mind me posting it; there's no identifying info in it. I just HAD to share.

--------------------------------------

Like probably many of you, I have been getting my Obama yard signs stolen on a regular basis and even once came out in the morning to find signs for Grandpa McCain in their place.

Tonight, we came home about 9:30, and saw a strange SUV stopping in front of our house, so we drove on by, and someone got out and grabbed our sign, then drove up to the other end of the circle drive and grabbed our other one.

I quickly turned around and cut them off, got out and asked for the sign back. They took off backwards and sped off. A mistake they won't soon forget.

My wife and I followed, chased them about a mile through various midtown neighborhoods and called 911. We got close enough to get their license plate (and identifying NRA sticker) and TPD caught up with them. Just got off the phone with an officer who said that there had already been a complaint about this same Silver SUV grabbing another yard sign.

Police stopped them and found about 50 Obama signs that they had taken tonight. Charges have been pressed. Two 17 year olds and 1 18 year old now face serious charges that could potentially haunt them. Apparently one of the fathers has agreed to return the stolen signs to Obama headquarters tomorrow for redistribution.

Here's to hoping this stops some of the vandalism and theft and that it gets publicized to warn other would be theives.

-------------------------

LOL!!! :bounce: YES! on edit - Tulsans for Obama, not Oklahomans for Obama.

[Hekate]

1. Very pleased to kick this

:kick:

[VenusRising]

2. Thanks for posting.

I bet that was really satisfying for the people that had their signs stolen.

A high speed car chase for Obama signs. :rofl:

It's about time someone got caught doing this. I hope it sends out a warning to other thieves, but I won't hold my breath

[TooRaLoo]

4. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets a little local publicity.

Which will make me very happy. I live in an apartment so I can't put out yard signs, but someone took the Obama sticker off my car. I'm sure it was a disapproving repuke neighbor.

edit: Palinitis (typo)

[VenusRising]

18. I live in an apartment, too.

I do put signs up in my window, though. :D

I'm sorry that someone took the sticker off your car. That's a really shitty thing to do.

I'll never understand some people. :shakes head:

[awoke_in_2003]

145. "but someone took the Obama sticker off my car"

I can't believe people could be so juvenille. You don't mess with someones car (or sign on your propery) period. I know that stupid "W- The President" sticker would always upset me, and I could imagine smashing out their windows. But that is it- just imagined it. Picturing the act usually made me feel better.

[No Elephants]

3. So, the father was aware of it and did nothing. I hope this gets national attention. Might teach

someone something about political speech.

[magdalena]

15. The parents probably encouraged this behavior be it

directly or indirectly.

[Ganja Ninja]

37. The father or someone else was probably paying them.

I wouldn't doubt there's an organized effort by the GOP to do this stuff around the country.

[greguganus]

47. If they are paying more than it costs to produce the signs,

truckloads of signs could be sold and the money given back to the campaign.

[hisownpetard]

130. That's what I was thinking.

[greguganus]

45. Where did it say the father was "aware of it" before the boys got caught? n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

146. Doesn't matter if he was aware

in most states he could face some charges, especially in connection with the 17 year old. And you know what, GOOD. If you raised a child to be a little criminal, you deserve what you get. I defaced a political sign when I was 9. The man told my father. Got a spanking, was grounded to home, and had to wash dishes for two weeks straight (made my sister happy, we usually rotated). Fixed that problem right up.

[LiberalFighter]

162. Yep. Until the child is legally emancipated the parents are legally responsible.

Here in Indiana a child is not legally emancipated until they turn 21 if they don't do anything to become emancipated. If they live at home it is likely they would be emancipated. If they were to pay rent, utilities, food and other expenses related even if living at home they could be emancipated.

[awoke_in_2003]

173. love your avatar

Jefferson, while flawed, was one of greatest thinkers

[Odious justice]

186. What does emancipation have to do with culpability in a criminal case?

The parents aren't responsible for thier adult children's crimes. In most states 17 or 18 is considered an "adult" in the eyes of the law.

[LiberalFighter]

199. They can still go after the parents if they want to go to court.

A child does not automatically become an adult in every state when they turn 18.

[blue-kite]

5. Can you get the story on local radio/TV...?

Could be useful.
Cheers
BK

[TooRaLoo]

6. I'm drafting an email to the gentleman who sent the email as we speak. nt

edit for Palinitis - I can't type tonight!

[blue-kite]

7. Great stuff... keep us posted on how it goes!

[truthisfreedom]

8. Poor little rich kids. My neighborhood suffered exactly the same kind of thefts in the early 70's.

Same thing... high-school-aged rich kids, but unfortunately one of them was the son of our Republican mayor. He lost that year.

[Youphemism]

9. Since he has a police report, he can find that van and slap an Obama bumpersticker on it. /nt

[rebel with a cause]

21. Perhaps that should be suggested as part of their public service

that I am sure they will have to do. Also they should have to stand on a street corner and hand out Obama leaflets, without saying a negative word. I can think of a lot of things they should have to do. First of all, they should have to go to all the houses where they took the signs, apologize and reset the signs to the owner's satisfaction.

[Jackpine Radical]

125. No!

We don't sink to that bullshit.

[MagickMuffin]

10. Too Catch a Thief

50 signs found in their possession.:wow: I wonder how many other signs they have stolen:shrug:

Their parents should explain that 10 commandment "Thy Shall NOT Steal" or "Thy Shall NOT convent thy neighbors house/property"

[TooRaLoo]

11. You can safely bet that these kids go to church evra' Sunday. nt

[MagickMuffin]

26. Apparently Sunday school is lost on them

Or maybe they just can't comprehend the meanings behind the 10 commandments.

Someday they'll probably run for congress. Heaven forbid.

[MagickMuffin]

96. wrong post

[Disturbed]

13. These Jerks obviously don't believe in a Democratic Republic.

I hope they get at least a few months of Juvie Detention & for the 18 yr. old a few months in jail.

[Quantess]

20. And then, they need to enlist!

Since they want to bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.
Jerks.

[MagickMuffin]

27. Ah, you are too kind

I would throw ALL in jail for a long long time. I can't muster up any sympathy for them.

Maybe their parents should have :spank: them when they were younger.

[AnneD]

80. At this age....

public humiliation works wonders. Community service during a voter turn out, working in Obama's campaign headquarters, wearing a sandwich board in the mall.............

[trueblue2007]

86. Make them wear a sign saying THEY ARE THIEFS.

Make them buy 50 Obama signs for people who can't afford them.

[MagickMuffin]

97. I noticed a typo in my post and since it's too late to edit,

I'll correct it here. :dunce:


Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s house, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

[cui bono]

108. They're against convents now?

;)

[MagickMuffin]

122. Just another Wedge Issue

:-)

It seems as though that is how they get out the voter.

[cui bono]

138. Ah, another typo?

Surely you meant Wedgie issue.

tee-hee.

[awoke_in_2003]

147. "Thy Shall NOT Steal"

That only applies to non republicans.

[eshfemme]

12. Great job!

Teenagers can do stupid crap but this is beyond that! I have no sympathy for the fact that they might have seriously ruined their lives for a prank because they deserve it.

[TooRaLoo]

14. Yup - stealing is stealing. nt

[drmeow]

155. At that level

its not a prank. A prank is turning someone's Obama sign upside down. Stealing 50 signs is a criminal act.

[silverojo]

16. Nice job nailing the little bastards!

K&R

[Quantess]

17. Maybe someone could beat them to it....

Get McCain yard signs, and write GRANDPA with a black marker right over the top. And display them in the yard.

:rofl:

[intheflow]

92. I've often fantasized about writing

"is senile" under McCain's name on yard signs, though of course I'd never actually do it.

[ForeignSpectator]

19. "Apparently one of the fathers has agreed to return the stolen signs"

What in the hell does that mean?? They were sent on their fathers' mission, or what?! Morals issues voters, huh?

What are these serious charges that could potentially haunt them? Sure hope so and it's a pity that the f'ing SUV didn't get crashed in the process.

[quakerboy]

150. I wondered about that as well

Why would the father have to agree to return stolen property, anyway?

5 would be a prank. 50 is a scheme. The question is who and why.

[quantass]

22. k&r

[Monk06]

23. Only 18 and have acquired a life time of stupid already. Congrats on catching the cretins.

[TooRaLoo]

24. I didn't catch them, the author of that email did. But I would have LOVED to see it. nt

[tosh]

190. esuna, I love the graphic in your sig line!

I want *THAT* sign in my yard!!:rofl:

[TooRaLoo]

197. LOL me, too!

[Zambero]

119. Just Think, one of them might be the "next" Sean Hannity!

Criteria met: Lie, cheat, steal, evade, anything goes!

[cboy4]

25. Local TV would eat this story up if you agree to be

interviewed.

They can also air a mug shot of the 18 year old if he was booked.

[BigAnth]

28. Chalk one up for the good guys! EOM

[mod mom]

29. Globs of vasoline around the edges will save your yardsigns in the future.

It's dangerous to follow/confront zealots who would be willing to break the law over this. Give them a hand full of vasoline and they will leave your sign alone.

[TornadoTN]

48. Curious: What does the Vaseline do?

Aside from feel icky and slippery, I'm not sure I see the benefit. Maybe I'm just dense today - any insight on how this might help prevent theft?

I'm getting my own Obama yard signs and I want to be prepared as well.

[mod mom]

50. thieves usually strike at night, they grap and go. When they get a greasy handful

of they know not what-they simply leave the sign behind. BTW even if they try to wipe the vasoline off in the grass-it doesn't get off. :hi: I've been doing this since my Kerry signs in '04 were getting swiped. Haven't lost one yet, while others up my street have.

:hi:

[TornadoTN]

60. Thanks - I will invest in some Vaseline

I just ordered my signs this morning. I'll pick up some Vaseline on your recommendation. Do you suggest putting it all over the sign or do you only place it in strategic areas?

There's no doubt that mine will be stolen or tampered with, given my area. The houses with Obama signs out have already had to replace theirs once and even twice already, while the McCain signs remain untouched. I wonder why? We Democrats respect Democracy and peoples rights of political self-expression.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

71. Even better --

Vaseline mixed with a little chili oil. :evilgrin:

[DeschutesRiver]

77. And something in with the vaseline that has a huge odor would be a plus. nt

[TechBear_Seattle]

110. Or maybe dye. I think a nice, blood red would be appropriate

Something indelible that will be absorbed into the skin along with the petroleum jelly. That way, you will be able to catch the thieves "red handed."

[ContinentalOp]

117. Ahem...

I think you mean BLUE dye. ;)

[TechBear_Seattle]

201. I say brand them so the world can see their true color

Yellow might be more appropriate, but it's not as flashy.

[Spiffarino]

177. Best

Capsaicin ointment. See my post downthread.

[azureblue]

171. even better

go get a tube of roof patching tar, and apply lots of it the the frame. It is near invisible in the dark, nearly impossible to get off without the use of petroleum distillates, and will not rub off easily. Oh yeah, if they get it on their hands, they will get it all over the steering wheel of the car. I had trouble with sign stealers once and this stopped them.

[RoccoR5955]

183. Not vaseline. Black axle grease is messier.

And it will identify them, because it is IMPOSSIBLE to get off.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

158. Put indelible purple dye in the vaseline. Very incriminating.

[fortyfeetunder]

169. Oh yeah!!! Gentian Violet powder mixed wirth Vaseline

That shit won't wash out for days!!!

[NBachers]

163. There's a kind of anti-bird goo

you can smear on that's some of the most unpleasant stuff you could ever get on yourself. Kind of oobleck, if you remember what that was.

And yes, some hot pepper or liquid garlic concentrate would be appropriate.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n03a7cLf0M

[Rosa Luxemburg]

160. they are hard to pull out if you grease the wire stand aswell as the plastic

blue dye works well. look out for neighbore who have blue hands or are wearing gloves on a hot day

[Spiffarino]

176. I started using capsaicin cream

In case you don't know, capsaicin is the ingredient that makes hot peppers hot. There is an ointment made from the stuff and it's incredibly potent.

I started putting it on the edges of my yard signs and the thefts stopped in about two days, presumably after the dumbass went pee-pee with the stuff on his hands.

BTW, they caught the guy. He was a local gun nut who had stolen Kerry signs all over town. He was never prosecuted...just promised not to do it again and they let him go. :grr:

[bagrman]

191. Gun Bluing, It will take weeks to wear off. fitting for a gun nut.

[leftynyc]

30. While I'm glad this turned out well

People should really consider these two stupid young men could have been armed (I'm not sure where you're from and how likely that is to be). I'm glad you went after them but please, please, please be careful when confronting thieves who could also be armed.

[TooRaLoo]

82. This wasn't me, it was the author of the email who caught them.

And Tulsa is a pretty tame area. We're like one sprawling suburb, without the big city nearby.

[guitar man]

115. yeah, but in Oklahoma

a lot of us Democrats are liable to be armed too :evilgrin:

[leftynyc]

187. That's GREAT news

I'm a strong proponent of the second amendment and really love the right wing thinking none of us are armed.

[guitar man]

188. yeah, the biggest mistake the rw thugs could ever make

would be to think they could just victimize any so-called "liberal pansy" at will because none of us are packing....big mistake :evilgrin:

[auburngrad82]

31. Do they lose their right to vote after they're convicted?

Please say yes...

[Vinca]

32. Great story - always get the license plate number!

(Sorry - that's the former cop in me coming out. Love the license plate numbers.)

[Arugula Latte]

33. Now THIS is an instance where one should yell: "Hey you kids! Get of my lawn!"

[mtnsnake]

34. Good work! It's amazing how the police really can come

through for you in matters like this. My wife and I had two instances where we came in close contact with drunk drivers causing near catastrophic accidents with either us or someone else. Very close calls. In each case, we followed the drunk, called 911, and within literally a minute or two a cop car would appear from no where, come speeding up behind us, pass us and pull the drunk over with it lights blazin. It really makes you feel good about the job that cops do. I guess the 911 person must have radioed out a distress call immediately after we called, and whatever car was in close proximity took to the scene.

Kudos to you and your wife for being so alert and taking care of business!

[The Backlash Cometh]

35. You know the parents put them up to this.

I hope that they get prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

[TornadoTN]

36. Shouldn't these fine young Republican specimens be serving in Iraq right now?

No, these scum will fight the war on the home front by committing theft and being general pathetic asshats. Great Republican values and all that.

If I were the homeowner, I'd make sure that the charges stuck and no amount of Daddy's good will should deter them from sticking it to these creeps.

[barack the house]

38. Settng up hidden webcams might be one idea check on signs wherever you are.>

If the can give local authrities to online photo storage of yard signs in the area that might stop this carry on even more so.

[Barack_America]

39. Yea! Good prevails!

Spectacular.

[Barack_America]

40. Question: given the value of 50 Obama signs, they could be looking at felony theft, right?

Even more beautiful.

[Orsino]

43. Electioneering?

Conspiracy to deny civil rights?

[southpaw]

41. Yes! I hope they get nailed to the wall for this!

Congratulations, kids! You've won the Criminal Justice Jackpot!

Criminal records for EVERYONE!!!

[Curtland1015]

42. Nice! Real nice!

[mscuedawg]

44. Punk asses...and JUSTICE for all! Thanks for sharing!!

[Mad_Dem_X]

46. And the adults no doubt egged them on

Glad they were caught. Hope they learn their lesson that any form of stealing is wrong.

[dascientist]

49. K&R

[specialed]

51. I'd love to see a blue Oklahoma!

:) just sayin..

[zulchzulu]

52. These punks can thank their dad for turning them into racist pigs

I'm sure Daddy was proud of his kids initially.

[TornadoTN]

63. No doubt about it. I'm sure it was a funny topic around the dinner table with their racist meme's

It's pretty obvious that the dad is panicking and trying to throw the Obama campaign a bone by hand-delivering the signs to the headquarters. It's a desperate act by a pathetic man who raised an even more pathetic son. Like father, like son.

In the end, I hope that the homeowners realize how important this is in our fight to regain some of our civil liberties and preserve what little rights we have left. They need to press and press hard, otherwise these scum will be grinning ear to ear with a wink and a nod from their GOP brethren while they return to sowing their hate and lies.

[raccoon]

53. Wonder how those sorry little shits would like a draft. nt

[YOY]

76. My first thoughts exactly...

Young and dumb and already voting (the 18-year-old at least) against their own self interests.

[Veruca Salt]

54. Great story! Bravo!

:applause:

[torbird]

55. What the hell are two teens doing in an SUV?

What sort of jobs do they have?

[TooRaLoo]

83. They probably don't even have jobs.

The SUV is king in OK.

[Quantess]

89. Using mom or dad's SUV, most likely.

[redqueen]

107. Are you kiddin? It's mommy and daddy's. Haven't you met these types?

They go to school and spread the lies their mommy and daddy listen to on tv and radio as well.

:puke:

[Renew Deal]

56. Those kids are working for someone.

And they are probably being paid per sign.

[me b zola]

58. That was my first thought

I think that the prosecutor needs to play hardball to get some answers.

[slampoet]

73. Exactly . see my post 72 below.

[bushisanidiot]

57. Kick ass!!

It's my dream to catch the theives on our street on camera.. and I will post pics everywhere if I catch them.

I've only had my sign out for 3 days now. I leave the porch light on and I position the sign a little closer to my house than to the sidewalk and in full view of my living room window.

So far, there have been 6 Obama signs stolen in my neighborhood. No one has McPanic signs up anywhere in town that I've noticed.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

59. Send these punks to Iraq so they can fight McGrumpy's war.

[TornadoTN]

62. Preposterous! They are fighting the war on Democracy and Civil Libterties here at home

So they don't have to fight them over there. Defending the home front from evil Democrats and anyone who doesn't agree with them is a much more noble cause than a war that they are supporting from the armchair quarterback position!

(Do I really need to put a sarcasm tag here?)

[fiorello]

61. Oops... hope the police doesn't find my haul of stolen McCain signs...

Well, someone must be stealing them. There isn't a one anywhere in my town.

And I can see five different Obama signs from my house!

[FatDave]

75. Yes, that must be it.

Somebody is stealing all those McCain signs I'm not seeing.

[medicswife]

64. Bwahahaha! That'll teach 'em! :) Great work! nt

[Citizen Jane]

65. Awesome!

What a bunch of dumbasses. Those signs are expensive enough to get charged with serious theft as well as trespassing. Ha-Ha!

[BlooInBloo]

66. PLEEEEASE don't drop the charges!

[Shine]

67. Great news to hear.

I live on the central coast of CA, in a very liberal area. Our next door neighbor's yard sign got stolen right off their corner, which was pretty surprising, considering other Obama signs in our neighborhood haven't been stolen.

But it was a particularly nice one, though, so maybe that's why. It was BIG.

Fortunately, we live right across the street from them and our massive Obama banner is secured tightly to our corner eucalyptus tree.

It reads: OBAMA '08: HOPE ACTION CHANGE. It's pretty cool, I must admit.

Ain't NOBODY takin' that one down! :hi:

[codjh9]

68. EXCELLENT! Just sent that to my ex in Tulsa... she'll love it.

[ChiciB1]

69. I Take Mine In Every Night... Got One Stolen & Decided I Didn't Want To

spend more bucks for more! The two local headquarters can't keep them in stock. Whether they are stolen because they don't want them displayed or whether they want them for themselves... the DNC is MAKING MONEY!!

[racaulk]

70. Awesome!!!

This story warms my heart. :)

K&R

[slampoet]

72. Call your local Federal Prosecutor. This theft is a federal crime as a violation of your civil right

That may seem extreme but this also may be the only charge that STICKS considering that you live in a red state.



REMEMBER federal charges were filed against minors back in 2004 in Ohio against some democratic kids who did much less.


Please don't show any mercy to these little thugs. Don't be so sure that the father who is showing sorrow for their actions now is not the one who put them up to it. Without serious charges you will never find the campaign operative who put them up to it. It has long been known that there are campaigns that PAY people to tear down signs. Don't let up.

Once these children and their parents see that this could be a federal case they will finger the person who is paying them for signs.



They are doing the EXACT same job that gave Nixon and Rove their start in dirty politics.

[sasquatch]

118. Damn straight

:thumbsup:

[vaberella]

74. This is fantastic. WE'RE taking charge. Don't get involved with the perp, but get their info

through video or pen and paper. One night just watch somewhere as they come on your property and steal your signs....Get their info and sort it out.

[Cherchez la Femme]

78. 2 can't even vote, and they still feel

they have the right to abrogate other's Freedom of Speech; not only that but to push their POV even onto others private property!

They should be prosecuted, a fitting punishment would be volunteering for programs which help poor and bankrupted AMERICAN families.
Let them see the actuality and real world effects of those who they so ineffectually, and illegally, support.

I just read about this happening in Utah... but you know it's happening in every state of the union.
Has anyone heard of the converse... McBush signs stolen and even replaced by Obama signs?
There are some in every party who go too far, but if it happens at all I doubt it occurs even a tiny fraction as often as this neo-fascism.


Bottom line is, this will not stop until the Fairness Doctrine is reinstated.
The propaganda MUST stop!

[iamthebandfanman]

79. probably feel above the law

since they are underage.

thats how the kids around here act. ive literally seen 12 year olds approach 20 years olds and attemp to start fist fights because they know they wont get into any trouble..

[slampoet]

81. No. The Republicans HIRED them Because they are under age. Standard in the Nixon Dirty Tricks book.

And it has been since 1952.

[GrizzlyMan]

84. Lock them up for a year in county

I'm from Tulsa myself, and I've heard horror stories about it. It'll make them think twice before they break the law again.

[TooRaLoo]

85. I guess I didn't make it very clear in my OP

I was not the one who chased these kids down. I received this email from the guy who did. Sorry for the confusion! I was just so happy they got caught that I felt the need to share it.

[GrizzlyMan]

87. Actually these kids are lucky

Had they done this in the middle of the night, and taken them off someone's porch, things might have ended up differently. Our state's "Make My Day" law is quite lenient when it comes to protecting ones home and property.

[LanternWaste]

88. The world is getting very, very weird to me...

My Jr. or Sophomore year in HS (when it was Regan v. Mondale season), some friends and I were driving around town after a football game (we were marching band weenies) looking for a little bit of fun. Our final evil plan? We stole as many election signs as we could fit in the trunk. It didn't matter who the signs were endorsing-- we didn't care, we took 'em all.

When the trunk of Ramon's lime green Dodge Dart was full to the point where it took rope to keep it closed, we staked every last sign in the front yard of our English teacher. Imagine our surprise when, the very next morning, the local section of the paper (the FW Star telegram) had a full sized picture of the yard we did this to, a picture of the jocular reaction of the English teacher, and the accompanying story underneath. Each one of our names were mentioned in the story-- a story which did not focus on our vandalism or delinquency, but on the humorous aspect of it.

None of us got into any trouble at all... well, my dad told me to go over to our teacher's house and plug up the holes in the grass the stakes had made, but that was about the extent of it. The teacher kept the new clipping on his wall, the principal laughed, I plugged up some holes, and we all got some pretty good memories out of it.

I think any of the dramatis persona would have been aghast had law enforcement been called into it. But I guess times have changed...

[windbreeze]

90. speaking of signs...I have stolen your incontinent/incompetent sign...LOVE IT....n/t

[TooRaLoo]

184. Thanks!! Someone started a McCain bumper sticker thread and that's what happened. LOL

[intheflow]

91. Stupid kids probably doesn't know it's illegal to steal election signs.

But you're right, they won't soon forget it, now! :rofl:

[liberal1973]

93. Typical corrupt republicans

Put them on trial and send them off to jail.

[Enthusiast]

94. They must have this little

operation going in Ohio because there are ZERO Obama signs here. Last election it would have taken a lawn mower to get all the Kerry signs. I think voters have learned signs do no good anyway.

[rosesaylavee]

95. Love this story!

Have had signs stolen before and am enjoying vicariously the ride thru town after the theives. When ours was stolen, I have called the police and have asked for an officer to come by so I could fill out a complaint just so it would be on the official police report and perhaps get to the paper. Parents here need to know what their little darlings are up to.

[tsakshaug]

98. carpet strips

When I lived in a very Rep area, I used the carpet strips that have tacks in them to hang my signs. Never lost one

[TooBigaTent]

99. Three defense tactics: imbedded razor blades, punji pit, shotgun. With the lack of

charges against that repuke asshole who murdered the two men leaving his neighbor's house (in CA I believe), I would think the precedent has been set.

These three cretins should have their lives ruined as an example.

[frylock]

126. it was texas

[McCamy Taylor]

100. I put my signs on the porch. Harder for people to grab. The steps make the house shake.

[WatchWhatISay]

101. In a few years they will probably be running for Congress

GOP of course

[Miss Chybil]

144. LOL! Good one! nt

[tandot]

102. Republican thieves. What else can you expect.

[xloadiex]

103. I'm waiting for this

to happen with my signs. I got really sick of looking at all the McGramps signs in my neighborhood. Which is odd to begin with since I'm on the SW side of Chicago. NOBODY has any Obama signs. I made a special trip all the way downtown to Obama HQ to purchase 3 signs and some bumper stickers. I've seen cars slowing down to look at them. I have them positioned directly in front of my window where my yappy little chihuahua will instantly let me know if anyone approaches day or night. Anyone who touches my signs is looking for a heap of trouble.

[dudewheresmycountry]

104. i would be pleased to know what

state you are in and is this happening all over

[TooRaLoo]

172. That's in my profile and in my OP - Oklahoma

[malta blue]

105. My sign got stolen on Monday night - I am in upstate NY.

:(

[OswegoAtheist]

128. whereabouts?

I'm in Oswego, and so far I've yet to hear of any theft or vandalism concerning lawn signs. That doesn't mean it isn't happening, of course, but nothing like in NY 29, where Eric Massa and "Shotgun" Randy Kuhl are deadlocked; signs are getting yanked as fast as they go up, from what I hear.

Oswego "Someday I'll have a yard" Atheist

[malta blue]

135. I am in the Albany/Saratoga area.

Welcome to DU :hi:

[redqueen]

106. Hope it gets on the news... like the stolen McCain signs from Plano.

Won't be holding my breath though!

[pleah]

109. K&R With pleasure!

:kick:

[CGrantt57]

111. Good for you!

We had our first Obama yard sign stolen within 2 days. We live in a very RED part of New York.

However, I took two signs, put them back to back against my mailbox post and wired them together. I left several pointy ends of wire sticking off of them.

I haven't lost them, yet. However, I did notice some small drops of dried, brownish stuff on the signs.

Perhaps someone tried and discovered the pointy ends.

The small, mean, petty part of me hopes the fucker gets tetanus.

I know I'll lose a lot of Karma points for that.

Regards,

[fudge stripe cookays]

180. DNA test!

That'll catch the fucker!

:D

[ElboRuum]

112. Can I say it now?

Hey you kids! Get the hell off my lawn!... and leave the signs!

[sonias]

113. Stupid republicans

Theft is theft - now they'll have to pay the price.


Sonia

[liberal N proud]

114. In 04 I caught thieves in the act of stealing my yard sign

We must confront these low life's.

[Kajsa]

116. Yes! Good for you,Esuna!

You did a great public service today!

:applause:

[Hope And Change]

120. Yay...thanks for sharing your story!

[StClone]

121. My neighbor had his stole but, but but

Someone turned a huge McCain sign on our busiest thoroughfare into "McPain" Not that I condone that sort thing.

[blue sky at night]

123. This is almost as important as voting...

what THOSE guys did took courage and I am very proud of that THEY did it, but especially how it came out. I hope these little bastards will learn a lesson that the LAW is the LAW regardless of how their parents have taught them. I am sure that they think they are above the law. I hope they get community service where they have to help disadvantaged people in some way.

LET THIS BE A LESSON TO US ALL; THE OTHER SIDE CHEATS AND STEALS SIGNS, THEY DON'T LIKE "FREE SPEECH"; SO BRING YOUR SIGNS IN AT NIGHT OR BE PREPARED TO WATCH THEM.

BUT MOST OF ALL WE ALL NEED TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED; PUT A SIGN IN YOUR CAR, IN YOUR YARD....AND TELL PEOPLE WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR!!!!

[Plucketeer]

124. I just put one out front.

I swung by the local Democratic office this AM and when I got home I put it out by the mailbox. I'm curious to see if it stays there and isn't defaced in some way. We live in a crimson red part of California and all but one of my neighbors on our drive is are staunchly Rethuglican. I'll be surprized if my Obama sign makes it til Nov 4th.
I do have the back of my vintage truck plastered with liberal - progressive stickers. I got a compliment on the array of stickers when I went to the store this morning. T'was nice to know that there's one other democrat in this county besides the wife and me!

[OakCliffDem]

127. This is a case of Fundie Republican parents home schooling their children

Values like the kids show can only come from home

[OswegoAtheist]

129. My punishment...

Make them do 100-200 hours community service at the VA hospital. Whilst doing this community service, they should be wearing a t-shirt that reads, "Veterans: Ask Me Why I'm Doing Community Service". If that doesn't set them on the right path, nothing will.

Oswego "I stole 50 yard signs and all I got was this lousy prison jumpsuit" Atheist

[tomg]

185. Great idea,OswegoAtheist.

One of my sons a few years ago (in fact, shortly after 9/11) committed an act of what amounted to political vandalism that many here, I am sure would approve ( ethically and politically, if not legally). It was, pure and simple, wrong. He was trampling on the freedom of speech of someone else, regardless of how despicable and inflammatory that speech was. He was caught. In fact, he was caught on camera. He was also given quite a bit of community service when he could have,technically, gotten what a lot of the posters here are calling for - minimal time. It turned him around, not politically, but attitudinally towards others. Like the young men in this incident, he was about the same age, should have recognized what he was doing was simply wrong in the greater ( if not the immediate0 sense. That community service actually was instrumental in getting him where he is today.

I don't know the parents of these young men. I assume that they are Republican, just as a number of people after my son was popped ( with his name in the paper) assumed, rightly, that I was on the left. Some of the other things assumed about me, about how I viewed that act, how I had tried to raise my kid, were not correct.

Hold these young men accountable, but, in a way that will make them better citizens. Great post, and welcome to DU.

[hisownpetard]

131. Fantastic story. thanks so much for posting it!!!! I live on Cape Cod and have been seeing only

McCain yard signs - except for a couple home-made ones, here and there, for Obama. However, I have tons of Obama/Biden stickers
on my car and wherever I go, people stop and say "Thank you" or give a thumbs up. I'm convinced that the Obama signs are being
stolen but don't know what to do about it.

So reading your OP gave ma a vicarious thrill. Catch the dumb SOB's and embarrass the hell out of 'em.

Yaaaaayyy!!!

[musicblind]

132. It gives me a thrill to kick this post

:kick:

[grannylib]

133. Aweeome! Hope they sentence them, among other things, to

a shitload of very public community service.

[BrklynLiberal]

134. Justice!!!!!

[ooglymoogly]

136. Pugs are by their very nature crooks

and they teach their children to be thugs

[yasmina27]

137. Good for you!

We had our second sign stolen 2 days ago, and I immediately put out another one. Next time, I WILL call the police. These people have NO RIGHT to be on our property w/o our permission. The other sign we had out lasted for a while. We did the vaseline and chili powder routine, and it seemed to work, but boy did it get gross after a few rain storms.

We live in a very conservative island in a democratic county here in PA. The county Repug chair lives up the street from us. I would NEVER think of stealing their signs. I am SO SICK of the childish immaturity of people who steal signs. Our pool deck is visible from the road, and I ordered a couple of Obama banners last night to put on it. I did that in '04 and *only* one banner was stolen. }(

If they keep on stealing signs, I guess I'll have to do what I ended up doing in '04. I made a large (guesstimate size is 6' x 4') sign that said, "You can steal our signs, but you can't steal our votes". Put some Kerry signs under it, and none of them were touched. The greatest irony is that we live just across the street from a polling place.

[opihimoimoi]

139. Bring Back STONING.....Big Rock Division

[Bucky]

140. Return for redistribution? The punishment should be to redistribute them.

With Bush-level gas prices, that would far exceed the cost of the fine they'll pay.

[Laelth]

141. k&r

Nice post. Courage!

:dem:

-Laelth

[GreenTea]

142. Democratic haters, African-American haters, or McCain lovers?

All three, perhaps, but I find it doubtful...I know where I would lean.

[ailsagirl]

143. Honest to God... their practices are utterly juvenile...

Much as I'd like to trash a McCain sign (not that I've seen any!), I never would. These people are over the top. :puke:

Glad they were nabbed!!! :evilgrin:

[Dukkha]

148. Too bad the crime isn't a felony

Then they would be convicted felons and denied the right to vote. a perfect punishment for meatheads like them

[klyon]

149. brain washed .... I look for great things from these young people

NOT

[norepubsin08]

151. I would ask for the death penalty

Normally I am against it, but this is political crime-which means treason!!

[chimpyissatan]

152. I was young once, and stupid

...and my parents were Goldwater Republicans. I grew out of that brainwashing, and so might they.

Take them to the edge of conviction, scare them to death, then accept an agreement to work ith the poor or disabled. We're progressives, not fascists. There's only one chance they'll learn this lesson, and a conviction will cement in them the midset of bitter fascists.

[trickyguy]

153. Congratulations you caught em. It's happening here in Wisconsin.

My cousin had two signs ripped out of her yard in broad daylight

by a blond girl in a red car. The cousin yelled at her but didn't get the plate number.

My mom had her sign trashed twice and so I taped it up to the inside of her front window

so there won't be any more trouble.

But if those guys had 50 signs then that's just the beginning of - YARD SIGN WARS.

Coming to your neighborhood soon.:evilfrown:

[CadenBlaker]

154. Wo0o0o0o

Those stupid kids will hopefully get what they deserve.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

156. Impound and Seize the vehicle under Forfeit.

[knixphan]

157. now THAT

Is change we can believe in!

[LostinRed]

159. I have two people with McCain yard signs

Five others including me with Obama on my street. I have to admit I'm been tempted to take the McCain signs but I think that would be a violation of freedom of speech.

[Cha]

161. "50"! For all the

States:patriot: :party: :kick: :bounce:

Retribution!

[BayjanDem]

164. Awright

Those signs ain't free, little bastards. Go to jail, go directly to jail. Or...make them work at Obama headquarters in Tulsa for free on election day.

[budkin]

165. Worthless punks

Karma's a bitch.

[happygoluckytoyou]

166. Winning elections the GOP way.... stealing them! ! !

[ColbertWatcher]

167. Damn two 17 year olds and an 18 year old!?

And their idea of fun is stealing Obama yard signs?

Whatever happened to graffiti? Or toilet papering houses?

I wonder where they got the idea to remove only Obama signs?

Hmm...

I think their punishment should include some education to remove the influence that made them commit that particular crime.

[AllyCat]

168. Just another day's work in the fight against idiots n/t

[eagertolearn]

170. We have had a lot of signs for Obama stolen in Union County Oregon

and our local paper is going to run an article about this. It seems we had them stolen a lot in the primary too but more sporadically. The McCain signs went out in masses in the beginning of Sept. and then a lot of our signs dissapeared. We live in very rural Oregon and have been trying to get more Obama yard signs since Biden came on board with no luck. I have had 30 ordered through democratic stuff since the beginning of Sept. and I ordered 60 more about two weeks ago and still none so we have a huge waiting list for people wanting more signs (over 50 people). Did you see the person who put a video cam on their Obama sign in Portland Oregon? I can't transfer it onto here but you can look for it.

[Spiffarino]

174. My Kerry signs were constantly stolen

And it also turned out to be an NRA dickhead. The guy was caught red-handed, but never punished.

[Karl_Bonner_1982]

175. In 2004 Oregon had a load of political sign thefts/vandalisms

In Eugene in May 2004 a "dump" of about 100 yard signs, all of them for left-progressive city candidates, was found beside an Albertson's. That summer there were reports in Portland of not only sporadic thefts but vandalisms that included fire and bullet holes.

Who knows? Maybe in another decade or two the ideological polarization will reach a point where it boils over in the streets!

[demoborn47]

178. Waiting to catch me some hooligans

We've had a trio of signs stolen TWICE in the past month. Obama, Warner, Connoly. And no one in our neighborhood seems to have seen anything. It's so frustrating because it makes me angry and petty and want retribution. We've resorted to bring them in when it gets dark, but when I drive through other neighborhoods at night, there seem to be plenty of McCain/Palin signs up... oh that's because we're not children. It is so juvenile, stealing signs of those e support, like we're swaying those in our neighborhood.

those honey crusted nutbars will rue the day on Super Tuesday!!!! Just had to vent... how bout Palin, she did a half assed job of "repeat after me", lets see if she retains ANYTHING she memorized. :grr:

[BEZERKO]

179. Way to go!

Good work!
:bounce:

[Joey Liberal]

181. This has been happening all over Oklahoma n/t

[RoccoR5955]

182. If they did this in NY, they would be in jail already! n/t

[lonestarnot]

189. Almost as good as what happened with my Kerry signs!

I busted them! Ran them down on foot. Cops came after I had them pound them all back into the ground (about 25 signs). Punks.

[snake in the grass]

192. Hang 'Em High!

[9thkvius]

193. Good to know they got caught

Back in 2000 I had someone deface the Gore sticker on my truck, and I never had any idea who did it.

[Stump]

194. I know my sign won't make it...

until the election, but I'm keeping an eye on it...I think I have the only one in town.

[bobd0]

195. Good to hear these punks got busted. They stole fifty signs in one night???!

Obama signs have been disappearing even in our very liberal neighborhood but nowhere near that rate. Two signs were vandalized on a busy residential street corner near us but there are dozens of Obama signs all over the neighborhood.

I have yet to see a single McCain sign here in our Central NJ community. :) I wouldn't vandalize political signs, or anything else for that matter, but I couldn't vandalize a McCain sign here even if I wanted to. :D

[TooRaLoo]

198. Apparently they had no dates and nothing to study for. nt

[MarinCoUSA]

196. Nixonland redux. "Lawn and Order" These kids gonna be gettin' some.

Where are you Spiro Agnew when we need you?

[efhmc]

200. The creeps here took my American Flag also.

Sounds like terrorist to me. I wish I had caught the creeps. I am so happy that you did and that you have police that take it seriously.

[Ayla56]

202. Yard sign gone - what can I do to stop it?

A few weeks ago a friend in Pennsylvania told me her Obama
yard sign was stolen, along with those of some of her
neighbors on their street. Today I found that mine was gone. 
I am steaming mad - as you can imagine.  To me this just
points out how much of the republican voter base is really
"trailer trash".   Like the woman I saw on tv the
other night at a McCain rally who told him she was afraid of
Obama "because he's an Arab."  Can you say
"duh"?  How McCain managed not to laugh in her face
I don't know.  I wonder if they are bothered by the fact that
so many of their supporters are just plain stupid?

Sorry to rant - anyone have any good ideas on what to do to
prevent theft of my next yard sign?  I know it was theft - the
metal support was actually broken.

[1Hippiechick]

203. Electrify it and fry the bastards. n/t

[TooRaLoo]

205. Capsaicin cream, barbed wire, habanero juice, Crisco,

any number of fun methods. :evilgrin:

[crazy_vanilla]

204. woohooo

and kick

[gardentoad]

206. My Obama sign was taken

in broad daylight Saturday by people that were putting out signs for Mitch Danials in my neighbor's yard.

So I replaced it with a homemade "Ditch Mitch" sign.