Hey, You Kids: The Battle for the Presidency Was Waged Lawn-to-Lawn and Between By-Laws in One Williamson County Neighborhood

Below is an actual exchange between several different residents on a neighborhood listserv in Williamson County in October. The names have been erased because the names behind the comments are none of your dad-gummed business. Just enjoy the lively discussion:

1. You may have noticed the latest sign we've resorted to adding to our yard.  Since we're now on our FOURTH Obama sign, we've felt the need to encourage the sign thief to think before they steal.  If you have any better ideas on how we might encourage people to leave our sign alone, please share!
   


2. I have to tell you that we had a similar experience during the last presidential contest. Our Kerry/Edwards sign was mutilated almost nightly, though no one stole it.  Consequently, [we] still argue over placing an Obama sign in our yard.  I had hopes after seeing your sign up that things had changed, but I suppose that was wishful thinking. 
   


3. Maybe it would be best if no one put a sign in their yard to begin with.  Isn't there something in the bylaws stating no advertising signs except for "house for sale"?  I am not going to vote for a someone just because someone put a sign in their front yard.  The neighborhood looks much nicer without all the roofing/gardening/ lawncare/political signage.  Plus if the kids are pulling pranks by pulling up the signs -maybe you could just make a straight out contribution to your political party?
   


4. I maybe overlooked that language in our bylaws, architectural guidelines, etc on the no-sign rule but I think we should update it to include no "For Sale" signs as well…everyone just needs to stay put.  Really, I do not believe such language exists regarding signs unless you stretch the definition of "lawn adornments" -- which is somewhat feasible.
   
   I think a more thoughtful approach would be to reflect on the definition of "prank" [a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature] and "theft" [the act of stealing; the wrongful taking and carrying away of the personal goods or property of another; larceny] and then cover this topic with our children around the dinner table tonight.
   


5. They think it's just harmless fun, but you're right---stealing is stealing and it's the principle.  And chances are the fact that the Obama signs were stolen probably is a reflection of what they've heard in political discussions at home.  I would really hate to think that an adult removed those signs from the yards.


6. I suspect kids aren't politically active enough to distinguish between the candidates. I move that all ... residents respectfully honor freedom of speech. Do I hear a second?
   


7. I honor freedom of speech and do not appreciate you suggesting I don't.  I do not honor trashing up the neighborhood with signs in everyone's front yard.  We already have 6 or 7 houses for sale and people advertising their roofers, landscapers, whatever.  I am sure you won't find signs posted in Laurel Brook or Legends Ridge.  I personally do not care to know who you are voting for.


8. Just a reminder that this Saturday, October 11th is the Wine and Cheese party at the clubhouse.  Please join us at 7:00pm and bring your favorite bottle of wine (or other drink of choice).  Come enjoy delicious appetizers and catch up with old neighbors and meet new ones!
   


9. Should we wear our McCain or Obama t-shirts to the party?