Swastika on campaign sign sparks outrage
Karen Boush, Durango Herald
Published October 29, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.
Updated October 29, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.
Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
On Tuesday, Jeff Widen, a volunteer with the La Plata County Democrats, looks at a Barack Obama campaign sign he put up the previous day near U.S. Highway 160 and County Road 222 east of Durango. It was vandalized overnight.
A large Barack Obama campaign sign erected east of Durango on Monday sparked two immediate, racist reactions.
The first occurred Monday morning, as Jeff Widen, a La Plata County Democratic Party volunteer, was installing the 8-foot by 4-foot sign near County Road 222 and U.S. Highway 160.
"A car drove by and (someone) yelled out the window 'No (racial epithet)!'" Widen said in a phone interview Tuesday. "I stopped, and I said, 'Did I hear what I think I just heard, in Durango, in 2008?' And yes, I did. I was shocked and, frankly, very saddened."
The second occurred sometime Monday night, when vandals used spray paint to draw a swastika on the sign and cover its lettering.
"I was angry and sad that something like this would happen in Durango, because we all want to believe it's a little fantasy land," Jill Somrak said of waking up and seeing the defaced sign the next morning.
Mrs. Somrak and her husband, Mike Somrak, asked to have the sign supporting the Democratic Party presidential candidate placed in their yard, where it would be highly visible to passing motorists.
Disheartened by the negative reactions, Mrs. Somrak said she thought, "'Come on guys, respect my opinion and I'll respect yours,'" she said in a phone interview Tuesday.
Ron Tate, La Plata County Republican chairman, also strongly condemned the actions.
"There's all sorts of extreme elements in society, in any group. This kind of behavior is unpardonable. This kind of behavior we don't condone at all," he said, also in a phone interview Tuesday.
Tate said he had to wonder if juveniles looking for attention carried out the vandalism.
Widen, however, questioned whether ongoing attacks made on Obama's character by Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and his running mate Gov. Sarah Palin indirectly prompted the racist actions.
"I think some of the stuff coming out of the other side is really just fueling the fire for people doing stuff that is over the top," he said.
For more of this story from the Herald, click here.
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October 29, 2008
12:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
Very nice! Yet McCain only complains when his & Palin's feeling are hurt but wont put his own followers in their place because he is afraid of not getting their vote.
Good thing is Most informed voters wont disrespect each other not matter what their decision is.
October 29, 2008
12:58 p.m.
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ISKIFREELY writes:
That image is not a swastika. It looks a lot like a swastika, but it is not a swastika. Please, for the love of God, get the facts straight before you report on a story with such obvious racial undertones.
October 29, 2008
12:59 p.m.
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BookerTee1970 writes:
I expect McCain to "repudiate these acts immediately!"
October 29, 2008
1 p.m.
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cjc1951 writes:
One of mccain-palin's 'loyal supporters'. that is what happens when you allow ( and in palin's case 'inspire' & encourage) people at their rallies to yell 'traitor' and 'kill him'. I attended Obama's rally in Denver, 100,000 and no one was yelling "kill mccain', but mccain appeals to the thugs, yokels, uneducated, racists and skinheads so things like this will continue. One skinhead assasination on Obama was just stopped, how many more tries will mccain & palin' insane speeches inspire? The two sicken me.
October 29, 2008
1:01 p.m.
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joe writes:
Much ado about nothing. Move along folks, nothing to see here.
October 29, 2008
1:09 p.m.
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djbrav writes:
ISKIFREELY writes:
'That image is not a swastika. It looks a lot like a swastika, but it is not a swastika. Please, for the love of God, get the facts straight before you report on a story with such obvious racial undertones.'
Ski - I really hope you're being sarcastic. If not, your attempts at trying to make this another 'leftist media' issue have drastically failed.
ok - so on your point, these were not only racists, but very very stupid racists. Or are those terms synonymous?
This display of racism should raise concern not only for Obama supporters, but for the other side as well. Just another example of how polarized our country has become - led by the McCain/Palin campaign.
October 29, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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ISKIFREELY writes:
JMac:
It looks like a swastika, but it is not a swastika. Google "swastika" and you will figure it out. Clearly, the individual who vandalized the poster is not very smart. My point is that the article leaves out an obvious fact.
October 29, 2008
1:12 p.m.
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LoFat writes:
"McCain supporters"? Sounds more like skinhead lunatics. Obama does not deserve a swastika on his campaign signs. He is a socio-communist. His sign should be a hammer-and-sickle. It still does not belong on his campaign signs.
October 29, 2008
1:13 p.m.
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RBN writes:
It is what it is, I am sure it is some kid who has the courage to at least come out say what other people are thinking. Parents breed stupidity, lack of education leads to this kind of hatred. We should be forced to live at least a year away from the U.S. so that we have perspective.
October 29, 2008
1:15 p.m.
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RegLib writes:
Iskifreely says it's not a swastika. In fact he's right; it's backwards. But according to his logic, because the idiots that did this got the symbol backwards it couldn't possibly be a racist act.
Probably painted by Buddhists for McCain.
I hope Mr. Widen keeps the sign up, to show not only what those of us who support Obama are voting *for*, but also what we're voting *against*.
October 29, 2008
1:18 p.m.
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LoFat writes:
Afterthought: The anti-Obama people have been vandalizing campaign signs. The anti-McCain people have been doing thousands of dollars worth of damage to motor vehicles sporting McCain bumper stickers. How does that square with your opinion, cjc1951? As far as McCain-Palin sickening you , get some penicillin. It should cure everything that ails you.
October 29, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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Andy writes:
"The anti-McCain people have been doing thousands of dollars worth of damage to motor vehicles sporting McCain bumper stickers."
Really? I haven't heard that. Please post a URL that has that story.
October 29, 2008
1:23 p.m.
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RegLib writes:
I should correct my previous post before someone jumps on it: The symbol as shown is indeed a swastika; what I meant t say is that it's not a Nazi swastika.
October 29, 2008
1:23 p.m.
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ISKIFREELY writes:
RegLib:
No, you are wrong. I simply said that the reporter should get her facts straight before stating that the image is a swastika. I made no comment on the intention of the individual's racial motivation. I do suggest, however, that the vandal is not very smart.
October 29, 2008
1:24 p.m.
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mango39 writes:
Who said this act was done by a McCain supporter? I am a minority supporting McCain and I would never do such an act. So please do not stereotype all of us. This is an act that could have simply been done by an uneducated person, a hateful person.
October 29, 2008
1:27 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
Probably some dumb*ss kid.
October 29, 2008
1:29 p.m.
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ou8one2 writes:
This is wrong! Doesn't everyone know only Obama and his supporters like Louis Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and Al Sharpton have the right to be racist!?! Oh, I forgot, they are community activists, community organizers, reverends, and preachers, not to mention black, so they cannot be racist. According to those people, only white people can be racist. My bad.
October 29, 2008
1:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
ifyem writes:
Afterthought: The anti-Obama people have been vandalizing campaign signs. The anti-McCain people have been doing thousands of dollars worth of damage to motor vehicles sporting McCain bumper stickers. How does that square with your opinion, cjc1951? As far as McCain-Palin sickening you , get some penicillin. It should cure everything that ails you.
Have any evidence of your assertions Fatty?? All I have heard both on the news and seen in real life is bitter McCain losers either stealing Obama signs here in Denver or putting their lame stickers all over Obama supporters' cars..What about cutting off deer heads in Colorado Springs? Or what about that white trash girl in PA who etched a backwards B into her cheek and accused a black Obama supporter of doing it? Man, the blind really do follow the dumb in this country!!! Enjoy next Tuesday Fatty!!!
October 29, 2008
1:30 p.m.
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ISKIFREELY writes:
RegLib:
You are correct: a Nazi swastika.
JMac: Read a book about WWII history and you might learn a thing or two.
October 29, 2008
1:30 p.m.
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LockNLoad writes:
cjc1959: It sounds like you and the other Obama supporters are trying to stir up racial hatred by trying to tie skinheads to McCain. I pitiful attempt to create a false controversy.
By the way, the "Kill Obama" controversy was already been refuted as a Democratic fraudulant claim. Basically, it didn't happen. The "terrorist" comments are true and they are somewhat understandable based on Obama's terrorist ties. Peopel are mad at the way the Dems have tried to twist facts, cast false dispersions, and incite hatred. Anything to win an election.
It is also funny that the Obama campaign are the ones who have bring up the race card. McCain and Palin have never encouraged or instigated any of the illeged complaints, and the only thugs and criminals here are the Acorn volunteers and the leftwing vandals who daily have threatened and terrorized conservatives or anyone who speaks out about Obama. Case in point: Joe the Plumber, the news anchor at the Orlando ABC station, Fox News, the list goes on.
ISKIFreely is right. Get your facts straight.
The sad thing here is that the racial tensions that we are seeing now probably will only get worse when/if Obama implements his policies once everyone understands his real agendas as he explains in his books and 2001 PBS interviews.
Time to get over it.
October 29, 2008
1:33 p.m.
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LoFat writes:
Andy; do your own reseach. It was on this web site last week. I refuse to go on the defensive because you are a denier of facts. You would not accept the truth either way. When the source facts goes against your party, you attempt to discredit the messenger. The anti-Bush faction also destoyed a Dodge mini-van in Ft. Collins in 2004. I have noticed that when a liberal is cornered,
(s)he will deny and try to bog down the argument by demanding miniscule facts. Have a nice day!
October 29, 2008
1:33 p.m.
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djbrav writes:
I think we can conclude the vandal does not support Obama. And they certainly are not a supporter of the green party, so Nader is out. Considering their intention to draw a swastika, but ignorance to get that right we can say their IQ is in question, leaving out their being able to rationalize a libertarian party, so a Barr supporter is out of the question, which leaves us McCain, seen all over the TV and heard on radio which is most likely the media of choice for the vandal. Therefore, it is of my opinion this person most likely is a McCain supporter. Which, of course, does not represent the interests of all McCain supporters.
October 29, 2008
1:41 p.m.
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INC writes:
Flat out atrocious... those on the right who cannot think for themselves somehow think that intimidation will change a vote...
when it really just reinforces the resolve of the victim.
when the fact is, this kind of behavior from the bigots turns moderate republicans to vote for Barack Obama... As they simply cannot condone this behavior.
October 29, 2008
1:41 p.m.
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Mr_Hyde writes:
unbelieveable that people think that this has anything to do with politics. Never have I heard McCain or Palin preach racism. If the republican candidate were a black person and the democrat candidate a white peoson do you really think this wouldn't have happened? Its sad that it did, but it had nothing to do with politics, only ugly racism.....
....and as far as the swastika goes, who cares if it was painted correctly? What does that have to do with anything? The intent is very concise. The whole thing is disgusting. Its unfortunate that people in this day and age still think that way.
October 29, 2008
1:44 p.m.
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Andy writes:
LoFat:
You don't have anything to support your assertion, do you? You just made that up.
Later.
October 29, 2008
1:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
LoFat writes:
I do believe that the far left believers are much akin to the holocaust deniers. They do not wish to believe it so "It ain't so". If they would read this paper more thoroughly, not just look for articles favorable to their cause, they would have seen the article I reference. And they want me to tust their candidate who I deem far worse in his one-way beliefs?? Go ahead with your personal ad hominem attacks. It seems that is all you are capable of. (P.S. I am a centrist Democrat)
October 29, 2008
1:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
djbrav writes:
LockNLoad writes:
'The sad thing here is that the racial tensions that we are seeing now probably will only get worse when/if Obama implements his policies once everyone understands his real agendas as he explains in his books and 2001 PBS interviews.'
Are you serious?! As if Obama's policies are really the concern of racist pigs. They can't event get their symbol correct much less understand the platform that each candidate represents. Actually, I should correct myself. These are exactly the people the McCain campaign target with their 'terrorist, socialism' rhetoric. The sad thing is they believe it. Sounds familiar.
Perhaps ISki can give you a history lesson with all of his WWII knowledge.
October 29, 2008
1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ahab337 writes:
"People were initially offended at the swastica, but upon closer observation, breathed a huge sigh of relief. It couldn't possibly be a swastica, because it was painted backwards. Which everyone knows, the swastica backwards actually means 'happy feet' in pig latin."
Come on, people. A swastica is a swastica. And ALL swasticas are Nazi Swasticas.
Go read a history book.
Obama/Biden '08
October 29, 2008
1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
danirobi writes:
Ok, this is wrong whoever did this, but where is the same outrage over the Palin effigy hanging from a house in West Hollywood?
October 29, 2008
2 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
danirobi, there's plenty of outrage over the west hollywood effigy, but keep in mind that it wasn't hung in the night by some knuckle-dragging cowards - it was hung in front of some guy's house who are happy to explain their prank. I saw their interview, unlike the slope-headed neanderthal who hung an Obama effigy with a noose from a tree in his front yard in Ohio and refuses to come out of his lair and discuss it with the media. It's all in bad taste.
October 29, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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Dick_Tater writes:
Who really cares? It is obviously an idiot ( mind you not a Aryan who would actually know the symbol of Nazism is right handed and turned 90 degrees ) wanting to upset people, and it appears it worked.
This is a Sauwastika which is a symbol representing light, life, health and wealth. So the joke is on the moron who does not know the difference.
October 29, 2008
2:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
horsinaround writes:
You democrats are great at claiming racism any time anyone does not agree with you. The sign should not have been vandalized, but Obama is not the only one experiencing this type of thing. Did anyone read about the man who hung a Sarah Palin dummy with a noose around its neck from a tree? If someone had done that with Obama, they would have been arrested immediately. Oh, wait, it's all in good fun if it's a woman and not a black, well, half black man, right? Here's one of the articles about it .... www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2118193/posts or go to: nowpublic.com/world/if-palin-was-black-would-hanging-palin-hallowee...read it for yourselves or just google Sarah Palin dummy hanging from a tree.
How about the woman campaigning for McCain in New York and had the sign ripped from her hands, broken and then was beaten in the face with the stick, at the hands of an Obama supporter: pajamasmedia.com/blog/obama-supporter-assaults-female-mccain-volunt... I guess that's okay with those who support Obama. Just google McCain supporters attacked and you'll find all kinds of stories about these things.
It goes both way folks. It's wrong no matter who does it, but don't act like Obama supporters are totally innocent victims.
NOBAMA '08
October 29, 2008
2:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
krvus writes:
Amazing how you libs are so concerned with the hatred here. Well, what about the guys in California with a hanging effogee of Palin? Any thoughs on how appropriate that was? Both sides are guilty of this garbage and we all know it's the complete idiots that shouldn't be allowed to vote in the first place that are doing it.
October 29, 2008
2:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
SteelersFan writes:
This is my personal favorite...hope the dumb kids learned a lesson here....
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/...
October 29, 2008
2:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Newenergycommie writes:
Get your heads out of the sand. If this didn't happen Obama 's thugs would need to make it happen. Ask yourself this "Is Obama harmed or helped by this so called racist display?" No one on the right takes this crap seriously but it fires up the left. This is right out of the Jessie Jackson/Al Sharpton playbook. Who injected race during the Hillary/Obama battle?
October 29, 2008
2:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
After I posted about the palin effigy hung in west hollywood (and stating that it was in poor taste), two additional posters mentioned it, so I'll repeat - the two (white!) guys who hung it in their yard actually came out and talked to the media about it. If you google the story you can see the video. They say it's a halloween prank. however, some man in ohio hung an effigy from a noose in his front yard and refused to discuss it, scaring the heck out of his neighbors, who thought he was a nice guy.
October 29, 2008
2:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Chuck Todd has an article today on first time voters (18-21). They favor Obama by a 2 to1 (69% to 27%). Now you ask what this has to do with this incident. It is simple. The youth of today are not going for the hate everyone that don't see things our way attitude. They are tired of seeing their friends shipped off to be killed in an unjust war. (My daughter has lost two of them) They are tired of the Republican ideas of shoot first ask later. They want some new blood in our government and the Democrats offer that. And yes that goes for Teddy Kennedy too. They don't want some old 72 yr old man that has been apart of this mess for years. That is the kind of experience they could do without. The republicans moto is HATE.
October 29, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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krvus writes:
Hank- you are correct!
Remember the "he's (obama) articulate" remark? And who made it? bwaha ha ha!!
October 29, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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RegLib writes:
Ahab337: In the context of its usage here, or pretty much any vandalism directed against a minority in this country, it can be assumed to be intended as a Nazi swastika whether the perpetrator is smart enough to draw it correctly or not. But in fact all swastikas are not Nazi. It's an ancient symbol used by Buddhists, American Indians, and others for centuries. During one of my first visits to Asia I picked up a city map (don't recall which city) and was taken aback to find little swastikas all over it. Turns out they were marking the locations of Buddhist temples.
Iskifreely: I apologize to you for my wrong assumption and snarky remark about the point you were trying to make. I let me rhetoric get overheated and said something dumb.
October 29, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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Barron writes:
hankreardon, the reason this type of stupidity happens is because nobody on the right takes it seriously. When you call out cowards and racists for their disgusting behavior they back down, unless they are hopeless sociopaths. McCain and Palin need to tell their supporters that they EMPHATICALLY don't support hateful, racist behavior, but they don't. Why? Because they don't want to alienate their hateful, racist supporters, and that's wrong.
October 29, 2008
2:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
krvus writes:
barron, still in very baaaaad taste no matter who came out of the house or not. Neither side shoud go to that extent. Just plain ridiculous to go that far.
October 29, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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horsinaround writes:
Just because they admit it was a prank, (hanging Sarah Palin dummy) doesn't mean it's right. It's still a sick thing to do, but I guess since it was against Palin and they say it was a prank, then no one should be upset about it. That's a ridiculous argument. The fact still remains, the liberals make a much bigger deal out of anything against their "leader". HankRearden is right, if it wasn't happening, they would probably "make" it happen just for the attention and the chance to whine about it.
NOBAMA '08
October 29, 2008
2:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
krvs and hrsinaround, I'll say it again, it's in poor taste. I agree. I think it was a stupid, hateful thing to do, I never argued otherwise and I'm not sure why you (horsin) am implying that I did. The fact is that you see this stuff every day against Obama. 100,000 people at a rally earlier this week, and you don't see people railing, spit flying, eyes bulging, against mcCain. Why is that?
October 29, 2008
2:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
krvus writes:
RegLib,
A swastika only means one thing in the present time here and in Europe. I respect you history lesson, but it does not mean anything nice and I'll bet the farm that the idiot using it was not referencing a temple.
Backwards, forwards, 45 or 90 degrees, we all know what the person(s) were trying to accomplish and it's sick! Again, that uneducated person shouldn't even be allowed to vote! There must be some sportsmanship here folks.
October 29, 2008
2:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
krvus writes:
Barron,
I understand where you are coming from with the effigy, but I'm not sure I follow you here;
"The fact is that you see this stuff every day against Obama. 100,000 people at a rally earlier this week, and you don't see people railing, spit flying, eyes bulging, against mcCain. Why is that?"
I saw plenty of people downtown after the rally this past weekend all singing songs and carrying signs for Obama, none against. Not to mention that the media has been in the tank for obama for a while now. 65% favorable for obama and 35% for Mccain. I've seen much more support for obama than mccain by a longshot.
October 29, 2008
2:27 p.m.
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Newenergycommie writes:
Barron,
Is there any proof that this was done by neo nazis? My point was that if this had been done by Obama supporters or by neo nazis, the result would be more empathy for Obama. If neo nazi didn't do it, Obama's people would need to do it. I'm a pragmatic guy. Who benefits from this type of display? Obama benefits and McCain is harmed. The Obama folks have ample motive since they benefit.
October 29, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
jbowen43 writes:
People are always trying to blame juveniles for these acts. I had a police chief tell me "juveniles" removed a four foot by eight foot plywood sign along with the tee posts from a city lot in Burlington. Colorado. Right.
October 29, 2008
2:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
krvus you misunderstand me. It has become common to see videos of mccain/palin rallies that feature racists, bigots, and hateful people in general; I just looked at one in Western PA where a man holding "Democrat for McCain" sign says, to the camera, that he would never vote for a black man. I'm just wondering what's wrong with mccain crowds? You don't see that kind of hatred and vitriol at Obama rallies.
October 29, 2008
2:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
hank, i don't think it was done by neo nazis, especially given that the dang thing was backwards (like the B carved in that girl's face by a big mean Obama supporter, LOL), but rather by some misguided, stupid but well-meaning Obama hater, not even realizing that by doing this kind of thing they are hurting the other candidate. That is why McCain should be condemning this behavior, well that and the fact that it's just plain wrong.
October 29, 2008
2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
MARK_POOL7 writes:
Okay folks time to learn something about that symbol. It is actually a preceltic-roman era symbol from sotheastern Duetchland. That symbol was around ALONG time before Hitler. So please, quit calling it a "racist" symbol.
October 29, 2008
2:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Barron writes:
it's an ancient symbol that was hijacked by nazis, so when you see it used in western society during these times, it is used to symbolize naziism.
October 29, 2008
2:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
RegLib writes:
It's useless to speculate whether this was done by neoNazis or misguided pranksters, kids or adults. It was a racist act, whoever did it.
And by the way, that hanging Palin effigy? That's a hate crime. Doesn't matter who it is. Hanging someone in effigy is a hate crime, and those morons should be prosecuted.
October 29, 2008
2:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Salsmom writes:
The issue is not whether the symbol is the swastika nor does it matter whether the defacement was done by a young punk or some old geezer. The need to deface someone's property as they were attempting to exercise their freedom of speech is the issue - it is intolerable regardless of who is doing it. We send our military to war to protect our rights and then we attempt to dismiss these acts as irrelevant. We have had our yard signs stolen twice, all I can say is "you can steal my signs, you can deface property for these folks in Durango, but no one can steal our votes and that is what ultimately will count."
October 29, 2008
2:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mr_Hyde writes:
Good point MARK. Im sure the people who painted this were making a reference to preceltic Rome or trying to mark a buddist temple......It wasnt a sign of racism at all (sarcasm)
October 29, 2008
2:49 p.m.
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dallrace writes:
Every McCain Sign I see up here has been broken or painted on. Why don't you report on that?
October 29, 2008
2:51 p.m.
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Billy writes:
ISKIFREELY, yes, it is a swaztika. Maybe you and yours might have drwan it better, but it is a swaztika. Too bad some people raise their kids to be like this. I'm sure they don't do this from birth, unless taught.
October 29, 2008
2:52 p.m.
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RightDownTheMiddle writes:
You reap what you sow......and in this campaign Palin and McCain have been sowing the seeds of hatred.
You'd have to be blind, deaf and dumb to say otherwise....
And thanks for the history lessons on the swastika.
Not sure how displaying your expertise in the swastika helps make your case but keep on trying.....it's amusing.
October 29, 2008
2:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
ISKIFREELY writes:
RegLib:
Apology accepted. Have a nice afternoon.
October 29, 2008
2:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
vendari01 writes:
What I see is a crude attempt at a hochenkreuz, painted by some genius who probably can't even spell "racist". Let's hope that this pathetic sub-species has the grace to quietly die off (along with such others as the Islamic militants, skinheads, etc.) so the rest of our species can get on with the business of living together.
October 29, 2008
2:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
krvus writes:
MARK_POOL7- again, thanks for the history lesson. Unfortynately, those idiots using it were definitely not referencing ancient anything okay? We all know what they meant and it was not anything nice.
Barron- Now I see your point. but there are racists and biggots in your party too that obama listend to for over 20 years. Wanna guess who I am referring to?
The guy saying he wouldn't vote for a black man is an idiot as well. However, what about the people in Harlem interviewed as to who they would vote for where the interviewer purposely stated that Obama was for staying in Iraq, was against abortion and that Palin was his running mate- the interviewees all said they were voting for Obama. They all happened to be black and obviously had not idea about the issues. Racism maybe?
October 29, 2008
2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
chickenlittle1234 writes:
I find myself agreeing with LockNLoad. This is a racist act. It's a knee jerk reaction to a black man who is likely to become president. I know at least one dyed-in-the-wool Democrat of a certain age who can't bring herself to vote for Obama, strictly because of race. If it's any comfort to other Obama supporters, the clowns who did this would have also done the same thing to a Condi Rice or Colin Powell sign, had they been running for president.
October 29, 2008
2:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
ISKIFREELY writes:
Billy:
Way to jump into the game late. See above. The symbol that the vandal drew was not what the Nazi version of the swastika. And, to reiterate, my point is that the reporter got that basic fact wrong. Pay attention.
October 29, 2008
3 p.m.
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riverrafter writes:
Come on now folks- this prank is from the same type of person as that moron who carved the backwards "B" in her face and blamed it on an Obama supporter. Neither one has the sense God gave a rock. Neither is indicative of the party they claim to support. They're just morons.
There are thoughtful, concerned patriotic members of both parties. Let's not get sidetracked by the idiots.
October 29, 2008
3:01 p.m.
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RegLib writes:
Dallrace, You've gotta keep up with the discussion. McCain signs get stolen or defaced. Obama signs get stolen or defaced. I don't think anyone here, whatever their political persuasion, disagrees that doing those things is misdemeanor vandalism and whoever gets caught doing it should be prosecuted.
But those things happen all the time, in any election. It's not news.
The topic at hand is the swastika that was painted on the Obama sign, and what it says about some elements of our society.
October 29, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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horsinaround writes:
I agree with everyone who says this was a racist act and is despicable. Just remember, though, racism is a two-way street. I am a white female and was attacked on the train by a hispanic female because, only because, I am white. We were on the train late one night, dressed up as we had been at a nice dinner and the only seats left were by a Hispanic girl, probably in her 20s. She had her feet up on the seat in front of her and I asked her if she could please let my husband sit there. I was sitting across from her. She refused and started calling me a cracker bi... and ranted the whole way spewing hatred towards whites.
My husband stood near us and although we should have moved, we didn't. We didn't want to be forced away by some idiot. When she got up to get off the train, she physically pushed my legs aside in a nasty way. My husband told her to get her a.. away from us and as she was leaving the train, she threw her gum at us. It missed and hit some older folks who were standing behind us. They turned and looked at me and I pointed at her and said, "she did it" and turned back around. She came up behind me and punched me in the face from behind, trying to break my nose. Didn't work. But please do not just accuse whites of racism. There's plenty of it to go around on both sides of the fence and no matter what color does it, it's WRONG.
October 29, 2008
3:12 p.m.
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BE_REAL writes:
All I'm reading about is the hate that Mcain/Palin supporters have for the Democratic nominee. And yet all those libs out it blog land, seem to forget that there candidate spent 20 years in an American, let alone white man, hating church. They seem to forget the people he calls freinds who hate America. What's up with the double standard? It's nice to see that young Americans are out in force to vote, but what are they voting for? There slice of my 401K that I've worked so hard for? To end a war that is keeping these Islamic extreemists out of this country because they can kill Americans in Iraq? Wake up and smell the coffee! The left and appearently the young voters, are ready to vote for a guy, who is as close to a socialist marxist you can find. A guy who's wife stated that she was not prous of America. A guy who keeps changing his storey over and over again to siute the people he's talking to. The whole swastica thing seems to be some punk who hates, but look in the mirror sometime, and see who is hating back.
October 29, 2008
3:15 p.m.
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krvus writes:
BE_REAL- see my post above!
(the guy) obama listend to for over 20 years. Wanna guess who I am referring to?
The guy saying he wouldn't vote for a black man is an idiot as well. However, what about the people in Harlem interviewed as to who they would vote for where the interviewer purposely stated that Obama was for staying in Iraq, was against abortion and that Palin was his running mate- the interviewees all said they were voting for Obama. They all happened to be black and obviously had not idea about the issues. Racism maybe?
October 29, 2008
3:16 p.m.
Michael writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
October 29, 2008
3:25 p.m.
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Ezana writes:
I went to school down there and I am not surprised. A very progressive town, but a lot of wack jobs too. Obama has pretty consistently tried to down play incidents like this (the campaign offices that were vandalized in Penn., for example), I think so he can focus on the issues. A few weeks ago in Chicago some guy in body armor (armed to the teeth) tried to get into his house. I only know about his because I had family visiting Chicago who saw it on their local news there.
October 29, 2008
3:28 p.m.
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HankReardon writes:
Mr. Rearden,
I ask you, "Who is John Galt?"
October 29, 2008
3:29 p.m.
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Billy writes:
ISKIFREELY, I came in when I could, read your post, reiterated that yes, it is a swaztika, just becuase these idiots didn't draw it with the 90 degree tilt it is still a swaztika. The reporter didn't get his facts wrong, it is a swaztika. Maybe you just see things differently through your rose colored glasses, but the fact of the matter remains, it was meant as a racial slur, it was meant as a swaztika, it is a racist act, get over yourself.
October 29, 2008
3:31 p.m.
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krvus writes:
Michael,
Come on. You had a good post going for a minute there. That was not nice at the end though.....don't be like the other idiots that we all speak of herein.
October 29, 2008
3:33 p.m.
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jersey writes:
RBN: Like I previously mentioned when it comes to the mantra of the children, the apple rarely falls too far from the tree. As for your suggestion of perspective....You can lead a horse to water but you can't force him to drink. RVT1000: A bold lead in to your post. Don't be.Incidents such as this was inevitable. Your analogy to a box of rocks could not be more true.
October 29, 2008
3:38 p.m.
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GladysKravitz writes:
You can squarely blame McCain/Palin for their race baiting that started this.
October 29, 2008
3:40 p.m.
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SierraStorm writes:
Perhaps instead of the swastika, the sickle and hammer or the crescent moon emblem should have been used to make a statement. At least that is how Obama is represented in the media these days.
October 29, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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windbourne writes:
Not surprising. Here in Highlands Ranch, something like 30 signs went up for Obama and within a week, they had all been stolen.
You neo-cons are such Wonderful ppl.
October 29, 2008
3:55 p.m.
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windbourne writes:
>>Isn't this just like the 2 morons in California who are "expressing themselves" by hanging an effigy of Sarah Palin by a rope and claiming it is within their 1st amendment rights to artistic freedom????
Why? Did the owner of this sign do it? If not, then no. They are VERY DIFFERENT ISSUES. In particular, one is first amendment, while the other is destruction of other ppl's property.
October 29, 2008
3:56 p.m.
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wyhammertime writes:
Isn't election time sooooo much fun!!! Can't wait till it's over then all the bickering will slow down a little . I hear Homer Simpson is coming up in the polls
October 29, 2008
4:04 p.m.
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krvus writes:
windbourne,
A little angry today?
October 29, 2008
4:11 p.m.
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666 writes:
I can't help but be morbidly amused by all the people on here that are defending racism because, according to them, "all of Obama's friends are racist, too."
They may claim that people like me pounce eagerly on any opportunity to cry "racism", but they seem to jump rather readily to the defense of racists. Doesn't seem like much of a difference, knee-jerk BS either way.
True, many people cry racism simply because (a) they get attention, and (b) they can automatically get everyone to condemn someone they dislike as a racist without any proof. That does not justify racism, however, nor does it justify attacking people with an anti-racism attitude.
I think that everyone - whether they are arrogant, pinheaded racial supremacists with more impotent anger than rational intelligence, or sanctimonious, self important opportunists eagerly awaiting their chance to denounce someone as a racist - needs to pull their heads out (you know who you are, and where your head is).
The only reason there's a lingering problem with racism is because WE ARE ALL PAYING TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO RACE, EITHER WAY. Whether we're race-baiting or race-hating, pride/supremacy marching, burning crosses or spraypainting swastikas (backwards or otherwise), the only reason race is an issue is because we allow ourselves to be obsessed by it.
And we can only blame the media for some of that, not all. Most of it is because we intentionally want to make a huge, overwhelming deal out of anything even remotely racial. This overreaction only serves to incense the inbred, misborn progeny of hatred to greater acts of ignorant bigotry. Fanning the flame on either side just keeps the flame burning. If people just didn't care about racial differences at all, the fires of racism would gutter and go out.
October 29, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
"The guy saying he wouldn't vote for a black man is an idiot as well. However, what about the people in Harlem interviewed as to who they would vote for where the interviewer purposely stated that Obama was for staying in Iraq, was against abortion and that Palin was his running mate- the interviewees all said they were voting for Obama. They all happened to be black and obviously had not idea about the issues. Racism maybe?"
FYI - The guy was Howard Stearn's traveling reporter and the entire thing was recorded. You can listen to it yourself on line. Just google "Howard Stearn" + harlem interview.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&am...
October 29, 2008
4:23 p.m.
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chickenlittle1234 writes:
666 - Well said. But one lingering problem that is fanning racism is an inability to deal with it head on. Race should be regarded as a distinction without a difference. But it's hard to even have that conversation, for many of the reasons you list. I always thought that what Archbishop Desmond Tutu did with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission might serve as a model - a place where anyone could vent their rage - often right at the person who might have wronged them - and then move on. It sounds great in theory and I have no illusions as to how it might work in reality, but it's a step. It's a place where one can be heard, who's genuine pain or shame can be acknowledged and then buried.
One encouraging fact is that my kids' generation seems to be much farther along in moving beyond the institutionalized racism I grew up around. I doubt if I'll live to see the generation born for whom race matters not at all, but I do have faith that that generation is coming.
October 29, 2008
4:24 p.m.
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j_jetson_s writes:
This makes me sad. I grew up in Durango and never would I have imagined such hatred and bigotry there.
October 29, 2008
4:28 p.m.
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TimeLord writes:
"The anti-Bush faction"
Also known as almost all Americans.
October 29, 2008
4:35 p.m.
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The_Punnisher writes:
Read about NATIONAL SOCIALISM....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSDAP
Then look at the policies that the Obama crowd wants to implement.
If you can get over the emotional content, then you can ask if the shoe fits....
But that may be too much to ask from this crowd...
" Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it "
-Santayana
October 29, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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me2 writes:
Why not put up a huge Obama sign, then sit in a "moron blind", you know, like a duck blind, and video the vandals. Get their faces and their cars plate number. then put that on a bigger sign.
Instead of getting angry, get creative.
October 29, 2008
5:53 p.m.
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rage_against_the_stupid writes:
This is an orchestrated story slipped into the hands of the Obama supporting press. Mr. and Mrs. Somrak, why is there black paint on your right index fingers? Remember, it's the right who are suppose to be nazis, you used the wrong symbol, great work.
October 29, 2008
6:06 p.m.
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tdaniels writes:
rage_against_the_stupid: after reading your last post, I have to ask, mad at yourself often?
October 29, 2008
6:12 p.m.
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V_twinMan writes:
BTW it's illegal to post signs on highway property.
October 29, 2008
6:14 p.m.
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roger44 writes:
Maybe I have too much time on my hands, but when Obama gets elected, will we still be able to call it the white house without being racist? :)
October 29, 2008
8:08 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
lol roger! Well, since it's painted white, probably so. But maybe that wouldn't be PC.
I like me2's suggestion. It doesn't help to get angry. In fact, there are some problems that if you just ignore, they go away. At least in your own mind they might. Many people may stop doing things like this if they don't get a reaction. Is it really that horrible, anyway, that there is a need to get so worked up like some people here have? It is just adding fuel to the fire.
October 29, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
I get a kick out of all the "outrage" over this swastika, yet Sarah Palin hung in effigy doesn't even get a raised eyebrow. On the contrary, the DNC says hanging Sarah Palin not only doesn't constitute a hate crime but she has it coming! Two-faced democrats.
Get used to it my Conservative friends - this is Obama's world now and this is our new reality.
October 29, 2008
8:36 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
rage_against_the_stupid writes: "Remember, it's the right who are suppose to be nazis, you used the wrong symbol, great work."
Nonsense. All totalitarian regimes originate from the Left. Read Jonah Goldberg's latest book on the subject.
http://liberalfascism.nationalreview....
October 29, 2008
8:39 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Cowboy,
Even Bill OReilly says it's not a hate crime because she's white. Does that mean white people's lives aren't as valuable?
October 29, 2008
9:14 p.m.
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PaleoConservative writes:
Heidi writes:
"Cowboy,
Even Bill OReilly says it's not a hate crime because she's white. Does that mean white people's lives aren't as valuable?"
That's the gist of most hate crime laws, but that's not exactly what O'Reilly said. Lynching an effigy of a black man in your front yard would be a hate crime. Lynching an effigy of any Presidential or V.P. candidate could be considered a threat under some circumstances, and would probably earn you an unwelcome visit from the Secret Service. The Palin lynching was part of a much larger Halloween display; in this context, it would not be considered a serious threat. An effigy of Obama in a similar display would probably not interest the Secret Service, but it would certainly interest Obama's minions at NBC, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, Air America, PBS, Denver Post, NYT, Los Angeles Times, The Tehran Tribune, The Quetta Chronicle, and the Tikrit Tattler.
October 29, 2008
9:37 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
PaleoCon,
Last night or the night before Bill did say it wasn't a hate crime because she is white so that doesn't fit the description of a hate crime. He didn't say anything about her life not being more valuable. I don't want to start any rumors here!
You are right, the left-leaning media would go crazy if it was an effigy of Obama.
October 29, 2008
9:41 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Oops! "He didn't say anything about her life not being more valuable." I meant "as valuable".
October 30, 2008
10:52 a.m.
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Ezana writes:
This is going on all over the country in every region. And yet it takes a dumb Halloween decoration for people to talk about it. When was a group other than African Americans selectively targeted for their skin color in the U.S.? To suggest a parallel between a political effigy and and one hung in the south (Kentucky) of the country's 1st black candidate is naive. You think the Palin effigy had anything to do with her being white (or a woman)? If you do, you have no idea what country you live in. Obama is the better candidate and is prevailing despite a tsunami of crap. A lot of you republicans throw around the word "racist" as if you know what it means. You don't, you don't have to I mean outside of inflaming bigots with sideways attacks that you don't even fully understand the implications of. I'm glad he has more money (online donations) and more TV time! Hopefully he's changing a lot of minds.
If you need a reminder about what country you live in go to what I posted under the article about the effigy (links from local news all over the country describing similar events). There is racism:
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/ro...
October 30, 2008
11:14 a.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
Here is Barack Obama directly telling his people to get into confrontations with Republicans and Independants:
"I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face," he said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article...