NWR: Political lawn signs/Trump rant

100yroldblinddog · November 2015

I don't usually love to engage in political discourse as it tends to become a matter of who can yell louder, but I have to unload.

I live in a multi-ethnic, new construction neighborhood, but our builders jumped ship, so it's unfinished and parts of it are a real eyesore. My next-door neighbors walked away from their home over a year ago and it has yet to sell. Things were looking pretty unglamorous already, but today it got worse: the neighbors on the other side of that house put a Trump sign in their yard today.

I mean, come on.

I was so sure that when Trump threw his hat in this ring with the other 16ish more logical Republican candidates that he'd have been long forgotten by this point, but it's real life, and people are putting out his lawn signs.

Definitely no one's going to buy this for-sale house now unless they have a great sense of humor. This has to be a family of master-level trolls, right?

mileybangerz · November 2015

Just build a wall around their house.

kimmiinthemitten · November 2015

100yroldblinddog said:
I don't usually love to engage in political discourse as it tends to become a matter of who can yell louder, but I have to unload.

I live in a multi-ethnic, new construction neighborhood, but our builders jumped ship, so it's unfinished and parts of it are a real eyesore. My next-door neighbors walked away from their home over a year ago and it has yet to sell. Things were looking pretty unglamorous already, but today it got worse: the neighbors on the other side of that house put a Trump sign in their yard today.

I mean, come on.

I was so sure that when Trump threw his hat in this ring with the other 16ish more logical Republican candidates that he'd have been long forgotten by this point, but it's real life, and people are putting out his lawn signs.

Definitely no one's going to buy this for-sale house now unless they have a great sense of humor. This has to be a family of master-level trolls, right?

Ugh. Thankfully I haven't seen any Trump signs but when we visited our house the master bath was adorned with Barack Obama toilet paper. I mean, okay it's a gag gift whatever, but you really leave that out when you're selling your house?

themosthappy91 · November 2015

100yroldblinddog said:

I don't usually love to engage in political discourse as it tends to become a matter of who can yell louder, but I have to unload.

I live in a multi-ethnic, new construction neighborhood, but our builders jumped ship, so it's unfinished and parts of it are a real eyesore. My next-door neighbors walked away from their home over a year ago and it has yet to sell. Things were looking pretty unglamorous already, but today it got worse: the neighbors on the other side of that house put a Trump sign in their yard today.

I mean, come on.

I was so sure that when Trump threw his hat in this ring with the other 16ish more logical Republican candidates that he'd have been long forgotten by this point, but it's real life, and people are putting out his lawn signs.

Definitely no one's going to buy this for-sale house now unless they have a great sense of humor. This has to be a family of master-level trolls, right?

Some places actually have laws about when it is permissible to put out political lawn signs (i.e. they can go up X number of days before an election and have to be down by X number of days after)... any possibility this applies here?

Honestly even if there is not a rule at play I would say something to the neighbors- I would go nuts looking at a sign for a candidate I actually liked for as long as you could potentially be looking at that one.

100yroldblinddog · November 2015

@themosthappy91: You rock. I was so hopeful that there was something legally limiting the amount of time someone could have their lawn signs out, but unfortunately it looks like nothing like that applies to PA. We do have an HOA that may have some thoughts on the matter, however.

You're right that I should say something to them if it bothers me so much, but I guess I'm worried about ruining my cordial acquaintanceship with them (I imagine they won't respond well to my inquiry) and was preferring to have some formal backup on the matter.

@kimmiinthemitten, maybe I should get them Hillary toilet paper so they can keep their ridiculous political views inside the home!

AddieCake · November 2015

Why should the neighbors have to take it down just because OP doesn't like it? I'm certainly not advocating for Trump here, but I find it odd to suggest she speak to the neighbors about it.

100yroldblinddog · November 2015

AddieCake said:

Why should the neighbors have to take it down just because OP doesn't like it? I'm certainly not advocating for Trump here, but I find it odd to suggest she speak to the neighbors about it.

Maybe not directed at me, but the reason I was considering speaking to them was because the sign is so polarizing and placed almost one year prior to the election, which seems inappropriate.

I also didn't get into these specifics in my OP, but Trump family's next door neighbor (on the side that's not for sale) is a Hispanic family, and their neighbors across the street are as well. I won't lie and say the ethnic issue is my primary reason for wanting the sign down, but it is another reason to talk to them. I would have assumed that this particular family was not interested in trying to incite their neighbors.

lyndausvi · November 2015

AddieCake said:

Why should the neighbors have to take it down just because OP doesn't like it? I'm certainly not advocating for Trump here, but I find it odd to suggest she speak to the neighbors about it.

Assuming local laws and/or HOA rules allow the signs the first amendment allows the sign to stay, regardless if you like it or not. Especially, if it's on private property.

I would give a big fuck you to a neighbor who suggested I removed ANYTHING (political sign or otherwise) sitting on my own property.

Yes it might be annoying, but it's not the OP's place to tell her neighbors who they can publicly support via lawn signs.

For the record, I'm not a Trump supporter.

100yroldblinddog · November 2015

Thanks for the input, PPs. @lyndausvi, I'd feel the same way about suggestions on my property (regardless that I keep my house pretty inoccous).

I have a feeling this matter is already more offensive to other, closer neighbors than it is to me, and the sign will probably not live to see too many more days anyway.

lyndausvi · November 2015

100yroldblinddog said:

Thanks for the input, PPs. @lyndausvi, I'd feel the same way about suggestions on my property (regardless that I keep my house pretty inoccous). I have a feeling this matter is already more offensive to other, closer neighbors than it is to me, and the sign will probably not live to see too many more days anyway.

Just keep in mind, some one puts up a lawn sign more than likely has extras in case their's is stolen/removed.

CSunshine76 · November 2015

There is a primary election in 4 months, and people have every right to support their candidates (hoa and local laws considered of course). I cannot believe this is even a complaint, much less than you're trying to make it about ethnicity. Don't like it? Don't look at it.

MairePoppy · November 2015

Taking off on mileyangerz suggestion: build that wall around your house, 100yobd, so none of your neighbors can offend you.

I can't stand the Donald either, but what about free speech?

cupcait927 · November 2015

I guess I don't understand why you're concerned about what your neighbors think of it? I live in a very Republican/red leaning town that I'm sure wouldn't appreciate a Hillary sign in my yard, but I'll be damned if anyone is going to tell me that they don't like it and asks me to take it down. Granted, she's not as polarizing as Donald Trump but still the same idea.

Maggie0829 · November 2015

I'm with Lynda and Addie. It is their lawn and if there is not a law or HOA rule against putting the sign out this early then it is just something that you have to learn to ignore. Because if a neighbor came up to me and asked me to remove a sign from my property that I legally am allowed to have out, things would not end well.

People are allowed to support whoever they wish in regards to politics. You don't have to like their choices, but you should respect their right to express their views. It isn't like they are putting signs on your yard.

banana468 · November 2015

Part of what makes this country great is our ability to express our viewpoints. I don't agree with plenty of things that others say but I absolutely respect my fellow citizens' rights to say them.

lyndausvi · November 2015

In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Missouri city law prohibiting signs at private residences. Margaret Gilleo ran afoul of the law when she placed a 24-by-36-inch sign in her front lawn with the words, “Say No to War in the Persian Gulf, Call Congress Now” and an 8 ½-by-11-inch sign in the second-story window of her home that read, “For Peace in the Gulf.”

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court rejected the ordinance in City of Ladue v. Gilleo, writing that residential yard signs were “a venerable means of communication that is both unique and important.” The Court explained:

“Displaying a sign from one’s own residence often carries a message quite distinct from placing the sign someplace else, or conveying the same text or picture by other means. … Residential signs are an unusually cheap and convenient form of communication. Especially for persons of modest means or limited mobility, a yard or window sign may have no practical substitute. … Even for the affluent, the added costs in money or time of taking out a newspaper advertisement, handing out leaflets on the street, or standing in front of one’s house with a handheld sign may make the difference between participating and not participating in some public debate.”

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

That is so true.

Lower courts have cited this ruling when it comes to laws against political signs on private property. HOAs are generally exempt, However, Texas is one of the states that passed a law saying HOA do not have the right to exclude political signs on private property.

I'm not a fan of panhandling signs either. Here in CO a US federal court just recently shut down local law in CMG's neck of the woods banning them because it's violates free speech. Now all cities in CO are having to re-look at panhandling laws. At least in my town, the police have been told not to uphold existing laws until they figure out what to do. Note - if they are on private property, then the owner can asked for them to be moved. For example, our grocery store is on private property, they can be asked to move from there. It's the public areas that are in question. Our panhandlers know EXACTLY where the property lines are. Right down to the inch. Which in the case of the grocery store is a small strip right next to the entrance.

themosthappy91 · November 2015

I'm sorry but I just think it's beyond obnoxious to have any political sign up literally four months away from the election (primary), regardless of candidate or political leaning.

I mean, y'all are right that if no rules or laws apply prohibiting it the neighbors absolutely have the right to have it there and no one can force them to take it down. I guess the OP doesn't have much of a vested interest in it other than just being annoyed looking at it but you can bet if I was the homeowner trying to sell the house next door I'd be taking it up with something- the neighbor, the HOA, whoever.

It's just ridiculously early and I'd be doing the same if it was a sign for Hillary, Bernie, Trump, Jeb etc.

ETA: I guess I don't understand the hostility being expressed on this thread about "if someone asked me to remove something on my property it would not end well etc. etc." Like can't we be reasonable human beings and not blow a fuse when someone makes a simple request of us, even if we ultimately refuse the request? If a neighbor asked me to remove any sort of "eye sore" issue (sign, junky lawn decoration, whatever) I can't say I'd definitely acquiesce but I'd just politely say "No, I like having that there because of X" and go about my life.

holyguacamole79 · November 2015

Honestly, if I were looking to buy a house, I could care less what political signs may or may not be in the yard. I've lived on my block for 10 years and I don't have any clue how my neighbors vote. What I do know and care about is that they are kind people who stop to say hello if you're walking your dogs at the same time. After Hurricane Ike hit, neighbors were loaning their generators and help clear debris. As long as they are friendly, keep the property value good, and relatively quiet, I don't care which candidate they support.

Also, I personally think it's hard (if not impossible) to find a presidential candidate with whom you agree on 100% of the issues and their statements. It's a bold statement to think that just because your neighbor has a Trump sign means that they are racist.

Maggie0829 · November 2015

themosthappy91 said:

I'm sorry but I just think it's beyond obnoxious to have any political sign up literally four months away from the election (primary), regardless of candidate or political leaning.

I mean, y'all are right that if no rules or laws apply prohibiting it the neighbors absolutely have the right to have it there and no one can force them to take it down. I guess the OP doesn't have much of a vested interest in it other than just being annoyed looking at it but you can bet if I was the homeowner trying to sell the house next door I'd be taking it up with something- the neighbor, the HOA, whoever.

It's just ridiculously early and I'd be doing the same if it was a sign for Hillary, Bernie, Trump, Jeb etc.

ETA: I guess I don't understand the hostility being expressed on this thread about "if someone asked me to remove something on my property it would not end well etc. etc." Like can't we be reasonable human beings and not blow a fuse when someone makes a simple request of us, even if we ultimately refuse the request? If a neighbor asked me to remove any sort of "eye sore" issue (sign, junky lawn decoration, whatever) I can't say I'd definitely acquiesce but I'd just politely say "No, I like having that there because of X" and go about my life.

I'm sorry but a sign is not an eye sore. I don't see how it has any effect on the house being sold. It isn't like this person built a huge billboard on their property. It is a typical sign place in their yard. There are things that people need to pick and choose their battles on. A political sign is not something that you should even care about. Trash in the yard? A broken down vehicle rusting away? A recliner and sofa used as lawn furniture? Grass up to your waist? All of those are things that you should complain about. But a freaking sign? No. You may think having a sign out there is obnoxious. You may hate the candidate, but it is their yard and if they aren't breaking any rules then they are allowed to have it out there.

And yes, I would have a major issue with a neighbor if they asked me to remove it. It isn't hurting anyone and it doesn't make my house look like a serial killer lives there. So really I would tell the neighbor to kiss my ass. But then again I have major issues with neighbors thinking that their way is the only way and trying to control what I can and cannot do or put on my property. My house, my land, I pay the bills, so mind your own damn business.

banana468 · November 2015

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

holyguacamole79 · November 2015

banana468 said:

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

Can you talk to my husband, please? He saw this at Wal Mart and said we should get it. I'm scared that he's not joking.

lyndausvi · November 2015

themosthappy91 said:

I'm sorry but I just think it's beyond obnoxious to have any political sign up literally four months away from the election (primary), regardless of candidate or political leaning.

I mean, y'all are right that if no rules or laws apply prohibiting it the neighbors absolutely have the right to have it there and no one can force them to take it down. I guess the OP doesn't have much of a vested interest in it other than just being annoyed looking at it but you can bet if I was the homeowner trying to sell the house next door I'd be taking it up with something- the neighbor, the HOA, whoever.

It's just ridiculously early and I'd be doing the same if it was a sign for Hillary, Bernie, Trump, Jeb etc.

ETA: I guess I don't understand the hostility being expressed on this thread about "if someone asked me to remove something on my property it would not end well etc. etc." Like can't we be reasonable human beings and not blow a fuse when someone makes a simple request of us, even if we ultimately refuse the request? If a neighbor asked me to remove any sort of "eye sore" issue (sign, junky lawn decoration, whatever) I can't say I'd definitely acquiesce but I'd just politely say "No, I like having that there because of X" and go about my life.

yes. And I doubt I would actually blow a fuse at a request to their face, but yeah, it would not go over well in my mind. Fairly certain I would not honor the request.

I think telling a neighbor to removed something is crossing the line (assuming it falls under HOA and local laws). It's my house and I can have anything I want on my property. Sorrynotsorry.

I also agree it's ridiculous that to have a sign out this early. I also think it's ridiculous to have Xmas decorations out before Thanksgiving (or before Back-to-school at stores), but hey it's their property they can do what they want.

And who says a Trump sign will mean no sale? There are some non-wealthy people who support Trump. They might say "cool, someone else with my same political view." If the other neighbors are worried, they have the right to put up their own signs to show the Trump guy does not speak for everyone.

Maggie0829 · November 2015

holyguacamole79 said:

banana468 said:

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

Can you talk to my husband, please? He saw this at Wal Mart and said we should get it. I'm scared that he's not joking.

I drove by one townhouse that had a blow up decoration that was seriously as tall as their house.

I am not a fan of blow up decorations, but I am even less of a fan when the blower is turned off and then you have a "dead" looking snowmen, santas and reindeer laying all over the yard.

sparklepants41 · November 2015

Maggie0829 said:

holyguacamole79 said:

banana468 said:

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

Can you talk to my husband, please? He saw this at Wal Mart and said we should get it. I'm scared that he's not joking.

I drove by one townhouse that had a blow up decoration that was seriously as tall as their house.

I am not a fan of blow up decorations, but I am even less of a fan when the blower is turned off and then you have a "dead" looking snowmen, santas and reindeer laying all over the yard.

Haha yes - like this image from Reddit with the caption "Bumble, what have you done???"

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020756/uploads/editor/a0/710cizexk4df.jpg

thisismynickname2 · November 2015

holyguacamole79 said:

Honestly, if I were looking to buy a house, I could care less what political signs may or may not be in the yard. I've lived on my block for 10 years and I don't have any clue how my neighbors vote. What I do know and care about is that they are kind people who stop to say hello if you're walking your dogs at the same time. After Hurricane Ike hit, neighbors were loaning their generators and help clear debris. As long as they are friendly, keep the property value good, and relatively quiet, I don't care which candidate they support.

Also, I personally think it's hard (if not impossible) to find a presidential candidate with whom you agree on 100% of the issues and their statements. It's a bold statement to think that just because your neighbor has a Trump sign means that they are racist.

QFT. No political party has a monopoly on decent human beings. In addition, as they say, "Left wing, right wing... same bird."

ShesSoCold · November 2015

Honestly, OP, I think this falls into the "people are offended by everything" discussion we're having a few posts down.

kimmiinthemitten · November 2015

thisismynickname said:

holyguacamole79 said:

Honestly, if I were looking to buy a house, I could care less what political signs may or may not be in the yard. I've lived on my block for 10 years and I don't have any clue how my neighbors vote. What I do know and care about is that they are kind people who stop to say hello if you're walking your dogs at the same time. After Hurricane Ike hit, neighbors were loaning their generators and help clear debris. As long as they are friendly, keep the property value good, and relatively quiet, I don't care which candidate they support.

Also, I personally think it's hard (if not impossible) to find a presidential candidate with whom you agree on 100% of the issues and their statements. It's a bold statement to think that just because your neighbor has a Trump sign means that they are racist.

QFT. No political party has a monopoly on decent human beings. In addition, as they say, "Left wing, right wing... same bird."

UO: While this is true, I'm going to be honest and say I'd pause if I was looking at a house and the neighbor had a Trump sign in the front yard. It may not be a dealbreaker, but it could be what tipped my hand the opposite direction. If you have a Trump sign in your yard, I'm assuming it's because "he tells it like it is," and usually that's a euphemism for racist.

When we met with our seller to negotiate something outside of the home sale, he told us "we didn't have to worry about black neighbors." Yep, same guy with the Obama toilet paper. Thankfully, it was his house we bought and he wasn't the neighbor. Our friends said we should have invited my tattooed, black/white brother to the closing:).

short+sassy · November 2015

When I first moved to Louisiana about 15 years ago, I lived in Metairie (suburb of NOLA). There was a guy who owned a large house with a very large yard that was RIGHT by the freeway. He permanently kept a billboard-like David Duke (politician and former KKK member) sign with a U.S. and Confederate Battle flag flying over it. Talk about offensive!

Very visible to the tens of thousands of people who drive down the freeway every day. There were various petitions that tried to make the city force him to take it down, but there was no leg to stand on. His property, he can put whatever sign he wants. As much as I found his display awful and alienating, I wholeheartedly agreed with the decision.

But for this gal who had just moved there from the West Coast, it was pretty shocking.

kvruns · November 2015

holyguacamole79 said:

banana468 said:

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

Can you talk to my husband, please? He saw this at Wal Mart and said we should get it. I'm scared that he's not joking.

@holyguacamole79 apparently a store ad (Target/Walmart type) had a picture of a giant blow up Christmas decoration with minions going down a slide. That evening he's like I saw a picture of something you'd like but I threw it away so you wouldn't see it. I'm all like huh, he finally said it was some minions blow up decoration. I'm like ok I like minions but I definitely don't want them in our front yard, or any blow up decoration for that matter. That makes me laugh that your H wants it though!

holyguacamole79 · November 2015

kimmiinthemitten said:

holyguacamole79 said:

Honestly, if I were looking to buy a house, I could care less what political signs may or may not be in the yard. I've lived on my block for 10 years and I don't have any clue how my neighbors vote. What I do know and care about is that they are kind people who stop to say hello if you're walking your dogs at the same time. After Hurricane Ike hit, neighbors were loaning their generators and help clear debris. As long as they are friendly, keep the property value good, and relatively quiet, I don't care which candidate they support.

Also, I personally think it's hard (if not impossible) to find a presidential candidate with whom you agree on 100% of the issues and their statements. It's a bold statement to think that just because your neighbor has a Trump sign means that they are racist.

QFT. No political party has a monopoly on decent human beings. In addition, as they say, "Left wing, right wing... same bird."
UO: While this is true, I'm going to be honest and say I'd pause if I was looking at a house and the neighbor had a Trump sign in the front yard. It may not be a dealbreaker, but it could be what tipped my hand the opposite direction. If you have a Trump sign in your yard, I'm assuming it's because "he tells it like it is," and usually that's a euphemism for racist. When we met with our seller to negotiate something outside of the home sale, he told us "we didn't have to worry about black neighbors." Yep, same guy with the Obama toilet paper. Thankfully, it was his house we bought and he wasn't the neighbor. Our friends said we should have invited my tattooed, black/white brother to the closing:).

Oh I'd definitely roll my eyes if I saw it. I just wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the person is a racist who would affect my day-to-day life.

holyguacamole79 · November 2015

kvruns said:

holyguacamole79 said:

banana468 said:

I think blow up Christmas decorations are far more of an eyesore.

Can you talk to my husband, please? He saw this at Wal Mart and said we should get it. I'm scared that he's not joking.

@holyguacamole79 apparently a store ad (Target/Walmart type) had a picture of a giant blow up Christmas decoration with minions going down a slide. That evening he's like I saw a picture of something you'd like but I threw it away so you wouldn't see it. I'm all like huh, he finally said it was some minions blow up decoration. I'm like ok I like minions but I definitely don't want them in our front yard, or any blow up decoration for that matter. That makes me laugh that your H wants it though!

H also wanted to get one of these for his Halloween costume ... I married a funny man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWGEuxZX6OA

NWR: Political lawn signs/Trump rant

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