Enough Of These Campaign Signs

Regardless of one's political orientation or views, I think we can all agree that there are far too many political campaign signs strewn all over our streets. There are signs on trees, on fences, on telephone polls, and then all those signs with the stakes that are planted everywhere.

In many towns and other municipalities, there are numerous restrictions about non-political signage. Many towns prohibit real estate signs such as Open House signs any place other than for a limited period directly on the the property of the house that is for sale. Many communities prohibit the posting of garage sale, and other types of individual signs. Yet, when it comes to political signage, it seems that there are few restrictions.

On a ride of under a mile yesterday, I observed no fewer than two hundred political campaign signs. Some were on posts, and others on stakes, while a few were stuck in bushes and on fences. To call these an eyesore, is an understatement! Even worse, these signs almost invariably state little more than a candidate's name, and obviously give a potential voter little insight into the candidate. At one point, I observed a dozen signs for the same candidate on one stretch of town property in a middle area of the road.

This is certainly nothing new in political campaigns, but it seems in this year and time of excesses, that it is even more extreme and excessive this year than most. Even more disconcerting is that in the past, many of these signs remained behind months, and sometimes, even years, after the election.

Perhaps this is just another evidence of urban blight. But, it is overwhelming not only in urban areas, but in rural areas as well. It is an equal opportunity litterer, strewn thorough neighborhoods regardless of socio-economics. To me, it is merely graffiti without the artists, and adds nothing to the debate.

It does not appear to be a Democrat versus Republican, or conservative versus liberal issue, because candidates of all political persuasions are equally guilty. However, when some of these candidates brag about their record on the environment, how can they reconcile that with all the paper, cardboard, plastic, and other materials that are wasted by these eyesores. It's time to change the system, and the outlook.