Sign Fearing Fiends

[November 3rd, 2004] What could be more American than that constitutionally protected staple of the political season called the lawn sign?

And yet some feel unduly threatened by this simple assembly of wood, free speech and posterboard--and these sign-fearing fiends we hereby elect to the office of Rogue of the Week.

Take the case of Cary Lundgren, a Northeast Portlander who had signs outside his houses supporting Measure 36. He is entitled to his opinion against gay marriage. But two of his neighbors who had signs opposing 36 received disturbing letters, purportedly from Lundgren.

"The only good fag is a dead fag," the letter said. "I seen your vote no on 36 measure [sic].... You will all go straight to hell for gay sex."

One of his neighbors, Brian, told the Rogue Desk, "It's scary to think that someone who feels that passionately and violently about this issue happens to be a neighbor."

Very scary--if it's true. Lundgren, contacted by the Rogue Desk, said, "I never wrote that letter." He said he's been the target of several anonymous letters--the last one crediting him for writing a "scary letter"--as well as a prankster's placement on Craig's List of an ad offering his home for sale. For what it's worth, Lundgren sounded more intelligent to the Rogue Desk than the letter that bears his name.

Consultant Steve Andersen of Southwest Portland, meanwhile, reports finding a pro-Bush lawn sign while jogging, cramming it into the back of his shorts to bring home. After a while he felt pain and pulled the sign out--only to discover his back was bleeding. Someone had apparently secreted razor blades in the sign--presumably to punish would-be sign thieves. Andersen still has the sign--and fresh pink scars--to prove it.

Finally, there is the case of Nicole Kay and Marco Kivett. The 18-year-old Medfordians were busted recently stealing pro-Bush and Yes on 36 signs.

The real crime? Kivett had not registered to vote.