Anti-war display a flash point

[Ernesto]

A Sacramento couple has stirred up controversy by using their home as a medium to protest bushco's lack of honesty about Iraq.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/12345213p-13213019c.html

[Squatch]

1. Free Speech is a motherf***er

[cheezus]

3. people are for free speech.... when it's speech they like

sadly, that seems to apply to almost everyone these days
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1235992

[jamesinca]

2. Bush lied, I died

That is what they wrote on their sign, and hung it on a military uniform.
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Stephen and Virginia Pearcy hung a U.S. military uniform from a gable of their Land Park home to protest the war in Iraq and provoke discussion.

<SNIP>

"If what they want to do is open an effective dialogue, this won't achieve it," said George Lakoff, a University of California, Berkeley, linguistics professor. "I suspect it merely inflames."

<SNIP>

Not everyone agrees that the message is too incendiary.UC Davis professor Clarence Walker, who sometimes uses images of effigies when he teaches America's history, believes it's not just the image but U.S. ambivalence about war that is being tapped.

<SNIP>

Still, Deborah Johns of Roseville, co-founder of Marine Moms and Military Families, has asked police to investigate the Pearcy display as a hate crime."My son wears that uniform every day. It's an insult to hang it up like that."The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the hate crime allegation and expects to have a decision in a few days.

<SNIP>

A Sacramento-based group called Move America Forward, which describes itself as a national movement to support U.S. troops, has called for a candlelight vigil outside the home in the 2700 block of Marty Way at 7 p.m. today to send its own message of dismay. "We believe this family has the right to free speech ... but speaking freely does not mean all sentiments should be warmly embraced," said Siobhan Guiney, executive director.


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[Ian David]

4. Here's the picture. I only wish my wife would let me hang one here

Anti-war display a flash point
Outrage at Land Park pair's use of uniform may stifle dialogue.
By Carrie Peyton Dahlberg -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, February 15, 2005

<snip>

Huddy, who has researched anger and anxiety as drivers of political action, said those who identify strongly with soldiers are likely to be especially disturbed by such images, reacting as if America's enemy has now moved within.

It's the spotted camouflage uniform, topped with a helmet. The noose that once went around its neck. The perception that this must be an effigy, a hated symbol, caught in the act of doing something vile, even though its creators deny intending that.

<snip>

"It's not holding the soldiers up to hate or ridicule. It's pointing out that the soldiers are being misused," he said. "They've really brought this thing home." Still, Deborah Johns of Roseville, co-founder of Marine Moms and Military Families, has asked police to investigate the Pearcy display as a hate crime.

<snip>

The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the hate crime allegation and expects to have a decision in a few days.

More:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/12345213p-13213019c.html

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[Ian David]

5. People are planning a candle light vigil in front of the guy's house

The smart thing for him to do:

Light a candle in his own window with a sign, "I mourn for them too."

If it wasn't for the fact he might get his ass kicked, I would suggest he go outside and stand beside them.

[bush_is_wacko]

10. He should have all his friends and neighbors that are in agreement out fro

with TRUTH signs, peace signs and candles BEFORE the idiots arrive! I don't think he would get his ass kicked then!

I live too far away, but I would willingly go to armed with candle and protest sign if he wasn't so far away.

I live in Colorado.

[fleabert]

6. Lied/Died is the second installment since this hit the news here...

they do not live in the house, they live in the bay area and keep the house in Sac and frequently decorate it with protest type stuff. About a week or so ago this hit the news and included a shot of an 'unidentified man' (he spoke on camera but did not give his name) climbing up and tearing down the display. I don't remember exactly what the display was, but I remember a flag in the window below the 'figure' in fatigues ( I think it was an Iraqi flag- not sure) and the figure was supposed to appear dead. It didn't make much of an impact as an anti-war statement. After it got torn down and made the news, the new one went up, which is the figure with Bush Lied/I Died. This is much more clear and to the point on a glance, glad they did that. More power to them!

If people are too stupid to see the rational of supporting the troops equaling not supporting the war, I don't know what to say to them.

[sacxtra]

7. They need to watch the video Otep - Warhead (Capital) n/t

[David__77]

8. My hometown...

It's good to see people coming out to support these people too. I would tonight if I could. I fully agree with their statement. I do think that it would have been more savvy to avoid a "noose" the first time though, since that does hearken to imagery of "supporting" rather than portraying such a thing. The second display is better.

[gratuitous]

9. The freepers are upset because . . .

The display is simple, poignant, easy to understand, spot on, and totally against their demented world view. So they must protest it or tear it down.

They made a tactical mistake, though, when they mentioned that they will mobilize the strength of their alleged 100,000 followers in the area, because when the usual half dozen malcontents show up for their candlelight vigil, they'll look even stupider for their small number.

Prepare to point and laugh.

[Erika]

11. This couple has guts

To know they are right, I view www.icasualties.org daily.

We can best help our troops by doing like actions. In my solid red area, the most I can safely do is to keep my Kerry/Edwards yard sign up and standing.

[Ian David]

12. Maybe it would be more to the point if it had its guts spilling out

But no noose. Just a big tangle of intestines, maybe some bullet wounds, and a sign that says, "Bush Lied, I Died."

Or:

"Bush Lied: He Hates My Guts."

I hope one of the pro-war protesters shows-up with a "Get a Brain Morans" sign for when the media arrives.