February 09, 2005
Sacramento couple hangs US GI's uniform from noose in yard
A Sacramento couple, Steve and Virginia Pearcy, have politely hung a US military uniform from a tree in their front yard, with a sign dangling from it saying, "Your tax dollars at work."
Many neighborhood residents find the display offensive and disrespectful, while the Pearcy's insist they are utilizing their First Amendment right to free speech.
The homeowners behind the controversy are Steve and Virginia Pearcy. They released a statement saying, "There will always be people who are offended by political speech, and the most important forum of all ... is one's own residence. The First Amendment is meaningless unless dissent is allowed."The display has been reported to the local police, the city attorney, and even the local city council.
Councilman Rob Fong pointed out that what the couple is doing is protected as free speech, saying, "Unfortunately or fortunately this is protected speech by the First Amendment ... so there is nothing we can do about it."
Posted by mhking at February 9, 2005 03:16 PMWhile I'm deeply offended by the Pearcy's display, they have the right to make damned fools of themselves. If I were one of their neighbors, I would excercise my First Amendment rights and let them know how foolish they are.
All true. Speech is protected, even for those too stupid to draft a coherent thought.
Posted by: King of Fools at February 9, 2005 03:41 PMI hate to advocate the breaking of the law, but I wouldn't mind if somebody "took" the display in the middle of the night. (No violence , please)
Posted by: Steven J. Kelso Sr. at February 10, 2005 01:33 PMI see that http://www.nicedoggie.net/archives/004972.html
reports the effigy has been torn down by some of the neighbors. I also recall, but forget which, one other site reporting a motorcyclist (biker-type, perhaps?) stopped by and tore down some remaining bits and pieces.
Good.
Posted by: Steven J. Kelso Sr. at February 11, 2005 11:52 AMAccording to the Opinion Journal, this lets us know where the idiots among us live, so I'm all for them setting up their beacon.
Posted by: Sgt Fluffy at February 11, 2005 11:38 PMI believe the Pearcy's have the right to freedom of speech, but they didn't have to display it in such a disrespectful and un-patriotic way. The soldiers are there fighting for our freedoms, regardless of how the Pearcy's felt, they SHOULD support our troops who are dying for us there. They have a job to do and they are doing it regardless of the cause. My husband is an active duty soldier who is preparing to go to Iraq and my brother in law is already there. They realize their job and understand their oath they made when joining the military. They support the troops regardless of their feelings about the war! This should be known to every American citizen and beyond. Our troops need us to salute them, not hang them from their homes!!!!!!!!!! Be smart about it.
Posted by: Lacy at February 12, 2005 05:32 PMThe Pearcys have place another uniform up on the house today, complete with a new sign. Both of them spoke to the news media today.
Posted by: Tom at February 12, 2005 08:48 PMI only live a mile away from these people...
I am getting blitzed by liberals on my blog because I wrote about it.
I can't understand how these people can live in the US and enjoy the freedom that is available to them because of so many lives that have been given for it! Is making a mockery of our troops, an appropriate way of showing appreciation?? I wonder what Mr. Pearcy has given up for his freedom, besides poor taste?
Posted by: Jack S. at February 15, 2005 02:02 AMThis is pretty distasteful, to say the least.
But I still think that the antidote to hateful speech is more speech, not censorship.
It's an interesting question. If YOUR next-door neighbor put up a display such as that, what sort of sign might YOU want to put up -- on your own property -- in response? Perhaps "My Neighbors Are Unworthy Of Your Attention" might work.
respectfully,
Daniel in Brookline
What about bumper stickers supporting the war effort and the parties involved in bringing us there, is that an acceptable form of free speech? Yes. Why is that OK but an opposing view is considered unpatriotic? What is patriotism? I am glad to be an american but not proud of what our government is doing in Iraq. Support our troops and bring them home.
Funny how we each look at this issue so differently. I see our troops over there fighting for George Bush's agenda, not for freedom.
give me five minutes alone with these pigs.
Posted by: lou at February 18, 2005 08:11 AM