Editorial: Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs

Nothing stirs up people’s emotions quite like the political season.

Everyone has candidates and issues that elicit strong reactions — both positive and negative. It’s a lot like sports. People pick sides, dig in and search for every edge against their competitors.

Unfortunately, that search for those elusive competitive edges can go too far.

Politics obviously isn’t for the weak of will, but civility should trump the desire to have one’s opinion heard.

Signs are among the simplest, yet most effective tactic in political advertising. It’s vital for any candidate to develop that name recognition throughout his or her community.

Throughout Southern Arizona, signs — some clever, some colorful, some visually captivating — adorn the roadways. Competing candidates and ideas share the same stretch of real estate, peacefully engaging in a silent battle for attention.

It’s a visual representation of what makes America great — the collection of disparate messages, presented without favor, allowing citizens to make up their own minds.

However, emotions are sadly starting to get in the way.

If one takes a drive throughout Green Valley, one will see a handful of vandalized signs. Disagreement is one thing; sabotoge is another.

Members of the Green Valley Democrats and their Republican counterparts have had many of their signs stolen this past week. The last thing anyone wants is a sign war, where the two sides resort to a sign-stealing contest.

Stealing and vandalizing political signs isn’t merely rude and immature, it’s the antithesis of what the American political process stands for — a free exchange of ideas.

In addition, those running for office need to respect people’s personal property. Some Green Valley and Sahuarita residents have woken up to be greeted by a sign sticking up in their front yards that wasn’t there the morning before.

It’s wonderful that so many Southern Arizonans exhibit such a great deal of passion when it comes to politics. At the same time, the partisan mindset can occasionally overwhelm what should be considered common courtesy.

The proper response shouldn’t be to eliminate the sign; it should be to come up with a better one.

So, from now through November, it’s time to get to work on those snappy slogans and shows of support.

There’s room for everyone’s sign.

Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Respond with a Letter to the Editor by e-mailing letters@gvnews.com.