To the editor:

I woke up this morning and looked out my window and noticed something was missing; it was my Barack Obama yard sign.

I have never in my life felt compelled to put a bumper sticker on my vehicle or a sign in my yard, but this election and the issues it’s raised are important enough to me that I purchased a yard sign and displayed it proudly in my front yard.

When I discovered that it had been stolen, I felt that the thieves took more than just my yard sign; they took from me my right to free speech, my right to display to the world whom I stand for and what ideals I am in alignment with. What they left behind was a reminder of just what’s wrong with this country and the world: intolerance. While I may not agree with opinions that differ from mine, I would defend till my dying day everyone’s right to have their own opinion.

I can choose to be defeated by this relatively small violation of my property and of my right to free speech, or not. I choose not to be defeated; I choose to speak out, to put up another sign, and still another if need be.

So, to whoever took my sign I ask, how would you feel if you lived in a country where you weren’t allowed the freedom to express your opinions, where political decisions were not made by the people, where you didn’t have a voice? Think about that the next time you see a yard sign or a bumper sticker for someone you don’t support and then be glad you live in a country where you have a voice.

S.E. Azar

Freeland