Controversial sign outside bar in Johnston, Iowa:
“TRUMP 2024 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
BEFORE YOU DEFUND LAW ENFORCEMENT
MAKE SURE THE NEXT LIFE THEY SAVE ISN’T YOURS
JOE AND THE HO GOTTA GO!”
“To use that derogatory term against our sitting, current Vice President of the United States, who is also the first Black, Asian, and woman to hold that office, is not only racist, but also sexist,” said [neighbor] Luana Nelson-Brown. “And downright anti-patriotic.”
“In addition to getting the preliminary advice from our attorney, we’re also going to look at…does this violate any campaign sign laws? Let’s look at it from that angle. Is this hate speech? Kind of think outside the box, be creative. Are there other legal ways to attack this sign?” [Johnston mayor] Paula Dierenfeld said.
The sign is undoubtedly offensive, but where does society draw the line between permitted free speech and unacceptable hate speech? What if a business puts up a sign saying “Black Lives Matter” with gay pride rainbow banners on either side, and a conservative Christian finds it offensive and wants it removed? I pose this as a question, not making an attempt at an answer! I will state that had the link to the porn website remained, the sign should be taken down, since an underage person could use it to view material inappropriate for a minor!
