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Dear Editor:
I have been a resident of Mineral Point for 36 years. I raised my children here. I have always, with great pride and eagerness, shown my visitors this city. We were dubbed, "Mineral Point Nice" by a tv show about our town. I confess that I have been known to brag about Mineral Point.
So, I am very saddened by the recent development of political signs being defaced, destroyed or stolen while trespassing in yards and obscenities being hurled at people with different political views.
Mineral Point taught me about living in a community and about being a neighbor. Being a neighbor transcends differences. A good example is our volunteer fire fighters and EMT squad. They never ask your political party before giving assistance!
So, it is with great sadness that I learned about this rash of political signs being defaced or stolen and obscenities being hurled at people putting up signs. Kriss Marion surprised me by saying, "Signs and campaigns are a celebration of our unique and wonderful democracy." I would not have used the word "celebration". But indeed, she is right. Campaigning is a celebration of our unique democracy. It celebrates our ability to have different political parties, opposing opinions, and free speech. Any of these would not be tolerated in many other governments around the world.
I believe this election is very important. But I have to ask, can't we have this election without losing civility, respect and the value of being a good neighbor?
Let others know, it is illegal to trespass, steal or destroy political signs from either party. It is punishable by law and can result in arrest, large fines or jail time. Report incidents to both your city and county sheriff. Law enforcement is aware of this problem and ready to act!
Thank you,
Christine Tsubokura
Mineral Point, WI