Opinion: Stop Obama Sign is Disrespectful

I am a resident of Holliston and felt moved to write a letter today regarding something I saw downtown.

As I drove through town on the way to pick up my children at school, I passed Middlesex Bank. In front of the bank a table with a big "Stop Obama" sign was set up. I absolutely believe in freedom of speech, and if you want to "Stop Obama", that is your opinion and you are entitled to it.

What I found profoundly upsetting was that the picture of President Obama's face was altered with a Hitler mustache. I think everyone reading this knows what a Hitler mustache looks like. My children, 14, 11 and 9 can identify a Hitler mustache. As far as I am concerned, and I venture to guess most of Holliston, if not the United States, looks at Hitler as the most heinous of criminals. A murderer who committed unspeakable acts. To have the President of the United States' picture defaced in such a manner is, in my opinion, extremely disrespectful and disturbing.

For the first time in my entire life I called the to complain. I was told very kindly by one of the officers that "unfortunately their was nothing they could due unless the group took up over half of the sidewalk - first amendment rights."

As I said, I am a firm believer in the First Amendment and the freedom of speech, but I do not think that this is the appropriate way to get the point across. I do not like to see this in my town, or to have my children see.

Erika Perone-Bailey