MASON CITY – A law firm sent a letter to the City of Mason City informing City officials that vulgar, tasteless, divisive and demeaning political signs are protected by the First Amendment.
City councilman and Mayor-Pro Tem Paul Adams shared the letter via social media. According to Mr. Adams:
“Law firm tells Mason City that vulgar, tasteless political signs are protected by First Amendment. The topic of vulgarity on political signs has generated a lot of discussion recently. Below is a document the City received from our attorneys that addresses this. I do not support any type of sign being displayed that is vulgar in any way but the Supreme Court has ruled that these types of political signs are protected by free speech. It’s not my job to judge someone’s intelligence. It is my job to inform the citizens of Mason City of what legal right the City has in this case since there have been complaints about it.”
In the run-up to the 2020 election, to be held November 3 as voting is already underway, the stakes are getting higher and the rhetoric is reaching epic proportions. With that comes brash, outlandish attempts to get attention and promote the candidate of choice. Sometimes folks are even committing crimes and stealing political signs. Many are hoping that the drama and childishness ceases after the votes are counted.
I am going to exert my rights and burn it down.
You don’t have the right to destroy someone’s property. Hope you try cuz maybe the homeowner will defend his property and you’ll have a butt full of buckshot
You have the right to destroy whatever you like in the name of racial equality. Or so the media and celeberties say.
BS.
Go figure, north end Mason City. Full of intelligence and well maintained properties.
From the North end: Thank you. It’s nice to be appreciated.