People put political signs up in their yards all the time. With the upcoming mayoral race here in Toledo, that’s in fact what many are doing in the surrounding area. When my partner approached me about placing a specific candidate’s sign in our own yard, I said I wasn’t comfortable with it. And in all truthfulness, I’ve never really been displaying anything political at wherever my place of residence has been.
I actually try to completely steer clear of politics on all levels for one reason and one reason only. There’s too much slander that often goes on between candidates. Whether it’s for mayor, governor, senator, congressman, or president, I find that much of the political system has become weighed down with too much negativity and gossip, in other words, backstabbing. And these are things I don’t wish to involve myself in, as they only make me feel more irritable and judgmental in life. Thus the idea of having a sign with a candidate’s name on it in my yard doesn’t quite appeal to me.
And regardless of whether there is or isn’t any of that slander going on, I feel the presence of a sign in my yard would take away from the serenity I’m trying to create within it. Currently, when one passes by my place of residence, most often what’s commented on is the serenity they feel from my gardens and yard. But I feel that if I had a political sign sitting smack dab in the middle of it, that it could change that and even polarize those that live around me. What I most want when anyone passes by my home is to feel a sense of peace rather than possibly be triggered by a sign supporting a specific politician.
Thus, as much as this frustrated my partner a little when I refused to allow him to place his favorite mayoral candidate’s sign in our yard, I honestly believe that it was the healthiest thing to do. And while this doesn’t mean I’m not going to support a specific mayor or anyone else who runs in some future election, I’d just rather not create the potential for more separation between others and me. But even more importantly, I’d like for people to continue seeing and enjoying the beauty of God’s nature in my yard, instead of thinking about something political every time they pass on by…
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson