The photo above was taken at Beachwood Plaza on Route 9. In it, we see three men who have apparently set up something of a pop-up sign shop.

The signs say, "Hillary For Prison 2016".

You'll notice that political signs have been discussed a number of times by a few different authors in these pages. But one aspect remained consistent throughout - all of the discussions focused on signs for candidates, not signs against a candidate.

Regardless of our individual political affiliations, I think that many of us can agree that this political cycle has become ugly and exhausting.

As I mentioned previously, I feel like this year more than ever, more people will be voting against the candidate who they dislike as opposed to voting for the one that they like.

While I am unaware of the status of a business permit that may or may not be held by the gentlemen in the photo, we're all entitled to our opinions on either side. The First Amendment, a true pillar of American freedom, gives us the right to express those opinions. But I'd have to ask the people in this photo one question - do we really need to sink this low and go negative?

This election has devolved into a war of name calling, petty disputes, and tit for tat insults. But do we really need to join in on the ugliness?

I like to think that Ocean County, our home, is a place where we can engage in mindful and respectful discussions without the need to become insulting.

And again, I hold all sides responsible; Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green, Libertarian.

The photo above is not an indictment against one candidate or one party, but I think it's an example of how petty this whole process has become.

So what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to weigh in on the comments section!

 

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