A Battle With Kamala Sign Thieves and a Lesson on Never Backing Down
We are the true patriots.
I promised to update you this week on our Kamala sign. Since I last reported my concern about my sign on October 2nd, this whole thing has grown legs and walked away.
On October 4th, we found our Kamala sign tossed in the street and the metal stand missing. Earlier in the evening, we had heard kids yelling "Kamala," so we figured they were the culprits.
My husband recovered the sign, cable-tying it to our front railing, outside our front door, and within the scope of our Ring camera. Satisfied, we thought that would be the end of it.
But no.
On the morning of October 14th, the sign was gone. The cable ties were still there, but someone had yanked our sign from the rail. The Ring camera didn't catch anything. Our 9-year-old pit-mix, Polly, afraid of stepladders, fly swatters, wind, rain, and loud noises, slept through the theft.
The same night, my neighbor's sign also went missing. After seeing her lack of a sign, my neighbor had the sense to drive by my house around 11 p.m. to see if our sign was still up (it wasn't).
Our thieves were not late-night operators.
The following day, we both called the police non-emergency number to report the signs stolen. Only Kamala signs had been targeted.
We replaced the sign, which was immediately stolen the next night. I noticed it was missing by 8 p.m.
Our thieves had a curfew.
This time, our neighbor's signs were left alone. I called the police again. We discussed why the Ring camera was not picking up the theft since our camera should have detected the movement, primarily after I increased its sensitivity.
At the same time, we had noticed a daily pattern: the same group of boys rode by our house on their electric bikes in the late afternoon and again later in the evening, continually glancing at our house as they rode by.
Why?
The next time they rode by, my husband made it a point to let them know we were aware of their habits and were keeping an eye on them. Later on, I also delivered a mom-level stare-down as they rode by again, and they stared right back.
Our signs have stayed put.
Since then, my husband has gone nuclear. He's making homemade signs, and now we have four signs in front of our house, a grab-em-by-the-ballot mini-garden flag, and a new Harris/Walz painting on our rock (let’s see them steal that!)
He’s got backup signage, waiting for the next sign heist.
In the meantime, Trump supporters on both sides have amplified their signage in response. I guess they’re taking our sign hijinks personally.
Two other friends in the neighborhood have had their Kamala signs broken or stolen this week. Don’t worry; they’ve been replaced with new ones. We do not let them win.
I'm so tired today, and I wish election day were over.
Let's end with some good news.
I'm going canvassing with our local democratic council candidates. It's been a positive experience, with beautiful Halloween décor and many tail-wagging dog friends greeting us.
FYI-With only 13 days until the election, I decided not to send out a newsletter on November 6th. I’ll work the polls on Election Day and attend a night-time victory party. Fingers crossed!
I got to hold both my grandsons at the same time. It's a joyous time, and my family keeps me going!
Here is my new favorite photo ⬇️
That is so irritating and these boys are probably getting the message from one side that bullying and destroying anything that gets in the way is the way to handle life. It's disgusting. I love the rock sign! Here, we have huge signs that call our area "Trump Country." "You are now in Trump country." Oh no they are not. But as much as I dislike that sign I'm not going to tear it down. So far, it's a free country. Let's pray it remains that way.
Even though I am Canadian, I’ve been mesmerized by the US election and the rampant idiocy. Your story Ilona, shines a light on the importance of loving thy neighbour. I’m proud of you and your husband’s tenacity and creativity in expressing your beliefs. Plus your chutzpah for getting out on the canvassing trail is to be applauded. My friends and I are holding our breath that this election falls on the right side of democracy as it will affect not only Americans but people around the world.
~ holding my breath for the good new, your buddy Deborah ♥️🙏