There is something odd about the defacing of Forrest Dunbar signs across Anchorage.
Let me give the ideological, logical, and prosecutorial arguments against these being conservatives, at least any that you and I know or have ever met.
Logical: Why say TAX and not MASK?
I know half, or more, of my friends hate masks. They hate them because they are ineffective, because they give false security, because they are virtue signaling (or compliance signaling), and they are a visual reminder of how different our country is than the country they understood and fully loved a mere 15 months ago.
Many folks may have been worried about taxes 16 months ago. Hardly anyone talks passionately about taxes in my personal groups since COVID. Certainly not strongly enough to break the law by trashing an opponent’s sign.
Ideological: Conservative Cancel Culture?
The main mode of operation for the Left over the last five or so years has been to cancel anyone they disagree with. We see this with conservative speakers who are shouted down, conservative judges who are falsely accused, doctors who supported Hydroxychloroquine, folks who want to allow travel without a “vaccine passport” and any of a hundred other issues that disagree with left-wing orthodoxy.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
The cancel culture strategy of dehumanizing opponents with unquestioning righteousness does not exist in conservative circles. As Classical Liberals we live by the motto: “I may disagree with what you say, but I will die defending your right to say it.”
The reason I don’t know anyone who writes stupid messages on Forrest Dunbar signs might be because I don’t consort with stupid people, or it may be because classical liberals and conservatives don’t use this type of violent tactic to stop free speech.
Prosecutorial: You find them, I’ll help prosecute them.
I was at a meeting yesterday, and was able to ask Dave Bronson a question: “Dave, do you know who is defacing Forrest Dunbar signs?” His answer should interest you.
As close as I can remember, Dave said: “I don’t know who is doing that. I have asked all my supporters to provide any evidence about who they are, and I will help to prosecute them.”
As they say in the movies, “Is that definitive enough for you?” These are not Bronson folks, at least not the ones he wants. Whoever they are, we aren’t friends.
May I offer an alternative theory or two?
I believe that two possibilities are likely here.
- There are truly foolish far-right activists who don’t understand how awful, counterproductive, unconstitutional, politically destructive and frankly stupid it is to deface an opponent’s sign.
- There are truly devious folks in another political hemispheres who understand everything in the previous sentence all too well.
Bronson requests: If you see something, say something and help stop whoever is disfiguring political signs.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
6 Comments
….As I have thought it is Dunbar’s supporters defacing ‘his’ signs… Why? I have lived 75 yrs and seen this from: Liberals and leftist radicals.. It is a very effective tactic! Works very well on the “low info, uneducated, ‘drive-by’ citizen.. who is easily brainwashed. I am not saying or accusing Mr. Dunbar of foreknowledge. Sharon
Yeah vandalizing the signs of political opponents makes zero sense. Is the idea that a Dunbar voter is going to see Dunbar’s sign vandalized and think “good point, I should join the vandals and vote for Bronson”? It seems far more politically beneficial for the candidate who was the “victim” to make drama and motivate their base.
So when the shoe is on the other foot its a bad thing. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror. I’ve seen lots of republican signs defaced over the last few years.
I don’t condone this. It is illegal and it needs to stop. A good way is to not have the mail in voting and a picture I’d given freely by the state.
I will keep keep my eyes open for this type of activity and will report whoever I find doing it!
Remember when they (the commie left) did this to Amy Dembowski?? Only the defacing of the signs was extremely derogatory, vulgar, and sexist??? No comment from conservatives or commies. In fact I remember “conservatives” throwing her under the bus and cowering. It was cringe! For Pete sake don’t apologize to these people. Forest can die in a dumpster fire with Felix and his buddy Chris for all I care. Not one tear shed for communists. Bronson isnt behind vandalism. Period. Not his problem. Uphold the law but don’t cuck for the left. It NEVER works out for us. And it’s demoralizing to the people donating time and money to your campaign.
I think its simple. If the sign is on public property all bets are off. If its on private, then the property lines should be respected. The only reason the left is upset is because it is exposing the truth. The truth about what Dunbar really stands for. The politicians have proven time and time again they will say and whatever it takes to get elected. Including lying. Would dunbar get elected if he was open and honest about his agenda? Of course not. They don’t like being exposed. Their greatest fear is YOU being awake. Where was the fake outrage over the destruction of conservatives signs? How about Trump signs? Dunbar can go to his safe space and cry it out, and leave the leading to the leaders.
This culture is not only about “cancel” but also about victimhood. Thus whoever is defacing these signs know this: If you are a conservative, you are playing right into the hands of those who will vote for Dunbar because they are outraged that he is a victim of this kind of super low tactic, (which frankly, this kind of tactic,I just don’t think that those who vote for Bronson really have any interest in doing ,we have a superior candidate why do we have to stoop to such tactics…we just want the better candidate, and that clearly is Bronson. On the other hand, if you are the defacer (s) and are an ultra liberal who knows how this game can be played…..well, is anyone surprised?