To The Editor:
It is with a profound sense of dismay that I have to share this egregious violation of the spirit of Christian charity and goodwill toward others.
I worked on the political campaigns for local Democratic candidates and witnessed the most appalling behavior by some radical, mean-spirited people who I assume to be Christian by virtue of the political statements they left behind in the wake of their acts of vandalism, theft of property and trespassing against us Democrats.
These extreme radicals stole lawn signs of ours – for John Avlon, Democratic candidate for Congress and Democratic State Senate Candidate Sarah Anker. The vandals marked our signs with their own political messages and then nailed them to telephone poles all over the end of South Jamesport Avenue and Main Road. The acts were done the morning of Nov. 5 across the street and in front of the George C Young Community Center election polling place.
It is so disheartening to see this behavior by people who proclaim they love their fellow citizens and preach tolerance. It would appear that their Christian generosity and religious charity only extend to those who are like-minded. And all others be damned.
This is why there is, and must be, separation of church and state.
While I do not tell people of faith how to live their life, religious extremists do not have a right to jam beliefs down my throat by stealing our signs and defacing them. Have you no decency?
For those who engaged in this act of violence, how would you explain this to your children or your fellow faithful if you were caught on video slinking out in the cover of darkness to do your unholy deeds?
Self-government is about policing your own behavior and acting civilly toward your fellow citizens. Shame on you. Respect is due us whether you believe in our candidates or policy positions on issues or not.
RM Cahill
Riverhead
Postscript: Even though the election is long over, the signs are still up. Shouldn’t the Town of Riverhead take these signs down?
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