Uncle Sam billboard

[Johnny_L.A]

Last month I posted a thread about The Slog. One of the things it shows in it’s Ken Burns style vignettes is a billboard off the 5 at Winthrop. I don’t know how many times I’ve driven by that sign, but I’ve always found it offensive. A couple of messages I can think of are calls for the U.S. to withdraw from the UN and something along the lines of asking why illegal immigrants should get ‘free healthcare’. Except for the The Slog site, I haven’t heard anything about it in the media.

Now the sign is sparking controversy.

I’m all for Freedom of Speech, but I find many things people say very offensive. Posting an ethnic joke on a billboard next to a freeway? Not cool.

“It does target Mexicans because that’s where the humor about immigration is in terms of Lewis County,” Hamilton said. “Am I then racist because I’m willing to speak out against an intense problem we’re having?”

<snip>

“We have an increased crime rate because they’re here and we have a higher health care costs because they are here,” Hamilton said. “They bring their own values and live the life of whatever country they came from, and they get all the benefits from living in this country. They don’t want to assimilate into our culture. It stratifies our culture and it tears it apart.”

Hamilton also contends that illegal immigrants disturb the existing social order wherever they settle.

Ah, screw it. I’ve typed a couple of different paragraphs and they turned into Pit material.

Suffice it to say that Mr. Hamilton should be shunned.

[The_Tof]

I’ve seen that billboard a few dozen times. (Living in Portland, and occasionally treking up to Seattle.)

It is nearly always some sort of very right wing statement. Although, occasionally I sense a general anti-government theme. But I’ve never seen anything I considered out and out offensive before. I usually consider it an oddity of the trek (or slog, ha!) and nearly always have a look when I drive by.

The thing is, if he’s willing to post to the world that he’s a racist jerk, I think that kind of thing does more harm to his cause than good in the long run.

BTW- The Slog site… interesting. I’m at work now, will have to take a look when I get home. I’m curious to see why the Interstate bridge is the Bridge of a Thousand Sighs.

[Johnny_L.A]

@The Tof

The thing is, if he’s willing to post to the world that he’s a racist jerk, I think that kind of thing does more harm to his cause than good in the long run.

Sadly, I think a lot of people will agree with him. I can’t believe the number of Ron Paul supporters up here. And I’ve recently registered on a gun forum (I’ve applied for a CCL, and have ordered the forms to apply for a Curio & Relic FFL) and I’m a bit shocked (yes, I’m sheltered) at the attitudes displayed there, some of which are at least borderline racist.

[A.R.Cane]

When I was in the trucking business I made frequent trips up I-5 to the Seatac area. In the early years the Hamilton sign would often be funny stuff. When Clinton was president, it turned to nasty right wing sniping and has continued downhill since. It used to be on the west side of the highway and I looked forward to reading it, but later, not so much. They erected the new one, more prominently and much less humorous.

[Rico]

@A.R. Cane

In the early years the Hamilton sign would often be funny stuff. When Clinton was president, it turned to nasty right wing sniping and has continued downhill since.

Sort of like the Rush Limbaugh Show??

[Interrobang]

I love that billboard, in a “what a crazy loon” kind of way. I’ve loved it since I moved out here 15 years ago. It’s the kind of nutbar effort that makes me proud to be an American, and if Mr. Hamilton wants to be as offensive as all get out, more power to him.

That said, of course, I’ve disagreed with every single word ever posted on that billboard. Yes, including “the.”

[ChiefScott]

I assume, of course, the billboard is on the right hand side of the street?

[Sunspace]

@ChiefScott

I assume, of course, the billboard is on the right hand side of the street?

Depends on which way you’re facing, doesn’t it?

[Richard_Parker]

@Sunspace

Depends on which way you’re facing, doesn’t it?

No, the billboard, like its ideology, need not comport with the rules of physics or logic.

I forget, is it before or after that triumverate of statues (I forget who they are, Mother Teresa, MLK…someone help me remember)?

[Hostile_Dialect]

@Johnny L.A.

I can’t believe the number of Ron Paul supporters up here.

Wait, what? What does Ron Paul have to do with racism in immigration policy? I thought he was a small-L libertarian in Republican’s clothing.

Well, it just makes me even more glad I’m a Green.

[Johnny_L.A]

@fetus

Wait, what? What does Ron Paul have to do with racism in immigration policy? I thought he was a small-L libertarian in Republican’s clothing.

I’ve read comments from people who support Ron Paul who also echo the messages (not just on immigration) I’ve seen on the billboard.