To the Editor:

Have we gotten to the point where the opposition has to resort to stealing campaign signs in order to sway the vote?

I am an outsider; I came to visit Coplay from Florida in the midst of this campaign. I know what political mud-slinging is all about. I worked the democratic Presidential campaign as well as local campaigns so I know what can happen when it comes down to the wire!

During the Obama campaign I stood next to a man in a military uniform with my sign as he held up his sign in support of the opposing party. I could have been the aggressor and asked him to get out of my way; instead, I went over to him and acknowledged that he was a soldier, a man representing the freedom of our country, a man sacrificing his life on the front lines to uphold what this country stands for, the right of free speech and choice.

In simple terms, the freedom to stand up for what we believe in. I believe in what I do; he believes in what he does ... simple!

As we come to the time to vote for what we believe in, it is not about the elimination of the opposition's signs that will win the vote but rather the belief in the values presented and represented by the individuals who are running for office.

I have no say in what transpires or who succeeds on this ballot. But I ask that everyone respect the opposition as I did mine.

Be humble and be the first to shake the hand of another who, when it comes down to it, is just another human being, flesh and blood, standing up for what he or she feels is best for the overall majority.

Cast your vote for what you believe is the best choice for your community and the future of Coplay.

Richard Osborne

Florida resident visiting Coplay