Obama sign thefts cowardly

I'd like to address the thefts of Obama yard signs that have taken place in Houghton and the surrounding area for several weeks.

In short, those responsible are cowards and criminals and haven't the wits to truly engage in the political process.

These kinds of actions demonstrate the negative politics being perpetrated by the right, also seen in the McCain ads (recently surveyed and found to be 100 percent negative). The perpetrators of these thefts lack the knowledge and integrity required to take a principled stand for a candidate and back up their positions with facts.

Without the means to engage meaningfully in political discussion or debate, immature cretins lash out in an act of desperation as McCain has already surrendered Michigan to the Obama campaign and has cancelled all campaigning in the state.

I have a suggestion that might actually enrich your life and that of the homeowner from which you stole the sign.

Try talking to the person who lives at the house. If you have a good reason not to support Obama, explain your reasons. Then, listen to the opposition. Try to understand him or her as you would like to be understood.

This is how a responsible citizen acts. This is how democracy works. We acknowledge that we disagree, but can still meet each other face to face and eyeball to eyeball to see if we can find some common ground.

These conversations need to be taking place out in the public square. Come out of hiding and defend your ideas with your words instead of slinking in the shadows and shame.

JEREMY S. SANDRIK

Houghton