Page 11 - IAV Digital Magazine #506

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
Mass. ManPutsElectricFenceAround Trump Sign To Protect It FromThieves
By WJAR Staff
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WJAR) - A supporter of President Donald Trump from Massachusetts has implemented extreme meas- ures to protect his yard signs after he says several of them were stolen from his lawn.
While a Trump campaign sign on a lawn isn’t uncommon, one surrounded by electric wire fence is. But that’s what John Oliveria, a mem- ber of the New Bedford School Committee, has done at his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
“It’s a shame that I have to do this,” Oliveria said. “I
believe in the president. Obviously, people didn’t like that.”
The formerly life- long Democrat who recently turned Republican is showing his sup- port for the presi-
dent, but Oliveria says six signs disappeared from his lawn. Two police reports later, he had enough.
“I’m done with this. I’m just try- ing to make a statement and
say what I believe in,” he said. “The elec- tric fence is a deterrent. Horse wire carries a charge. It will cer- tainly send a message.”
It’s been two weeks since the
wire went up, and the sign has stood its ground. He says another sign on his lawn, one that encour- aged people to get out and vote, was never touched.
“Our country is
about different opinions and being able to voice those opin- ions in a fair and equitable man- ner, and when you’re taking people’s signs, that’s not fair and equitable,” Oliveria said. “You have to be able to respect each other because we’ll never get any- thing accom- plished if you don’t. Don’t mess with my right to free speech.”
The legality of electric fencing in residential areas in Massachusetts depends on the laws and regula- tions of the com- munity. If some- one or their pet is hurt by the fenc- ing, it could lead to legal trouble down the line.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine