The Hamilton Sign
When I wrote the previous blogpost mentioning the Hamilton billboard I had no idea my next post would discuss it in even more detail. Those that live in this area are familiar with the billboard next to the freeway. Commonly called the Hamilton Sign, it has been controversial since it was first erected on the Hamilton farm in the 1960s.
Our Cancel Culture
The Hamilton Sign from the south. (Click to enlarge.)
Liberals have judged it to be hateful, homophobic, and racist. I’ve never seen any of that, only consistently conservative slogans and saying. However, in this age where any speech that does not conform to progressive norms is deemed hateful, such a sign will be attacked.
The court battles to remove the sign ended years ago and the Hamilton family won. So, when I heard that a petition had gathered thousands of signatures to remove the sign I was both skeptical and not worried. Free speech has long been a hallmark of this country.
But this is a time of tearing down, vandalizing, and riot, the rumors of a mass protest did concern me.
National News
Sheriff Rob Snaza
I believe that God hears our prayers so, on Monday, when asked by a group of local citizens to meet and pray for peace in our community, I agreed. Those prayers were offered up at the front door of Napavine City Hall and other places around our small town. We left that evening hopeful our community would not become national news.
Tuesday, the day of the rumored demonstration, no protesters presented their petition and no demonstrators threatened the Hamilton sign. I don’t know why the protesters stayed away, but more than a hundred residents came to protect the sign. Our local sheriff, Rob Snaza, spoke to the crowd. “We do allow peaceful assembly. It’s a first amendment right.” Later he added, “I’ve made it very clear that if someone goes onto the property, on the Hamilton property, without permission, they’re going to get arrested.” He stated again that he supported peaceful protests, but would not allow violence.
By the next morning, the sheriff’s remarks had become national news.
What kept the protesters away; perhaps it was the power of prayer or the comments of the sheriff. Perhaps it was both. I don’t know, but thankfully the community has remained peaceful.
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