Offensive political signs raise concerns

The recent appearance in Lubec of politically motivated signs featuring unprintable offensive language has people scratching their heads. A frequent question is: "Is this about political persuasion, or is it more a statement about the person who would display a sign like this?" The most recent installation went up just before the Memorial Day weekend in a highly visible location on private property on the North Lubec Road. An identical sign has been on display for a few weeks but in a location seen by few on the Boot Cove Road.
These signs use an obscenity to describe President Joe Biden and also those who voted for him. The most recent installation is in a cluster including two signs promoting former President Donald Trump and also one for U.S. Senator Susan Collins.
Collins' media office has not returned a call seeking comment on her poster being displayed in this context. House District 139 Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias suggested that the town could enact an ordinance prohibiting foul language visible from public property, "just as the state is considering cracking down on vulgar license plates."
Lubec Select Board Chair Carol Dennison contacted the town's attorney, who informed her that such a display, distasteful as it may be, is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, "just like flag burning," and that an ordinance prohibiting it would not survive a legal challenge.
A separate installation on the South Lubec Road includes an improperly displayed U.S. flag, inverted and hung below a flag reading "I will not censor myself to comfort your ignorance." This display of the American flag is a violation of the U.S. Flag Code and is widely seen as disrespectfully unpatriotic.
Signs supporting President Biden are also scattered around town, but none use objectionable language.