In reading The Beach-comber’s editorial (“The politics of yard signs and marriage equality”), I found myself in complete agreement with concerns about the lack of tolerance shown when someone’s political views are marginalized, and in the case described, vandalism by the removal of signs from a yard.

As was commented on last week by another reader concerning Greg Wessel’s politically one-sided (humor) column, politics are something many people on the Island would like our local weekly paper to stay out of. But on the subject of intolerance, I couldn’t agree more.

I am a moderate politically. On occasion, I have favored a Republican candidate and displayed my support with car bumper stickers and signs in my yard. In the last election cycle, I had a sign stolen three times, and my car was even keyed. Scratched the entire length of the car, and right through the bumper sticker.

I have also had a religious Christmas nativity scene vandalized on three occasions. Just this past week, I was told by a dear friend that having an American flag at my house shouted out that I was a Republican and wouldn’t be well thought of by many! Really? I was also told when the keying, vandalism and thefts happened, it was probably just kids or practical jokers. No, it wasn’t. It was intolerance. Just like the Rhoads-Weavers.

My underlying concern is that many on Vashon, including The Beachcomber, believe that categorizing people that disagree with them politically as unintelligent, non-thinking, uninformed, even homophobic, is fair game. This is intolerance, though those responsible would not see it as such.

On any side of an issue, candidate, referendum — vandalizing or stealing someone’s sign because you don’t agree with the message, is just plain wrong. Even if you think that your ideas or positions are the only ones that should be considered “thinking.” Intolerance is still intolerance.

— Andy Amstrup