As I drive through Burien today, I notice the amount of signs out and about for people running for office, Yes on this issue and No on that issue.

But tomorrow when I go by, some signs are on the ground or missing. Besides these signs costing money there is another reason why they are to be left alone.

These signs are protected by the First Amendment. Freedom of Speech.

People who put the signs out to ask for your vote or to inform the public about some other cause are exercising their RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES, protected by the First Amendment.

But also the Revised Code of Washington 29A.84.040 says in part, "Defacing, removing of political signs is punishable by 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine per sign.

People should be putting fallen-over signs back up, not stealing them. Are the people who steal these signs trying to hide something?

If you see someone playing with a sign or stealing a sign, get their vehicle license number and call 9-1-1 and file a police report.

Maybe after a few of these common thieves get arrested people will understand they should not steal these expressions of free Americans. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office would love to make an example out of these common thieves.

The process will work even with these people around but let's put a few of them away. Freedom of Speech is an important part of our country.

Patrick J. Dooley

Burien Business Owner