To the editor:
A political vandal, after several late-night attempts, has managed to obliterate the "McCain 2008" bumper sticker from my car, which was minding its own business in my driveway. Not a big deal, I suppose, except I paid $50 for the decal as a campaign contributor.
A run-of-the-mill vandal is merely a hooligan who feels disconnected from life — a figure of pity. A political vandal (PV) feels that his or her views trump mine. The PV will not discuss ideas face to face. The PV, a coward, prefers midnight defacement.
With several neighborhoods declaring that this town is no place for hate, I wonder if the PV sees this as a hate crime. I do.
I have replaced the torn sticker with a new one that now features Gov. Palin's name as well. PVs can burn books and mar decals, but a good idea always prevails.
Dennis Chambers
Newburyport
