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October 28, 2008

Hanging effigy of Palin crosses line

A likeness of Sarah Palin hanging from a noose on the side of a West Hollywood home has been deemed a tasteless but legal part of a Halloween display. Los Angeles sheriff's officials said that the display doesn't rise to the level of a hate crime because it's part of a Halloween display which includes other more typical Halloween subject matter.

Jeffrey Prang, the Mayor of West Hollywood, wants the display removed.

"While these residents have the legal right to display Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived," Prang said in a statement. "I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion."

A spokesman for the LA County Sheriff's department was unsure whether a similar display showing a likeness of Barack Obama hanging by a noose would be a hate crime or not.

I find the display extremely offensive. It goes way, way, way beyond merely tasteless, in my opinion. Who the effigy is of doesn't really matter to me. It's vile and I just don't see any humor in it at all.

I predict that if this display remains up then there will be copycat displays exhibiting an effigy of Obama hanging by a noose.

Posted by Kevin at October 28, 2008 08:11 AM