A billboard in Maryland featuring negative caricatures of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked a fiery debate. Situated on Route 4 and Bowie Shop Road in Huntington, Calvert County, the billboard portrays cartoon depictions of the president and vice president emerging from piles of cartoon excrement. The accompanying pro-Trump message reads, “DON’T BLAME TRUMP! YOU ARE STUCK WITH THESE TWO (expletive) HEADS!!!”
While the billboard has found support among Biden’s critics, it has also drawn significant criticism from many Maryland residents who find it offensive and unsuitable for public display. Jeanette Flaim, Chair of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, has taken a strong stance against the billboard and called for its removal. Flaim argues that the explicit imagery and language on the billboard are inappropriate for children commuting to school and for parents who may have to explain its content.
However, removing the billboard may not be as straightforward as Flaim hopes. According to the 2015 Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court Decision, the offensive message displayed on the billboard might be protected as free speech. County officials, including Buddy Hance, the President of the Board of County Commissioners, affirm that they cannot intervene as long as the language used complies with the law.
Despite the legal protection, Flaim remains resolute in her fight against the billboard. Acknowledging and respecting the presence of a pro-Trump agenda in the area, she believes that the current sign goes too far and urges the creators to consider replacing it with something less controversial and offensive. Flaim emphasizes that her concerns extend to Republicans and Independents as well, not just Democrats.
The person responsible for the anti-Biden billboard has chosen to remain silent, declining requests for comment. This raises the question: Are they avoiding public scrutiny or letting their sign speak for them?
Reflecting on the 2020 general election and its divisive atmosphere, this explicit billboard serves as a reminder of the polarizing nature of politics. It is crucial to acknowledge that in his first one hundred days in office, President Biden fulfilled his campaign promise of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations, underscoring his commitment to the nation’s well-being.
What are your thoughts on this controversial billboard in Maryland? Share your opinion: should it be allowed to remain?
