A billboard in Maryland has sparked controversy with its negative portrayal of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The billboard, located in Huntington in Calvert County, features cartoon caricatures of the president and vice president surrounded by piles of cartoon feces. The accompanying message reads, “DON’T BLAME TRUMP! YOU ARE STUCK WITH THESE TWO (expletive) HEADS!!!”
While the billboard has received praise from those who oppose President Biden, many residents of Maryland find it offensive. Jeanette Flaim, chair of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, has been vocal in her opposition to the sign and is working to have it removed.
Flaim expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s just vulgar. Kids see it every day on their way to school, and parents shouldn’t have to explain that kind of language to them.”
However, removing the billboard may prove difficult. The county commissioners may be obligated to leave it up due to the 2015 Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court Decision, which protects offensive messages as a form of free speech.
Buddy Hance, president of the Board of County Commissioners, acknowledged this challenge, saying, “As county government, there’s little we can do about the language on a legal sign. Free speech is a fundamental right, and we have to respect that, whether we agree with the message or not.”
Flaim, however, remains determined to have the billboard taken down. While she understands the pro-Trump sentiment in the area, she argues that the explicit imagery and language are inappropriate for public display, especially where children can see them. She hopes that by pressuring the individuals responsible for the sign, they will choose to replace it with something less controversial.
“We’re not complaining about other signs,” Flaim emphasized. “It’s specifically this sign that we believe is damaging to our community. Republicans, Independents, everyone.”
The person responsible for the anti-Biden billboard has not yet responded to requests for comment. Are they avoiding the public eye or letting the sign speak for itself?
The 2020 general election was marked by tension and divisiveness. In his first hundred days as president, Joe Biden fulfilled his campaign promise of vaccinating 100 million Americans against COVID-19.
What are your thoughts on this controversial billboard in Maryland? Do you believe it should be allowed to remain standing?
