A quick drive around the area would make you think the fall Presidential election was coming up again based on some of the complaints coming to the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department. Residents have called to complain about flags or signs with vulgar language on them that sit on private land but can be seen by the passing public. It is an extension of what was seen last fall with signage representing both political parties were vandalized, resulting in at least one person being charged in Sturgeon Bay. It has been disappointing for Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski who says that even though it is protected free speech, it does not mean you should still do it.
He adds that nobody has been asked to take down a flag or a sign unless it violates a local ordinance, but says the owners are notified of the complaints. Joski suggests people should have better discipline to control their actions and their words with the next generation of leaders watching closely to everything we say and do. You can read more of his thoughts below.
FROM MATT JOSKI
Over the years, I have written numerous times on the topic of character and how we demonstrate our character by our actions. I have also written many articles regarding resilience and the way in which each of us behave when faced with outcomes we do not like or agree with. Both of these are lessons we try to provide to our children, and the best teacher there has ever been is without a doubt are actions. While it is important in a free society that our views and opinions not be suppressed, the true measure of our own personal character is the way in which we express our views and opinions.
Civil discord should be just that; civil. It is not always easy in the face of opposing views to maintain our composure, but if there is to be constructive dialogue and any hope for mutual understanding, that dialogue must contain respect and decency. This brings me to an issue of which I have received more than a few complaints about, and as in many instances does not fall within the realm of criminal behavior. It has to do with the display of political opinions within public view. These displays which incorporate vulgarity, have taken the form of either billboard signs affixed to private property or flags flown on private property which are visible to the general public.
Although it would seem that such public display of vulgarity would be enforceable as disorderly conduct, it is not. I along with other Sheriffs have reached out to legal resources and have been informed that such displays are in fact legal as protected speech so long as they are not posted within public easements or right of way. This brings me to a phrase I have used many times when asked about our obligations as community members and especially adult community members which is; just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should. There are many actions we can take on any given day which although legal, fall well short of our higher obligation as contributing members of our society. There are also many examples of so called leaders who act with a complete disregard to the principles they have sworn to uphold or to the population they have sworn to protect. To these examples I would say “We can and should do better”.
Whether at a local level, state level, or national level, we all have concerns over various decisions which have been and continue to be made. We live in an amazing country where these concerns not only can be voiced, but should and must be voiced. While not perfect, the United States is one of the few countries in the world where we can not only question our leadership, but more importantly become an active force for change through the election process.
Although difficult at times, we must discipline ourselves and our exchange of ideas or opinions so as to build bridges rather than burn them. To create awareness without isolating or alienating those who may not agree with our perspective.
A guide I like to use when caught up in a discussion of a subject I am passionate about is to consider the words I choose and whether or not I would chose those words in the presence of my children. While we may not be able to control the events which unfold around us, we have total control over how we react and respond to them. To those who choose vulgar words or actions, please know that I have invoked your actions as great examples of what not to do, or who to become. Always remember we are being watched by our next generation of leaders. Let us strive to form them in our best likeness.
