"You think our job is to win souls to Christ. All
we do, by getting in their face and putting
these signs in front of them and these plain
words, is make what's already in their heart
come out of their mouth."
~(Shirley Phelps-Roper)~
In the BBC documentary The Most Hated Family in America, filmmaker Louis Theroux questioned Shirley Phelps-Roper as to whether she had considered that Westboro's technique of protests were more likely to "put people off the Word of Jesus Christ and the Bible". In response, Phelps-Roper said, "You think our job is to win souls to Christ. All we do, by getting in their face and putting these signs in front of them and these plain words, is make what's already in their heart come out of their mouth." Later in the documentary, Phelps-Roper agrees that the $200,000 the church annually spends to fly to funerals to protest was money spent to spread "God's hate".
Though the main purpose of the Priests Rape Boys website is to criticize Catholicism, the WBC also criticizes several mainline Protestant churches on the website, including Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Baptists. The WBC states that
Though the main purpose of the Priests Rape Boys website is to criticize Catholicism, the WBC also criticizes several mainline Protestant churches on the website, including Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Baptists. The WBC states that
A number of Phelps' critics have suggested that the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church are merely a ploy to receive attention and publicity above all else, though the Phelpses themselves deny this claim. Counter-protesting against the group, they suggest, gives them attention and incentive that they do not deserve; and a more effective response against Phelps would be to ignore his family and congregation completely. WBC, through the closely related Phelps Chartered law firm, has collected fees under the Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Award Act of 1976 when their protests have been unlawfully disrupted.
Katherine Weber of The Christian Post states that "Westboro is considered an extremist group by most mainstream Christian churches and secular groups, and is well known for its aggressive protesting style." The Methodist Church, Baptist Church, Reformed Church, and Evangelical Church "have issued a joint statement repudiating the actions of Westboro Baptist Church," stating that:
A frequent critic of the WBC is political commentator Bill O'Reilly, who regularly calls the church "evil and despicable". Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore has also criticized the church.
***
This petition will be delivered to:
Dekalb County
Mason Mill Civic Association & Neighbors
DeKalb County: Enforce Code of Ordinances
regarding signs at 1840 Mason Mill Rd
Bobby Rasulnia
United States
Bobby Rasulnia started this petition with a single signature, and now (June 22, 2016) has 248 supporters. Start a petition today to change something you care about.
We, the undersigned residents of the Mason Mill area, encourage DeKalb County to enforce the county’s Code of Ordinances and ensure that the resident at 1840 Mason Mill Road complies with them.
We are greatly disturbed by the number, design characteristics, content, and location of signs and activities in the front yard of 1840 Mason Mill Road. Many of the signs use offensive language and present distasteful, provocative and abusive content. In addition to violating many of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances, the excessive signage:
- creates an aesthetic nuisance,
- is a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard, and
- is a detriment to property values and to the county’s general public welfare.
Over the past decade, the signs have become excessive and they are often accompanied by dancing flags. These activities are distracting and potentially dangerous to motorists and pedestrians, and substantially detract from the beauty and appearance of our community.
For the public health, safety, and welfare of the community, we urge DeKalb County to amplify and accelerate the enforcement of DeKalb County Code of Ordinances, Sections 21(Signs) & 27 (Zoning) to regulate and control the number, design characteristics, content, and locations of signs and activities in the front yard of 1840 Mason Mill Road.
Supporters
Most recent
We are concerned with the message on the signs and pictures used on the signs of our staff with threatening comments.
Sandra Mullins, Decatur, GA1 day ago
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It is offensive to drive down the street, he at times seems to threaten cars and yells when you try to walk by. It is a shame that we cannot walk sown the street.
I actually looked at buying a house on this street and did not because of him.
marybeth HAYES, Decatur, GA1 day ago
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My grandparents live across the street from the house in question. They have faced years of harassment and they were in essence force from the home they lived in for over 60 years. I, and every other member of our family, simply want my grandparents to live their golden years in peace.
William Gary, Pearl, MS5 days ago
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This man is a nuisance and a hazard to traffic. His signs are frequently offensive.
Ron McCauley, Atlanta, GA5 days ago
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I would also note that when I drove down Mason Mill Road past his house on June 15, 2016 he pointed his right hand at me as if it were a gun and used his thumb to "pull the trigger." This is threatening behavior that cannot be allowed to escalate.
Lisa Kotora, Atlanta, GA5 days ago
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These signs and antics are a traffic hazard to MM motorists and offensive for children. Motorists are often captive to signs with disturbed no language and incoherent rants that are a reflection of the resident's mental illness.
Jason Goldstein, Decatur, GA1 week ago
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Ordinances should be enforced in neighborhoods. He is a nuisance and eyesore to the street with his ugly, hateful rhetoric.
Charlotte Neil, Decatur, GA1 week ago
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This is beyond distracting to drivers. It creates a danger and frankly the content of the signs is threatening. I strongly encourage those who are in a place to effect change to go view the yard and see just what a significant distraction this is.
Sarah Anderson, Atlanta, GA1 week ago
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I drive past every day to and from work. It is a maniacal rage of rude,vulgar and offensive items. Purposely distracting drivers. No clear message or reason other than to annoy neighbors. Abuse of overstated freedom of expression. Many times has fowl language and suggestive themes.
Robert Feil, Decatur, GA2 weeks ago
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I work 0.2 miles from 1840. I pass the abomination regularly, and the insanity has worsened for years now. I’m amazed that he has not been stopped. For the benefit of all including himself, he should be hospitalized and all yard ornamentation disposed of.
Patricia Symonette, Atlanta, GA2 weeks ago
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My friend Andie's grandparents own the house directly across the street and it is impossible for them to rent it out due to Jim Ed. Moreover, Ed's signage is threatening and offensive.
Margaret Shawcross, Athens, GA2 weeks ago
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Those signs are ridiculous and need to be taken down!
Camilla Sherman, Athens, GA2 weeks ago
0
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He gets more and more provocative and threatening. I'm worried that he will become violent towards me or my family. My family has lived in this neighborhood since 1986.
Mary Cobb, Decatur, GA2 weeks ago
0
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My family owns a house across the street.
Tommy Segers, McDonough, GA2 weeks ago
0
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I lived across from this address growing up, and witnessed and/or heard many frightening accidents on that dangerous curve over the years. The addition of bizarre and inappropriate signs and displays, and often obscene behavior, right at that dangerous curve, tips the scales significantly.
Michael Gary, Bogart, GA2 weeks ago
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I am signing this petition because I grew up on Vistavia Circle right off of Mason Mill Rd. I am deeply saddened that the natural beauty of that area has been compromised by such unattractive, distasteful signs.
Cindy Connor, Apison, TN2 weeks ago
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My family has lived across the street from this family for years and reported many problems. Please someone make this behavior stop!
Martha Wilson, Denham Springs, LA2 weeks ago
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His signs are a nuisance and some of them are offensive. He clearly needs help.
Andie Ashe, Atlanta, GA2 weeks ago
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I grew up on Vistavia Circle and it is still a beautiful area. I believe in freedom of expression but not to the point that it endangers drivers on Mason Mill. What point is he trying to make anyway?
Cindy Statham Hestla, Columbia, TN2 weeks ago
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My family owns 1841 Mason Mill Rd. directly across the street from 1840. The owner of 1840 has harassed my family personally and online for years without provocation. My parents moved out as a result. We may never be able to sell property with the psychotic, drug-induced behaviors and outrageous, profane displays in the front yard of 1840. Be advised that he is a relentless, sadistic provocateur who enjoys notoriety and confrontation. Thank you for your prompt action.
Bert Gary, Atlanta, GA2 weeks ago
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The signage is heightened significantly at afternoon traffic times, and then reduced again. It is a very dangerous situation--we have seen people nearly run off the road as the orange flags were being waved.
Susan Landry, Decatur, GA2 weeks ago
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I own the property directly across. I have witnessed several unsafe conditions caused by this individual including locked braking and alarmed drivers due to brilliant colored flags being waved near traffic flow. I have witness very inappropriate language on signs. I have witness person sitting naked in lawn chair in driveway. I have had the person verbally harass me and person I have hired to perform work at my home. These behaviors are lowering property appeal and thus value in the local area.
Louis Landry, Decatur, GA2 weeks ago
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These signs create a traffic hazard and some of the words are unsuitable for children. The signs say hateful words against groups of individuals in society.
Debbie Page, Decatur, GA2 weeks ago
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The aesthetic appearance and racist, homophobic designs and messages, and traffic disruption are horrible. The whole mess presented by this yard is detrimental to my property values.
M. Ayres Gardner, Decatur, GA4 weeks ago
0
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I've driven Mason Mill all my life and loved the drive, now I dread it...seeing insane up close and personal is upsetting.
Jane H, Decatur, GA1 month ago
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There was a sign saying, "sometimes you have to pick up a gun to put down a gun." I found this very disturbing as is the full-face sock-monkey mask. This person is escalating his disruptive activities. If he "goes off the rails" do we want to look back and say, why didn't someone do something to intervene?
Marian Gordin, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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please stop the signs with offensive language. This is unacceptable for a street that has kids driving by every day
Jonathan Flacker, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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This is a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard. I often walk my dogs on Mason Mill going to and from the park and these excessive signs create an unsafe situation.
Remus Monds, Decatur, GA1 month ago
1
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traffic hazard, nuisance, detriment to property values
John Zellars Jr, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
1
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Because i agree with the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances
Ilze S. Henderson, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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I'm signing because I am offended at many of the signs out front. The language on many is extremely offensive. Freedom of speech is wonderful but this house is not acting on that right. The residents seem to only be interested in posting offensive, hateful, downright nasty signs in their yard!
Cindy Clark, Decatur, GA1 month ago
1
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enough is enough! It is an eye sore and not sure what point they are making when I go to the park or over to a friends house
Amy Jo Patrick, Decatur, GA1 month ago
1
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I am tired of seeing this person break the law for no reason.
Robert Sherrill, Decatur, GA1 month ago
1
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I am disgusted and embarrassed to pass this house daily. It is rude and dangerous and needs to be removed
Neil Kalnitz, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
1
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we went past this house 3 days ago for a boy scout picnic at a park 1/4 mile away. I was trying to read and drive but only got bits of any sign. One seemed very offensive but I didn't have time to confirm that it said what I thought it said. When leaving the picnic, a clown type person was out there waiving to all the passerbys.
Cindy Spalding, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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We need less crazies in this world!
Kathy Phillips, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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These signs are ridiculous, offensive, and a hazard because everyone looks at them instead of at the road.
Erica Stelten, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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I have to pass this house twice a day, it is disturbing.
Tanya Cassingham, Decatur, GA1 month ago
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The foul language on the signs is offensive. If my kids are with me, I tell them to look away from the scary man. They can read and many of the signs are not appropriate for kids under 10.
Vicki Walton-Mouw, Decatur, GA1 month ago
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I agree
Matt Sloane, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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I have passed these signs and the dancing man in front of the home many times. This is a public nuissance and is innaproriate for young children, let alone an eyesore and a detriment to home values.
Ryan Herrick, Central, SC1 month ago
0
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As a retired pastor, I am familiar with the tragedy of people afflicted with behavior like Jim Ed Avery's, but have never experienced before such prolonged neglect of his mental illness, his safety, and that of an entire neighborhood. Intervention has been needed and legally appropriate for years. His aggressive and threatening stance is a clear harbinger of violence, with signs of actual domestic terrorism. May God deliver him and us from such an outcome, with the hoped for aid of Delalb County.
Elisabeth Lunz, Decatur, GA1 month ago
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I was stuck in traffic and my children and I were very disturbed by the verbiage in the signs. I feel they crossed the line of decency.
Michael Berkowitz, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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The signs are distracting to drivers on Mason Mill.
Betsy Cenker, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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His property is an eyesore and is offensive.
Robin Saul, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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The dancing man in costume waving multiple flags is extremely distracting while driving. The signs have offensive and aggressive language that is not suitable for my family to read.
Jodi Wittenberg, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I'm all for freedom of expression. This yard is a living nightmare and simply dangerous to pass while driving.
Christina Martin, Decatur, GA1 month ago
2
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There are numerous signs (some offensive) and It is a driving hazard besides detracting from the surrounding properties.
Jonathan Dubin, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I have seen this guy (I assume it is a man)! This guy wears a mask as he dances to loud music, and does some crazy flag routine. Not sure what this person is trying to accomplish other than a hateful agenda based on the verbiage of the signs.
David Wain, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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Several of his signs use language that is offensive. We live in a lovely neighborhood and I feel this is detrimental to it.
Elizabeth Benefield, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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Children live in this neighborhood. Also his behavior is VERY erratic and unsafe.
Krista Wain, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I drive by this ridiculous mess everyday. Not only is it non sense but it distracts drivers. I feel sorry for immediate neighbors who'd property value is clearly effected by this nut. I have often had to honk at drivers stopping to try and red this non sense!
Arthur Haber, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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A number of the resident's signs are offensive and some even contain profanity. The signs and blow-up figures are an eyesore and threaten to lower property values in the area, making it difficult for neighbors adjacent to the resident's house or across form it to see their homes.
Liza Davis, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
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The county should enforce the law. The signs violate a number of ordinances and the residents flag waiving is an obvious attempt to draw drivers eyes away from a road that is marked as "curvy" and has traffic calming devices already. Drivers also often stop in front of the house to read the signs which also creates a hazard.
John Huey, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I'm, signing this petition because existing regulations need to be enforced.
Faith Clifford, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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The signs are offensive, a distraction to drivers and not appropriate for children to be seeing.
Kimberly Axelrod, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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It is an eyesore
Lynn Koffsky, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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All of the reasons listed in the petition reflect my opinion. DeKalb County needs to enforce Its ordinances ASAP.
Edward Koffsky, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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BS"D
We find many of these signs offensive.
reuven michoel robbins, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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This is a traffic nuisance. It's very distracting to a driver who approaches this house for the first time. It appears that someone is flagging down cars for an unknown reason and could cause cars to stop sort.
Flo Wolf, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
4
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It's a distraction to all drivers. What's it going take for this to stop, some terrible accident or someone else to "DIE".
Meyer J. Greenberg, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
2
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One time road workers were trying to direct traffic and he continued to wave an orange flag which caused several near misses as drivers were unsure if they could pass yet or not. It is very dangerous.
Alisa Haber, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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This is an act of aggression towards neighbors impacting everyone's way of life in the surrounding area.
Carl Lange, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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Local who is impacted
Yisef Razin, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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This yard is an embarrassment to our neighborhood, an unsafe distraction to drivers, and inappropriate for children (or anyone) to be exposed to.
Wendy Solon, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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i was stuck in traffic right in front of the signs with young kids who could read in the car. The signs are very inappropriate
Jessica wilson, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
2
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The signs are offensive and an embarrassment to the neighborhood.
Betsy Alexander, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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my children and I have to pass this way every day to school and work, my parents live on the next street and it has been horrible for them to see the language and matter that is displayed. also the signs are so close to the path they are distracting for when kids ride bikes or walk.
Josh Wittenberg, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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This is a designated "Aging in Place Community". Seniors who drive in the area need sineage the assists the driver. Distractions are unwelcome.
Claire Flanagan, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I live in this community and the distractions are so frequent that they result in a safety hazard. So annoying.
Claire Flanagan, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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The visual contamination is evident. The subject has clearly violated the local codes. How far can he go before being stopped?
Juan Gutierrez, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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In addition to the facts in Mr. Rasulnia's letter, at times the resident wears masks while he is flag dancing and yelling at cars. At times he has some sort of toy gun that shoots bubbles at the cars on Mason Mill, and is otherwise disturbing. An obvious change has taken place in this person. Up until about 10 years ago, he used to have appropriate, tasteful holiday decorations in his yard for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. But something made him take a change for the worse. I do my best to ignore him but, it just needs to stop.
Harriet Holloway, Decatur, GA1 month ago
4
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Please make as many neighbors aware of this petition
Eric Hager, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
2
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I am a near-by neighbor who is impacted by this resident.
nancy Sokolove, asheville, NC1 month ago
2
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This guy is a community nuisance, offensive, in violation, and direct defiance to county code ordinances. County code allows 24 sq ft ground signage 10 feet back from sidewalk. This resident has 120 sq ft ground signage, 5 times the allowable amount. Not to mention the seasonal inflatables, flag dancing, and yelling at cars. I want DeKalb county to uphold county codes to limit his infringement on my persuit [sic] of happiness.
Charles Bliss, Decatur, GA1 month ago
0
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The signs and dancing are very distractive and dangerous and take away from property values. I also think attention should be made to this resident to make sure he isn't a threat to society.
Stephanie Donlan, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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I would like all my neighbors to follow county ordinances
Josh Lovelock, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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Such a deplorable eyesore and nuisance.
Tim Oliver, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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We should all obey the Code of Ordinances of DeKalb County. Selective enforcement destroys the entire process. If anyone wants to do something not allowed by the ordinances, he are she should organize to have them changed.
Lewis Curtis, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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The signs and balloons are offensive and sometimes blatantly obscene. This man also is often in front of his home wearing a mask and waving flags which is a distraction and dangerous for drivers.
Julie Chesin, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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Codes should be enforced. Displaying personal views should be expressed in the proper forums, no spewed over landscapes
Elizabeth Washburn, Atlanta, GA1 month ago
0
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***
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