Roseann Cetta Rappoccio, of Kendall Park
I am extremely upset about an incident that happened at my home last week. I recently took my two children, ages 5½ and 3, to the local headquarters of the political candidate who has earned my support.
We made a donation, picked up a few buttons and a yard sign, ran across the street for some ice cream and headed home. My daughter (the 5½-year-old) and I put the yard sign together and proudly pushed the prongs into the ground. Throughout the day, we spent time discussing the pillars of our democracy, our right to vote and the values this country was founded on. While she probably could not grasp the complexity of the ideas we discussed, I am certain she recognized my passion and enthusiasm.
After arriving home, we noticed the sign was no longer there. I was shocked. I looked around not wanting to believe that in fact someone had taken it. After searching, I went back inside to find my daughter sobbing at the kitchen table. Where is the sign? Why would someone take our sign? This was my daughter’s first experience with injustice. She was so upset and pleaded with me to get the sign back. What could I say? She made a new sign with all the sincerity and authenticity that only a 5-year-old could have. It read: “If you took our sign, please give it back.”
If it were only that easy.
I would like to implore the citizens of this democracy to respect the choices of others. By stealing our sign, you diminish the ideals that make this country the “shining city upon a hill.”
This weekend, we will head back to the campaign headquarters, make another donation, and pick up a new sign. My daughter is insisting we add another sign written by her. “Please, don’t take our sign.”
Roseann Cetta Rappoccio, of Kendall Park

