Obama 'noose' sign draws criticism

VIDEO - A campaign sign in Waushara County, Wisconsin is stirring-up controversy...

A campaign sign in Waushara County, Wisconsin is stirring-up controversy.  The sign reads “Hang in there Obama” with a picture of a noose. The man who made the sign says he is an Obama supporter and the sign is simply meant to get people thinking.  Others say they’re offended by the sign’s racist message.

“The noose needs to go,” said Joyce Olson after driving by the sign. Drivers going through Red granite along Highway 21 can’t help notice the sign.  Olson is one who’s offended by the picture of noose next to Obama’s name.  She says the noose is racist and reminds her of lynchings.

“It’s the history behind the noose. I don’t like it. I was raised pretty much down south,” said Olson. The sign’s creator, Tom Savka, says she and many others have got it all wrong. He says the point is to grab your attention, And what better way to do it he says than with a drawing like that.

“If it is causing this much attention, then that’s good. If it gets you off your dead butt, gets you away from watching the football game and go out and vote,” said Savka. From far away the sign seems to read “Hang Obama” next to a picture of a noose. If you get closer you can read “Hang in there Obama.”

And if you get even closer, in small print at the bottom, you can read “I love Obama.” Savka claims he’s an Obama supporter and explains the sign’s meaning. “Never give up. Don’t quit. I don’t care about the noose around your neck, I don’t care if you’re hanging,” said Savka.

Regardless, many still call the sign tasteless. Savka says it will remain on his property until after Election Day.

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