Billboard displays huge swastika and other vile messages in PA – and nothing can be done (video)

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Originally published at: Billboard displays huge swastika and other vile messages in PA – and nothing can be done | Boing Boing

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#wearecentralpa

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I wonder if the landowner owns the electronic billboard itself or rents or leases it. If so, the vendor presumably has rules about acceptable content. On top of that, somebody had to upload the graphics to the billboard, and if the landowner did it themselves they probably used a handy app or website provided by the vendor.

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I think the highway department needs to install some 20 foot high (or appropriately tall) shrubs for “safety” reasons.

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Ok, it’s privately owned and on private land … but it sure looks accessible from the highway. It would be a darn shame if it somehow fell right over or caught on fire, now wouldn’t it?

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It’s electronic. Shame if all the messages were changed.

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Paintball guns have a lot of interesting uses. Not sure why this comes to mind, but I thought I’d mention it.

Back on topic, I’m curious why this brave champion of free speech hasn’t come forward to identify himself. No worries, though, I’m sure someone will go into the public records and save him the effort.

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Aren’t there a lot of people in PA who own hunting rifles? Seems like a few strategically aimed rounds would be enough to put that thing out of commission pretty quick. Better than shooting at road signs anyway.

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Shame if you could do that using an insecure web interface.

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From Billboard along busy Butler County intersection causing commotion among community – WPXI

“What I’m doing and I like free dialogue anybody can see me and come see me and give me their views and I would respect their views and all I want is for them to respect my views,” said John Placek, the billboard’s owner.

also, from https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/community-reacts-to-swastika-branded-billboard-appearing-in-butler-county/Content?oid=22710797

The signs are situated on property owned by Owen Oesterling, who is believed to be leasing it to John Placek, according to the Eagle.

Placek, of Worthington, Pa., has a history of installing billboards with similarly offensive messaging on private property throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Earlier this year, the Jewish Chronicle reported on the appearance of the same swastika-themed display in Armstrong County. In 2019, Placek was forced to sell a gas station in Worthington after he installed a billboard with racist messaging that angered Sunoco management, according to Triblive.

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Where are the responsible gun owners when you need them?

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Thanks. The person leasing the land to this lunatic and allowing the billboard to stay up also needs to be named and called to account.

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This may be the last opportunity they will get to try out their bump stocks.

I’m just kidding. Of course.

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“Nothing” can be done?

Somehow, I really doubt that.

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I specced out and bought a digital marquee for our little theatre a few years ago. After tons of research, it was clear that Watchfire was the only company that made quality components and had a reasonable warranty (5 yrs, iirc). All the rest had lots of reviews saying that when panels failed the company was useless and repairs extremely expensive. What I’m saying is I don’t see a Watchfire logo on that sign.

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See edit to last post,

I grew up not far from this area so this story is of particular interest to me :expressionless:

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I drive past this one a couple times a month. There are several more scattered around Butler and neighboring counties. Several local fire departments host massive 45 flags with the goofy Rambo theme. PA is often a scary state.

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The first thing to do would be to figure out the make and model of the sign, then check the maker’s site for manuals.

See what surfaces are available.

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Thanks again. @Carla_Sinclair, perhaps you might update the front page post to give credit to John Placek (who erected and runs the billboard as a self-described"mission from God") and Owen Oesterling (who leased him the land). I’m sure they’ll appreciate the international recognition.

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is privately owned, on private property, and thus perfectly legal in the “State of Independence.”

They would have the same response if it were different images, like pornography?

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