Yard sign proclaiming “HITLER + OBAMA” stolen from Stuart yard

STUART, Fla. - Lisa Addeo’s signs have sparked a neighborhood controversy with their political messages.

“I don’t mean to be offending anyone,” Addeo explained. "I was just so surprised that somebody would just take the political sign down. I mean, this is our freedom of speech."

Her neighbors, including Bob Cunha, said whether or not she meant to offend, they do not approve of her signs.

“When people express themselves, I think they should do it with some taste,” said Cunha.

The signs, a simple blue and white in color, have had a far-reaching impact. The saga continues with a crime.

“It was stolen property, it was vandalism,” said Addeo.

Her sign that said “HITLER + OBAMA” has been stolen. She filed a report with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, but she said she isn’t totally disheartened.

“At least we got something going here, and we’re dialoguing,” she said.

Cunha said he doesn’t know who took that sign, but its message was inappropriate.

“To compare anybody with Hitler is a terrible thing,” he said.

Addeo is firm in her right to post the signs on her property, and she said she supports others’ rights to express themselves, like the three young ladies she says stood across the street from her house, holding pro-Obama posters.

Cunha said he may not agree with her signs, but he does agree with freedom of speech.

“Do they have a right to put a billboard up? Yes. But it’s offensive,” he said.

Addeo said she’s not going to let the theft stop her from spreading her message.

“I think that sign infuriates people, and it makes them think that I’m nuts, and I understand,” she said. “But that’s what they chose to do, and they did the wrong thing, and I’m making more signs, and I’m going to put them back up. ”