In hot water for hanging Sarah Palin effigy
A California couple has stirred up a storm of controversy after hanging a mannequin made to look like Sarah Palin by a noose from their front porch. (See video below.)
Chad Michael Morrisette and his partner, Mito Aviles, hung the effigy of the Republican vice presidential nominee at their West Hollywood, Calif., home three weeks ago as a part of a Halloween display. The first to report on this was Wake Up America here.
The mannequin is dressed in a brown wig, glasses and a red business suit. The display also features a likeness of Palin's running mate, John McCain, surrounded by fake flames (as well as more politically correct decorations such as skeletons and spider webs).
Officials from the Secret Service, West Hollywood code enforcement and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigated the display after receiving complaints from around the nation. The officials determined that the effigy is not in violation of any city, state or federal laws and is protected by the 1st Amendment, according to a story by The Times' Victoria Kim and Raja Abdulrahim.
Last month, a life-size cardboard reproduction of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama was found hanging from a tree at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. Four students were punished.
-- Kate Linthicum
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I think that if this kind of halloween decor is tolerated and is not considered a hate crime then I will do the same with obama and biden and see what kind of reaction I get... seriously if this is not a crime then why not add this to my halloween display......
Posted by: cindy | October 28, 2008 at 07:58 PM
If I were Sarah Palin I would come to this house and have a press conference. Yes, right in front of her hanging.
I guess they have no Big Brother Obama stuff in their yard.
I wonder may be they are Anti-Women, and this is the way they express their Anti-Women views.
If Sarah Palin was not running they would not be abke to "HANG" A WOMEN"
VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com
ps many Italians were also hanged in America.
Posted by: VJ Machiavelli | October 28, 2008 at 08:04 PM
While I think Ms Palin has all the qualifications for office of one of her dead caribou, I think images that suggest physical violence directed towards a candidate for office are offensive.
Posted by: Hannah the Hooker | October 28, 2008 at 08:10 PM
but of course chad and his " partner" mito would this this is not disgraceful. They no nothing of grace.
Posted by: michaela | October 28, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I don't know Ms. Linthicum. While I find this behavior despicable, how can anybody compare it to the arrest of 2 people for actually planning the murder of Barack Obama and murder/decapitation of numerous African-Americans?
Furthermore, why is there no investigation into the very possible complicity of the Obama Pennsylvania campaign in spreading the Ashley Todd hoax.
Why did 2 local reporters learn about the hoax from the McCain state communications director, before the police even knew enough to make a statement?
I think we need a closer look. I link to a report on the story from a site that is not going to let the truth of this slip away.
http://scootmandubious.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-are-we-not-learning-more-about-who.html
Posted by: scootmandubious | October 28, 2008 at 08:25 PM
You'd think Chad and Mito would think twice before stirring up hate.
Posted by: vanderleun | October 28, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I am only one human being with the title of a nurse. You know, I am shocked that people feel alright to display a body off of a house. You know, it is a part of my being to take care of people including people of your sick nature and I do not judge you. I will at this time tell you, however, that if you are gay or not, you still needed a mother to produce your asses. And if you have a problem with insecurities or mad at your mothers, then you should have the balls to face them!!!
Posted by: charlotte | October 28, 2008 at 08:34 PM
This is a hate crime.
It's artsy-fartsy.
Even though Palin isn't BLACK- it portrays violence.
If this was an effigy of OBAMA- their house would have been burned down already.
Just a preview of the "justice" that will be to come- economic or otherwise that will be- if Obama is elected.
God save us.
McCain-Palin 2008
Posted by: Alec Martin | October 28, 2008 at 08:35 PM
"Just a preview of the "justice" that will be to come- economic or otherwise that will be- if Obama is elected."
If that starts up, Chad and Mito will be the one's that end up having to watch their backs. Hate begets hate, and hate is long remembered and revenge is a dish eaten cold.
It's nothing to play with.
Posted by: vanderleun | October 28, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Both effigies are offensive. That of Sarah Palin and that of John McCain. The display is tasteless. The homeowners could have chosen another way to express their distaste of the Republican Presidential ticket. While saying this, I do not think these men meant to express a hatred for women in general. Their targets are specific. So, our interpretations should follow accordingly. Effigies of Barack Obama and Joe Biden would be equally as offensive.
Posted by: Dana Thompson | October 28, 2008 at 09:00 PM
I guess it's okay to show these 'artful, funny-halloween
depictions; so WHEN will these artists? hang Obama and
Biden's likeness NEXT TO GOV.PALIN'S & McCAIN'S?
OH, probably not....cause that would just be too,
politically incorrect to Hang Obama-
Well, as a White woman, I am offended that those who thought it was funny and were all for this, think the double standard should apply for Obama also, since it's supposed to be funny....right?
Posted by: IITS JO | October 28, 2008 at 09:14 PM
That is one of the most disgusting things i have ever seen and nothing is being done about it! Wow im glad to see that the "police" have no problem with this! Its bullshit!! VOTE YES ON 8!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: VOTE YES ON 8!!!! | October 28, 2008 at 09:18 PM
That's what we expect from B. Hussien Obama and his ilk. Shocking that the fancy boys don't have to worry about anyone having any sort of American outrage. Stay in LA boys, only there is that type of nonsense tolerated.
Posted by: Rick | October 28, 2008 at 09:19 PM
It does not matter who they chose to display outside thier home for a "halloween decoration", it is WRONG!! Regardless if you like a canidate or not, they are still a human being. And as being an Obama supporter myself, I wonder if they have been actually listening to anything the man has said the past 20 months he has been campaigning. This is not something he would approve of and I strongly believe he would condem this kind of hatred. The couple who did this needs to grow up and realize that Halloween is not about expressing their political ideas with hate, but that it is a night for our children to enjoy themselves. Instead of teaching them to hate, why not try teaching them to love and care for each other, no matter what political views they might have when they grow older.
Posted by: Julie | October 28, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I, for one am just sick of the way WOMEN (Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton) have been treated this election season! I don't care about political affiliation; it is just an affront to me as a woman, that the media, politicians and people in general, are so vicious towards whomever the female candidate was running. These two men are just another example of the lack of respect people have. How would they feel if their neighbor hung two male mannequins, kissing, from a noose, from their house? Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Dee | October 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM
This is pathetic. If it was Barack Obama hanging the 'couple' would be arrested for a hate crime.
In fact the article states 'four students were punished' hanging a cardboard cutout of Barry.
This is what will happen if you people allow Mr. Obama to be elected. If you disagree with their liberal agenda you will be sent off to a reeducation camp.
Barack Obama encouraged this behavior and it will only get worse if he is elected. The whole country came to a stop because 2 stupid skin heads had a ridicules plot to harm Mr. Obama but when Governor Palin is threatened it is simply a Halloween Prank.
I will be so glad when this is all over next Tuesday evening and we can all get some sleep knowing that President McCain and Vice President Palin will be sworn in on Jan. 20.
Posted by: bring it on | October 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM
This should be a hate crime... if anything what a terrible message to send to ALL the little trick or treaters? Please, come on!!!
If Sarah hung an effigy of Chad & Mito the media would make sure she was burned at the stake!!!
GROW UP AMERICANS... you are so SPOILED! While most of the world rots in poverty and lives in cardboard boxes you have to play such juvenile- attention- seeking games about a very serous politcal race that will no doubt impact the world!!! Such embarassing & gross immaturity. And America's enemies abroad just laugh!
Posted by: northern light | October 28, 2008 at 09:29 PM
It was a stupid thing for them to do, Halloween time no excuse. However, if McCain wins, dies in office and Palin takes the Presidency, I'l hang myself, since my political/social beliefs would put me on her enemies of the state list though I've never pulled a stand like that effigy, ever.
Posted by: D. Edwards | October 28, 2008 at 09:31 PM
This Palin effigy is a sad and anger based affront to women. I just wonder what would happen if, say, in this couple's neighborhood, someone hung up a gay couple who looked like them... would that be hate? I think it would be viewed by many as hate.
Posted by: becjy | October 28, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Like I said before how the Left Hates Sarah Palin!!!
Sarh Palin needs to learn that in America one is entitled to free speech and to have ones own belief as long as it is in line with the Left in America!
Posted by: steve rodriguez | October 28, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Sarah Palin gets hung in effigy in West Hollywood because Barrack Obama is off-limits! Too criticize our to go against him In America is to be racist!
Posted by: steve rodriguez | October 28, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Amen to Alec Martin who says, " This is a hate crime."
Posted by: steve rodriguez | October 28, 2008 at 10:31 PM
perhaps the candidates should keep in mind that as,we the people, have a right to "hang" those we elect to serve US for not doing their jobs. Not to line their pockets and not be the worlds' crossing guard or referee. charity starts at home. Hanging a canidate would be a wonderful reminder of that WE come first.
Posted by: katty | October 29, 2008 at 04:39 AM
Sarah Palin hanged in effigy!
This is a hate crime and should be punished as such. Why is this allowed? If it were Obama there would be protests and the perpetraters would be taken to court.
I call for a criminal investigation. This is born of HATE! It has no place in society.
It is born of HATE!!!!!!!
I call for an investigation and the prosecution of these evil men.
Obama himself attended a racist church for 20 years. Obama himself has hatred in his heart against the white man. This is what we have to look forward to under an Obama Presidency! I think the whites in America are in for a scarey 4 years. America better wake up.
Enough is enough!
Posted by: Nikos | October 29, 2008 at 05:54 AM
IF THAT WERE ANYONE ELSE LIKE AN ASIAN, BLACK OR HOMOSEXUAL, IT WOULD BE A HATE CRIME BUT BECAUSE ITS A WOMAN NOTHING IS DONE TO THE TWO IDIOTS.
WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH PEOPLE?
TELLS YOU WHAT THIS SOCIETY HAS COME TOO.
Posted by: ellie b | October 29, 2008 at 05:56 AM
Make no mistake about it, this is a hate crime. I will say it again, if the person were of any other ethnicity or race you can be sure the left wing media would be all over it.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's must do their job and put a stop to this violent act .
Posted by: Left Coast | October 29, 2008 at 08:28 AM
These guys should be made to take this down. If it were Obama hanging there would be a protest outside their house. This is discrimination against women and also it is discrimination against whites. It is funny the media does not care about this because it is Palin let them put one up of Obama and lets see how the media will be all over it...
Posted by: rae smith | October 29, 2008 at 08:46 AM
If they tied the mannequin to the back of their Pink Prius and drove it down Santa Monica Blvd, would the police finally arrest them. This story makes me sick. This and the Times sitting on the Obama video made me cancel my subscription today.
Posted by: James P | October 29, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Chad Michael Morrisette and his partner, Mito Aviles, hung the effigy of the Republican vice presidential nominee at their West Hollywood, Calif., home three weeks ago as a part of a Halloween display.
=================================================
I just knew they were gay and it was a POLITICAL statement not just Halloween fun.
Reason; Palin is a Christian, she is against gay marriage and she is against abortion.
Those two little boys hate Christians who they think judge them for their life style. It has been reveled, the truth always comes out and always liberal tolerance.
Posted by: David Romberg | October 29, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Wait, you're telling me that a gay couple is responsible for this hate crime?
So do they hate women in general, or just this woman?
Are they opposed to all hate crime, or just the type of hate crime affecting their chosen sexual-identity group?
Either way, it's pretty disgusting. And even more disgusting that Hollywood's Limousine Liberals aren't up in arms about this, and demanding that it be removed.
Demonstrating that ... yet again, political allegiance trumps all, even common human decency.
Posted by: Gerald Gordon | October 29, 2008 at 12:35 PM
As a gay man I am appalled that this couple would display such violence and ugliness. It not only is a hideous reflection on the gay community but on all humankind. I have been a victim of a hate crime and there is nothing funny about it. Political Americans are so passionate about casting votes because they want peace, kindness and tolerance. This sort of display is the opposite of what both Obama and McCain are preaching. If the West Hollywood couple did this for publicity and self aggrandizing--well--in that case it has been a success. It also reveals them as disgraceful sociopaths and everything that is ugly in society.
Posted by: Charles | October 29, 2008 at 01:06 PM
The democratic led congress in washington is at a lower approval rating than George Bush because they have not worked for the american people. Barack Obama is inexperienced and have no record of doing anything of substance during his brief time as a senator. He does nothing but lie about what he would do as persident. He doesn't have the knowledge to do anything he says. Sarah Palin has much more experience to make the economy better and be a better president than Obama. We don't need to hang an effigy of Obama/Biden, we neet to vote for McCain/Palin Nov. 4, 08.
Posted by: Listen | October 29, 2008 at 01:51 PM
ALL of the hate-crimes do not belong in America!
This election should be about the issues. If you want freedom of choice (healthcare, 401K, guns), vote McCain/Palin.
If you wan't the government to make the decisions for you, vote Obama/Biden.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican for great reasons...........equality and freedom for people.
Posted by: Jan Hoyt | October 29, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Listen, you are my new hero1 Amen to what you said:Sarah Palin has much more experience to make the economy better and be a better president than Obama. We don't need to hang an effigy of Obama/Biden, we neet to vote for McCain/Palin Nov. 4, 08!
Posted by: Joe Smilth | October 29, 2008 at 08:05 PM
What is the figure above her representative of?
From the looks of this persons house, I'd say that it could stand an extensive investigation by the FEDS. In hanging Sara Palin in effigy, maybe the homes owner is trying to reach out for help and wants to tell us something. Like maybe there are people hanging in the basement or buried on the property.
This is all too much a representation of Dee Snyder's Strangeland.
I see nothing to joke about here.
Posted by: Brenda | November 08, 2008 at 07:20 PM