...as if anyone needed another reason not to purchase that worthless rag.
Yeah, I understand all the "it's his yard, he can put what he wants in it" stuff. And I understand that he has the freedom to express his views, regardless of their hateful meaning, under the 1st amendment to the constitution. But there is nothing that says the local paper has to do an article on his hateful displays and give him a pulpit from which he can spew his hate-speech. There is so much disturbing content here. Let's begin, shall we?
I go by this house all the time. I've always just assumed that the owner was some old, white, racist. I made these educated guesses based on the lawn adornments. Here's how the press describes him:
Upon his roof wave two contradicting flags, one a Confederate “Don’t tread on me” flag and the other a World War II Schutzstaffel (SS) flag. Kolling does however, have his own justification behind the contradiction.
“I’m German and I’ve always been interested in World War II and the SS was my favorite organization in Germany and that’s why I fly the flag,” Kolling said. “The yellow flag was flown by a lot of the Confederates during the Civil War.”
First, I don't see the contradiction at all. He's a fan of two blatantly racist organizations/groups. The confederates (if the author is aware) were in favor of the continued oppression of black slaves. The SS was Hitler's Jew-killing machine. What contradiction? Dude a pathetic old racist. That's all those two signs show. The author tries to make Mr. Kolling seem deep and thoughtful about his choice of ornamentation. However, there isn't any thought involved. He simply chose two symbols that inspire about as much hatred as one could imagine.
After his 28-year tenure on the police force, Kolling now finds enjoyment in reading and tending to his yard.
“Each year, something new shows up,” Wallace said with a chuckle.
This hate-filled person was a member of the local law enforcement team for nearly 3 decades. Scary. And look at Wallace giggling. "Oh that Kolling and his Jew-hating...such a kidder". Sickening.
But perhaps most vomit-inducing, however, are the comments which follow the article. The residents of this sleepy little villa get pretty defensive about Mr. Kolling and they hardly make an attempt to distance the city from the message Mr. Kolling's yard sends.
"Mr. Kolling's yard is just that...his yard. If you don't like it Sam, don't look at it. How sad for you to be so judgmental of other people. Just because one person's beliefs don't match yours doesn't mean you have to bash them and call them names. From what you wrote, you seem to be just as much of a bigot for the nasty things you said about someone you don't even know. You might want to be careful of the stones you are throwing." - Maidie E.
"I believe the UNITED STATES is still a free country. Carry on Mr. Kolling and Thank You for your Service. - Lenny R."
"I think everyone in Dickinson should do what Mr. Kollings is doing. Maybe then our taxes will go down. hey the sun is out" - Dennis J.
"One thing is for certain. This "yard" has caused a lot of reflection on issues that might be forgotten...at least the ones with the controversy remind us all of things best remembered. But how many of you remember Mr. Kolling's fine service IN our community. He was a fine police officer and that should also be remembered." - PJ K.
And by FAR, my person favorite:
"People dont get bothered for having angels in their yard and many people don't believe in angels. So SAM what I am trying to say is leave the poor man alone he don't judge you or your beliefs or lawn ornaments." - Crystal B.
Gotta love it. She defends this dude. But in doing so, she equates angels with The Nazi's. This place that I call "home" is so fucking backwards. So much hatred for the non-WASP crowd. Just shameful.
