Billboard Criticism Sounds A Bit Hysterical
Bill Roop’s whining over the criticism of his billboards (Sept. 26, Bristol Herald Courier, page A5) sounds a bit hysterical, but then that’s not unexpected from someone in advertising, most of which is bent on stunning the critical consciousness. Advertising, after all, is the economic form of propaganda, and, as its techniques are intended to create illusion, we learn early on not to take it very seriously, just as we should not take Mr. Roop’s effort to muzzle Tom Taylor, supervisor of the Monroe district, very seriously either. One would think that if Mr. Taylor finds Mr. Roop’s billboards to be an ugly blight on the landscape, cluttering up the roads that the taxpayers have funded, he has the right as both a citizen and a supervisor to say so. Mr. Roop says that he has been disparaged by Mr. Taylor’s remarks, meaning apparently that his ego has been wounded. But Mr. Taylor’s critique was an aesthetic one, motivated by his concern for the good of the whole community, which he would like to protect from visual pollution. Mr. Roop, on the other hand, has mounted what looks like a vendetta or a publicity stunt – or both.
Robert Denham
Glade Spring, Va.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
“tough economy which Lord Obama has destroyed.“
I guess you slept through October 2008.
Well Mr. Denham, You apparently dont know Mr. Tom Taylor very well….Maybe you need to check HIS background before you start defending him…After all you owe this to Mr Roop….
I am totally on Mr Roops side on this issue. Signs are everywhere. They need to be. How else is a business big or small supposed to let people know about them? The newspaper? Thats a joke and a waste of money. As the saying goes a business with no sign is a sign of no business. If everyone wants to live in a Walnut Grove type of community then go for it. Otherwise leave MR Roop alone and let him and the other businesses try to survive in this tough economy which Lord Obama has destroyed.
Hilarious, Mr. Denham!!! I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I love my newspaper. It is literally the ONLY information/entertainment resource you get nowadays that doesn’t include INTRUSIVE advertisements.
Mr. Denham- Apparently this entire event as blown completely over your head. Mr. Taylor is in an elected, public position. In a position like this he must act with respect to all residents and taxpayers in Washington Co. and even more in his own district.
Mr. Taylor chose to use no common sense and make disparaging remarks which should have not been made in a public meeting. Mr. Taylor has shown he is not a good representative of his district and Washington Co. The judge who is weighing this decision should take in consideration that the decision they make will determine how our elected leaders act in the future.
Advertisement