Large signs with obscene language continue to be displayed on East Main Road in Portsmouth.  Apparently some citizen with a gripe wants us all to know. His captive audience are commuters on a state road, folks who — like most of us — keep their issues to themselves.

I don’t know any details of this fray. But it appears that a spoiled child finally grew up, hit a bump, and is now determined to show the world what a grownup tantrum really looks like. And I know I would not drive my small children or grandchildren through Portsmouth without detouring around the F-word placards. 

The First Amendment protects speech, but there are “categorical exceptions,” like true threats, libel and obscenity. I wonder how long the people of Portsmouth will allow a private gripe to remain a public nuisance.

Ron Marsh

48 Four Rod Way

Tiverton