LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW) – It’s the case all over the country in any election year, but the signs of a particularly contentious White House race are certainly evident on the streets of Lake City.
Most people probably don’t take a second look when they see the average campaign placards that pepper many yards around town. But the signs on Hoyt Wood’s home are getting plenty of attention.
The face of GOP front-runner Donald Trump is hard to miss from the sidewalk in front of Wood’s home. The words “Lindsey, you’re fired,” a reference to the former reality-TV star’s infamous catchphrase, are shown coming from Trump’s mouth.
To the left of the Donald, the caricatured face of senator and former Republican presidential candidate Lindsey Graham smiles at those driving by.
The caption below the senator’s picture reads, “keeping it gay.”
Wood says he had good reason for this large display of presidential politics.
“If you’re a veteran, you should be mad as hell,” Wood exclaimed. “I am.”
Wood served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and holds the well-being of his fellow service members close to his heart.
“We’re treated like second-class citizens,” Wood said. “It’s disgusting; 50,000 veterans sleeping on the street tonight while they wanna bring illegals into this country.”
Wood declares that Donald Trump is the only man who can fix the broken veteran healthcare system, and he’s not budging on that decision.
“There’s nothing you could say to me that would make me vote for another candidate,” he said.
Wood — who often volunteers with the Trump campaign — says he started with just the picture of Trump on his home.
But he says when it became clear to him that some South Carolina politicians wanted to deny Trump the GOP presidential nomination even if he leads in delegates entering the convention, Wood then added Senator Graham’s face next to Trump’s favorite motto. He says he definitely means it.
“You’ve been playing dirty tricks on Mr. Trump long enough,” said Hoyt, angry that the senator joined forces with S.C. governor Nikki Haley to stump for other candidates before the S.C. Republican Primary in February. He fears similar back-room deals could deny him and other Trump supporters the candidate they voted for.
“It’s time that we cut not the tail off of the poisonous snake,” said Wood. “but the head off of the poisonous snake.”
The “snake” to which Wood refers is what he calls the “Republican establishment.”
He says GOP delegates could vote to change party rules before the June convention, The changes could mean Trump doesn’t get the nomination, even if he has more delegates than any other candidate.
The real estate mogul drew criticism a few weeks ago after he suggested there would be “riots” if the party ignores the will of voters who chose his name on ballots in state primaries and caucuses. Wood says if that happens, he will be in Cincinnati protesting.
Closer to home, some neighbors think the signs on Wood’s house are better targets for protest.
A few who live nearby said they would like to see the signs come down, especially uncomfortable with the reference to Sen. Graham “keeping it gay.”
Melissa Powell’s kids are among those who pass the signs each day on the way to school at Main Street Elementary, just three blocks down the street.
Powell says while she thanks Wood for his service, she says she wishes he would employ a more family-friendly message to show his support.
“Bullying is not okay and it’s not okay to say those things,” Powell lamented. “I think everyone has freedom of speech, but there’s a point where it becomes hatred.”
Wood says his intention was to poke fun at the Senator, not to offend.
“I am not targeting the gay community,” he explained. “What I am targeting is Mr. Graham, who has been very unfair to Mr. Trump.”
Wood says he’s gotten mostly positive reviews on his display.
He says the only reason the signs illustrating his political views are so large — and the message so loud — is because his patriotism is so strong.
“I have a very strong feeling for America,” the Vietnam veteran said, fighting tears.
“A love for America.”
