An interesting proposal was recently floated by Joseph Capuano when he suggested that the use – or overuse – of political campaign signage should be curtailed or even eliminated altogether in the city.

Judging by the reactions of some, it would seem as though the most fundamental constitutional rights of free speech were being threatened by jackbooted thugs lurking in the shadows, awaiting the opportunity to swoop down on their front yards or smash in their windows if they offended the wrong people.

What some have apparently overlooked is the fact that no one has advocated any sort of municipal or state legislation to ban political signage at all. The proposal clearly called for those in the political arena to agree among themselves to pull back on the use of campaign signs and to encourage their supporters to go along with it voluntarily.

So relax, fellow citizens. Big Brother is not seizing control of your right to support the candidates of your choice. But we think there is some daylight in what has been proposed, and the issue is worthy of further discussion and consideration.

How often have we seen these signs littering our public spaces long after the campaigns are done and distant memories? They’re an ugly nuisance, to be frank, when they’re left up like that.

They can be divisive as well, pitting neighbor against neighbor, fostering an atmosphere of resentment between those with opposing viewpoints. Who needs that?

These “sign wars” can look downright silly, too. Whoever it is who can out-plaster their opponent is the worthier candidate? In what fairy tale? Just another distraction from discussing real issues that affect real people in everyday life.

If any ordinances were to be considered, let’s think about imposing a penalty on any campaign that leaves their signage hanging around beyond 30 days after an election. Who should be responsible for taking these things down? That answer is simple.

All of these signs and their effect on the community are costly and, in the end, virtually unnecessary. Whose vote has ever been influenced by their suddenly glancing at a stranger’s front lawn and reading a garishly printed piece of cardboard? Eureka! Not.

Let’s just step back a little and look at the big picture. The real picture, not the red, white and blue hunks of cardboard being waved in our faces. For the good of the city.