Another Anti-Obama Ad at Clarendon Metro Station
Earlier this year, an anti-Obama advertisement in the Clarendon Metro station containing the words “Go to hell, Barack” sparked controversy. Now, the same group behind that ad has another incendiary advertisement in the station.
“Obama: Socialist or Fascist?” the ad reads. “Just listen to the dead before you vote.”
The ad is from the maker of a DVD documentary called “Sick and Sicker: When the Government Becomes Your Doctor,” which — as we reported in February — sharply criticizes President Obama’s health care reform law and compares it to publicly-funded health care in Canada.
In a statement previously issued to ARLnow.com, a Metro spokesman said the agency cannot legally refuse ads based on political content.
WMATA advertising has been ruled by the courts as a public forum protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and we may not decline ads based on their political content. WMATA does not endorse the advertising on our system, and ads do not reflect the position of the Authority.
Photo courtesy Frank G.
County Board Considers Regulating Metro Ads
Is the Arlington County Board trying to give itself the power to remove inflammatory political ads from Metro stations? It sure sounds like that may be the case.
Two weeks after the brouhaha over an ad in the Clarendon Metro station that told President Obama to “go to hell,” the County Board went into its closed executive session with a curious objective: to discuss ”the county’s authority to regulate the content of advertising on Metro property.”
All we know about the discussion is that quote, read by County Board Chair Mary Hynes before adjourning the Board’s Tuesday afternoon meeting. The executive session is legally considered private and, reached for comment, a county spokesperson said they’ve been advised by the County Attorney to not discuss any details.
Even if the county can find the authority to regulate ads in Arlington Metro stations, though, there remains the question of whether removing political ads would be Constitutional. In explaining why it allowed the inflammatory “go to hell” ad, Metro issued the following statement: “WMATA advertising has been ruled by the courts as a public forum protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and we may not decline ads based on their political content.”
Happy Anniversary to Meghan and Nathan
We wanted to give a quick shout out this afternoon to readers Meghan and Nathan.
If you haven’t seen it already, Nathan took out an ad on our homepage today to say “Happy Anniversary” and “I love you, always and forever” to his lovely wife. The ad links to a YouTube video of the Etta James classic “At Last” — the first song they danced to at their wedding.
Happy anniversary to both of you.
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ArtJamz: The Crystal City Sessions — Unleash your inner artist. Starting tonight, the 12th floor of a Crystal City office building will be converted into a giant art studio, featuring amateur artists painting at 50 canvases while jamming to great music and eating tasty hors d’oeuvres. Reserve a canvas here.
TripperBus – Heading to NYC for the holidays? Why schlep to a bus stop in the District when TripperBus departs just one block from the Rosslyn Metro station? Tickets are inexpensive and you get free WiFi and power outlets for laptops.
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union — ACFCU is Arlington’s better way to bank. Check out their low rates for car and home loans here.
Alexan24 — This brand new apartment community, conveniently located near I-395 and Glebe Road, is offering up to two months free rent. Plus, the apartments look sharp and the building has great amenities.
Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.
So What’s the Deal — You know Groupon? WTD is similar to Groupon, but it’s a homegrown, local company that has some pretty sweet deals you won’t find elsewhere.
Quick Note on Political Ads
You may have noticed some political ads on ARLnow.com over the past couple of days. Those ads have appeared in spaces that are filled by Google AdSense, an advertising network. We do not control the ads that appear in those spaces.
Starting today, however, you will see a political ad that was sold directly by ARLnow.com. Here are some quick facts about political advertising on ARLnow.com:
- We don’t actively solicit political advertising
- We charge all political ads the same rate as commercial businesses
- Political ads are placed in the same rotation as ads for commercial businesses
- We don’t pick and choose between candidates — any local candidate or cause is welcome to advertise on the site
- Just because we sold an ad to a candidate’s campaign does not mean we will in any way alter our coverage of the candidate or the candidate’s opponents. Our integrity and reputation for fairness are much more valuable than a three-week ad buy.
Please feel free to spread any advertising-related conspiracy theories in the comments section.
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ADORE Child and Family Services – Adore is an agency that helps place children in loving homes. Find out more about adoption or becoming a foster parent by attending a special breakfast at Metro 29 Diner (4711 Lee Highway) from 7:00 to 8:30 tomorrow morning. Guest speakers will include Jack Dalaba and county board member Barbara Favola.
Gossip on 23rd – Visit Gossip’s boutique on 23rd Street in Crystal City and find the latest in women’s fashion — all for under $100. See some of the store’s latest arrivals here.
Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.
Pathways 2 Independence — If you’re between 16 and 25 years old and you like money, this free financial fair will help you figure out how to keep more of it. There will also be prizes and the promise of a “surprise celebrity sighting.” Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, October 17.
Business owners: Click here to learn more about reaching the largest local audience in Arlington.
Help Us Thank Our Awesome Advertisers
Earlier this week, I thanked our readers for sticking with us while our old server wheezed its way through last week’s heavy web traffic. Now I’d like to take the time to thank our local advertisers, who are helping to keep this site in business.
In no particular order:
The 2010 ABBIES – The annual Arlington business awards ceremony is looking for nominations. If there’s a local business that you think is doing a bang-up job, give them props by filling out a nomination form.
So What’s the Deal — You know Groupon? Yeah, WTD is basically Groupon. But it’s a homegrown, local company that has some pretty sweet deals you won’t find elsewhere. Today, they’re offering six games of Laser Tag at Ultrazone in Falls Church for 20 bucks.
Pathways 2 Independence — If you’re between 16 and 25 years old and you like money, this free financial fair will help you figure out how to keep more of it. There will also be prizes and the promise of a “surprise celebrity sighting.” Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, October 17.
Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.
Business owners: Click here to learn more about reaching the largest local audience in Arlington.
