October 30, 2008

REDONDO BEACH -- Apparently the traditional ghost and goblin decorations just aren't enough for the Southland this Halloween season.  Political displays are all the rage -- and they're causing rage in some neighborhoods.

Residents in Redondo Beach were appalled Wednesday when Lisa Castaneda hung an effigy of Senator Barack Obama from her balcony.  

The display showed a likeness of the Democratic presidential candidate with a meat cleaver slashed through his neck along with fake blood and a sign that reads "Nobama".

Castaneda, a mother of two young children, said the Halloween display was part of her larger exhibit that includes the Grim Reaper, a graveyard and the attacker from the "Scream" movies.

Castaneda says she supports Republican candidate Sen. John McCain and wanted to show her distaste for Obama.

I disapprove of him, period," she said. "I am appalled by a man who is so close to being our president who won't put his hand on the Bible, who won't wear a flag pin."

Some neighbors thought the display was in poor taste and should be brought down.  Others thought it was an amusing display and said Castaneda has the right to express her political opinion.

"She probably thinks it's cute and funny," said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. "Hanging a black man is really distasteful. It's a free country, but your rights end where the next person's begin."

Neighbor Lloyd Stuck, a McCain supporter, said he had no problem with Castaneda's effigy.

"I like it," he said. "She decorated the house. She didn't like Obama. That's her right."

At the same time controversy was stirring in Castaneda's neighborhood, a West Hollywood homeowner decided to remove his effigy of a hanging Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin.  

The display sparked protests and gained national attention after many considered it a hate crime.  

The U.S. Secret Service investigated the display and said there was no threat, however, the homeowner still decided to take down the Palin effigy.

Castaneda did the same and removed the top half of her Obama effigy.