Owner of billboard at Route 422, Bonniebrook Road intersection removes swastika
The cruel recollections of a Holocaust survivor spurred John Placek to remove a swastika from a controversial message on his electronic billboard.
Placek, who Monday began displaying messages that some find offensive on his new billboard, said a friend called and reported that a Holocaust survivor told him the swastika displayed on the message was upsetting to her.
The billboard is along Route 422 in Summit Township.
The symbol, which was the official emblem of the Nazi Party during World War II, was pictured beside the message “FBI corrupt & dangerous THE GESTAPO.”
Placek said earlier this week he wrote that message in reaction to the arrest of a Philadelphia man who was jailed for protesting outside an abortion clinic, compared to those who were not arrested during the Black Lives Matter protests.
But when he heard the symbol was upsetting a Holocaust survivor, he removed it immediately.
“I understand that was a horrific time in their life, so out of respect for her, I took it down,” Placek said.
He said nothing else was removed from the messages, which he said will change weekly.
“I’ve got some good ones coming up now,” Placek said.
He said he researches multiple sources then writes the messages himself.
Since he first placed the messages on the billboard, which he built on leased land for $150,000, Placek said he has received much support through calls and emails and no negative feedback.
“Christianity is diminishing throughout our country,” Placek said. “People see my messages as being a hopeful sign that we can reverse the trend.”
However, a number of parents whose students ride past the billboard on their school buses have complained about the billboard and the tone of the messages. A meeting was held Wednesday at the Butler YWCA to discuss what organizers called hateful speech and rhetoric.
Placek said his goal is not to upset anyone, but to get God back into schools and society in general.
“They all say ‘Keep up the good work. We understand what you’re doing,’” Placek said.
He said many have offered to donate money to keep the messages on the billboard, but he will not accept donations.
“I never expected that,” Placek said.
He said he has not received any negative comments in person or via email.
The location of the billboard, with messages addressing topics such as same-sex marriage, puts it right in the path of students on their way to school, parents told the Eagle on Tuesday.
One woman said she is afraid her son will see the message “Whites are under attack!!” and become fearful because he is white.
Others called the messages racist or hate speech.
But Placek maintains his only goal is to gain attention for his mission to return Christianity to society.
“I’m not a mean man,” he said. “I’m reasonable.”
