The following are responses received by KATU News via e-mail regarding our story about a man who lives under the OHSU tram and who put a sign on the top of his house that says "(expletive) THE TRAM" in large black letters.  The sign is not visible from the street, but can be seen by those who ride the tram.  Note: the comments have not been edited for spelling or grammar.

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If they make him take the sign down, he should paint the words on his roof. - Teri

I think he has the perfect right.....ESPECIALLY since those putting up the tram gave a false promise that tram riders couldn't see down into people's private lots. What, pray tell, was that all about. LIP SERVICE?????? who was there first? - Nann

We have enough vulgarity on television, t-shirts and cars.  Do we really need to see it on homes where we can't; turn it off, turn the other way or change lanes?  With freedom of speech should come a lesson in respect and consideration. - Susan

I don't think that it would be a form of blocking free speech if only the obscene signs were not allowed to be displayed. - Mary

That sign on the homeowner's house is very offensive. It needs to be removed immediately for several reasons!!! I would be very offended if I rode the OHSU Tram and be complaining to OHSU Administration. First, I think there is a crime here. This does create a public disturbance. In other words, you are disturbing the peace! Next, it affects people who see it. This is a problem. The City of Portland needs to create a City Ordinance: Homeowners and Business owners are not allowed display obscene and profane words and images. This would not being happening in the City of Vancouver! Third, this probably affects Doernbecher greatly. Does this person know that kids ride this Tram? I feel sorry for the kids (and the adults) who have to look at such trash. Finally, that person does not have any respect, ethics, and/or morals. Obliviously anyone who puts up a sign with bad words is far from responsible-compassionate citizen. Portland Police need to remove this sign at once and worry about the fallout later. I do not think any judge would rule in a homeowner’s favor for the above reasons (disturbing the peace, creating a disturbance that is offending, etc.). If a homeowner does not like the Tram, then MOVE!!! There is Free Speech and then there is Free Speech. Some people take free speech too far. We need to be respectful especially around children. - Jason

I agree with those people who feel their privacy has been invaded.  I do not agree with those that feel they may use language such as was obliviously used in the sign that is the subject of your story.  Too long have our barriers been dropped and too long have we accepted the outlandish and vulgar under the guise of "free speech" and "free expression" Just once in awhile, daddy needs to spank Johnny and Mom needs to ground Sally.  Too long have we tolerated the obscene in the name of "civil liberty".  We need to take hold of American values and raise our children to know their rights, and know how to express themselves by working within the system, rather than allowing vulgarities on our roof tops. - Mike

I see the overwhelming majority of respondents to your poll support the homeowner's right to post any sign they want on their home.  Would the poll results be the same if the sign included a swastika or racial epitaph? - Susan

I'm going to have to side with free speech on this issue.  Even though this free speech is very very poor taste.  Free speech is free speech. If you really want to stop this type of thing from happening, City of Portland needs to stop looking into whether or not this sign violates any statutes.  Instead, spend that money on Portland Schools.  I think the children need it/deserve it more.  If the City doesn't throw a hissy fit and if the media doesn't report this type of thing, then this person won't get what they want... attention.  2nd graders throw temper-tantrums in the same way.  Once you stop playing into what this person wants, they'll stop their moaning, griping and complaining. - Charles

I'm sure multnomah will probably create a tax for it. Advertise to the skies tax is what they'll call it. - Sam

Good for them!  1st amendment right is "Freedom of Speech"  They pay property taxes to live in the home and they are now being violated by the invasion of this gazillion dollar tram for the convince of a few and the entertainment of others.  I think the County needs to reimburse them for the invasion of their privacy that they allowed and the massive taxes that they are going to have to pay to be invaded because of this tram. - Leah

So I could post a sign with a message of hate or bigotry? How about sexually explicit?  Maybe with graphic photos? Ect. ect. ect.? Ther is a place for censorship! - G.F.

The survey question asked whether people have the right to post "ANY" sign they want on their home, and my response is No (after all, I shouldn't be forced to see something that is objectionable) ... however, I DO believe that this specific sign is none of my business.  If there were pictures of child porn, I would object.  Stating an opinion (expletive and all) is not something that I feel we should try to govern (even though I do think it lessens us to accept so much). - Barbara