A Democrat running for a seat on the Santa Clarita City Council is upset over a local resident’s Halloween decorations depicting “offensive” gravestones of liberal politicians, but the man behind the display and his neighbors are calling BS.

Brett Haddock, a plaid bow-tie wearing Democratic candidate for the city council, complained to CBSLA about a tongue-in-cheek Halloween display depicting a mock graveyard with headstones bearing the names of celebrities and liberal politicians.

Between Tom Petty and Michael “Thriller” Jackson, one sign read “Insert Nancy Pelosi here,” along with an arrow pointing to the ground. There was also a tribute the Hillary Clinton and Gavin Newsom, “Mini-Me,” Jerry Brown, Joey Ramone, Prince and Kim Jong Un, whose gravestone featured a large mushroom cloud. Yet another headstone read “Republican Party – Should have backed up Trump!”

Haddock couldn’t stand the horror scene.

“Regardless of political affiliation, I would disagree with that level of messaging on either side,” he said. “It’s really kind of sad to see that type of language used to describe a position on something – use violent rhetoric.”

The homeowner did not want to be identified, but he told CBSLA he’s put up the graveyard every Halloween for the past eight years and never received a single complaint until Haddock decided to run for office.

He told the news site those offended need to “lighten up.”

Several neighbors who stopped by to get a look at the graveyard seemed to agree.

You Might Like

• 
• 
• 

“I live right here in the neighborhood,” Democrat Pat Mill said, “I’m not offended by what he put up.”

Mill thinks Haddock is creating an issue “for publicity,” CBSLA reports.

Rhonda and John Boone, Republicans in the neighborhood, also think Haddock needs to chill.

“We are a country of free speech, so we do have to all put up with a lot of opinions that are contrary to our own,” Rhonda said.

“Let’s not take offense so often as we do as a country. Let’s just let it go and see it in the spirit in which it’s done,” her husband added.

The scene in Santa Clarita is only the latest example of politics sucking the fun out of fright night, with cultural appropriation fears replacing traditional costumes with conversations about oppressed peoples, privilege, power, and whiteness, The Hill reports.

College costume guidelines now consider geishas, samurais, Native Americans or any cultural stereotypes off limits. Good Housekeeping even compiled a list of “15 Offensive Halloween Costumes You Should Never Wear” to ensure everyone is trick-or-treating in a politically correct and culturally appropriate manner.

In other places, politicians are setting age limits on collecting candy, banning clown costumes, or enforcing $1,000 fines for using silly string on Halloween.