A more straightforward action might simply be to look up the state's
obscenity laws, but more importantly local ordinances against swearing
in public.  There was a well publicized case in Michigan regarding a
cussing canoeist.  I don't know where the process is now, but the ACLU
was/is involved, and the michigan appeals court said the law violated
the first amendment.  But that's a much more defendable case (he swore
when he tipped over, kids and woman on shore clearly heard him) in your
case the lawyer would have a much harder time convincing the judge that
he's simply using his first amendment rights.

You don't even need video or audio coverage - just get a few neighbors
to act as witnesses.  Also remember that someone representing themselves
has a fool for a lawyer.  Get a good lawyer, and see if this guy will
impale himself on his apparently bad ability to do his job.

Alternately, appeal to your city council.  Get a petition signed against
this person and then shop around for a sympathetic ear.  You get brownie
points if you are located near an elementary school or on the path to
one if children have to be in your area on a daily basis.

The neighborhood association may also be able to put some more weight to
bear on this person, especially if there are rules concerning noise
pollution and general bad behavior.

Another thought is to check out the AARP in your area:
http://www.aarp.org/states/ Many states have laws on the books
concerning abuse/harrassment of the elderly.  You may not think of your
father as old, but the laws may still apply.  The AARP will have good,
if not great, resources on what to do in these situations, and may even
provide free counsel.

Alternately, get him on every minor item you can.  If his yard is a mess
complain to the city that it lowers your property value, and he should
be forced to maintain and certian level of cleanliness.  If he's
littering on your yard, make complaints against local littering
ordinances.  If he's the least bit noisy after 10pm (or whatever time
the noise ordinance kicks in) then complain.  If he changes his oil in
his driveway or the street (against ordinances in many cities) then
complain.

Also note that you'll have to make 3-4 or more complaints before any
action will typically take place.

Of course, you can also try to get his goat with unfailing kindness and
happiness.  Let him know that not only do his obscenities not matter to
you, you find it hilarious that he has nothing better to do.  Smile and
wave whenever he's around.  Let him know that you're glad he has such
strong opinions on certian subjects, but you find them useless except
for the occasional laugh they provide.

Also, consider recording conversations and making a website with
pictures and sound clips of this guy.  Nothing else - no commentary,
message boards, etc to avoid libel or slander suits.  Then put a big
sign outside your house advertising the website.  Make it abundantly
clear that if he stops harrassing your dad, the site will come down.
Put a button next to the computer which is hooked up in such a way that
when you dad presses it, the website turns on, and if it's not pressed
for 48 hours then it automatically goes dormant.  Let the neighbor know
that every insult brings the site back up.  lots of work on your part,
but probably less work and perhaps more effective than legal action.

I wouldn't do anything backhanded, like mailing his insurance company
pictures of his home and car in the hopes that they'll raise his rates.
Or throw roadkill on his roof.  Or put a single tiny tire spike in the
gutter at the end of his driveway (eventually it'll get him (or you if
it moves) and since he can't find more then he wouldn't know where his
tire picked it up).  Or pay the local ruffians to paper his house/trees
a few times a year.  Or respond to personal ads in various
papers/magazines/etc - especially the alternative lifestyle magazines -
in his name (or place some for him).  These are just wrong.  Fun, but
wrong.  Some are prosecutable too.

-Adam

Bob J wrote:

>This guy literally sits on his porch facing my parents' home, shouting obscenities at Dad to try to get him worked up.  He tries his best to ignore him, but the guy won't quit, and it has gotten to him.
>
>
>

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