Local Nazi adopts a highway

About three months ago, Lewes resident Edward McBride applied to adopt a highway on behalf of his political party – National Socialist Freedom Movement Nazi Party.  McBride's request was denied by Delaware Department of Transportation.

When asked why, DelDOT officials took an ethical stance against McBride’s request.  Geoff Sundstrom, DelDOT director of public relations, said in an email, “The application was denied because the state will not lend its property – in this case its highway signs –or its name to a group whose purpose by the applicant's own admission is to deny the civil rights of its citizens.”

McBride, a 24-year-old graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, said he tried to compromise with DelDOT, and he submitted an application shortening the party name to an abbreviation – NSFM.  The second request was also denied.  He said he submitted another application under the name Freedom Movement.  Again, his application was denied.

“I wanted to prove a point,” McBride said.  So he asked a fellow Nazi Party member to submit an application to adopt a highway under the name Freedom Party.  The applicant used the same address as McBride’s application.  The request was approved.

At first, Sundstrom denied the connection.  “The application that was accepted was not from Mr. McBride and was for an organization of another name,” Sundstrom said.

McBride disagrees.  “The only difference was it wasn’t me handling it,” he said.

Michael Williams, manager of DelDOT’s public relations office, said in an email McBride’s first application, to adopt a highway under the Nazi Party, was denied.  “Subsequently, Mr. McBride submitted another request for Adopt A Highway for a group called Freedom Party.  That request was approved,” Williams said.

DelDOT Community Relations Officer Tina Shockley said although McBride’s initial application was denied, “We welcomed him to submit the application under a different name.”

Shockley continued, “Not Mr. McBride, but someone else at the same address as Mr. McBride submitted a new application requesting to adopt a road under the name of Freedom Party.  This request was approved,” Shockley said.

Cedar Grove Road in Lewes is now home to a little blue sign that reads “Freedom Party” and represents a local Nazi group.  McBride said about 45 members of the party live in Sussex County and hold meetings once or twice each month in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

McBride said he is still trying to adopt a highway under the name Nazi Party, and he believes the law is on his side.  “This is a Constitutional matter; this goes against my freedom of speech,” he said.

McBride said he wants to advertise the party’s presence in the county.  “We’re not afraid to get out there in broad daylight and do something for the community,” he said.  McBride said he is a firm believer in volunteer work and community service.

In a later email, Sundstrom was asked how DelDOT could approve the Freedom Party application when it represents the same beliefs and goals as the Nazi Party.

Sundstrom said, “The term Freedom Party does not on its face imply the same philosophy as the term Nazi Party and was judged acceptable for use on a state sign.”