Americans have freedom of speech — and William “Chip” Wood believes in using it.

Wood owns about 50 TireDiscounters stores in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

About twice a week, he sends faxes to his managers to tell them what messages to put on the double-sided signs in front of his stores, including two in Lexington.

New messages went up Thursday.

“Free Tire Inflation Democrats Only” is on one side of the sign. “Free Tire Inflation Republicans Only” is on the other.

The messages are based on the ongoing debate by presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain about how much gasoline could be saved if we all kept our tires properly inflated.

By early Thursday afternoon, there had been only one call.

“What about Ron Paul?” the caller asked, referring to the independent Republican candidate for president.

To get Paul up there would require a three-sided sign, Wood said. His stores don’t have those.

“We are just trying to have a little fun,” he said. “People like it a lot. We do get comments. We get complaints, too. I have to be honest about that.”

Edgy, topical ideas attract attention and that’s been one of Wood’s goals for the 30 years he has been writing the messages.

Another goal is symbolized by his signs. “You have got to look at the other side of the issue,” he said.

It might change your whole view of the world.