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Idaho Couple Battles HOA for Right to Fly American Flag

Idaho Couple Battles HOA for Right to Fly American Flag

The Perfect's flag in its original location that was deemed to be breaking the rules. (Photo: submitted)

Steve and Robin’s last name may be Perfect, but their situation is anything but.

After seeing their son Sgt. Edward Nadler off to war this fall, the Hailey, Idaho couple bought an American flag to fly in support of “Eddie.” But when they got home to Copper Ranch Condominiums and placed the flag on a post they thought was their property, neighbors and condominium management told the Perfects they had remove their flag. The demands have sparked a debate over rules that directly or indirectly prevent tenants from flying flags, and now the Perfects are having to defend their right to fly an American flag on American soil.

“We’ve been harassed and hassled for the past two months, and we’re all stressed,” Robin, 50, said. “It’s bad enough that my only son is going to Iraq — now I have to worry about this.”

After resisting for those last two months, Robin says the couple is “tired.” Unlike their son, their tolerance for battle isn’t so high. But a battle is exactly what they’re in, as now the homeowners association has weighed in and says the couple is in violation of its policies.

“It’s about items in the common area,” Property manager Brian Emerick told the Idaho mountain Express. “And, tenants are not allowed to place items in the common area … [including] any number of things, bird houses, wind chimes, anything.”

“It’s unfortunate it involves the American flag,” Emerick told The Blaze, “but from the HOA‘s perspective it’s not about the flag, it’s about the rules.”

That battle started on September 22. After placing the flag “5 steps” from their front door a day earlier, Steve, 59, told The Blaze he got a call from Lido Equities, the national California-based company that leases the condo they rent. The representative, he said, told him she received complaints about his American flag and said that flying it made it appear that he was “supporting the war.” She said he should think about being more considerate to his neighbors and ask them if they objected to the flag.

Begrudgingly, Steve obliged.

He started with a neighbor from across the street who had been a dinner guest of the Perfects before and who had even looked after their condo during a spring trip to Mexico.

According to Steve, he asked the neighbor if she had any problems with him hanging the American flag. The response, he went on to explain, could be considered a resounding “yes.”

“Yes I f****** God d*** do!” Steve said she shouted. She continued: “You know what, you take your f****** flag and move out and hang it in your little house, ’cause [the flag] is on common ground and you can’t hang it there.”

After initially responding calmly, he admitted he got upset: he says he compared her to Jane Fonda and called her a “communist b****.”

That neighbor wasn’t the only one upset about the flag, however. Steve said the tenants above the Perfects complained the flag was flapping across the sidewalk, and were afraid it might blow in their face. That‘s when the condominium’s homeowners association stepped in and informed the Perfects that the flag was in violation of HOA rules.

But despite requests from the HOA, corporate management, and neighbors, the Perfects refused to move the flag. That prompted another call from the condominium’s national office on November 1.

“They said, ‘you have to take down the flag,’” Robin recalled, a command she said came with an ultimatum: either the flag moves or the Perfects will be forced out.

Robin responded to the request by quoting an e-mail she received from Idaho U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, which outlined the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005. That law says “a condominium association … may not adopt or enforce any policy … that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.”

“She told me she didn’t care about the letter, we had to take our flag down,” Robin said of her conversation with the representative.

Lido Equities did not respond to a request for comment.

Emerick and the HOA don’t seem to care about the letter either. He told the Express that the Senator’s letter does not interpret the U.S. law correctly, possibly referring to the law’s language that okays “reasonable restrictions.”

Still, the Perfects believe they are in the right. And they aren’t the only ones. Unlike the Perfects, Brad Serrano is a condominium resident who owns his unit. He told The Blaze that like Steve, he proudly displayed an American flag off the front of his building. On October 28, however, he received a letter from the HOA saying he must remove the flag “immediately” so as “to avoid further action.”

He acquiesced — sort of. He now flies his American flag in a bucket filled with concrete outside his back door. “I‘m hoping that’s not common ground, but I’m not sure,” he said. He added that he does not remember seeing anything about common ground regulations in his rule book, but said that doesn‘t mean the rule isn’t there.

It is.

Property manager Emerick refused to provide us with the HOA’s rules. However, a copy of those rules eventually obtained by The Blaze shows the association does have a specific rule prohibiting material in the “common elements.” It states:

Idaho Couple Battles HOA for Right to Fly American Flag

Idaho Couple Battles HOA for Right to Fly American Flag

The Perfect's flag in its new location, still deemed to be breaking the rules by the HOA. (Photo: submitted)

The Perfects say their lease does not say anything about flying flags in common space, while Emerick says the condo’s renters are responsible for making sure tenants have a copy of the HOA rules. And while the perfects have moved the flag so that it flies directly outside their condo door instead, Emerick told The Blaze the flag is still in violation of the rules. He and the association are now determining what further action will be taken, and would not confirm that eviction as allegedly threatened by Lido Equities was an option.

That doesn’t matter to the Perfects: they say they don’t plan on taking it down any time soon.

“I believe in what I’m doing,” Robin said, “and I don‘t think it’s right that anybody make anybody take down an American flag.”

Comments (178)

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  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:23am

    Fly it!!! And if you need someone on fire watch to protect it, give me a call…..

    Report Post »  
    • Serving Patriot
      Posted on November 13, 2010 at 6:13am

      I’m with you, and were I not in Afghanistan under our flag, I would take 2nd watch. Maybe if enough of us choose to stand with the flag, this will cease being a problem. I can’t imagine how I would feel if someone told my parents to take down thier flag while they have two sons currently deployed….

      Report Post »  
  • dataway
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:15am

    Take that d flag down! Let’s stop being patriotic and get socialism in the U.S.!! Yes, sounds like nazi Germany. Kill the babies and take down the flags!!

    Report Post »  
  • Wyle E Coyote
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:14am

    I think that we need to round up a bunch of veterans and their friends and families, and go on a little road trip. A few hundred people singing patriotic songs and waving their flags. In fact, bring as much American flag patterned items as you can. Hats, shirts, whatever. Be sure to bring flags. Hang them everywhere. Some don’t tread on me flags would work too.

    Political correctness is a poison that’s killing our country. We need to become as intolerant about the issues as the left is. Defend the country with facts and don’t back down. Time to run some of these people out. I hope that if nothing else, these people get their proverbial pants sued off of them by this family.

    Report Post » Wyle E Coyote  
    • hisuelos
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:42pm

      I agree. A road trip is definitely in order. Here’s a thought about HOAs….. who OWNS the property? who manages the property? Are they AMERICANS? If not, there is part of the problem. This IS AMERICA. If foreigners who are choosing to live here don’t like it that we fly OUR NATIONAL FLAG, then, GO HOME!!! Can you imagine what would happen to us if we lived in a foreign country and demanded that the people of that nation remover their flags from in front of their homes???? HELLOOOOOO, reality check. It’s way past time for the “we hate AMERICA” people to vacate the premises.

      Report Post »  
  • Hugh Williams
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:12am

    I fly a US flag in my front yard but, it is in compliance with my neighborhood HOA rules. The people complaining about the flag in this story are a-holes but, but rules are rules. If you don’t like the HOA rules for a particular neighborhood don’t move there. The people in this story can become active in the HOA and run for office in the HOA. Then they can try to change this regulation. Over the years my neighborhood has agreed to change several HOA rules.

    Report Post » Hugh Williams  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:23am

      Indeed. It is striking to me how quickly the notion of rule of law flies out the window whenever the outcomes don’t match the preconceived notions of some people.

      If the HOA overstepped, sue it. If it didn’t, then fact is that the people in this case did something they agreed not to do. Rule of law has to apply, and honor demands that any man of his word abide by his word, including contracts he signs.

      Populism is not always patriotism. That’s the next lesson that I think many of us have to learn.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • In God We Trust
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:57am

      @GhostofJefferson. I concur!

      Report Post » In God We Trust  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:11am

      @In God We Trust

      Thank you! :)

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:10am

    How amazing!!! The American Flag is offensive to Americans on American Soil!!! What has this country become. HOw could any HOA ever consider such a rule in the United States. Wow, this blows my mind. If the American flag is offensive to you then it is time you moved I say. Go to an oppesive nation where you can do nothing but serve the state. There are plenty to choose from but get out of this free country.

    http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:09am

    Once and for all, use your brains and don’t EVER move into a condo, which is nothing more than a glorified apartment. You own nothing, you have no rights.

    Report Post »  
  • alrunner58
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:09am

    I’m surprised Idaho is a communist state.

    Report Post » alrunner58  
  • Beetle1971
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:09am

    As hard as it would be for the Perfects I would love to see this go to trial and see the HOA and the other shmucks told they are wrong. Maybe the Perfects should sue them for harassment and violation of the freedom to fly the american flag act. I hope they keep standing strong the world needs more people like the Perfects.

    Report Post »  
  • Amerigo Vespucci
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:07am

    As offensive as some may find this, the simple solution is DON‘T LIVE THERE IF YOU CAN’T FOLLOW THE RULES!.

    Many people move into places like this with HOA’s purposely to avoid having to look at what passes for decor for their neighbors. I agree, an American flag should not be offensive especially in America. But, they moved there, read the covenants, agreed to abide by them and now have to pay the price. Another alternative would be to be elected to the board of directors of the HOA and amend the rule.

    Report Post » Amerigo Vespucci  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:23pm

      HOA’s are fundamental attacks on our constitutional freedoms and should not be allowed for the simple fact that you MUST be indoctrinated into it, or at least you should be allowed to opt out.

      I live in an HOA community and they send me letters all the time and I send letters right back to them and never hear another word. So this simply fact is that HOA is trying to power grab over simple citizens, and seeing what they can get away with. If you don’t fight back, they will just keep taking more…and more…and more…..Its wrong and should not be done.

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
  • Sledgehammer
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:06am

    You don’t have to live in a HOA, to see who the nuts are. They are easly offended and a lot of fun to poke fun at when your bored!

    Report Post » Sledgehammer  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:04am

    We bought a house that is ina Home Owners association. As far as I am concerning, we live in the United States and our property is still our property and if I can do anything I like on my own property, and that means raising chickens for eggs. I keep them in a coop and yard of course. There have been no complaints and if there is, I am going to tell them tough titty. We are supposed to have use of a golf course and swimming pool and the board leader last year filled in the pool without a vote. So, as far as I am concerned, they can take their rules and shove it.
    It makes me angry that people cannot fly an American flag in honor of their son. The rules stink. We fly an American flag and a Don’t Tread on me flag also. Flags are not against the rules here and if they were, I’d still fly one anyhow.

    Report Post »  
  • janedough1
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:02am

    And this would be another example of the problems with Homeowner’s Associations and zoning laws. I used to think they were a good idea. Now I realize they are just another step in our march toward limiting the freedoms of our citizens. This trap has been building for a very long time, and we’ve been willing participants in some of it, as it seems to protect our wealth. It doesn’t. Anything that limits the freedom of a neighbor also limits ours. Anything that tells another man what he may do with his own property also tells us what we may do with ours. This is another area of infringement on our rights that I think we need to start looking at abolishing.

    Homes are not investments that we need to protect at all costs. Every home has a date with the wrecking ball eventually. Homes are where we live, and they protect what really matters: our families. If we allow laws that limit our rights in our own homes, in order to protect a hypothetical value of that home, we are fools. Barney Frank did a really good job of showing us how quickly that hypothetical value can vanish, leaving us holding the bag for money borrowed against it.

    Report Post »  
  • LadyLiberty
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:02am

    The HOA, if brought to court, will lose. HOA associations overstep what is allowed by law in their covenants a lot. They should not back down.

    Report Post » LadyLiberty  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:09am

      If the HOA overstepped its contractual authority, I agree with you 100%.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • In God We Trust
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:51am

      I agree with, Ghost of Jefferson. (and not just because he/she has a cool username) We all know how important it is to read the fine print…ask the proper questions before signing and agreeing to the contract. I’m sure things eventually will work out for this family.

      Report Post » In God We Trust  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:58am

      Problem is the members of the HOA have to sue them in order to change ANYTHING … and the HOA will imposes dues and costs to defend themselves to the people who are suing them …. THE HOMEOWNERS LOSE FINANCIALLY EITHER WAY. There needs to be a way to sue the individual board members who are denying rights to members if found they are.

      Report Post »  
  • bolec slodkie
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:59am

    If you don’t like living under the Star Spangled Banner, find a banner you like and move there.

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:57am

    The AMERICAN FLAG should be off limits to any rules or regulations except of the government. This lady that objected to the flag should be made to move out of this country. Because if you are not for AMERICA then you should leave. I served my country and I am still proud of that fact. If someone has a problem with it can kiss me where the sun doesn’t shine very often. This lady is clearly a communist and should be considered an enemy of the state.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:08am

      @HEAVYDUTY

      What?

      This was private contract enforcement, all conducted in the private property arena. It is exactly the opposite of communism.

      Your solution then, to private property disputes and capitalistic contract law enforcement, is deporting people who don’t share your opinions, setting government symbols off limits to criticism and telling people to kiss your ass?

      I strongly suggest that you study up on what a free market is, what private contracts mean and why they are important to a free people, and also perhaps crack a book on what actual real communism is and actual real totalitarianism is.

      HOA’s are bad news, without question. If you have a huge problem with them, then do not buy property where a HOA exists. If you agree to the terms of the HOA, then you must by honor follow your agreement and honor the contract you voluntarily entered into.

      I don’t find the notion of telling somebody to take down their flag as appealing. That‘s why I don’t sign contracts that give other people the ability to tell me what I can fly on my own porch.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:17pm

      GhostOfJefferson:

      Please don‘t forget that with HOA’s you have no opt out ability….there fore you are required or more preciecely forced to be a member. That my friend is communism. Regardless of the fact that STATE laws govern HOA’s…..

      Your logic is a bit flawed, but I understand where your coming from.

      Communism: a theory or system of social organization (HOA) based on the holding of all property in common (Land developer), actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state (developer holds the land deeds).

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
  • EdgeOfForever
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:55am

    I could not believe this was in my backyard of Idaho until I did a quick search and realized the condos are in Hailey, ID. Hailey, Ketchum and Bellevue are in the Wood River Valley and is the one major Liberal area in Idaho. That is where you have the Sun Valley ski resort and also where a lot of Hollywood actors live and/or vacation. There is such an elitist attitude when you visit this area. This story should go viral to help the Perfects retain their RIGHT to fly the American flag on American soil!

    Report Post » EdgeOfForever  
    • NOT A CRAZY
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:25am

      That is right. Unfortunately, Idaho has more than its fair share of progressive-Marxist-Obama-lover-types.

      Report Post » NOT A CRAZY  
    • Kinnison
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:45pm

      I live in the Idaho Panhandle, and everyone in Idaho is well aware that Hailey, Idaho—Sun Valley—is an enclave of Californication in the center of what is the most overwhelmingly red state in the Union. The majority of people who live there are either originally from California, or are Californians who own opulent vacation homes there. Go home Californians. No one in Idaho wants you here. Or in Colorado, or Montana, or eastern Oregon or Washington… Take your money and your lifestyle and your politics and leave.

      Report Post »  
  • OkiePatriot
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:54am

    What is this country coming to when its citizens cant even fly the American Flag? God help us!

    Report Post »  
    • heavyduty
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:03am

      It’s becoming a Socialist country. Unless we stay alert and watch very closely we will lose all of our freedoms.

      Report Post »  
    • OkiePatriot
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:25am

      Amen HeavyDuty!

      Report Post »  
  • NeoFan
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:54am

    How about giving us a web site where we can all donate to a legal fund? It would be nice if we could keep the HOA in court for a couple of decades. Lets see how the other HOA member like spending a great deal of their income on court costs over a flag.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:00am

      I agree … I would be very willing to send them some $$ or any others that are having to fight these dicatorships. Believe me when you get a few nuts on a board they do become dicators and it is very hard to get them out .. especially if you have seasonal owners who do not really know or care what goes on the rest of the year.

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:52am

    I sit on the board of my home owners association. It something like this ever came up the other board members would have to worry about the three of us who are veterans. Stupidity and political correctness were what propted me to run for the board.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:52am

      Problem is people can move in and stand for election and then once elected become “little dictators” of THEIR domain. I applaud you for being on the board and serving but too many people who do — do it so that they can control and dictate … and sometimes if they get a lot of uninterested people or like my son’s people who are seasonal .. it is VERY hard to get them out. I would never buy another home in an HOA .. his was good 10 years ago when he bought there but things have changed for the WORSE.

      Report Post »  
  • blue eyed devil
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:52am

    Socialism is everywhere. NO more flying the Flag. The American Flag should alway’s be the exception to the rule.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:48am

      I wonder if they would have a “problem” with someone burning one? I hate HOA’s.

      Report Post »  
  • Porkins
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:50am

    I can’t believe this is happening in my own neck of the woods. What has this world come to? Everyday, I see things like this and it strikes the very core of my soul. This is very disheartening but I have to stay strong. This is no longer about us but about making it better for our children, to truly know how great and wonderful this country is and not take it for granted. If my grandfather and his brother were alive and this happened, you’d see two old Iwo Jima Marines stomp mudholes in everyone.

    Report Post » Porkins  
    • mck05002
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:26am

      Yeah I’m an Idahoan as well and this just makes me sick!

      Report Post »  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on November 13, 2010 at 2:07pm

      Then call the COMMy’S and do something about it! Voice your opinion !!!!!!

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
  • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:46am

    Fly the flag in support of family and our troops, and you are condemned for it. Yet anyone like this Jane Fonda imitator neighbour of theirs would shout to the rooftops if their ‘rights’ to insult, spit upon, burn, and other such insults they could heap and abuse it with, were ‘violated’ in the least.

    God be with this family, and may he see them to victory and watch over their son at the same time.

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • radioguru
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:46am

    It’s a good test to see who the “nuts” are in your condo… fly an american flag and they jump out of the wood work.

    Their son is in Iraq.. How can anyone object? Where’s the “tolerence” liberals shove down our throat when it comes to their issues?

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:52am

      To be fair, this is a HOA. It’s a private organization, and you agree to and sign the terms of the HOA when you buy your land/house, assuming a HOA exists.

      Are HOA’s evil? Almost without exception, yes. So don’t buy property where a HOA is present. If you have the means or can gather together investors, start a subdivision with people who are not keen to enact a HOA.

      There were no rights violations here I’m afraid. Contracts are contracts, you are not forced to enter into them.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:04am

      a home owners association does not have the right to violate your rights. and flying a flag is everyones right. id hang 100 more flags and dare them to try and stop me. if you dont like our flag or our constitution get the hell out america is not a welcome place for you. its time to put our foot down on this subject once and for all. anyone who bruns an american flag in front of me id wrap it around his head while its burning so it sears into their skin so the can see it for the rest of their life. the time has come to show all you unamericans the door. think americans are playing? dont for one minute think we give up ever.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:19am

      A HOA has the right to do whatever YOU tell it it has the right to do when you sign the contract. There is no such thing as a “right to fly a flag”, if you agree to forgo that right contractually and voluntarily and of your own free will.

      I’m not defending the dillweeds who take offense at the flying of the flag, I’m defending contract rights, which are integral to the functioning of a free market. Let’s not let emotionalism override reason. Somebody else suggested that the HOA may have overstepped its legal authority, and that the flag fliers should have them sued if this is so, and I agree with that approach. What I don’t buy into is jingoistic disregard for contract law. A man is honor bound to abide by his word, and his word should be bond, and a contract is nothing more than the written down and codified word of a man. Picking and choosing when to follow the rules you agreed to follow is a path towards lawlessness and shows a total disregard for honor.

      Check if the HOA was overstepping, if so, sue the living pants off of them. That’s the solution.

      GhostOfJefferson  
    • A Correspondent in Virginia
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:38am

      We don’t always realize the unintended consequences of seemingly benign decisions. Joining a homeowners association is not much different that voluntarily joining a commune because of the cost benefits. Nevertheless, I certainly hope the Perfects win this battle with the scum of the earth who oppose their desire to fly old glory in honor of their hero son who is putting themselves in harm’s way for us all. I thank God for men like Glenn Beck and many others who are fighting to restore America’s honor, and that includes opposing evil wherever it hides. We are infected with a deadly disease of collectivist thinking, and HOAs are just one of the many manifestations of that disease. We must not lose sight of that fact. This is an example of a SYMPTOM of the problem, not the actual problem. It’s the subtleness of the appeal to compromise some of your freedom for security or in this case frugality. Individual freedom, including both the rights and the responsibilities that come with it should be the standard by which all of our decisions are made. Now if you will excuse me, I am going outside to raise the stars and stripes up in honor of Sgt. Nadler.

      Report Post » A Correspondent in Virginia  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:43am

      ghost is right.

      this situation is not about the infringement of rights. HOA’s are notoriously petty. If the Perfect‘s signed a contract that forbides them from putting anything in the common areas then they can’t do that. The only villian (for lack of a better word) is the neighbor who said she had a problem with the flag being flown. her sentiments and the hoa contract should not be muddled together.

      I suggest the Perfect’s get on the HOA board and rewrite this provision or at least petition them to make an exception in their case.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 2:00pm

      I agree with MRBUTCHER that they should get themselves elected to the board. I live in an HOA and I like it , they are helpful in dealing with neighbors that have yards full of weeds and things like that. I would have to fight them tooth and nail if they told me to stop flying my flag though. Did anyone notice that Lido Equities is based in Ca, not surprising they don’t want the flag flown.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:42am

    “tenants above the Perfects complained the flag was flapping across the sidewalk, and were afraid it might blow in their face.”

    They live UPSTAIRS?! Don’t they know how dangerous stairs are?

    Report Post » N37BU6  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:44am

      My son has a home in an HOA — I would NEVER buy another home in an HOA … even if it is “sane” at the time of purchase it only takes a couple of little dictators to get on the board to change EVERYTHING. His has become unbearable and the people who live there are having to fight them in COURT! It is bad enough that our local government makes you pull a permit for ANYTHING .. but these people are even worse.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:58am

      My mother had the same problem at a high rise condo in Western Colorado. A very stern, hateful woman on the board accosted my mother who was quite old at the time and told her to take down the flag. When I see this woman to this day, I want to slap her cold hearted face. But now, 15+- years later, many fly flags at this condo and my mom is now 96 years old. These Condo Assn. need rules, but after all, an American Flag? No reason for this under any circumstances, this is America pride.

      Report Post »  
    • Bauervision
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:13am

      There needs to be an understanding of the intent of law in this country, something that seems to be severly lacking. yes they signed a contract but one look at the rules clearly shows the intent of the rule.

      No obstruction ( a flag is certainly not an obstruction as an obstruction is something that stops someone from doing something)

      nothing shall be kept or stored (okay maybe, but let’s look at the rest of it)

      altered on, constructed in or removed from (I guess the flag is altered in, but still, let’s keep looking)

      No rubbish or debris, or anything that cause odors (okay, not a flag)

      trash , garbage, or other waste (nope, not a flag)

      So over half of the rule, applies to trash, or things that cause the property value to appear less then it is, which makes sense. But a flag is none of these things.

      If they want to make a big deal about the common grounds, and that nothing should be altered on, constructed in, or removed from, then that must mean that his place mat–unless approved prior, needs to go. As well as any leaves that fall from that bush.

      the intent of this law is to keep people from making the condos look like a trailer park.

      There needs to be a Constitutional Amendment that prohibits any company, organization, or persons from neglecting an American citizen from flying the American flag within a sizeable reason–no hanging a 50 foot flag out your dorm window!!

      Report Post » Bauervision  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:44am

      We went to the Boston Pops 4th of July and fireworks. With all the Jp souza marches playing, lots were singing along.My 13 year didn’t know the songs, the words. I never knew how bad things had gotten until that moment. She wanted to sing along. Our public school thinks patriotic songs and flag day and Memorial day are offensive to some, but they are required to fast on a friday during Ramadam. we don’t just need Tea Party members in congress, we need them on school boards also

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:07pm

      Does anybody remember the X-Files episode with the crazy HOA that had a monster that would kill homeowners if a single thing about their house was unsightly? I think we’re coming close to that with cases such as this. I think I‘m gonna save up for my very own 20’ pole and fly the biggest American flag that will fit with a USMC flag under it!

      SgtB  
    • valricoslash
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:33pm

      As a president of a HOA in Florida I would like to say that this HOA is in the wrong on the flag issue. Association by-laws or covenants do not trump Federal, State, or local laws. HOA sin Florida have tried top pull this crap about the American flag lots of times becuase their board members are totally ignorant of their obligations under the laws. AS a result, they have lost in court every time and cost their associations thousands of dollars in legal bill for boththe assoiciationa nd the person theya re trying to screw. Here in Florida we have had to accept a lot of changes taht were in viloation of our covenants because the state legislature adopted new laws, ususally in response to these type of situations, including what kind o grass that we have to allow. the problem the Perfects have is that they don’t own the condo but are only renting it and therefore may not have standing in court, but if anothe resident owner were to sue, they would surely win. Of course they would be suing themselves because as a HOA member they would be responsible for their portion of legal fees. Catch 22.

      Report Post » valricoslash  
  • Shurmus
    Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:40am

    Support the flying of the flag, everywhere and always.
    ____________________________________________

    Report Post » Shurmus  
    • bulldawg
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 2:55pm

      Here Here, and if you don‘t like it let me know and I’ll buy you a one way plane ticket back to the Communist Country you came from. http://www.weeklyrepublic.com

      Report Post » bulldawg  
    • Annette
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 5:10pm

      There are so many other things in this world to worry about…these people need to get a life!

       
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 5:41pm

      Who votes for such ridiculous HOA rules? I would never live in a neighborhood with these types of rules against flying the American flag. When I was stationed in the orient during my time in the Marines I was so relieved when I saw an American flag flying proudly. Gave me a feeling of security and pride.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • patriotdale
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 6:19pm

      I dare you to try to remove my flag from my property, Go ahead make my day!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Maximus
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 8:26pm

      They should become an officer of the HOA, and then make an amendment to the rules. Done deal.

      Report Post »  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on November 13, 2010 at 12:50pm

      CALL THESE COMMUNISTS @”Copper Ranch Condominiums # 208-788-1700″ Letum know they are the ones VIOLATING PEOPLES RIGHTS………God Bless The Perfects and Their sons !

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
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