Government

UPDATED: TX Homeowner Fined $7,000 for Displaying Sign Associated With Glenn Beck

A North Texas couple is finding out that “free speech” can be very expensive.

A few years ago, Johnnie and Clara Russell posted a small yard sign on their two-acre property outside of Fort Worth promoting an event for the non-political “9/12 Project.” Someone in the neighborhood complained about the sign which provides information for an event called “Wake Up America.” .

Texas Couple Fined $7000 For Displaying A Yard SIgn Promoting The 9/12 Project
Apparently the sign violated the rules of the Homeowners Association (HOA) that governed the subdivision where the Russells lived. And although Mr. & Mrs. Russell claim they never joined the association, never paid dues to the association, and never signed any papers acknowledging the association as a governing body with rules over their property, they were sued for violating the rules.

The first notice of violation is alleged to have arrived while the Russells were out of town and it was returned to the HOA. The second one was delivered by a local Constable.

Citing inconsistencies in the policy that allowed for signs promoting local high school football teams and yard sales, the Russells argued their case in court, but lost. Johnnie and Clara Russell were found guilty by a Justice of the Peace and ordered to pay almost $7200 in legal fees incurred by the Homeowners Association.

The local Fox affiliate has the story;

Homeowners Sued for Political Sign: MyFoxDFW.com

For the record, Glenn Beck was instrumental in launching the 9/12 Project and it gained national attention via Glenn Beck’s Fox News program as well as his radio show, but Mr. Beck is not currently affiliated with the group, nor has he been involved with its operations for a few years.

Texas Couple Fined $7000 For Displaying A Yard SIgn Promoting The 9/12 Project

The National 9/12 Project has it’s roots in 9 Principles and 12 Values designed to help renew America.

From the mission statement on the 9/12 Project website;

The 9/12 Project is a volunteer based, non-partisan movement focusing on building and uniting our communities back to the place we were on 9/12/2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with political parties, the color of your skin, or what religion you practiced. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created. Our goal is to bring us back to that same feeling of togetherness again.

The Blaze interviewed the Russells this morning as they were preparing for another hearing before Judge Lynn Marie Johnson, the Justice of the Peace who slapped them with a $7200 fine for violating the rules of the local Homeowners Association. Some very interesting points were brought to light by Clara Russell (Clara and Johnnie Russell could not afford a lawyer, so they represented themselves).

Due to the very large fine imposed ($7200), the Russells filed an “inability to pay” motion which will be heard by Judge Johnson this afternoon.

The Russells would like to appeal the fine and move the case to a (higher) district court, but that would require posting a bond of double the amount of the fine. It was explained to the Blaze that Texas civil courts required the 200% bond in these cases as opposed to the usual 10% bond needed in criminal cases.

It was also explained to us that Judge Lynn Marie Johnson also happens to be a personal friend of a member of the board of the Homeowners Association that is suing the Russells. Clara reports to us that Kathy Kornegay Chruscielski is the board member who calls Judge Johnson her friend. Ms. Chruscielski also posted photos of the swearing in ceremony of her friend, the Judge.

 

The photos of Judge Johnson previously seen here were removed at the request of photographer and friend of Judge  Johnson, Kathy Chruscielski. They were all photos posted on Ms. Chruscielski’s public Facebook page. She has since made the photos of Judge Johnson “private.”

 

The Blaze also spoke directly with Judge Johnson this morning. When asked to comment on the ruling made against the Russells last week, she informed us that “Judges only speak to the public through their writings.”

We expect to hear from the Russells following their hearing this afternoon.

Clara was also interviewed on Glenn Beck’s radio show Tuesday morning and offered her email address for anyone wishing to contact her.  claravrussell@gmail.com

H/T – 9/12-er Trevor Thevenot

Comments (319)

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  • Ex-Democrat
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:56am

    This is why I own my own house and land. If I lived in one of these “communities”, I‘d be in jail before too long for kicking someone’s ass.

    Report Post »  
    • lapua338shooter
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:07am

      ExDemo — I couldn’t have said it better. They all have people preoccupied with telling all other residents how to live & what they’re doing wrong. I work for a few in my area & they all suck.

      Report Post »  
    • patjr1124
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:13am

      There should be a LIKE button on this site. This comment, I LIKE>

      Report Post »  
    • Docrow
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:18am

      I’d be sitting next to you.

      Report Post » Docrow  
    • Shiroi Raion
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:19am

      I recall a day when I saw Carter/Mondale signs back in ‘76. I was disappointed in my neighbors, but I never held it against them, was offended by the little signs, nor thought the signs made the city look bad… I had no problem with them.
      A person should be able to put up a sign where they live if they want to. The first time I remember seeing absurd hatred towards neighbors and co-workers was during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. He did it! He didn’t! He did it! He didn’t! — Oh He admitted it…. Well, it doesn’t matter! It’s just sex! One free grope! Character doesn’t matter! So, why was it so important to fight over if you thought it never mattered? Ugh! America never seemed the same after that.

      Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
    • Unix
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:22am

      We’ve turned into a bunch of Communists – where is our free speech? Screw these HOA‘s and the Gov’t for taking away our 1st amendment right….I can’t believe this is America anynore, just pityful and sick…how much longer do we sit on our hands while we give up our freedoms? Wake up is right, it is time for the splleping giant to awaken from it’s 100 year slumber. Screw the USSA and the liberal agenda…restore the USA and freedom.

      Viva TEA

      Report Post » Unix  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:29am

      Amen to that exdem, HOAs are just another way the libs and progressives try to force people into uniform acceptance of things. I will NEVER live in any area that has an HOA.

      Report Post »  
    • Br@dley
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:32am

      why would you have any pro glenn beck signage on your property anyway? last week the man said santorum was the next george washington. REALLY? the guy obviously has a few screws loose.

      Report Post » Br@dley  
    • mils
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:33am

      If the home association says no political or related signs…then you agree to this when you mov ein..and must adhere…
      schools etc may be a completely different matter
      However, if it says “no signs”….no signs what so ever…I would be complaining at ever sign i see and turning it into the police..every sign.
      But we should all understand if there are rules , bylaws etc..

      Report Post »  
    • I support God's Israel!
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:03am

      Where do we contribute to the fund???????????

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • Unix
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:05am

      hey MILS, did you read the story? the story says they did not join, nor pay dues, etc…these HOA’s are nothing more than little ghestapos intended to make everyone the SAME, same thing our gov’t is doing by social justice. you are nothing more than a snitch, you belly crawler, turn yourself in to the Gov’t as defective…wake up and smell the napalm in the morning will ya?

      Viva TEA

      Report Post » Unix  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:20am

      Well let’s see if a homeowners association can remove rights that are inalienable?

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:30am

      mike1969 wrote,
      Amen to that exdem, HOAs are just another way the libs and progressives try to force people into uniform acceptance of things.
      And it shows that people in this country would sale their first amendment rights if it will help keep their property values up. And more over it proves that bpeople who are willing to sale freedom for secirity deserve neither freedom or security.

      Report Post »  
    • Mtroom
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:37am

      It does say they weren’t members…So, how do you combat this if the judges side with a HOA against non HOA home owner? Just reminds me of my first dealings with an HOA…When I was in Vegas our condos were taken over by an HOA…For over a year before that I would sit on my porch and drink coffee and read the newspaper…Sometimes, on nice days, I would be out there for hours…One day out of the blue I received a letter from the HOA stating that I was in violation of some rule that didn’t allow me to be on my porch for that length of time and needed to stop immediately or face a $500 fine…Needless to say, I moved out the very next day, sold my condo and no live in a small town away from any thought of an HOA. I really hope these folks have filled an appeal.

      Report Post » Mtroom  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:39am

      Look how we’ve got ourselves all twisted up over a little bitty sign. The fine is also outragious.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:40am

      Is this the highly trumpeted Texas I’ve been hearing so much about lately?

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • Cherbear
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:48am

      Well said Shiroi Raion

      Report Post »  
    • sinda4
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:54am

      Watch out for Agenda 21, that‘s what it’s all about.

      Report Post » sinda4  
    • JohnHW
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:18am

      From the story, they didn‘t know or have reason to know that they were bound by this group’s rules. It looks like they have a suit against the title insurance company which must have stated or failed to inform them, of the coventments against the property.

      It also looks like that they could appeal this ruling because of bias, which, unless I don’t remember Texas law (haven’t been there in over 20 years), this could be heard without providing a bond (only the bias would be considered and if proved, they could get the case heard by a different judge).

      Report Post » JohnHW  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:21am

      If it is against the Law to contractually sell a Human into Slavery… then, no contract should permit the sale of Property Rights!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • SomeRandomPerson
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:28am

      Unfortunately, I have to live in housing because of my low income, but I’m with you on that one. I know the agony of having to deal with “community” rules. I’d live in my own home if I could, I just can’t afford it, so I can sort of relate to these two.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:40am

      mils

      If a Homeowners association stops collecting dues, do they lose their charter.
      I would think a lawyer could argue exactly that.

      A person can lose right to their property if their neighbor used it for access. For example if a neighbor uses a portion of someone’s property for a few years to access their own it become a legally enforced easement.

      I think the reverse is true. If the HOA stops collecting dues form a section of a subdivision or a a few house for a few years , those properties are no longer covered by the HOA.

      Report Post »  
    • ghostsouls
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:11pm

      If you live in a community where there is a HoA, doesn’t matter whether you are a renter or the owner, THEY tell you what you can do with your property, hence it’s name HOME OWNERS ASSOC. Merely owning a property doesn’t make you exempt if you live in that HoA area.

      Report Post » ghostsouls  
    • SoulReaver
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:11pm

      It is even worse up here, as a business owner i had to get a permit for every single sign inside or outside my business. It is very frustrating and nothing more than a money grab and tax on business owners imagine that. They don’t even care what it says as long as they are getting paid for it. I should have put one up stating how corrupt our government was.

      Report Post » SoulReaver  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:09pm

      The Constitution settles this. Right to your Property. All these Rights, of course, only apply if you do not infringe on anothers rights to exercise their rights.

      “Here, I’ll “sell” you these 2 acres for 10$, but you are going to be my slave for the rest of your life.” – unconstitutional, Right to Liberty and Freedom.
      “Here, I’ll “sell” you this acre for 1000$, but you can’t plant any trees or build anything on it.” – unconstitutional, Right to Property.
      SELL not RENT…. The bottom line is that Home Owners Associations are mostly unconstitutional.
      You can‘t sell a house on land that can’t be sold. that is a scam.

      Property Tax is slavery and unconstitutional. You could have your house 100% paid for and lose it all because of property tax. Property tax says we are slaves and we, do not and, can not ever have a right to our own land. Kings use property and labor tax. Free Societies do not use property or labor tax. America… you better wake the heck up…

      Don’t even try to justify property or labor (income) tax, all that is going to do is let us know that you are a control freak thief. It is not yours to tax. it is not yours to take. it is theft and economic slavery. My time is, MY TIME, not yours. I own myself, NOONE else has claim to my time. I trade my Time for Money = NO INCOME. it’s an EQUAL TRADE. Do you get an income tax when you trade 4 quarters for 1 dollar bill? NOPE. that is the EXACT same as trading TIME for CASH. They are taxing LABOR.

      Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:03pm

      They had their day in court and they lost. Now quit crying and accept the consequences of your actions or go join OWS and blame someone else.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:06pm

      ghostsouls

      I am thinking that if they fail to collect their dues for a substantial period of time, then the HOA’s hold over you is null 7 void.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasHunter
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:28pm

      @ Chief, there are still bad apples no matter where you go. Luckily Texas seems to have a lot less than most, ex Cali.. They will fight this and hopefully win. If they are not members than they should have a right to post anything that they want. This union is just another BS group trying to formalize America. That is your choice to put up a sign or a flag. Screw them!

      Report Post » TexasHunter  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:52pm

      We own a home in a community that has NO HOA. But a couple of years ago we had some
      twits that moved in and thought they were going to “clean” things up. I moved a truck we
      have as a third vehicle and pulled it on part of the grass because my husband was cutting
      down a tree and I didn’t want to take a chance on it hitting the truck. The next day we had
      a notice frome “the County” saying we couldn’t park on the grass.
      I was so mad I could bite nails. I got some 2×4s and plywood and made a sign that said
      “NO PARKING” I painted the sign flourestant orange it was 5 feet across and about 5 feet tall
      I bought a roll of CAUTION yellow tape and wrapped it around the mail box and over to the
      trees and stretched it all over thefront yard. We had and old tire under the deck, I spray painted
      it WHITE and put some fakeflowers in it and put it in the front yard. I got the picnic table and about 15 chairs and put those in the front yard. I bought some of the little cheap YARD ART things
      and put there also. I could not find any PINK FLAMIGOS, I can’t remember all the things I did
      put in the yard. Thecounty said I could do this every Frl and take it down on Mon. They thought it was funny. My husband came home and was mortified. I told them I would do this every week end. We have a corner lot so you have to pass our house to get to any other part of the subdivision.
      Needless to say I made my point and the “Twits” gave up trying to control the neighborhood.

      Report Post »  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:05pm

      you are so right the clipboard nazis are hard to deal with

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:22pm

      The problem here is that people who have cared about their ‘liberties’ have always believed that everyone else was entitled to theirs as well. So, little push back was applied. Now, after demonstrating we have no interest in trying to ‘throttle’ asinine (after all, there is no law, yet, against being stupid) belief systems.

      America has specific values as a nation and as a people, historically and traditionally. If you don’t embrace those values, you are a subversive. Period. Reciprocity is the name of the game.

      But, we don’t see that from the communists (democrats) or from the government (all 3 branches, I’d say). There fore it is easily arguable that this entire movement is a subversive NON American action with a stated goal of subversion of our existing government. That “IS” the definition of an act of war.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Have-Gun-Will-Travel
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:54pm

      Ex-Democrat
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:56am

      This is why I own my own house and land. If I lived in one of these “communities”, I‘d be in jail before too long for kicking someone’s ass.

      This makes no sense at all what Ex-Democrat writes

      Owning home and land has nothing to do with homeowners associations.
      There are many homeowners associations where home owners have 50-100 and more acres.

      so owning your home and land does not stop you from anything if you move into one of these places

      Report Post » Have-Gun-Will-Travel  
    • PASSIONFORCHRIST
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:57pm

      ( although Mr. & Mrs. Russell claim they never joined the association, never paid dues to the association, and never signed any papers acknowledging the association as a governing body with rules over their property)
      THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, SHE WILL WIN IN A HIGHER COURT AND PROBABLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT STINKING JUDGE! SOME PATRIOT THAT CAN AFFORD TO HELP THIS COUPLE SHOULD STEP UP ASAP!!!!!! I WOULD IF I WERE AN ATTORNEY, FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 4:59pm

      I’m with you Ex-Demo, I would probably be in the cell next to you! Also, I wonder why one of these conservative attorney or attorney groups haven’t volunteered their services. This “judge” said that “Judges only speak to the public through their writings.”, well perhaps she should speak to the public because even though they are given some power it is still a pretty far stretch for a JP to call themselves judges. Especially since most of them are just an elected official that usually has no real legal experience of any kind. Also, since she is an elected official, perhaps she should remember that if she makes illegal “writings” for a friend then that could get her in trouble legally as well as getting herself elected right back out of her position.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • Hoseycanyousee
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:05pm

      Didnt you read the article. They didnt belong to the HOA.

      Report Post »  
    • dgremark12
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:17pm

      I know what you mean and the time is coming when I kick some fricken a$$

      Report Post »  
    • Protoham
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:18pm

      I too, own my own home, there is no HOA in my area and I checked on this before I move here. However, if you read the story, these people are not part of a HOA, I have to assume somehow a HOA sprung up in the area all by itself, kind of like an unwanted union. This is very scary that a judge would take the side of an illegal HOA over a Citizen.

      But this is what liberals do, for some reason they feel they know how you should live.

      Report Post »  
    • Protoham
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:23pm

      @ Sissykat

      I love it!!! I would do the same.

      Report Post »  
    • AZRACISTBIGOT
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:37pm

      It seems to me that this HOA’s Iron fisted policies would cause the value of the neighborhood to tank faster than a resident posting a sign or flying a flag.

      I sure as hell wouldn’t live there

      Report Post »  
    • RebeccaG
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:58pm

      Amen! To the comments and the Ex-Democrat title!

      Report Post »  
    • JohnTwoFeathers
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:59pm

      Sameo sameo….gotta let the dogs run.

      Report Post »  
    • PrincessPhilly
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:37pm

      The article states this couple is not even in the association and has never paid dues or been a part of the association. I don’t understand how they have jurisdiction over other people in the area that are not part of the association.

      Report Post »  
    • NYHuguenot
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:18pm

      For our retirement my wife and I found a small piece of land to build on. We’ve lived in subdisions all our lives and wanted no part of it anymore. Years ago they were all right but now the members of these boards have become like the Gestapo. I read horror stories all the time of over reach by them. One guy wanted to cut his own lawn for the exercise but couldn’t because the association had a service come in that was required to finish in one day so all the lawns would be the same length. no US flags even on a holiday? No thanks.

      Report Post »  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:35am

      who ever is that judge IS PATHETIC… we need less stupid people and more who can think with common sense… and the worst part is that the man had to pay the court fees for the person who sued him…. SO HE HAS TO PAY 7G and his freedom of speech has been violated, and he makes good points that others signs are available… so IT IS THE WORDS ON THE SIGN that are not allowed… THUS INFRINGEMENT OF THE 1st amendment… and then HE HAS TO PAY FOR SOMEONE VIOLATING HIS RIGHTS…. you do tort reform to make the system work… NOT HURT THE LOSER OF THE CASE CAUSE A JUDGE IS INCOMPETANT

      Report Post » smokeysmoke  
    • pjr12345
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 7:54am

      No, you DO NOT own your home or land. You are renting it from the government. Don’t believe me? See what happens when you don’t pay your rent (aka property taxes).

      Report Post »  
    • gsreagan
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:33pm

      I suspect most hard working REAL Americans would follow you to jail in a situation like this. I know I would, but then again, like you, I wouldn’t be in a “community” like that. By the way, the word communism comes from community or commune.

      Report Post »  
    • hud
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:39pm

      The judge needs a visit from Woody Harrelson’s dad. He was an expert on judge control.

      Report Post »  
  • ColoradoMaverick
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:56am

    I hate HOA’s. They always have burned out old hippies. Women with long gray hair that drive Subaru’s and want to make themselves important by dictating their radical socialist views on the members and in this case, even non-members.

    Report Post » ColoradoMaverick  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:55am

      Hey Ass—-, I own a Subaru & I don’t have long grey hair, Nor do I inflict socialist views on anyone!. I drive one because they are AWESOME cars in the snow & ice, and they aren‘t HUGH gas sucking SUV’S!! I’m sorry you have such a narrow minded view & obviously judge people by what they drive instead of their morales!! Perhaps you need to get your mind out of the second grade! God Bless!

      Report Post »  
    • atechgeek
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:58am

      Hugh will be glad to know he is Huge !! And one word for ya !!! DECAF !!

      Report Post »  
    • yancie
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:04am

      Yeah and I have long long long hair. NOTHING about me is Socialist, or even any where near liberal. I am a Tea Party conservative. So that is 2 strikes

      Report Post » yancie  
    • INTHEBEGININGGOD
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:09am

      I totally agree, I never seen any young person drive one of these foreign cars.

      Report Post »  
    • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:21am

      I have owned both a Subaru Outback and Chevy Suburban. The Outback acheived ~22 MPGs in the city and the Suburban ran at ~19 MPGs under the same condition. I have asked other Outback owners if this is out of line. They said that they got about the same. The argument that the NPR loving. earth muffins highly coveted Subaru is so enviromentally friendly is rubbish. By the way the Subaru leaked oil on the ground like a sieve. Now that’s eco friendly

      Report Post »  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:35am

      Hey, Hey don’ t get mad at Maverick. He just spoke the truth. The subaru is the official environazi urban assault vehicle. Its the car most chosen by people that want to outlaw the sale of gas and oil. You guys like the car and are trying to take it back from the GreenT.a.r.ds and thats a good thing.

      Report Post »  
    • babylonvi
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:07am

      Comet, me thinkith ye complaineth too much. It was a generalized description. There is no need to complain unless you think it fits you.

      Report Post » babylonvi  
    • Radiant.Simplicity
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:57pm

      LOL wow a little touchy aren’t you.

      Report Post »  
    • FireWolf
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:42pm

      @mycomet123, @yancie, @inthebegininggod you kids need to get some thicker skin.

      Report Post »  
    • neocon1
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:34pm

      mycomet

      NO body said anything to YOU
      or ABOUT YOU….projection? “dummy”

      Report Post »  
    • Moosedrool
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:40pm

      I agree Maverick, just read the bumper stickers that they have plastered all over the back of their vehicles. Envirowacko, obamanuts. That is why I would never buy one of those libmobiles.
      @mycomet123….get a life! You start by calling Maverick an a** then have the gall to end your rant with “God Bless”? What a hypocrite!

      Report Post » Moosedrool  
    • NightWriter
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 4:31pm

      Oh Wow! And I was looking at the Subaru Outback as my next car when my mini-van wears out! (Ahem – I DO have gray hair)… I just wanted the all-time all-wheel drive for our snow/mud conditions!

      Wouldn‘t want to be mistaken for a ’Greenie’… maybe I’ll rethink…. NOT : )

      Report Post »  
    • SFYMP
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:01pm

      Have to agree maverick on the majority of subaru owners. As a trucker working on close to 3 million miles I watch out for subarus (especially outbacks)more than any other car out there. No other brand or model has as many terrible drivers. They drive in their own little world. As someone else said about bumper stickers the stickers on subarus outnumber prius’s 3-1. Ask any trucker you know, we watch out for them every day.

      Report Post »  
    • nurseheidi
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:15pm

      MyComet123..I think though doth protest too much. Sounds like Maverick struck a nerve. God Bless!!

      Report Post »  
  • momsense
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:49am

    Apparently anyone who doesn‘t tow the Com munist line of Obozo doesn’t have freedom of speech .

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:46am

    .
    I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it “TEXAS SUCKS”……

    They let people beat babies, steal 300k and do nothing. But you put up a yard sign and By God, we’ll bring the law down on you………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • wildturkeywatcher
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:20am

      Is your saying “Texas Sucks” your best attempt to keep liberals from moving there? I’ve lived there a large part of my life, and I know that’s the only excuse for saying it.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:39am

      .
      To many Liberals or Morons in Austin already, thats why you can Beat Babies and Steal from folks and not get in trouble………….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • texrubarts
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:15am

      YES – Keep the liberals out of TEXAS!!! And HOA should be done away with!!! They are a bunch of thieves!!!

      Report Post » texrubarts  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:12pm

      HOAs are unconstitutional.

      Report Post »  
    • Obama>Jesus
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:20pm

      Trust me, we Liberals don’t want anything to do with Texas. Ya’ll can keep it, free of charge.

      Report Post » Obama>Jesus  
  • cassandra
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:45am

    It‘s like the condo ’s that say you can’t put anything religious at Christmas time in your yard, this is just another way for the atheist to get their way, we have been silent too long, I refuse to say happy holiday I say MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone in public so sue me

    Report Post »  
    • USAqh
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:17am

      A couple of years ago, I ordered 1000 pin on buttons that say “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas” along with a picture of a nativity scene. I got them from afa.net . I wear one and hand them out throughout the Christmas season. People really enjoy them and immediately pin them on !

      Report Post » USAqh  
    • fancydancy
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:46am

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWrrvQ_3-40&feature=colike

      Report Post »  
    • downthewell
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:47am

      I’m not afraid to say “MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!” And nobody can stop me from doing so!

      http://www.flickr.com/photos/55751455@N02/6334205305/in/photostream/

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:12pm

      I just got a Nativity for my front yard .. not one of those small little light up ones .. but a large metal that I will put in my raised stone bed in the front yard and light with flood lights … I hope some athiests drive by and are offended .. I don’t live in an HOA!

      My son lives in an HOA .. which was very good when he moved in .. since then it has gone very controlling .. if the housing market wasn’t in the tank he would be out of there.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
  • kathleenlee
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:43am

    I want to know who this judge is, how he got appointed or elected. This is still America right? This is outrageous, and if I was a legal eagle I would take this case probono…what is wrong in Texas?

    Report Post » kathleenlee  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:46am

      this is what happens when you live in a area with a HOA, best thing is to move.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:09am

      The Judge (JP) was elected by the people in his county. There are pockets of liberals in the Dallas, Ft Worth metroplex. This will be just one thing his opponent can use against him.
      Tx is not as bad as some other states. One of my In Laws lived in Maryland several miles outside DC
      The bedroom communities finally caught up with. A development with one acre lots went up in their area. A home owners association went in and the were in the area, part of their 10 Acres was treeless(had been farm land) and they were told that they could plant trees or face fines. My S-I-L races sTheseogs and breeds them for sale. She was accused of runninfg a puppy mill. Those dogs are very valuable and are well cared for and treated with love, They had to endure inspections by County Animal Control and the SPCA (she passed both with flying colors)

      OMG.
      They now live in North Carolina

      Report Post »  
  • Hickory
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:38am

    Do these people have a defense fund? If so, put it on this board so I can send them some cash. We have to fight this leftist trash whenever it raises it’s ugly head.

    Report Post » Hickory  
    • Dont-hate-on-me-2
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:07pm

      same, where is the fund info. fight fight fight, Judges arnt suppose to decide what rights we deserve and when. These poor people did nothing wrong. The HOA is and did flex there musle, However If its accurate that the homeowners are not part of the establishment then they are not bound by the policys. Sucks the got a bad judge who belives she is in charge of handing out Freedoms. My freedoms come from God and you shall not have them.

      Keep fighting, never give up.

      Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
  • Harvey
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:31am

    Why in America does people allow these little communist groups to dominate them.If you Join forces you stop this kind of thing from happening.

    Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:39am

      funny how we have to spend millions in police and clean up, other millions in loss of commerce to protect the sacred right of the 1st ammendment of the occupiers, but anybody else: boys with American flag shirts, people quitly putting signs on their personal property are attacked with viciousness from the local governments, state governments , federal government and the courts. This guy should have put a mask on, and spray painted a building that is most visible, then he would be ok by the media. …I know, preaching to the choir

      Report Post »  
  • wildturkeywatcher
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:31am

    What city in Texas did this? It must have been infiltrated by “coast” liberals; it’s not Texan!

    Report Post »  
    • lylejk
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:55pm

      And Texas has gotten even more of them since the jobs left California and went to Texas. I use to live there and it was a great place at that time. Hope the left coast folk who are now infiltrating Texas don’t start ruining your great state; maybe you need to regulate the exodos to your state, but I guess you can’t (look at all the illegals getting into Texas now; how do you stop legal citizens to coming in then; lol). :)

      Report Post » lylejk  
    • angelonquest2000
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 4:28pm

      they generally are from someplace else. my home owners assoc. told me to remove my black curtains from my front room or face fines! i had to replace them with a neutral color. then to try and make money they kept telling me i was fined bc of my yard when it was a neighbors…they kept playing games to get more money when asked for pics they refused.

      Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:18am

    It’s really not clear they are members of the HOA or not. I will not live where someone can tell me how to trim by shrubbery.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • AgentP
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:40am

      nee nee nee nee nee

      Report Post » AgentP  
    • bs_detector
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:41am

      Help! Help! I’m being repressed! Come see the violence inherent in the system!

      Report Post » bs_detector  
    • PrincessPhilly
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:05pm

      That is as long as the shrubbery is not infringing on your neighbors yard. I have a neighbor that is not keeping her hedge trimmed and it is growing into my yard causing me not to be able to sit on one side of my patio table. I am in the process of fighting for her to trim it. Last time I paid to have it timmed and it is her hedge so I do not feel I should have to continue to pay for it. Everyone has their rights as long as their right does not impose on someone else’s rights.

      Report Post »  
    • mt7558
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 8:49am

      Princess, if a property owners foilage grows on to your property you are allowed to trim it back to the property line without permission from the other owner. Been there done that.

      Report Post »  
  • Bookster
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:18am

    How on earth could any judge (justice of the peace) rule against this person? He never joined the HOA, never signed anything agreeing to the HOA’s rules, and never paid any dues. That is just flat out wrong and needs to be appealed. The HOA also needs to be counter sued for violating this homeowners civil rights for freedom of speech.

    I personally would never ever buy any home where there is a HOA. I owned one home in one and swore I would live in a tent before ever buying in a HOA neighborhood. In my opinion, HOA’s should be outlawed with the exception of townhomes and condominiums.

    Report Post »  
    • 50BMG
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:47am

      If you truly believed in freedom, then you wouldn‘t advocate outlawing HOA’s. You would simply exercise your freedom to choose to not live in one, while allowing others their freedom to choose TO live in one.

      Report Post » 50BMG  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:57am

      But what if for some stupid reason, it becomes a mandated that all communities must have a governing body (HOA)?? I could see it. They are sitting there with their foot in the door….Better to just get them out, because they are anti-freedom in nature.

      Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • Susie40
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:12pm

      I sold out finally…of the house with an HOA. I put my political signs in my front window on the street side.
      They had a fit when we sent them a letter saying we were preparing to paint the outside of our house in neutrals/tan/brown. They had 30 days to let us know if there was a problem. Long story short, hubby had to take his week off work so we went ahead and did the painting on day 29 since we were never told we could not. On day 32 we were notified that permission had NOT been given and we should send paint samples to them. We had already painted…..the same colors as the head of the HOA’s house was painted. We were sent ugly reprimand letters but we ignored them.

      We now live FAR from town in the mountains and are very much enjoying nature out here.We have a white cross and an American Flag on our property even if very few if any see it.

      PS. I’ve lived in Texas twice. Both times for several years. I still like it.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:11am

    $7,200 is pretty stiff for a dang yard sign. I hope thet were prepared for it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:40am

      maybe he stuck it the ass of the liberal that b i t h c h e d

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • SERUM
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:48am

      It wasn‘t for the sign or they’d be able to keep it up still. As cities are running out of money, they see easier ways of revenue, even in the shadows of injustice and dishonesty.

      Report Post »  
    • bs_detector
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:44am

      I hope they paid the fine in pennies, nickles, dimes, and quarters. Then made them count it and give them a receipt!

      Report Post » bs_detector  
  • TxSon
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:11am

    They should check the deed records. If the property had the covenants and restrictions attached prior to them buying it, they “joined” the HOA by purchasing the property. If there are dues required that have not been paid, they can also be sued for non-payment and foreclosed upon by the HOA.

    If they were not made aware of the HOA and deed restrictions at closing, they should sue the attorney/title company and the real estate agent for failure to disclose.

    Report Post » TxSon  
    • Secessionista
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:34am

      Good advice.

      Report Post » Secessionista  
    • ai4px
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:53pm

      The HOA should have been disclosed to them… this is what title insurance is for. However, once they realized they were bound by the HOA, they could have showed closing papers were missing and all probably would have been well. I’m not sure what title insurance would have covered in this case?? Dues in arrears as of the date of discovery? Dues for as long as they own the property? Dunno.

      Also, the HOA cannot foreclose on your house… they can put a lien against it for past due dues which they will collect when the property is sold. The closing attorney will make sure to satisfy all liens at closing.

      Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:10am

    Explain to me again why Glenn Beck is moving to Texas?

    Report Post »  
    • olddog
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:26am

      Obviously you’ve never been to NY….

      Report Post » olddog  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:44am

      to Eliasim, check out the difference in taxes and tax codes and you will see why

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:44am

      Because, if you haven’t been told; if you did not have the grace of God to be born in Texas, you should get there as soon as possible. When the dollar crashes, Texas will be the best place to live, as it will be best able to handle such changes with money, barter, right to work, and a host of other reasons. Texas, or most of Texas still lets you be American.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Wayne
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:33am

      I would not live in Texas or Cailf if they gave me both states. We should give them back to Mexico.

      Report Post »  
  • Romanticpoet
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:00am

    Another HOA issue:

    Retired Police Officer Reportedly Told to Remove Flag Honoring Victims of 9/11

    Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/20/retired-police-officer-reportedly-told-to-remove-flag-honoring-victims-11/#ixzz1eL6F1vaw

    A “Justice of the Peace” heard the complaint?

    This couple in Texas should take this further….to the Supreme Court if necessary. Whatever happened to the FIRST AMENDMENT?

    Has anyone else noticed that most actions, Restaurant owner displaying flags, kids not allowed to wear American flag shirts on Cinco de Mayo, etc. involve Patriotism.

    Maoists like Anita Dunn (Husband Robert Bauer still in WH as Chief Legal Counsel), Ron Bloom, Van Jones; Valerie Jarrett (Father in law connected to Communists), Cass Sunstein who feels Americans have “Homer Simpson” in them, John Holdren who advocates eugenics, etc. all have been or are currently part of the Obama Administration

    In 2012 we MUST work to elect conservatives from the ground up…..Local, state as well as Federal candidates….including JUDGES.

    Soros is still working on his Secretary of State Project.

    “It is not the votes that are cast…..it is WHO is counting them”……

    Report Post »  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:38am

      Yes, it worries me also. I live in Washington State and we have to vote by mail. I hate doing this as I am sure the majority of the people counting my vote are liberals. Look what happened in King County some years back with Acorn and Gregoirre wanting a re-count. Low and behold she “won” the governor position. I still think it was all a fraud.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
    • macpappy
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:47am

      Luchily, in Texas a lower cilvil court ruling can be appealed, which in effect eliminates that ruling until the appeal is heard. Take a lawyer to your appeal, and move such appeal to a real Judge. I have seen JOPs that could barely read and write.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • RestoreFederalism
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:59pm

      “to the Supreme Court if necessary” I disagree, this is a bad ruling but it’s a state issue.

      Report Post »  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:59am

    I don’t know why people would move into one of these locations. Its starting to sound like the people that took out the adjustable rate loans when the rate goes up bitch. Read what you sign..

    Report Post »  
  • gbzealotsayswife
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:56am

    As a CT Yankee Conservative Real Estate Lawyer, I feel their pain but my advice is to go after their Real Estate closing lawyer who should have advised them that accepting their Deed to the property automatically subjects them to the rules and regs of the HOA. This remind me of the WWI vet who was sued by HIS HOA for raising Old Glory on his flag pole on his property.

    Report Post » gbzealotsayswife  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:43am

      that was the first thing that came to my mind as well, the gentleman from Cailf.

      Report Post »  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:49am

    Just for kicks, they should erect a sign saying “REELECT OBAMA” and see if the neighbors complain about that. I bet they wouldn’t.

    Report Post » burnteye86  
  • Jomil48
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:48am

    I am supprised to hear that in Texas,I always thought they lead the way.One solution is to run for the Homeowner’s Association Board, and fight to change the rules reguarding signs from the inside. I don’t think I would ever want to live in a complex that tries to regulate what I can or can not display. If I choose to fly an American flag or a Don’t Tread On Me flag, I am free to do so. Of course I live in a very rural area, you have to go up a dirt road to get to my dirt road. My neighbor has a 10 foot sign for the local patriot and 9-12er group.

    Report Post »  
    • lel2007
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:03am

      The best solution is to work to outlaw home owner associations from having any authority beyond the common areas of a development.

      Report Post » lel2007  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:48am

    Home Owners Associations are now one more example of rule by fiat; in which true communism are shown, when a handful can persecute the multitude and force them into doing what they want while denying them their due rights at the same time.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:06am

      a development was built up near a egg farm,the farm was there for many years. the first thing they did was to start a HOA, they put in a gulf course, gaurds at the gate, the works. The very next thing they did was go to court to have the location rezone,. They took the egg farmer to court saying that the smell and polution was threat to their complex, they won and forced the farmer out of buissness.

      Report Post »  
  • RichNGadsden
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:41am

    I’d like to learn more about the background of the Justice Of The Peace.

    Report Post » RichNGadsden  
    • pscully17
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:47am

      Moral of the story.. : DONT JOIN A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION unless your a communist, and want to live by freedomless rules!!
      at one point, we all belonged to the UNION of the United States of AMERICA… now there are soooo many self-serving special Interest unions, that the people who only are still just part of the broader American UNION are the ones getting the shiddt kicked out of them…. These Home Owner associations, the specialized Labor Unions and Acorn groups have to be disbanded, and prohibited from collecting DUES that are used for politcal favor.. this is the root of ALL the corruption in DC, and local Governments!!! if we all just paid our dues (taxes) to the same UNION OF THE UNITED STATES, and had a brotherhood of Freedom, Liberties and JUSTICE FOR ALL, and not just justice for a few selected officials and individuals .. we would all be UNITED!!! where did this go wrong?

      Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:50am

      If they are not members of the HOA and their property was not purchased with the HOA rules in the paperwork I don’t see how they could be held to follow the rules of the HOA. I wonder if the Justice is a part of the HOA

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:53am

      Hey Folks…doesn’t matter about the political affiliation of the JOP or the fact that the CC&R’s may or may not have been vague. Point is it is open season on anything and everything conservative. My question is when are WE THE PEOPLE going to take a stand and draw a line in the sand. That means joining the fight against people and organizations like this anytime something like this happens. That’s what the Progressive Left does anytime we speak out against one of theirs. .And I don’t mean more talk and more litigation. The laws are stacked against WE THE PEOPLE so there is no justice for us. Are WE going to just keep talking and yelling about these issues or are WE going to get out of our comfort zone and do something to HELL about it.??? Until that decision is made expect a whole lot more of the same…..

      Report Post »  
  • bigdaddyt46
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:39am

    these HOAs are getting out of control and drunk with power. they are getting as bad as unions

    Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
    • loriann12
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:52am

      It ain‘t just the HOA’s. We bought our house 3 years ago (April of 2008). When Fort Hood happened, we displayed our flag upside down for a nation in distress. We also posted a sign explaining why on our front door. I had one teenager slip a note in my mailbox supporting us. We flipped it back over when Brown got elected, and posted a poster in support of him. It was shortly after that that the local ordinance violations “officer” started picking on us. Our Crepe Myrtle wasn’t trimmed far enough off the sidewalk, we didn’t have numbers on the back of our house (where the alley is) even though there are, and 3 inches high, we didn’t have our trailer on “improved ground” etc. I had to trim a Crepe Myrtle during chemo treatment, and had to have my FIL come move our trailer (with the help of a neighbor) onto the carport because my husband broke his leg. The only other person that I know of that she knit picks like that is a Christian man from Nigeria.

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:55am

      Ditto that, I had a similar experience with a homeowners association. Never buy a home in an area with a homeowners association. There is always at least one person in these things that get’s off pushing people around for sport, the god syndrome. I call H.O.A.’s bully magnets.

      Report Post » HKS  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:37am

    Hard to believe it happened in Texas, but there are many organizations that say they are HOA. Actually they are just liberals that extort money from homeowners for their political gains. Kind of reminds me of Dumbascrates.

    Report Post »  
  • Susie
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:34am

    When I read stories like this my heat sinks and I wonder, actually, how and when it was that we lost our freedom. Will anything make a difference ?

    Report Post »  
  • KingCanon
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:31am

    Expect more of this as time goes by… and then the threshold of doom will follow.

    Report Post » KingCanon  
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