Well, actually, there is apparently no rule against flags or flagpoles. Just vague rules against eyesores. Is a flagpole an eyesore? They are pretty traditional in our country.
As someone pointed out on an earlier thread, this could probably be shot down in court, as an ex post facto change in the rules. But it would take money for a lawyer to defend him.
If the Association goes ahead and sues, I expect they will lose. But it will be expensive for all concerned--and very silly, not to say unpatriotic.
In my Association I have a flag on my house. I have been on a Board and Board President for many years - Boards are neighbors and we don’t like problems or bad feelings with our neighbors either.
Well, actually, there is apparently no rule against flags or flagpoles. Just vague rules against eyesores.