[Stoat]

I understand that Community and Homeowners Associations have the 'right' to do this, but in communities where this has been done in the recent past there has been so much heat unleashed upon the Association involved that they usually reversed their decision or amended it, if my memory serves.  It seems to be one of those rules that is enforced somewhat arbitrarily in many cases.

It's unfortunate that this particular Association is unwilling to take a stand alongside our troops in this case.

[tsomer]

Sandlot fascists.

Certain rights, like the right to free speech, are inalienable. I understand that to mean that we can't forfeit them, surrender them or sell them.

This lady's got a case, if you ask me.

[383rr]

Good Lord. This is disgusting. What is wrong with people these days? What a way to treat a soldier's family. I think this association's board ought to be tarred and feathered.

[Moonman62]

Don't blame the Association. Florida law says they have to enforce the rules equally. It would be great if they had discretion.

That sign is close to being an American flag, which does have legal protection against HOA rules. This story has already been posted, BTW.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Already been posted.

But while everyones is running around, foaming at the mouth, you should note that it is not the "content" of the sign that is in violation [of a freely signed covenant]. It is the sign itself. That is not a minor distinction.

Get a grip. The homeowner is trying to changes the agreement after the fact, not the HOA.

[SALChamps03]

I would absolutely refuse to take the sign down. They'd have to take me to court. The negative press these bastards would get would most likely force them to back off. I absolutely will not buy a home that involves a covenant.

[Zack Nguyen]

It's hard to imagine anyone being so rude as to put up a "I do not support the troops" sign across the street from a soldier's wife. I suppose its possible, but this Homeowner's Association is sounds very weak-kneed.

[Red6]

People need to be responsible for their actions.

Who are the people that voted and what are their names?

You can't be a "public" figure making such decisions and expect to stay anonymous.

[hawkiye]

Home owners associations are inherently evil ;) and havens for busybodies and and liberals who have way to much time on their hands to mess with folks over ridiculous things like this The rules were set as "Association President Daryl Manning said the rules about signs are in place to keep the community clean and keep the peace." How does this dirty the community and disturb the peace? Enforcing the rules for sake of just enforcing the rules is just ridiculous

[JoeFromSidney]

One of the problems is that builders use "standard" homeowners association rules, which must be agreed to by buyers in the development. You either agree to the rules, or buy elsewhere. But "elsewhere" probably has the same set of "standard" rules. Unfortunately, these "standard" sets of rules are very restrictive. Ham radio operators have run into the problem in many developments. Antenna towers are prohibited, which keeps the hams off the air. It's not like homeowners get to vote on the rules. The're stuck with the rules adopted by the builders and included with the sale of the house.

The rules in force in the lady's development probably restrict signs. The committee has no option but to enforce them.

[El Gato]

There was no word on what Kelley planned to do.

I'd be leaving the sign up, and saying "see me in court, mo-fo's". Then we get a retired Marine, who became a lawyer either after retirement, or after several tours as a tactical Marine to argue her case. Or maybe Congressman Billy Bob. Homeowners associations than can control what you do with your property are quasi governmental organizations, and in many cases must have a government charter. As such, they should be subject to the first amendment.

[festus]

There was no word on what Kelley planned to do.

Run em up the flagpole by their Birkenstocks would be my suggestion.

[flada]

The obvious solution is to mount the sign on the roof of her car when it's parked in the driveway and take it down to store in the garage when she goes for a drive. Once it's on the roof of her car, it's no longer a sign on her property but a sign on her conveyance which doesn't fall under the association charter (unless her car is a boat or motorhome).

[jamaly]

If she doesn't have a brick house, maybe she could paint her house like an American flag and have her message on that. In a neighborhood where I used to live there was a "notorious" neighbor who got mad at the neighborhood association and painted his house pink with purple polka dots. That happened several years before I moved there. Even though his house had been repainted normal colors for a long time, no one EVER forgot. I'm don't think they bothered him after that.

[jamaly]

If she doesn't have a brick house, maybe she could paint her house like an American flag and have her message on that. In a neighborhood where I used to live there was a "notorious" neighbor who got mad at the neighborhood association and painted his house pink with purple polka dots. That happened several years before I moved there. Even though his house had been repainted normal colors for a long time, no one EVER forgot. I'm don't think they bothered him after that.

[Brimack34]

Stop illegal immigration from NY.

[Atlas Sneezed]

This is the third thread on this little topic, and some morons think she should be able to break the rules she promised to uphold.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1593828/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1593759/posts

[newnhdad]

My parents had some weaseley community leader bozo tell them that they couldn't hang an American flag inside their own porch because it was visible to the outside.
My dad (Army MP during the early 60's and a retired NYPD detective) told him to "yeah, right. Try to come and take it down yourself". Right after that, the family across the street (Islamic), the grounds keeper and complex handyman put US flags in their porches too.
Needless to say, the weasel never showed up to take it down.

[robertpaulsen]

During both WWI and WWII, families displayed the "Sons in Service" flag discreetly in their front window (you see one in Saving Private Ryan). (It applies to any family member in active service.)

Why does this woman feel a need to make such a big deal about it?