[Sir_Ed]

I don’t agree with the banning flag policy being acceptable because he signed a contract with the HOA.

No purple paint, mow your lawns, don’t fix your car, don’t put up political signs, okay, MAYBE I will concede your point.

But not the United States flag. That, to me, is the one outstanding symbol of our country and the men and women who have died to bring us its justice, freedom and patriotism, and NO ONE should ever be able to tell anyone that they cannot fly it, in my opinion, regardless of where they live.

Ed

[chrisser]

NO ONE should ever be able to tell anyone that they cannot fly it, in my opinion, regardless of where they live

Personally, I feel the same way. However, by being a member of a HOA that reserves the right to ban such things (and I suspect they're banning flag poles, and not flags, which is a different issue entirely), the member voluntarily gives up his right to do so.

Its his right, to give up that right, regardless if I agree with it or not. Likewise, the other members of the HOA have the right not to see any flags, and not to see the U.S. flag in particular, if that is what they want. I don't like it, and I don't agree with it, but it is their right to live in an area with a HOA that regulates such things.

This is a voluntary agreement - one doesn't have to live in an area with a HOA, and one doesn't have to live in that particular HOA.

There are all sorts of agreements/contracts/covenants that free people enter into voluntarily where they elect to give up some rights in order to obtain some perceived benefit.

Free speech is routinely given up on a limited basis in lawsuit settlements. Free association is routinely surrendered on a limited basis in employment contracts. Free people have the right to make stupid decisions, and one of those is to elect to surrender portions of their liberty if they wish.