Not Gun-Related, But of Interest

[tellner]

Woman puts up "Support the Troops" ribbon for her husband who is serving in Iraq. Homeowner's association fines her $100/day.

There's the Sacred Right of Contracts. Then there's behavior that warrants repeated kicks to the goolies with steel-toed boots.

http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBY9HYLKKE.html

 

[Car Knocker]

Even though she's violating the CCRs, I don't think it's necessary to kick her repeatedly. At the next homeowner's meeting she should just make a motion to amend the CCRs.

 

[ArmedBear]

Since it's tough and sometimes illegal to make rules that are different for different people or groups of people, HOA rules like this can be necessary.

It's unfortunate that she can't put up this ribbon. But the same rule probably prevents some of her neighbors from putting up signs, banners, etc. that she would find distressingly offensive. Would she want some anti-war hippie neighbor putting up something really nasty about the troops on a banner?

Sometimes in life, you voluntarily agree to some rules because they benefit you, and you accept the costs because the benefits are greater.

 

[tellner]

EIther that or rules need to be changed. Especially the ones allowing what HAs are allowed to require of their clients. There are things in this world that are more important than the Sacred Privilege of Capital. I maintain that this is one of them.

 

[ArmedBear]

HOA's don't have clients. They have percent owners. Every owner who buys and signs on to the CC&R's is automatically a member of the HOA, which owns the land and structure(s) as a corporation.

I give up power to other owners in the form of rules (which I agree to voluntarily, BTW), but I also gain power in that I can have them enforced on others. Like it or not, an HOA is a modern democratic "village".

I have little doubt that this woman, as most people do, appreciates the fact that she has the power to stop someone from keeping her up all night practicing drums or hosting big parties, and that obnoxious signage is not allowed next to her place. The price she pays is that she, too, has to live by the same rules, and sometimes rules don't account for every small variable.

I am part of an HOA. In a beach neighborhood known for partying, noise, and crime, we enjoy peace, quiet, no crime, and higher property values than places just down the street. Is there a price? Yes. But it's worth it. If it's not, we'll sell and move.