Soldier's wife fights condo group's flag ban

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

OK...now resume your piling on.

Maxum wrote:
"Those pompous liberals, if this country and it's flag represents something that you detest so much, I encourage, no I beg you, please leave and take your ideas with you."

And you're sure the condo board is comprised of all liberals? And are you sure that no liberals have ever served their country in the same manner as your relations? You are cutting a rather wide swath.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by Heaven

Maxum wrote:
"Those pompous liberals, if this country and it's flag represents something that you detest so much, I encourage, no I beg you, please leave and take your ideas with you."

And you're sure the condo board is comprised of all liberals? And are you sure that no liberals have ever served their country in the same manner as your relations? You are cutting a rather wide swath.

...reading way to much into this tiny little story.
Here's what I read: "Someone broke something of mine....quick...gotta sue!"
Everyone else is talking about the flag...simply forgetting, in the article (if people even read it) she ask for, and was INDEED given permission to fly it. And then it caused problems. And then she wants to sue.
It's like this...you ask me if you can park your car in my driveway...I say sure. Someone working on my house scatches your car...you blame me. You sue me.
You then ask if you can continue putting your car in my driveway. At some point, I am going to say..."maybe you should put the car somewhere else."

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Heaven

Maxum wrote:
"Those pompous liberals, if this country and it's flag represents something that you detest so much, I encourage, no I beg you, please leave and take your ideas with you."

And you're sure the condo board is comprised of all liberals? And are you sure that no liberals have ever served their country in the same manner as your relations? You are cutting a rather wide swath.

Never heard of any conservatives that support the banning of flying or displaying the American Flag. If the shoe fits....

Oh there are plenty of liberals in the military, but not many last once they get a little taste of the real world as those ideals just simply don't stand up to reality.

[Winnipesaukee]

Hope she gives these people hell!!!

Hooah!!

[Lakesrider]

As far as damages go....I had my car parked in my driveway in Coburn Woods in Nashua. They were shingling a house next door. They threw shingles off the roof and some got stuck in a tree outside my house. They fell out of the tree and landed on my hood. Slid off my hood leaving scratches on a car with only 1500 miles. They paid $900.00 to get the scratches taken out.

If they hired someone to shovel a roof and any damage happened to any property, the shovelers should have paid. And not for nothing, but if I had ever damaged someones American/Italian/Spanish, or whatever flag they had out, I would have immediately, without even thinking about it, replaced it. Had they done so, this would have never made the news, and all would be well in Condo land. And if they didn't know it, I am sure they do now. Do the right thing and replace it.

And it isn't like she is going after $100 million dollars. She is looking for replacement costs of the flag. A flag that was damaged twice by Condo Association hired workers. They didn't even pay or fix it the first time it was damaged. $80.00? Geesh. Made a Federal case out of $80.00. Good for her. (What do you bet those roof shoveling guys weren't even Americans? I'd love to know.)

BTW This is from the Flag Code....

§6. Time and occasions for display

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
So she did not have to bring it in if she didn't want to, if it was an all weather flag that is.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=12599969

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

As far as damages go....I had my car parked in my driveway in Coburn Woods in Nashua. They were shingling a house next door. They threw shingles off the roof and some got stuck in a tree outside my house. They fell out of the tree and landed on my hood. Slid off my hood leaving scratches on a car with only 1500 miles. They paid $900.00 to get the scratches taken out.

If they hired someone to shovel a roof and any damage happened to any property, the shovelers should have paid. And not for nothing, but if I had ever damaged someones American/Italian/Spanish, or whatever flag they had out, I would have immediately, without even thinking about it, replaced it. Had they done so, this would have never made the news, and all would be well in Condo land. And if they didn't know it, I am sure they do now. Do the right thing and replace it.

And it isn't like she is going after $100 million dollars. She is looking for replacement costs of the flag. A flag that was damaged twice by Condo Association hired workers. They didn't even pay or fix it the first time it was damaged. $80.00? Geesh. Made a Federal case out of $80.00. Good for her. (What do you bet those roof shoveling guys weren't even Americans? I'd love to know.)

BTW This is from the Flag Code....

§6. Time and occasions for display

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
So she did not have to bring it in if she didn't want to, if it was an all weather flag that is.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=12599969

Small correction Lakesrider: The flag shall be displayed from 0800 (8:00 AM) until Sunset.

I dislpay the flag every day..unless it will be windy or otherwise detrimental to the welfare of the flag. NB

[Lakesrider]

My flag is displayed 24-7-365. It is however lit all night long as well. (Unless a Hurricane is coming it is up.) Just like the Flags at the Nations Capitol. Jus' sayin'.
On Pearl Harbor Day I fly a Flag that was flown over the USS Arizona Memorial, on The Fourth of July, I fly a Flag that was Flown over the Nations Capitol Building. On Dec 26th, I fly a flag that was flown over the Iwo Jima Memorial. My Father was on Iwo Jima. Dec 26th is the day he passed away.
So you see the Flag means quite a bit to me.

[trfour]

Any condo group's ( and or any other group ) that would try in any way to disallow the display of our American Flag, needs to be brought before a Military Court and a' mediately deported. Put them directly on frontline, to delouse, tick and flea them.

One of my very first projects at the camp, back in 1992 was to restore an old rusted flagpole that took some work with an oxyacetylene torch to take apart, repair, paint and restore. The camp was high on a hill up and just off Paugus Bay, and there was always a pleasant breeze, enough in fact to ware out some O'L Glories, but none were lost to us old faithfuls!

MyFamily has a very long and prestigious history of defending our Country, and in fact goes back to the Revolutionary War.

Now, ( Under unclassified info ), I was approached by the Army at 17 years old to visit a Local National Guard seminar being held in East Bridgewater Ma. at the time. During this seminar, there was an Army Commander General , and I got to speak words with him, and also, he was a ( less than what I would put my trust in, at the time ), and I left that conversation telling him to draft me.
So, low and behold when I turned twenty, I got an official notice to report to Boston for induction ceremonies that put me into the United States Army.

I was so proud to get to serve our Country. We were all stuffed on ( an very overloaded Super four reciprocal engine powered Constellation aircraft, and we were running out of runway, when suddenly the right wing caught fire, and eventually it blew out. I think that the pilot was more headstrong in delivering us to Fort Dix NJ for BOOTCamp!

Yes, and even today, it ain't what Y'All read in the news papers!

So, I successfully graduated from Boot-camp, got orders to go to Fort Gordon Georgia for AIT ( Advanced Individual Training ) and I had my mind made up that I was going to Vietnam to fight for our very own butt's.

By the time I graduated from AIT, I found myself in the Signal Corps, and received Orders to go directly to Germany where I was and appointed to an isolated radio relay site on the East Boarder there where and we got to lookout and see every day, the Russian missiles pointed directly at US. Now let me splain, even though we used what they call ( line of sight antennas ) back in them days, it was an every day Tums or pepto'abismal day for Us, as they could find and lock on to our signal. We were well aware that we had less than a machine gunner's life expectancy on the front line of any war, should the _ _ _ _ hit the fan. Less than 6 seconds, should anyone want to do the math.

Terry
______________________________

[MAXUM]

I was deployed right after I enlisted, first stop out of our home port was Hawaii. First thing I did after getting off the boat was to go over to the USS Arizona memorial. Here I am 18 years old, kind of a know it all punk *** kid, but let me tell you standing there on that memorial was one of the most sobering experiences I've ever had. I encourage anyone who ever takes a trip to Hawaii to take the time to see and experience it for yourself.

Anyone can put on the uniform but a true hero dies wearing one!

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I was deployed right after I enlisted, first stop out of our home port was Hawaii. First thing I did after getting off the boat was to go over to the USS Arizona memorial. Here I am 18 years old, kind of a know it all punk *** kid, but let me tell you standing there on that memorial was one of the most sobering experiences I've ever had. I encourage anyone who ever takes a trip to Hawaii to take the time to see and experience it for yourself.

Anyone can put on the uniform but a true hero dies wearing one!

A very sobering expieriance Indeed, I visited the memorial In 1990 It Is truly unforgettable. God bless those who gave thier lives.

[BroadHopper]

Seems like the Board is more concern about aesthetics and conformity rather than sensibility and the law.

1. My condo asscociation will not allow the display of any flags or banner. I'm going to bring the law up in the next meeting.

2. The association will not allow foundation vents. My unit require sills and beams replacements because of excess moisture in the crawl space. My insurance company pointed out that it is the responsibility of the association to replace the beams and sills. The board refused at first but their lawyer ruled the insurance company was right.

3. The association refused to allow the intake/exhaust of new efficiency boilers to be attached to exterior walls. The HVAC installers have to use the existing chimneys, even though it is not feasible to do so according to the manufacturers.

It's not Samoset. They are a good number that needs to conform to change.

[lawn psycho]

I don't know why the HOA just doesn't go get a flag for her an be done with it. The longer it festers the worse it gets and it's not that big a deal. Ask her to move the flag to a better spot if necessary. I'm sure someone can get a screwdriver to relocate it.

In NC the HOAs have major power including placing liens on houses for non-payment, etc. They have serious clout. I don't know how NH HOA laws are written.

I got on my board in NC because I hated how the grounds were kept and because our developer was not doing what he was required to do. I was elected president and then got the honor of having no life as it was like a second job with meetings, people coming to my house, calling my house, dealing with the HOA management company, budget, contractors, etc. It was a 400 single home subivision with common areas, some private steets, a pool, and I felt like a city manager

What I found was that most people don't understand what an HOA does and how it operates. If it truly bothers you about having restrictions on what you can and can not do with your home then don't go into an HOA. They can be both a blessing and a curse.

As far as covenants, I don't care what it is but when you take title of that property you do so with the understanding of what restrictions are attached too it. So to come in and complain after-the-fact will be met with my skepticism. Understanding the courts ruling, the law says American flags can be displayed so it's no use even waging that battle for an HOA.

Unfortunately from a legal standpoint many HOA restrictions are not very well-written to the point of being unenforceable. It you want to restrict something, spell it out in absolute language as if you leave ANY part subject to interpretation you're hosed if it gets challenged. Many covenants start with the developer sloppily getting them drafted or copied from a boiler plate before even one home gets built. The homeowners start moving in and most people comply to their intent and then you get "that guy" who will test the waters. In our HOA, fencing materials and styles was the hot item.

As for the landscaping, I got a landscaper to do it at at 75% of the cost of the national company and we got way better service and better plants.

Our developer got a huge fine from the City and had to rebuild the sedimentation ponds around the subdivision to current standards. Needless to say I was not his favorite person during board meetings.

When the annual meeting came up the next year I resigned and my wife made me promise never to get involved in an HOA board again

[samosetguy]

I own at Samoset. Unfortunately, I don't know the Farnell's.

I have an American flag on my condo and I've never been told to take it down. As the article points out, there are flags everywhere in the complex on units. At least four units in my building alone also have flags. Personally, I don't believe there is any rule against flags. I think (speculation alert!) this is a misunderstanding that accidently originated by the management company. The rule that was approved in Dec 2010 is (I believe) an affirmation of the same rule that has existed for years (i.e. nothing new to prohibit flags).

I think the only issue is who should pay for the broken flag. I totally agree with Mrs. Franell's frustration. I would feel the same way. However, I would also point out that it appears both times the flag was broken it was while the association was trying to preserve the structure of her specific unit (i.e. new roof and removing excess snow). So, I think it's a little unfair of the Union Leader to paint the association and Board as this evil group of people. I think their intentions are in the right place. To me it sounds like the contractor performing the work should pay for the flag.

At this point, if I were on the Board, I would remiburse her the cost of the flag because an $80 flag will probably avoid $8k in legal fees.

In my opinion, Samoset is a great community of people. I hope the Franell's are not turned off too badly and I look forward to thanking them for their service to our country when I meet them.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by samosetguy

I own at Samoset. Unfortunately, I don't know the Farnell's.

I have an American flag on my condo and I've never been told to take it down. As the article points out, there are flags everywhere in the complex on units. At least four units in my building alone also have flags. Personally, I don't believe there is any rule against flags. I think (speculation alert!) this is a misunderstanding that accidently originated by the management company. The rule that was approved in Dec 2010 is (I believe) an affirmation of the same rule that has existed for years (i.e. nothing new to prohibit flags).

I think the only issue is who should pay for the broken flag. I totally agree with Mrs. Franell's frustration. I would feel the same way. However, I would also point out that it appears both times the flag was broken it was while the association was trying to preserve the structure of her specific unit (i.e. new roof and removing excess snow). So, I think it's a little unfair of the Union Leader to paint the association and Board as this evil group of people. I think their intentions are in the right place. To me it sounds like the contractor performing the work should pay for the flag.

At this point, if I were on the Board, I would remiburse her the cost of the flag because an $80 flag will probably avoid $8k in legal fees.

In my opinion, Samoset is a great community of people. I hope the Franell's are not turned off too badly and I look forward to thanking them for their service to our country when I meet them.

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY...we have a post from someone who actually took the time to examine the situation, and read the article.
The amount of poeple who just pile on in the mob mentally in this forum boggles my mind. How this thread became about anti-USA, anti-military, anti-flag flying...is simply comical. Laugh out loud funny.
It was clearly stated that flags were displayed all over the complex, and that this woman was given permission to fly her flag. The issue was really the damage, and then small clames court. And the suggestion she re think putting her flag back...which makes sense. The board does not want a string of law suits.
But what people saw/read, was somehow and anti-USA condo board....which gave posters the chance to jump up, pound their chest as they proclaimed how patriotic they are, and demand the board member be dragged thru the streets and shot at dawn.
It seemed quite obvius from the start, that the issue was the fact that she placed a personall item on common property, it was damaged, and she handled it by sueing. And then, she wants to put personnal property back on common property. The fact that the property was a flag was not the issue.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY...we have a post from someone who actually took the time to examine the situation, and read the article.
The amount of poeple who just pile on in the mob mentally in this forum boggles my mind. How this thread became about anti-USA, anti-military, anti-flag flying...is simply comical. Laugh out loud funny.
It was clearly stated that flags were displayed all over the complex, and that this woman was given permission to fly her flag. The issue was really the damage, and then small clames court. And the suggestion she re think putting her flag back...which makes sense. The board does not want a string of law suits.
But what people saw/read, was somehow and anti-USA condo board....which gave posters the chance to jump up, pound their chest as they proclaimed how patriotic they are, and demand the board member be dragged thru the streets and shot at dawn.
It seemed quite obvius from the start, that the issue was the fact that she placed a personall item on common property, it was damaged, and she handled it by sueing. And then, she wants to put personnal property back on common property. The fact that the property was a flag was not the issue.

sa meredith,

The below statement which was in the article is what got us veterans upset:

"She received a letter dated March 29 from Lorie Paquette, association manager. It indicated the condominium association was not going to reimburse Farnell, and she was not going to be able to fly Old Glory anymore.
"Flags are a direct violation of the rules and regulations and therefore, the association shall not be responsible for replacement," Paquette wrote."

Here is a little side note to your post:
IMHO if a veteran wants to pound his chest on this forum then by all means he should proudly be allowed to do that.

[Mr. V]

I wonder why she hired a lawyer to argue her case for her in Small Claims Court?

Out here, attorneys are NOT allowed to represent litigants in SCC.

Is it different in NH?

[tis]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

I wonder why she hired a lawyer to argue her case for her in Small Claims Court?

Out here, attorneys are NOT allowed to represent litigants in SCC.

Is it different in NH?

Yes, lawyers can represent in small claims in NH.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by tis

Yes, lawyers can represent in small claims in NH.

Interesting.

Sort of defeats the whole purpose of SCC, which is supposed to be a People's Court.

Again, out here, if a litigant wants a lawyer to be involved, they must transfer the case from SCC to District Court, which is also able to here "smaller" (dollar amount) cases such as this one.

Just goes to show how different states do things differently.

[songkrai]

"Flags are a direct violation of the rules and regulations and therefore, the association shall not be responsible for replacement," Paquette wrote.

Semantics. And all Paquette stated was that she would not be reimbursed.

And flags are probably not allowed. But probably to prevent all sorts of flags. College flags. Boat flags. Fraternity flags. And on and on. Even the Communist flag. Who knows what flags people will attempt to put up.

But in all reality, this boards should have privided her with a new US flag. This never should have gone this far.

Me, I think the board should pick one size, one bracket type, and provide the US flag to ALL residents of this complex. And be done with it.

All this shows is how petty HOA's can be.

[Bigstan]

She won completely - apology, reimbursement, the whole 9 yards.

Thank God, for a while it was almost shameful to be a resident there......I feel much better now.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.a...4-33c42d0d8bf1

[beaubein]

To the fine residents of Samoset.........As a retired Special Forces Medic...seeing many conflicts across the world, proclaimed war, and insurgency, I found my last base camp overlooking our beautiful lake and mountains.Please..... raise old glory...all of you. Show us, New Hampshire and the Nation how patriotic you can be. Laws, suing, money and politics aside it is about those who sacrifice, now and in the past in Vietnam, Iwo Jima, and Normandy...raise the US flag, all of you, raise it high for those of us who don't live at Samoset....your time is now.

Best regards to all,
Pat

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Oh there are plenty of liberals in the military, but not many last once they get a little taste of the real world as those ideals just simply don't stand up to reality.

My experience, after finishing 24 years in uniform last August, is that this is not an accurate statement. As far as political views are concerned, there's a good healthy representation of all perspectives in the military, even among the folks who make a career out of it.

By the way, thank you for your service, shipmate.

[MAXUM]

OK maybe I should put that comment into a little more context, based on my observations... which is not necessarily a representation of everyone who serves. However I will admit that most vets I've met since I got out share more in common politically than not.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

OK maybe I should put that comment into a little more context, based on my observations... which is not necessarily a representation of everyone who serves. However I will admit that most vets I've met since I got out share more in common politically than not.

Yes, we are both expressing our opinions, which are both equally valid based on our own observations. I just get a bit annoyed when it sounds like someone is saying that those with a liberal tilt don't love their country or don't fit with the military. Not saying that that's where you're coming from. I get equally annoyed with those who, knowing nothing about military servcice, disparage the military and those in uniform.

I graduated from one of the most liberal of liberal arts schools in New England. The thought of any kind of military presence on campus (ROTC, recruiters, etc.) would send a good number of the faculty, alumni and current students into a tizzy. Many of them see military service as beneath the caliber of a graduate of their school. When pressed on the issue, most will admit that yes, it is necessary that the country maintain at least some sort of military capability. Why then wouldn't they want it led by the best and the brightest, such as they claim to educate? Why wouldn't they promote military service for their graduates? You would think that if they wanted a military that reflected their ideals and beliefs, they would consider joining and encourage others like them to do the same. That hypocrisy is what upsets me more than anything else.

Sorry... I'll get off my soapbox now. There are better things to think about, like the start of another boating season.

[ktucker]

I can understand Mrs. Farnell's desire to display the flag, and I can also understand the association's desire not to have the patchwork look of flags or banners or other decorations randomly displayed on various condos. It's too bad Mrs. Farnell and the board couldn't have worked together to have one large flagpole and flag erected somewhere in the common area of the complex for all to respect and enjoy.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by ktucker

I can understand Mrs. Farnell's desire to display the flag, and I can also understand the association's desire not to have the patchwork look of flags or banners or other decorations randomly displayed on various condos. It's too bad Mrs. Farnell and the board couldn't have worked together to have one large flagpole and flag erected somewhere in the common area of the complex for all to respect and enjoy.

Dear Ktucker.
Although to consider you're point, as a defender of our flag, we the people will decide when and where Our American Flag will be displayed.
( in other words ), Look under the hood.

Always and include the American flag that my and our very forefather's fought for. It in no way is something that you, or anyone else ( has more right to than what we stand for ). Amazing how Some among continue to try to thwart progress here! My hope is that The dark ages are gone ( and yet by some try to reinvent the wheel ) so to speak.

Very thankfully our views have moved on to a more modern than prehistoric, and on to a more advanced stage, from the there, ( did I say that ), age from where we all came from.
A reminder to all,

What does this mean in plain language? It means you have the right to fly the American flag within your space in a condominium or any development with a homeowners association and the association can’t stop you. If the association has a rule that appears to prohibit display of the flag of the United States, a court will either interpret the rule in such a way as to allow the homeowner to display the flag or strike down the rule.

Since a homeowners association may not apply rules in an arbitrary and capricious manner, a homeowners association could have felt that if they allowed people to fly the American flag, they would have had to allow people to display banners for sports teams and other banner and signs. While an association could have, (and should have), allowed American flags without allowing banners for sports teams before this new law, California Civil Code Section 1353.5 clears up any confusion. We have to remember that the people who run our homeowners associations are volunteers who often have very limited legal knowledge and unfortunately lawyers who are usually paid by the hour have a financial incentive to make legal matters seem more complicated and encourage litigation.

Also, re read my post # 31 in this thread...
Absolutely Ludicro'US, In Our Own Country...
Any condo group's ( and or any other group ) that would try in any way to disallow the display of our American Flag, needs to be brought before a Military Court and a' mediately deported. Put them directly on frontline, to delouse, tick and flea them.

One of my very first projects at the camp, back in 1992 was to restore an old rusted flagpole that took some work with an oxyacetylene torch to take apart, repair, paint and restore. The camp was high on a hill up and just off Paugus Bay, and there was always a pleasant breeze, enough in fact to ware out some O'L Glories, but none were lost to us old faithfuls!

MyFamily has a very long and prestigious history of defending our Country, and in fact goes back to the Revolutionary War.

Now, ( Under unclassified info ), I was approached by the Army at 17 years old to visit a Local National Guard seminar being held in East Bridgewater Ma. at the time. During this seminar, there was an Army Commander General , and I got to speak words with him, and also, he was a ( less than what I would put my trust in, at the time ), and I left that conversation telling him to draft me.
So, low and behold when I turned twenty, I got an official notice to report to Boston for induction ceremonies that put me into the United States Army.

I was so proud to get to serve our Country. We were all stuffed on ( an very overloaded Super four reciprocal engine powered Constellation aircraft, and we were running out of runway, when suddenly the right wing caught fire, and eventually it blew out. I think that the pilot was more headstrong in delivering us to Fort Dix NJ for BOOTCamp!

Yes, and even today, it ain't what Y'All read in the news papers!

So, I successfully graduated from Boot-camp, got orders to go to Fort Gordon Georgia for AIT ( Advanced Individual Training ) and I had my mind made up that I was going to Vietnam to fight for our very own butt's.

By the time I graduated from AIT, I found myself in the Signal Corps, and received Orders to go directly to Germany where I was and appointed to an isolated radio relay site on the East Boarder there where and we got to lookout and see every day, the Russian missiles pointed directly at US. Now let me splain, even though we used what they call ( line of sight antennas ) back in them days, it was an every day Tums or pepto'abismal day for Us, as they could find and lock on to our signal. We were well aware that we had less than a machine gunner's life expectancy on the front line of any war, should the _ _ _ _ hit the fan. Less than 6 seconds, should anyone want to do the math.

Terry
______________________________
Attached Images

Terry
________________________________________________

[ktucker]

To Terry (trfour): I'm afraid you probably shouldn't make posts in the middle of the night - it's hard to make sense of what you typed in.

All I was trying to do in my first post was to suggest a way that the people involved could have worked together instead of suing each other.

[Bigstan]

I agree ktucker, that post makes no sense at all to me either.

trfour may wish to try again?

[trfour]

Originally Posted by ktucker

To Terry (trfour): I'm afraid you probably shouldn't make posts in the middle of the night - it's hard to make sense of what you typed in.

All I was trying to do in my first post was to suggest a way that the people involved could have worked together instead of suing each other.

Some homeowner associations have rules against flying any type of banner or sign. These rules are designed to prevent banners for sports teams and all sorts of similar signs which some people would consider an eye sore. Since any homeowner association rule must be uniformly enforced, these well-intentioned rules could be “construed to limit or prohibit, the display of the flag of the United States.” In order to clear the matter up and distinguish the American flag from a banner for a sports team, our legislature passed this new law.

Since a homeowners association may not apply rules in an arbitrary and capricious manner, a homeowners association could have felt that if they allowed people to fly the American flag, they would have had to allow people to display banners for sports teams and other banner and signs. While an association could have, (and should have), allowed American flags without allowing banners for sports teams before this new law, California Civil Code Section 1353.5 clears up any confusion. We have to remember that the people who run our homeowners associations are volunteers who often have very limited legal knowledge and unfortunately lawyers who are usually paid by the hour have a financial incentive to make legal matters seem more complicated and encourage litigation.

This thread is about all of us trying to preserve our cavil and civic right to display the United States Flag anywhere here in the United States Of America... Here it is 2011, and not to speak for anyone els, Oh and yes I have been known to go off in a rant here from time to time! However,

My very heart is well documented here, and around this Great Country!
And in respect to Ktucker I should have added some space instead of a coma in my comment to his post... " Although to consider you're point... Here are my thought's as well...
Terry
_________________________________

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by trfour

Dear Ktucker.
Although to consider you're point, as a defender of our flag, we the people will decide when and where Our American Flag will be displayed.
( in other words ), Look under the hood.

Always and include the American flag that my and our very forefather's fought for. It in no way is something that you, or anyone else ( has more right to than what we stand for ). Amazing how Some among continue to try to thwart progress here! My hope is that The dark ages are gone ( and yet by some try to reinvent the wheel ) so to speak.

Very thankfully our views have moved on to a more modern than prehistoric, and on to a more advanced stage, from the there, ( did I say that ), age from where we all came from.
A reminder to all,
Terry
________________________________________________

Oh my goodness...
Pour one for me, will you please...

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Oh my goodness...
Pour one for me, will you please...

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Oh my goodness...
Pour one for me, will you please...

If pouring one will make that make sense please give me one too?

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by Heaven

Maxum wrote:
"Those pompous liberals, if this country and it's flag represents something that you detest so much, I encourage, no I beg you, please leave and take your ideas with you."

And you're sure the condo board is comprised of all liberals? And are you sure that no liberals have ever served their country in the same manner as your relations? You are cutting a rather wide swath.

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Oh there are plenty of liberals in the military, but not many last once they get a little taste of the real world as those ideals just simply don't stand up to reality.

I was going to say, "That statement's not completely true," but you did say,
"not many last once they get a little taste of the real world." I have a wonderful son who served 6 years active duty in the USN (iincluding 4 6-month deployments to the Persian Gulf between '03 and '06) and 2 years reserve. He retains some liberal political views and I would challenge you to read his blog to get some perspective on those ideologies.

http://rocketpoweredbutterfly.com/

(Apologies for the highjack of the thread, but I didn't want to let the comments above go unaddressed. Thank you for your understanding.)