The president of our HOA is now flying two flags

[Stargazer09]

The American flag and the yellow Gadsden flag. The second one is almost the same size as the first.

This right after he sent out an email about keeping the neighborhood looking nice. If I wasn't afraid of retaliation (he's a world-class asshole), I'd complain.

Since I'm not in a position to do anything (single parent vastly outnumbered by repubs), I thought I'd post here.

Please send hugs and commiserations.

Edited to add: The bright yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flag is the same size as the American flag.

[Human101948]

1. Send me the address...I will take care of it

No need to trouble yourself.

[NaturalHigh]

6. That's a pretty stupid thing to post.

It could easily be taken by someone as a threat to commit a crime, even if only a petty one.

[Stargazer09]

23. Or simply a gesture

A not-so-serious offer to take on a bully for me, when I'm not able to do so myself.

[Stargazer09]

7. Thanks!

It's nice to have friends who understand.

[MohRokTah]

2. You're in a bad place there.

I'd get out of that HOA if I could.

[Stargazer09]

9. Oh, I plan to move ASAP

It was bad enough to see the minivan down the street that's covered in anti-Obama and pro-tea party bumper stickers. Now this? I can't stay here.

[MohRokTah]

16. In the meantime, ask the guy why he doesn't lower the HOA tax (Association dues). Be sure to call it

The Association Tax

[Stargazer09]

20. I already know the answer

He needs the dues to pay lawyers to foreclose on the poorer families here.

Every email he sends out discusses the families who haven't paid up. Just a matter of time before he starts naming them in the "newsletter."

[MohRokTah]

22. Tell him to hire cheaper lawyers.

Free market economy and all that.

Legally in most states, if he names the families, he's committed a felony.

Also, the cost of the attorneys get tacked onto the bill and is recoverable. So in truth, he's not paying the lawyers, the people who are behind on their dues are. If foreclosed upon, the HOA recovers all that is owed via renting the propert and turns the home back over in almost all states once the bill is caught up.

I'm a member of my HOA's board. The board has a fiduciary responsibility to the association as a whole to recover all owed dues and must use every legal avenue to do so. It's a requirement and failure to do so can result in the veil of the corporation being pierced and make board members legally responsible for the back dues.

[Stargazer09]

24. I avoid him at all costs

I can barely stomach talking to him when I'm forced to do so.

Thus far, he hasn't called out anyone by name publicly, so maybe he knows enough to keep his nose clean.

He seriously gives me the creeps.

[Aerows]

90. Get involved with the election

Vote his ass out.

[upaloopa]

104. It is illegal for him to publish names. Only board members

have access to those names and they can't disclose them.

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Where do you live?

I'd go crazy if I lived next to a bunch of teabagger cons.

[Stargazer09]

10. I live in the midwest

Not quite as bad as Kansas and Oklahoma, but close enough to be surrounded by rabid racists.

[appalachiablue]

67. You have my complete understanding and sympathy. What an authoritarian mess to

be around and 'ruled by'. I admire people who post here calmly more and more about the conservative and extreme RW communities, people and places they are around. And it's growing. I couldn't take it for long cuz I'm too concerned with fairness and tolerance since young. You take care, and hope you are able to relocate perhaps. So glad you posted this.

[cwydro]

86. Wow,

not the south.

Huh. Who'd athunk it?

[DashOneBravo]

106. LOL

[MFrohike]

4. Do the bylaws allow it?

It couldn't hurt to check.

[Stargazer09]

12. He's a weasel

And he uses the HOA dues to hire lawyers to foreclose on families who can't afford to pay their annual dues.

I don't dare say anything.

[MFrohike]

30. Sounds like a winner

Yeah, no need to get into it with him. That being said, it never hurts to know your bylaws.

[Travis_0004]

31. Shouldn't people in HOA's pay thier dues

If they can't afford it, I don't see how that is the HOA's problem. If they don't collect their dues, then other people have to pay extra to make up for the people not paying.

[gregcrawford]

34. Explain to me again why there even has to BE a homeowner's Association...

...In my experience, which spans many decades, it's a few power-mad little shitbags who crave dominion over the lives of others. Differences can be worked out among reasonable people, and these malicious little Nazis contribute nothing of value to the gene pool.

[Travis_0004]

41. I dont like HOAs so i chose not to live in one

HOA are needed to pay for the common areas, or to provide services. If you dont like HOAs dont buy a property controlled by one.

[Major Nikon]

68. Differences can't always be worked out

Bad people are toxic to a neighborhood. One unreasonable asshole in a neighborhood causes good people to move out and attracts other unreasonable assholes because nobody else will move next to someone like that. I lived in a neighborhood with one neighbor who insisted on parking his car on the sidewalk and lawn and another who had several dogs which barked constantly and their yard reeked of dog shit so bad you couldn't stand to be anywhere near it. Another neighbor painted his house pink. Trying to talk to them about it was fruitless as they almost never answered the door and if they did they would curse you and demand to get off their porch. Code enforcement was a joke. When I moved in the neighborhood it was very nice with responsible neighbors. When I left it had gone to shit. I had to sell my home for $40K below market value and that was back in the 80's.

I have experience that spans many decades as well and I will never again move into a neighborhood that doesn't have a HOA. My current HOA hires an unbiased property management company to perform inspections and enforce the by-laws so you don't have neighbors getting elected and taking out their agendas on neighbors they don't like. It works beautifully. After 15 years the neighborhood is just as nice as when I moved in.

[hunter]

84. I'm one of those people you wouldn't like.

Fortunately my neighbors are much the same as me.

Barking dogs, old cars, noisy kids and young adults playing basketball in the street, grown children bouncing back to mom and dad's house with their kids, houses painted unusual colors, people whose idea of lawn care is mowing the weeds...

I'd rather live in a beat up old trailer in a friendly neighborhood than a place with a Homeowners Association.

[Major Nikon]

85. There are neighborhoods that wouldn't like me as a neighbor as well

Most people are going to maintain whatever standard exists in their neighborhood when they move in. Some people don't and it can very quickly bring down the value of the homes around them. When you lose 5 figures on a home you figure out the value of a HOA.

[tabasco]

100. No doubt about that. n/t

[Major Nikon]

101. You as well I'm sure

Not everyone fits in everywhere.

[onenote]

97. I live in a neighborhood with an HOA

And there are barking dogs, old cars, noisy kids, and young adults playing ball in the street, houses painted different colors, and all of that.

The HOA maintains the common areas, which are substantial. It also has arranged for additional security when there was a vandalism issue.It set up a very useful neighborhood website and a neighborhood Internet message board. It managed and resolved a dispute over traffic signs. The people involved in it give of their time and provide a service.

I know that not every HOA is as good as ours. Some are terrible. But then again, I'm not the one painting with a broad brush.

[hunter]

98. I can paint over the graffiti on my back wall...

... and chase the kids off when I catch them doing it, even call their parents if I recognize them. (We're along an informal path to the high school).

Our common areas belong to the city, and are managed with a very light touch, just enough to keep them from becoming a fire hazard.

I prefer a bit of anarchy over the expense and organization of a homeowners association. With a homeowner's association there's always somebody out to improve things, usually with concern for "property values." I've always been more interested in the friendliness and cultural diversity of a neighborhood.

[jeff47]

35. If everyone's economic situation was 100% stable, you'd have a point.

But a some sudden bad luck, and suddenly paying for mortgage, HOA dues and food is a problem. "Oh, I'd just move out" ignores that moving out costs a whole lot of money - first month, last month and security deposit as well as the money/time off to actually move.

But hey, keep telling us how the world really works from that lovely ivory tower.

[Stargazer09]

44. Pre-market crash neighborhood here

The builder of this development pushed a lot of adjustable rate mortgages on people who didn't really know better. We've had a lot of foreclosures, and a lot of people are struggling right now.

Things happen. The guy doesn't need to be a dick about the dues, but I think he enjoys having power over people.

[WillowTree]

56. "The guy doesn't need to be a dick about the dues......." Yes he does.

The HOA, of which he is a representative, has a fiduciary responsibility to collect all association assessments. He and the rest of the Board of Directors can be sued if they don't.

[ProfessorGAC]

66. Sued By Whom?

And by-laws can be changed at any time as long as the method of changing them is consistent with that laid down in the incorporation statements.

[Glassunion]

77. The home owners who are paying their dues can sue.

Our dues pay for a significant number of services in my association. Things like landscaping, trash & recycling removal, exterior components of the units, snow removal, etc... are all covered by my dues.

If the association cannot collect all the dues that are owed, they cannot provide services they are contracted to provide. So the homeowners who are paying, are not getting the services that they are paying for and have standing to sue.

I look at my dues no differently than I do my taxes. I pay them in order to provide services and standards for the betterment of the community. If I don't like them, I can choose to live in a different community.

[ProfessorGAC]

88. Makes Sense.

However, couldn't the incorporation rules just say they can dissolve and then the costs just fall on individuals?

That may be less cost effective, i don't know. I don't live in a community like that. There is no HOA anywhere in the town where we live.

[Glassunion]

93. From my own experience it works pretty well.

By pooling our dues we get far more bang for our buck. I live in a condo association and we have fairly simple rules. Not all of them I agree with (I can't have a car cover), but for the most part they seem to work for everyone.

I would not have an issue in my association like the OP is having. We are managed by, and the rules are enforced by a 3rd party. We have an association council that consists of homeowners, however they do not make or enforce rules. They schedule and chair the meetings, they vote on the budget, and they bring issues and new rules to the table. It is very cordial, and it works great as it is mediated by the 3rd party and voted on my everyone.

For $170 a month, I have a beautifully manicured lawn, my trash (including large items) and recycling is taken care of, the driveways, common areas and all sidewalks are cleared of snow immediately after each storm, trees are planted, bushes pruned, parking lots paved (just two years ago), all roofs were all replaced (5 years ago), attic and bathroom vents installed (last fall), jogging trail installed, streetlights maintained, siding and shutters repaired/replaced, etc...

My end of the bargain is that I do not leave holiday decorations up too long, hang anything but an American Flag that is clean and in good condition, have the blinds facing out of my unit be white, that my front door be one of 3 specific colors, my deck maintained and stained in Sierra Red, I don't put my trash out too early, etc... We do not have Nazis running around so it's very liveable.

[DrDan]

96. I think it depends on the state - in Florida, if not covered in the governing docs, then a receiver

would be assigned to take over the duties of the HOA. If a dissolution is covered in the docs, then a vote of owners would be needed to dissolve.

Gets pretty complicated.

[WillowTree]

82. By the member of the Association.

[DrDan]

60. they should . . . they knew about the dues prior to moving in

and as you say, if they don't pay, someone else picks up the tab for them

In some residential areas, there are things that simply need to be paid for by the collective.

If someone does not like the rules, or the association dues . . . it is up to them to move out. To blame others, if they are within the rules, is silly.

[Capt. Obvious]

54. We have a few houses that are years behind in paying their dues

No foreclosure. I think the most we could do is place a lien for the amount.

We don't even do that as that costs money. The houses that don't pay just get publicly admonished in the Association newsletter but in a general way.

"And in other news, two houses on X Street have still not paid their dues dating back to 2009."

[Stargazer09]

57. He does that, too

He admitted that they couldn't lower the HOA dues, because they needed more money to pay for the liens.

[upaloopa]

105. He is legally bound to do that

[Cooley Hurd]

5. He (POTHOA, not POTUS) needs to be impeached...

Frankly, I'd be concerned about property values. Anyone looking to buy in might be put off by such teabagger shit...

[Stargazer09]

13. For the locals

His flag may be a favorable impression on the neighborhood.

[NYC_SKP]

8. Despite the fact that Teabaggers appropriated that banner, it's a cool flag with good message.

It's a coiled rattlesnake with thirteen rattles, warning people, in essence, to respect the snake and the union of the thirteen colonies.

No harm comes from the snake if you don't mess with it, or step on it, beware.

Youngsters don't realize that "tread" just means to step on something. Treads on a tire, well trodden path, just don't step on snakes or you'll be bitten.

I suppose the HOA president might be a teabagger, or just a history nut.

You should strike up a conversation with him and get back to us!

[Stargazer09]

15. Oh no

He's not a history buff. He is truly an evil jerk.

Called child protective services on me when my husband was deployed to the Middle East, then bragged about it to a friend of mine (he didn't know that we were friends). Thought it was funny to pick on me while my husband was fighting the war he was too cowardly to fight.

I hated him before today. The flag was just a last straw.

[NYC_SKP]

19. Thanks to your husband for his service, and do your best to find a new place to live!

I wish you well, it looks like he wants to attract attention to his stupid hateful self, more power to him.

He should be surrounded by his own kind and they can sit around and fart while watching Fox News or whatever the hell they do.

And, seriously, thanks to your husband, I hope he's well and home and happy to be home!

[Stargazer09]

21. Thank you!

He's overseas again right now, which is why I am keeping a very low profile.

I will pass on your message, though!

[Hoyt]

62. It's become the tbagger's new confederate flag -- representing racism, gunz, hatred and ignorance.

I find it reprehensible and disgusting.

I do like the Obamacare flag.

[NYC_SKP]

64. We can let them have it, we can let them win, or we can tell them to fuck off and find their own.

I hate when the left does this shit, villify something and then they own it.

If that makes sense.

The flag is historic and innocuous, we should use it ourselves-- we do outnumber the teabaggers.

[Hoyt]

74. Ignorant, racist, gun nuts where I live use "Heritage" argument to rationalize flying confederate

flag. I don't buy it. The Gadsden flag is a racist symbol of hatred just like the confederate and nazi flags. Sorry.

[NYC_SKP]

75. We've lost the fight to keep the confederate flag, the hate runs too deep. Gadsden is different.

I've used it as a teaching tool, taken them to schools on flag day.

No need to let the baggers have their way.

I'm fighting back with knowledge and information, starting with first and second graders.

[Hoyt]

76. Great, teach first and second graders that symbols of racism and hatred are OK.

[NightWatcher]

11. Go spray paint some building bricks gold and sell them to him

Tell him to hurry and buy before the Bilderburgers stop trading with dollars

[Stargazer09]

17. He couldn't afford them

He's barely scraping by with his amway-type business. He spends most of his time spying on the neighborhood. Think Zimmerman.

[SwankyXomb]

79. If he's running a business from his home

he's almost certainly in violation of the CCRs. Are there any other not quite so crazy members of the board, or do they just rubber stamp for him?

[Stargazer09]

107. Our CCRs don't prohibit home businesses

I know some do, although I'm not sure how they could enforce it without violating privacy laws.

[Hoyt]

14. That's too bad. That yellow flag is about the same as a Nazi/confederate flag.

I'd find some kind of leftist flag for when you feel like ticking the jerks off.

I feel for your predicament.

[Stargazer09]

18. I don't dare

I'm surrounded by conservatives. If there are any other Dems nearby, they are keeping a very low profile, too.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

63. So, you might not want to fly this one ...

Good luck with this HOA, at least until you can sell and move.

[Luminous Animal]

25. You could alway ask him why he is flying a lesbian protest flag...

During the 90s in San Francisco (and perhaps elsewhere) it was a popular image within the lesbian activist crowd. Sometimes with a rainbow background but mostly with a black back ground or stitched on the back of a black leather jacket.

[Stargazer09]

26. Now THAT would be funny!

I might actually get away with a question like that.

[gopiscrap]

27. No but you should put out

a post asking all your DU brothers and sisters to inundate the place with complaints just give us the address and name and I will kick and recommend as much as possible.

[Stargazer09]

28. While I appreciate the thought

This guy is enough of an asshole that he'd double down if anyone complained.

The people around here are pretty damn proud of their stupidity.

[bravenak]

29. I feel for you.

[Stargazer09]

43. Thank you

It's always nice to have friends who understand. :hugs:

[gratuitous]

32. No sense poking this dumb animal

But if it was me (and I don't have nearly the considerations you do), I'd be inclined to fly my rainbow PEACE flag, just to start the process and point out that if the president of the HOA can fly his flag, then the other members should have the same rights. Besides, what's not nice about honoring the Prince of Peace?

[Stargazer09]

45. Believe me

There are a lot of things I'd love to do to balance out the political expression around here. But I have to protect myself and my family, and there are some horrible people around here.

[lovemydog]

33. Hugs.

[Stargazer09]

46. Thank you!

Hugs are ALWAYS appreciated!

[Gore1FL]

36. He is violating Flag Code

Two national flags can never be on one single pole. If he displays both, the two flags must be the same size and height.

You can tell him as the spouse of an active-duty serviceman, the disrespectful violation of flag etiquette offends you. You might want to do it in front of people, because if someone is going to be framed as the unpatriotic bad guy, there may as well be witnesses. But I'm kind of a dick, so use your own discretion!!

[Stargazer09]

47. The yellow flag is the same size

He seems to know what he's doing, even though he's a tea party jerk.

[Gore1FL]

65. If it is on the same pole, he's stillin violation. n/t

[WillowTree]

81. The Gadsden flag is not a national flag.

[Gore1FL]

94. I thought it was considered an older U.S. flag for the purposes of decorum. n/t

[niyad]

37. I do hope the yellow flag is, at least, flying lower?

check up on flag etiquette. can be quite interesting.

[Stargazer09]

48. Yes

I'll give him credit for that. But he's still an asshole (not just because of the flag).

[Moostache]

38. Fly a rainbow flag in your yard.

Or if you just want to send a covert message, run down his Gadsden, fold it neatly and leave it on his doorstep and then run up a Rainbow in its place. Only needs to happen once, and video of his reaction would be priceless, but no matter what the point would be lost on what sounds like a typical mouth breathing tea bagger.

[img][/img]

[Stargazer09]

49. He's the type of guy

Who probably has cameras set up all over the neighborhood. He enjoys being in everyone else's business.

[Moostache]

87. Sorry to hear that...I am none too popular with my own HOA...

My wife had to convince me that it was a bad idea to hang a giant middle finger painted on a white sheet from my garage door when the HOA was harassing me about a car I was saving for my teenage daughter to use but was storing in the driveway instead of the garage...

Anywho...best wishes on finding more suitable neighbors with haste!

[Gothmog]

39. Your HOA president is being a jerk

[Stargazer09]

50. Oh, definitely!

He's always been a jerk, but now he's just showing off.

[world wide wally]

40. Put up a Peace flag!

[Stargazer09]

52. I'd love to!

Unfortunately, I'm not in a good situation here, and poking the crazy would be dangerous.

[world wide wally]

58. In your situation, I think moving would have to be a serious option.

I'm not sure where you are, but it is generally a seller's market right now.
Good luck!

[treestar]

42. The HOA rules might somehow not allow that

Would be interesting to know. They are usually pretty strict, right? So maybe he's not allowed to do that. Or like someone said upthread, maybe it violates the Flag Code. Find an anonymous way to inform him and see if his head explodes.

[Stargazer09]

53. He probably has the rules memorized

Sadly, I just need to put up with it until I am able to move away. Which I hope will happen soon.

[Romulox]

51. So what? nt

[niyad]

69. perhaps if you read the thread, you might understand the whole picture.

[Romulox]

70. I read the OP. If the poster can't outline the issue there, then...

[niyad]

72. it was fairly clear to many of us.

[LanternWaste]

91. If a reader cannot infer a simplistic point, then..."

"f the poster can't outline the issue there, then..."

If a reader cannot infer a simplistic point, then..."

(no doubt, a distinction lacking any difference will be rationalize shortly)

[Capt. Obvious]

55. Run for election

No one, and I mean no one attends those god awful things except for the people who want to be on the board. So they show up, elect each other, make the rules etc.

Show up with a few people you're friendly with and you'll probably win.

[Stargazer09]

108. I don't plan to stay

I am planning on moving this summer. I can't stand being here, and with no family nearby, there isn't a lot keeping me here.

I'm not looking forward to renting again, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

[ellie]

59. I live in an apartment

and there was this really cute guy who had a garage two doors down from me. One day I was walking by and his garage door was open so I looked in because I am nosy and I saw the Gadsden flag hanging on the wall. Moron. What a turn off. I ignored him after that. I am sure he really loves the taxpayer funded roads he drives on. Moron.

[Stargazer09]

109. Hugs

It's sad to discover someone you once respected turns out to have hidden negatives.

[Baitball Blogger]

61. If you seriously want to tread on someone's rights, join a HOA board.

[niyad]

71. I wonder if he has ever seen, or understood, this one:

[derby378]

73. Remind me to never join an HOA (n/t)

[xmas74]

78. I didn't think he'd be able to do that.

Some HOAs demand permission before allowing any extraneous yard ornaments. If the flag is the American flag it would probably be approved. Any other flag? Some HOAs would view it as no different than pink flamingos and laser cut plywood with cartoony old ladies bent over showing their bloomers.

[tridim]

80. HOA's are keeping me from considering building a new tiny home.

Sorry economy.

[WillowTree]

83. Are the flags being flown on common property or on his own lot?

[True Blue Door]

89. Complain anyway. Fuck 'em.

[LanternWaste]

92. Is an anonymous complaint, copied and mailed to all relevant parties an option?

Is an anonymous complaint consisting of an objective concern, copied and mailed to all relevant parties an option? A complaint which specifies a concern all HOA members always keep in the back of their minds (even GOPpers)-- perceived and potential property value.

"...and though the Gadsden flag is an important part of our nation's history, we as residents and homeowners of La Placenta Gardenia Gardens believe that a display as such could in fact, reduce our property value (due to its potential perception as an eyesore), and that a consistent policy be addressed as soon as possible to which all members and residents must adhere..."

[MaggieD]

95. Ugh - bummer for you

I remember when I used to live in the heart of red states-ville. It was a gigantic relief to move to the Seattle area. Hang in there!

[MosheFeingold]

99. Why do you care?

He's self-identified himself as an asshole.

I wish all assholes came with flags and warning signs. Maybe one of those beepers when they back up.

Much easier to spot.

[upaloopa]

102. As a past HOA board member I think you need

to check your CC&Rs closely.
In many of them there is a rule about flags and signs. Most times the rule is to keep political and business signs off properties.
You can write a letter to your management company and ask that it be kept anonymous complaining. Go to the board meeting if you want to and speak up about it. That flag is not a national or state flag and is not representative of the HOA.