Chatter

By E

October 26, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

You know the rules before you buy, regradless of what the issue is. In this case it just happens to be the flag.

By Matthew Smith

October 26, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

While this Avery Park homeowners association tries so hard to fight to bring this flag down, they fail to take action against the real problems, like the fact that many yards are infested and overgrown with weeds, that railings on porches are falling down, and the fact that they can’t replace a subdivision street sign that has been missing for over a year. Get your priorities straight.

By Rod

October 26, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

He knew the rules when he bought the house. If he gets away with it, he’ll replace the 20ft pole with a 30 ft pole. Then a 40ft pole. Where do you draw the line?

He could also argue it’s patriotic to blare “God Bless America” from a loudspeaker at his house at 150 decibles. But that’s not right - or allowed - either.

He needs to grow up. If he’s so patriotic, why didn’t he ever serve in the military?

By Ryan

October 26, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

I say “keep it flying”, this is America.

By Tiff

October 26, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

What I want to know is, who the hell complained about the flag in the first place? Someone has an issue with it, and if it’s that big of an issue to them then maybe they should move to another country where the citizens don’t really give a damn about their country or supporting it… try Mexico. I went there this summer, and came home a million times more grateful to be an American citizen. Pick your battles. It’s ONE flagpole, it’s not that gaudy, it doesn’t trash the neighborhood. There are far more important things in life. It’s a shame that some people are so concerned with trying to control other people - most the time it’s because they aren’t happy with their own lives. Grow up - learn to be grateful - and learn to choose your battles. FLY THAT FLAG!

By gttim

October 27, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

This has been judicated to death. The flag flyers always lose and end up in debt with lawyer fees. Stupid to fight it. The rules are the rules.

By gttim

October 27, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

If he really wanted to be patriotic, he would run down and enlist in the Army. They need a few good men. If he wants to fight for our flag, go fight for it. Don’t mess around with this HOA stuff, get in uniform and get your hand around a gun.

It is too easy to love your flag at home in a tacky livingroom decorated with Harley stuff. Love your flag in Iraq! Really show your love for your country!

By Jason

October 27, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

Tiff, what on earth are you talking about? Mexicans love their flag… so much that they fly it even when they’ve illegally snuck into another country and are parading around making demands.

By by mack

October 27, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

I personally hate, really hate homeowners association, making rules on how one should live in their own homes….my question is did they find this homeowner who is paying his own taxes and mortgage, did they give money to the mortgage company and agreed or allowed him in? If the man wants to hang a 20 ft pole in his front yard that he keeps clean and manages, let him, who is hurting for showing his love for his country..We should be more concern with other issues in this country instead of a flag pole..We need to wake up people…So my vote is for him….

By Richard

October 27, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

I believe the American flag supersedes all homeowners association rules. Roy Johnson should refuse to remove his flagpole and flag. The Courts will eventually rule in his favor. The Marine in Florida won when the Court ruled that the American flag cannot be forbidden by an association. I personally would be ashamed to be an officer that ruled against the flag.

By R

October 27, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this

Homeowner assoc. just try to make everyones life hard. They are ony interested in trying to enforce some kind of pain in the a** rule for anyone they can. Fight until the end.

By Jim

October 27, 2006 04:34 AM | Link to this

Fly the flag …. just get your checkbook ready for the legal fight and eventually your lost! - Fly it as much as YOUR pocketbook can afford!

By 803-802-1679

October 27, 2006 04:51 AM | Link to this

The people i sold my house to did the same thing… Im not sure how the covenent read but my first impression when I saw it was, it looked out of place for that community.However, old glory is still flying!

By Dave

October 27, 2006 04:51 AM | Link to this

The issue is not the flag but indeed the pole. The Restrictive Covenants and Restrictions that are legally tied to the deed will clearly state the rules for adding appurtenances in the front of a home. This will be defined further in the Design Guidelines of the Community. Further, prior to erecting any object, homesowners in Covenanted Communities are required to request permission from the Association’s Architectural Committee. Without this permission, it would not be resonable to for a homeowner to erect anything, let alone a flagpole. The Restrictions are intended to protect the architectural character of a community. There are no restrictions on flags. A flag may be erected in most restricted communities, permission required. The gentleman accepted these rules when he purchased the home and contracturally agreed to abide by the restrictions. A fine of $25 has been held in case law as a reasonable fine for violations. The Association is correct in it’s position.

By Peter

October 27, 2006 05:28 AM | Link to this

They base their stand on a grandfather’s service? All the flags and yellow ribbons don’t mean a thing when so few bear the burden of this quagmire. Let him make his patriotic statement in Iraq. (I did my active duty 1969 - 1973.)

By samantha

October 27, 2006 05:33 AM | Link to this

i say let him keep the flag..i have no problem with anyone showing off a flag..huge or small…i hate hoa’s and ill never live in anyplace that has one again..they suck!

By Don A

October 27, 2006 06:02 AM | Link to this

I say move. Homeowner associations, while they have a point sometimes also seem to be a little dictatorial at times. I would not live in a place where these self rightous “grass measurers” ride around looking for fault.

By SA

October 27, 2006 06:04 AM | Link to this

Let’s say he gets to keep his flagpole. Will all of you who support him support his neighbors down the street when they put up a similar flagpole to display the Mexican Flag? Gay pride flag? Confederate flag?

By Jr

October 27, 2006 06:24 AM | Link to this

You guys are forgetting a few things. One, there was a law signed on 7/24/06 to prevent this sort of thing. Two, if I wasn’t too old, I would have already joined the Marines and been in Iraq. And three, there is nothing written in the covenants at all about a flagpole, so what is a reasonable restriction to one may be totally different for someone else

By Wendy

October 27, 2006 06:39 AM | Link to this

I say let him fly his flag too. Good for him for standing up to his HOA. They need to get a life.

By Proud American

October 27, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this

Roy - KEEP IT FLYING HIGH!! To hell with your HOA. What has this country turned into? A bunch of people worrying about what is politically correct and what not. If you take it down, they win and it will just give them strength to muscle others. Don’t do it……….

By Jen

October 27, 2006 07:03 AM | Link to this

I guess if I move into the model home, I can just use one of their flag poles. Wonder if they got citations!!!!

By EEA

October 27, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

well, if you aren’t willing to abide by HOA rules, then you shouldn’t live there. Yes they are sometimes rather anal, but HOA’s keep the rednecks from having junk cars in the yard, it keeps african americans and hispanics from having purple siding. HOA’s makes whites actually mow their yards. If you are so patriotic, fly a flag according to the rules. Simple as that.

By koz

October 27, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this

If he were to put up a gay pride rainbow flag he wouldn’t need support. The HOA would be too scared of offending gay people to make them take their flag down.

By RB

October 27, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this

Is “Jr” Mr. Johnson himself? The Mr. Johnson listed as 37 in the article? That is not too old to serve. They enlist people up to 42. There are true papriots much older serving. Funny, picking a battle where ones rear end can stay planted on the couch watching TV is not patriotic nor brave.

Are we going to have a new division? The 101st Flag Flyers and Auto Ribbon Displayers? Yeah, those are brave people. They get medals don’t they?

By Yvonne

October 27, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

all that stuff about for him to really be patriotic that he should join the military is a bunch of BULL. A person can be patriotic without joining to go KILL people. I am all for the men who go chance and loose their lives to help protect our nation but to say that is the only way to be patriotic is crazy. I have family memebers (one that died serving her country) and friends who are and was in the military and none of them think that is the only way to show you care. The neighborhood is needing a update on what is allowed to be displayed..I for one would never buy a home in a place that tells me what I can and can’t display inmy own yard that I PAY FOR. That is not amearica, that is someone wanting to control you and how you live. If your so afraid that your neighbors will make their house look tacky then you should move out on a large sum of acres and sit your house right in the middle of it all and be all alone to yourself because the world is made up of all different kinds of people and we should not be held back from being who we are if it is not hurting people. Displaying a flag does not hurt a thing.

By Susan M.

October 27, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this

Why did you move to a neighborhood with an HOA and covenents? Follow the rules or move out. Sure, you think you’ve got a great fight.. it’s the American flag, but your more bullheaded than patriotic. There’s a heck of a lot more you could do to help this counrty and the people in it other than display a flag.

By Larry Miller

October 27, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Why did he buy in this subdivision with Protective Covenants? Did he think that these rules applied to everybody but him? When he purchased this house, he agreed to abide by the Covenants which became part of his deed. You want a flagpole? Sell and move some place where they are permitted.

By Richard

October 27, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t care if it was 200 ft. high and next door. It is the American flag and represents freedom, more freedom than any other country ever. If it bothers you so damn much, move to freaking North Korea and let Kim Jong tell you what to display and when much like your homeowners association. Also, you don’t have to be a soldier to be a patriot, morons.

By yes i said it!!!!

October 27, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Hell take the dam thing down!!!!!!!!

By Shawn Z.

October 27, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

I do not understand this one, Who cares if he has a flag pole, the whole point is this. I think he has the right to fly the flag, its HIS house, HIS YARD. However if he wins this fight, who is to say someone might try to fly a Mexican flag, or maybe a flag from Iraq. If we continue to use our courts to handle problems like this, they will be full and when somone really needs the courts to protect them from a real problem they will have to wait in line.

By Downtown Patriot

October 27, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

That is what you get when you move into the suburbs. You can’t find a reasonably priced home or land that isn’t in some subdivision with covenants. If it is such a big deal to you, move. You knew the rules when you moved in.

By Mike in Woodstock

October 27, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

Where is the ACLU in this? I bet if this guy was flying a gay pride flag, you’d hear from all sorts of groups claiming to “protect his freedom of speech”.

By K.L.

October 27, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

Patriotism is not the issue here. He could display the flag in a way which would not cause his house to stand out from others and have the potential to turn off a prospective buyer. That is what neighbohood covenants are all about, so all you children out there who don’t get the fact that you sign covenants when you buy in a neighborhood like this should just go buy your acreage out in the middle of nowhere and fly your flag as high as you want.

It’s about PROPERTY VALUES…not Patriotism.

By FA

October 27, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

This is exactly why I’m glad we live in “the sticks” and don’t have to worry about things like this!

By PAUL

October 27, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

I LOVE THE FLAG AND I LOVE OUR COUNTRY EVEN MORE! LET THE MAN LEAVE HIS FLAG UP AND CHASE DOWN MORE IMPORTANT VIOLATERS. THESE PEOPLE ARE ON A POWER TRIP! GIVE IT UP!!

By Peter

October 27, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

ACC rules should dictate (though as a Veteran myself, I would advocate for his wife if he were in uniform or paid a higher price). Currently, his claim to be the odd ball in his neighborhood has little merit. (I wonder if he has the original muffler on his bike or has gone for the “hear me roar” free flow exhaust we get too much of.)

By D.T

October 27, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

A case of a Redneck that should’ve never purchased a home in a subdivision to begin with. I am ALL for our glorious flag. But a 20 ft pole in a residential area?! Come on people. For those who voice so strongly to support this guy. I understand YOUR love of OUR flag. But what if this guy is your next door neigbor and erected a 20 ft flag pole 30 ft from your yard. What do you say now, Mr Patriot. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to Patriotism. It’s your heart that counts! We should examine the facts and grounds before we make our stand. Sadly, this is so American as of late. Just turn on the news and look at Iraq!

By dt

October 27, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

A case of a Redneck that should’ve never purchased a home in a subdivision to begin with. I am ALL for our glorious flag. But a 20 ft pole in a residential area?! Come on people. For those who voice so strongly to support this guy. I understand YOUR love of OUR flag. But what if this guy is your next door neigbor and erected a 20 ft flag pole 30 ft from your yard. What do you say now, Mr Patriot. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to Patriotism. It’s your heart that counts! We should examine the facts and grounds before we make our stand. Sadly, this is so American as of late. Just turn on the news and look at Iraq!

By dt

October 27, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

A case of a Redneck that should’ve never purchased a home in a subdivision to begin with. I am ALL for our glorious flag. But a 20 ft pole in a residential area?! Come on people. For those who voice so strongly to support this guy. I understand YOUR love of OUR flag. But what if this guy is your next door neigbor and erected a 20 ft flag pole 30 ft from your yard. What do you say now, Mr Patriot. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to Patriotism. It’s your heart that counts! We should examine the facts and grounds before we make our stand. Sadly, this is so American as of late. Just turn on the news and look at Iraq!

By bullheaded AMERICAN

October 27, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

What the heck are we all arguing about? He said there was no rule against flagpoles in the covenants. What this all boils down to is that someone is so sad in their own life that they try to bring down someone who they see that has something to believe in and are willing to proudly display their hope and belief in this great country called America. I would think that there are alot more things that we need to be concerned about in our country. For one, we have politicians preying on youths, a definate illegal imigration issue, and candidates for election that cannot tell you what they stand for but can darn well tell you what is wrong with the one they are running against. And someone is worried that an American Flag might make their property value go down. I would much rather live next door to someone who flies a flag rather than someone with a yard full of election signs.

By Dave

October 27, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

Property values my a$$. How is a flag pole going to detrimentally effect everyone else’s property values? These self righteous, pompous, HOA’s always hide behind the “property value” agument to hassle everyone else except themselves and their little clique of friends in the neighborhood. Usually the people on these HOA boards are people who have no authority over anyone in any aspect of their lives so this way they can finally boss someone around and make themselves feel important. To me, HOA’s are just useless. I know a lot of older neighborhoods that either don’t have an HOA or never did and all the houses look fine and no one has any problem with property values.

I say keep the flag pole and tell the HOA where they can stick it.

By weatherboy

October 27, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Someone please show me where a 20’ flag pole with ANY flag has hurt property values. You anti-Bush liberals kill me.

By Czlvin

October 27, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

I have found in my dealings with homeowner associations is that the only peop[le who will serve on them are those who don’t have a life. This is their way of showing their power and are mostly a paion in the rear. They usually miss the important things in life.

By lynn hartman

October 27, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

Hold the phones!! War, terrorism, $27 million dollars worth of meth seized in Jonesboro, prostitution, crime on the upswing,illegal aliens, etc, BUT one man chooses to fly the American flag on HIS property. Can we please worry about something???? I salute you.

By deegee

October 27, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

I have a neighbor that planted a 30-foot flagpole in his yard and placed a spotlight under it. During the week we have the US flag, during the weekend we have the UGA flag. He also parks his construction business vehicles that are painted with his logo prominently in his driveway. No room in the garage. It’s no wonder that the vehicles never move out of the driveway. He has had a pile of bricks stacked next to a hole in the yard for at least two months. I am going to make a stretch and say that in the case of the man featured in the article, the flagpole was the last straw for his neighbors.

By Pat

October 27, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Let him fly his flag for god sakes. And you don’t have to serve in the military to be patriotic or want to fly a flag. It takes a special kind of person to be able to serve their country (mentally and physically) and it’s not meant for everyone. I can see the house and flag and don’t think it’s hurting the property values any. I have a flag pole in my yard and proudly display the flag. I’m sure in a subdivision that large, there are far worse things to look at like over grown weeds, grass and just plain, lousy landscaping. Seeing a flag should make any American feel proud.

By Getalifefreak

October 27, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Just like Republicans and the Religious Right.. you change the rules to suit your situation because you think your way is the right way. Fortunately we live in a society that recognizes that inorder for large groups of people to co-habitate there need to be rules that are applied so that everyone lives comfortably; NOT JUST YOU. I’m with the first post.. you were given the Covenants when you bought into the HOA. Find a legal way to express your patriotism.

By kk

October 27, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

The point is not the American Flag it is the flag pole. As a Board member of a HOA we have a flag flying 24/7 in a central area for all to see. This week someone stole that flag that the HOA purchased just 2 months ago to replace a worn and tattered one. Remember that the HOA are homeowners just like you and pay their dues just like you and they volunteer their time to try to keep the property values at where they need to be. I am a full blooded American and support our troops in every way because if it wasn’t for them this homeowner wouldn’t have the right to fight the HOA. Flying of flags in your front yard is good as long as they are approved prior to installing. Has America gone “down the crapper” people taking and doing whatever they want just because they feel like it? Just my thoughts.

By myopinion

October 27, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

This is AMERICA!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Keep flying your flag. Thank God I do not live in a subdivision where other people tell me what to do and what I can have in my yard and what I can’t.

By Amanda Baker

October 27, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Just like Republicans and the Religious Right.. you change the rules to suit your situation because you think your way is the right way. Fortunately we live in a society that recognizes that inorder for large groups of people to co-habitate there need to be rules that are applied so that everyone lives comfortably; NOT JUST YOU. I’m with the first post.. you were given the Covenants when you bought into the HOA. Find a legal way to express your patriotism.

By Avery Park Resident

October 27, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

This issue has nothing to due about displaying a flag. There are several homeowners who are displaying their flags in the neighborhood and are following the rules that they agreed to when they purchased a home in the neighborhood. If you don’t like the rules then don’t purchase a home there. If you were unsure about the rules and would like to do something that might not be allowed, then you might want to check before you buy a house in there. This issue is about someone deliberately breaking a rule after they were told no.

By Jeff

October 27, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

This is to those people complaining about this guy showing his love for this country. If you don’t like it GET OUT OF AMERICA!!!!!

By MishMish

October 27, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

I say keep it up!! Screw the HOA, they have even bigger problems to deal with.. I think its no big deal. At least someone is showing there love for our country.. I can see if it were hurting someone or offending someone then take it down but its not.. I think some rules by the HOA is good while others are just plain stupid…I think the biggest issue that the HOA should be looking at is the noise.. Why not that????

By Avery Park Resident

October 27, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

By the way lets leave the Liberal vs. Republican crap out of this. This has nothing to do with any of this. It’s about someone defying rules on purpose.

By kk

October 27, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

The point is not the American Flag it is the flag pole. As a Board member of a HOA we have a flag flying 24/7 in a central area for all to see. This week someone stole that flag that the HOA purchased just 2 months ago to replace a worn and tattered one. Remember that the HOA are homeowners just like you and pay their dues just like you and they volunteer their time to try to keep the property values at where they need to be. I am a full blooded American and support our troops in every way because if it wasn’t for them this homeowner wouldn’t have the right to fight the HOA. Flying of flags in your front yard is good as long as they are approved prior to installing. Has America gone “down the crapper” people taking and doing whatever they want just because they feel like it? Just my thoughts.

By Ben

October 27, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is: IT’S AGAINST THE RULES!!!! Everyone in that neighborhood is abiding by the same rules. Grow up.

By j.t.

October 27, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

Patriotism is to be admired. However, the rules of his subdivision must also be admired. People buy homes in covenant protected neighborhoods to ensure a certain lifestyle. If people are unwilling to abide by the rules, then they should sell their homes and move or, in the case of potential homeowners, or they should not buy in a covenant protected subdivision.

By Regularjoe

October 27, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

If the covenant is prohibited a certain size flag this guy should comply. I have one on a slanted pole in front of my house and you can see it clearly. I am more concerned about the American flags I see that are tattered.

Like someone mentioned though, if this was a gay pride, confederate or mexican flag the ACLU would be on it quick no matter what size the flags was.

By Dale

October 27, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Sounds like the majority of people would just like to take him down and burn him at the stake (along with his flag). Most people seem to have lost the vision of what is, and what is not important in this country. It would seem a generation of cry babies have become legal age but have not matured along the way. We need more people like him who love this country and not lawyers and bleeding heart liberals who want to tear down all that is right and moral in this country. We better wake up before America is no longer.

By Rickie

October 27, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Okay….HOA rules are sometimes stupid as in the flag pole issue, but point is, HOA rules are supposed to keep a neighborhood sort of uniform, neat and keep your property values up. He sighned the contract and it says in there : No Flag Poles! Now he makes a stink of being patriotic and so forth, why did he move into a house with HOA??? I live in one and I think some rules are stupid and yes, they should worry about more important issues than the stupid flag issue, but fact is, he can not claim he didn’t know about it, he sighned the contract and it is very clearly stated in there that flag poles are not allowed. If you let him fly his flag, then who is next with what issue? Come on folks, lets use our brains here for a minute!

By some people change

October 27, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

Subdivisions and home owners associations are part of the crappy problem in this town. An hoa is an illegal governing body. They can’t enforce it, they can only sue. Who needs a hoa or a subdivision. They have created most of the blight you see, because they are crappy houses to begin with and run down quickly. Big brother is enough we don’t need no stinking hoa to spy on us.

By VeteranAmerican

October 27, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

What is this belief that you cannot be patriotic unless you serve in the military? This comment which has been repeated in a few statements is ridiculous. As a veteran of the military serving in a war and two conflicts, I do not think that my serving in the military makes me more patriotic than those who do not. It is just the choice I made.

With regards to HOA’s some of them are truly pains in the butt but they serve some use for the community at times. However, riding someone’s back for every little thing is just a waste of time that can be use better on other issues. The thing that always gets me is that the HOA board’s yards are usually the ones needing the most work. You give a few people with nothing better to do a title and what you get a bunch of dictating fools.

Roy Johnson and the residents of his community need to look at amending the covenant to include flag poles at a reason height and location near the house. My vote is to fly the flag but within reason.

By some people changew

October 27, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

kk - how the h* are you a ful blooded american.

By Kelli and Heather in Newnan

October 27, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Stop focusing and wasting your time and home owners dues on something so small. There are worse issues that should be focused on than a patriot displaying the American Flag. It could be worse, he could have a run down, rusty old car with the flag pole mounted on top or a pit bull tied to his flag pole. Think about it people, you are making this situation far worse than it is. Stop being anti-American and leave this poor resident alone!!!

By Sandy Taylor

October 27, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Let him leave the flagpole up. The only reason others don’t have them is they can’t afford them.

I’m quite tired of people taking advantage of and trashing the United States. Stand proud Mr. Johnson…those who love the United States are behind you all the way.

Why would a subdivision NOT allow a flagpole…were the covenants done by immigrants?

By Macy Hartegan

October 27, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Our courts are too busy for this stupid stuff. If this is against the subdivision covenant…then they need to get all of the other people who don’t care for their homes and yards and sue them too. This sub-division is the worst sub-division to live in.

By Pseudo Patriots

October 27, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

Is this guy trying to glorify the country or just say “look at me…what a good patriot I am”. Overblown displays like this are egotistical statements not patriotic ones. Instead of expending all this energy sueing to display an oversized flag, he could be doing something postive for America.

But still I say let him display it if he wants…homeowners associations could work like county governments, they need some type of exemption policy-including an appropriate fee-that allows residents to break the covenants. So if he wants to make his ostentatious display at the expense of the other home owners, he should have to pay for it.

By EW

October 27, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t care about the rules of the HOA in this matter, just like some officials don’t enforce all the city/county codes. I see fifteen illegal invaders in a house in my area (we don’t have an HOA)even though this is illegal in the county I live in, so what is the diffence? When ALL the rules are obeyed take it down, until then, let it fly. I would rather see Old Glory fly than five paint vans, ten kids and six adults in the same house making my neighborhood look third world.

By jim

October 27, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Keep flying old glory, you must have a handful of tech fans in your subdivision. When the s** hits the fans with the damn muslims, they will be the first ones to run with their stingers between their legs just like they do every football season. FLY OLE GLORY WHILE WE CAN CAUSE THE DEMOCRATS AND THE MUSLIMS (and the techies)WILL TAKE HER DOWN.

By GaLiberal

October 27, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

The HOA is right to force him to comply. HOAs are there to protect the property values of the community and trump any ‘individual rights’ someone may think they have. Would you like it if your neighbor put up a 25’ ham radio tower in their front your? Or painted their house bright orange/yellow/green? Would it affect YOUR property values? Damn right it would and you’d be p** off at the jerk. So to prevent such conflicts, the HOA establishes what is allowed for the good of everyone. What’s to prevent this person from flying a Conferate or a Nazi flag from that pole? The HOA, that’s what. This person is not being patriotic; he’s just flipping the finger to everyone in his subdivision. If he doesn’t like it, go buy 10 acres, build a house, and he can fly whatever he wants.

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

My HOA has an identical rule. We can have a single flagpole attached to the house (no more than one), but no freestanding flagpole. And the restriction says that you cannot fly any flag other than the American flag. This guy is not being denied his rights. He can fly the flag in a manner that fits the HOA rules. They are not sayng he cannot fly a flag, they are just saying that he needs to fly it like everyone else in the neighborhood.

Either follow the rules or move back to the trailer park.

By Producer

October 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Most of the time these homeowner associations are groups of power hungry people who just want to try and run people’s lives. They have their little slice of authority and come Hell or High Water they are gonna use it. It’s pathetic. Let him keep his flag. It isn’t hurting a damn thing, rules or no rules! Use a little common sense, folks!

By walter loncosky

October 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

It is appropriate and patriotic to display the American flag everywhere. The flag is displayed on a relatively short pole in most churches, many schools,courtrooms, community service clubs and many other sites. The height of a pole or other item may reasonably be controlled in a subdivision or elsewhere. However, it takes a very small unreasoning mind to say “rules are rules” and that’s it. A wise man changes his mind based on facts, and a fool plunges blindly ahead, never listening or learning. I’m a veteran, but you don’t have to go to Iraq to be a patriot. Preventing that flag from flying is akin to taking God out of our culture.

By steve

October 27, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

After my experience with a condo assc. on St Simon’s Island, the first questions I asked when looking for a house in FLA was is there a homowners assoc. My mother’s covenant on her home is as thick as a dictionary. No thank you.

By dt

October 27, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

I am just glad I don’t have some of you in my subdivision. Who in the world would want a 20 ft flag pole next to their properties? There are other PEOPLE living in that subdivision. And some of them are more so patriotic than this nimbwit here. But they don’t need a 20 ft pole to show their patriotism and pride. No one forced this numb skull to buy a house in a HOA managed subdivision. Buy a stand alone property and install a pole as large as you want. That’s why there are subdivisions and there are trailer parks!!!

By A Proud American

October 27, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

At a time when America, American Values, and American Pride are waning, I’m glad to see someone make a stand. Yes rules are rules, but I think if it comes to the American Flag, there should always be an exception.

By Mac

October 27, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Any of you siding with the HOA need to pack your stuff up and proceed to the nearest communist country you can find. you bunch of anti American losers. George Bush Rules!

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Another thing, Many HOA rules are not enforced by the residents themselves. There are companies that manage HOAs in Atlanta. These companies take care of the upkeep of the common areas (pools, clubhouse, etc), and they are the ones who drive through the neighborhoods looking for violations. So these people are likely not residents, but people who do this as their job.

The HOA officers are residents & they are the ones who oversee the neighborhood, but when it comes to enforcement, 9 times out of 10, it is not a resident who sends out the notice of violation.

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

Preach on DT!

By Producer

October 27, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Patriotism is now akin to trailer parks, huh? With attitudes like that it’s no wonder our country is in the shape it is.

By stone bone

October 27, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

What if neighbor #2 put up a 20ft pole and flew the Confederate Flag, neighbor #3 flew a Mexican Flag, neighbor #4 an Iraq Flag…………….? Thanks for your patriotism but please be advised: Flying a flag does not may you any more patriotic than someone who doesn’t. Volunteer, serve your community, visit a children’s hospital and make a difference.

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

I love all the posts of people who equal siding with the HOA with being a Bush bashing liberal/communist/socialist. If you look at the majority of these neighborhoods with HOAs, they are not full of hippie liberal stoner freaks. They are full of affluent families who make real money & want to keep their own money (see Republicans).

It has absolutely nothing to political affiliation or patriotism. It has everything to do with not wanting a trailer park trinket across the street from your $500,000 home. Would you be arguing the same way if his yard was full of lawn flamingos painted red, white, and blue?

By stone bone

October 27, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

What if neighbor #2 put up a 20ft pole and flew the Confederate Flag, neighbor #3 flew a Mexican Flag, neighbor #4 an Iraq Flag…………….? Thanks for your patriotism but please be advised: Flying a flag does not may you any more patriotic than someone who doesn’t. Volunteer, serve your community, visit a children’s hospital and make a difference.

By STEVE

October 27, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

HEY A* HOLE THE PEOPLE IN THE TRAILER PARKS AND THE REDNECKS YOU REFER TO ARE THE ONES DEFENDING THIS COUNTRY WHILE YOUR BUTT SITS OVER HERE WASTING GOOD AIR. YES I LIVE IN A TRAILER PARK AND IN MY 6 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE MARINES IN IRAQ I DIDNT SEE WHERE THE HELL IT MATTERED. GO TELL YOUR HUSBAND WHAT TO DO BUTT GET OFF OUR A*, FLY THE FLAG, I DEFENDED IT NOT YOUR FATT A*

By some people change

October 27, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

What really cracks me up is when some of you spout that you dropped $150,000 grand for a house and thinks that is so great. That price doesn’t buy much. Same as a house trailer.

By blogmidtown

October 27, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

The 1st amendment doesn’t apply to restrictive covenants.

people are so ignorant about the law.

By Evan

October 27, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

dt how about showing how much of a patriotic person you are by going over to Iraq. Take the other PEOPLE in your anti American subdivision with you. Can you say America? Try it slowly. Now say Freedom. Wow I knew you could! Find your nearest AAA meeting and go there. You know… Anti America Anonyomous

By Joeventures

October 27, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

A: HOAs are generally ridiculous entities, especially as it comes to maintaining the look and feel of a subdivision (sorry, it’s not a neighborhood — not as long as it’s a private entity governing the place). There really needs to be better oversight of HOAs. Some HOA boards have tended to treat the homeowners with favoritism, and homeowners have hardly any legal recourse when treated unfairly.

B: If Roy Johnson wants to make a tacky display of our flag, it’s his right. But so much for treating the flag with reverence and respect. His show is not one of patriotism because he is turning the flag into a circus.

By rob

October 27, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

I think the flagpole is blocking the view of reality for the HOA…..keep it flying!

By pseudo patriot

October 27, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Mac you are an inbred fool..no one is denying Joe Superpatriot from flying the American flag…just the method in which he does it.

Aside from the ridiculous display which he agreed not to do, listening to a cable bang against a metal flagpole all day is annnoying…

By John

October 27, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, there was a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits covenants for purely asthetic reasons. I believe that this case would fall into that category. I cannot possibly see where a flag pole would be a good reason for lower property values of any property within a given sub-division. Further, this seems to be a fight for the right to do with one’s property as one will. If he keeps his property maintained, has no cars up on blocks (as some people say we rednecks do), I don’t see why there is a problem with a flag pole. For those people who want him to join the military to prove his patriotism, my father was not a veteran. He was too young for WWI, too old for WWII, had a family to support, and suffered his entire life from an ankle he broke as a teen-ager. Get the whole story before you start denigrating someones character. Oh, and I am a veteran.

By RR

October 27, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

It’s a shame that the neighborhood won’t allow someone to display his flag in a patriotic manner, but they will allow large, gaudy, blow up lawn ornaments and decorations!! I would much rather live or drive through a subdivision with flags flying than with tacky lawn decorations!!

By John Collins

October 27, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

This seems to happen with some regularity…doing the wrong thing for good reasons. Wouldn’t it have been simpler for all concerned if Mr. Johnson had simply read the covenants under which his neighborhood operates before investing in a 20-foot pole! He signed onto the covenants when he moved into the neighborhood. The pole should go…it has nothing to do with patriotism and everything to do with what has made this country great…the rule of law.

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

RR…the HOA will let him display his flag in a patriotic manner. He can have a flagpole attached to his house. What it at issue here is NOT the flag. It is the 20 foot metal pole sticking out of his yard!

By Robert Sagoes

October 27, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Without rules there would be chaos. The flag pole is a bit to much. A 3X5 flag on the front of the house would have been very nice. And in good order. The flag pole should have been in the backyard.

By DwayneL.

October 27, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Let it fly! God Bless America and may god bless the Republicans running for office against the evil that is the democratic ideaolgy.

By Compromise

October 27, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

See if you can work out a compromise. We had a similar situation in our sub-division and a compromise was reached by moving the flag pole to the backyard.

I agree you should be able to fly the Stars and Stripes, but you need to follow the laws (and rules) of our country. That’s what makes us different from some other countries. The flag represents a way of life; one where there is right and wrong and wrong has been defined by laws (and in this case rules).

Best of luck in your fight. Compromise might be the best answer!!

By bushwacker

October 27, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

All you a—holes who have a problem with the flag should be the ones to move,gutless punks!

By bushwacker

October 27, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

He should put a sign right beside the flag pole that says “tresspassers will be shot on sight”!!!!

By John

October 27, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

God bless him for being so patriotic. We need more like him who love their country. But, that said, he knew the rules when he moved in. What if someone wanted to fly a flag that represented their belief in Satanism, or Neo Nazis?

This is why I’ll never live in a community with these ridiculous associations. As soon as you move in, you give away the right to make your home your own. Whole neighborhoods are devoid of personality now. If I wanted to live in a place that look the same everywhere and was dull and boring, I’d want to live in the communist Soviet Union.

By Shirley

October 27, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

I’m on Roy’s side. Good for you Roy! It is typical that officials always have their priorities in the wrong order. How about doing something about the 25 illegals living in one house or the unkept yards. Go get em Roy! It is his yard, he makes the payments. Anyone who buys a house should be sure they are buying somewhere there in no homeowners associations. They are one of the biggest ripoffs around.

By Drew W.

October 27, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

How about this for a resolution. He can let the flag fly where it is, but he has to take the flagpole down.

Let him scratch his head over that one for a bit.

By jma

October 27, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

We fly a flag on a 20 ft pole too and have had many compliments on it. It looks great. It is a great display and does not by any means depreciate the property value of a home or subdivision. Unfortunately HOA’s and his neighbors have nothing better to do or complain about. Huge flags are flown on the most beautiful pieces of property and it looks awesome. Better than those small rinky dink flags people put up. Talk about lack of class and looking real cheap. YUCK! I get it subdivisions have rules but quite frankly they dont make sense sometimes. And in this situation it just doesn’t make sense

By navy10767

October 27, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

I live in another neighborhood in Newnan where this same issue arose. There is a house in my area that has TWO flag poles of a similar size. I don’t have a problem with it, so long as it is maintained and landscaped so as not to be a visual eyesore. And the yard these poles are in is kept in immaculate condition.

On the other hand, if you are a member of the neighborhood, and pay your association fees - you should not play dumb when someone tells you that you have violated one. You can’t say you don’t have a copy either. If you pay your dues, you have automatically agreed to abide by the covenants.

To those of you saying screw the HOAs - Do any of you recall the picture of the run down neighborhood in yesterday’s AJC. And how the people who blogged spoke of no standards, badly kept houses and yards and falling property values? Without HOAs areas will begin to look like a slums on garbage day. Would you like to have yards around your 100,000+ home to have uncut grass, trash laying by the street, clothes lines in the back yard, pets wandering, cars up on blocks, etc.

I for one moved to a neighborhood where there is a certain standard to how the yards and houses are kept up. I want to protect my investment and if I am not allowed a 20ft flag pole, so be it. I can express my patriotism other ways.

Patriotism is not just about a flag on a pole. You have to live it, sleep it, and breath it

By MRC

October 27, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

It’s ridiculous that these homeowner’s associations have so much power. That man has a right to do what it pleases as long as he does not harm others and from my point of view, hanging up a flag does not harm people. When will this country ever let their people express their opinions and feelings without being fined, charged or taken to court? GROW UP AMERICA.

By L James

October 27, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Good for this guy! If you have a problem with flying the American flag then move to another country. And for all of you idiots complaining about why he wasn’t in the service. Did it ever occurr to you that maybe he wanted to but couldn’t? Maybe he doesn’t feel like disclosing to you his reasons. My son would love to but because he’s a diabetic he can’t. The first person to imply that he doesn’t love his country is going to be picking themself up off the ground courtesy of his mother.

By dt

October 27, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

HELLO!!! The debate is the size of the flag pole here, NOT the flag!!! Have your facts right please. This is exactly why we ended up in Iraq the first place. The republicans would sure to love to have more of you…This is not about patriotism or the flags. It’s about doing what you want, when you want and however you want it with total disregard of others!! Is this the American way???

By Terry

October 27, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

While men and women are giving their lives throughout the world for us under the banner of the stars and stripes, it is totally unacceptable that anyone should restrict the flying of our flag. Have these folks forgotten how shocked they were on September 11 and how you couldn’t see a car or mailbox without a flag flying on September 12. Our country’s future is in jeopardy and we must stand up for a citizens right to honor their country by flying our flag.

By Blaze

October 27, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

HOA’s are out of control. Bored housewives with nothing else better to do than hassle there “neighbors”. Sure, if it was a junked car sitting in the front yard thats one thing, but a flag pole with an American Flag!!! Give me a freaking break! Why don’t you losers get a hobby and leave these folks alone!!!!

By Bob C.

October 27, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Keep it flying Roy! Makes you wonder if the complainers are Americans? I have yet to see a flag pole with an American flag flying that looks out of place. “God Bless America”

By LGardner

October 27, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

C’mon. ‘Freedom of speech’…..paallleeeease. He wasn’t told he couldn’t fly the American Flag. From everything I’ve heard/read, he was told that the HOA took issue with the 20’ pole. Tell me if I’m wrong but I believe the report said that he could fly the flag from a standard pole attached to his house? Are the supporters of Mr. Johnson’s plight saying that he has a right to construct any type of pole or structure - even if it was spelled out in the bylaws that it was not allowed - as long as he flys Old Glory from it. Give me a break. He’s obviously trying to push the buttons of the uptight HOA in his neighborhood.

Why do folks turn everything into a “conservative/liberal” battle. It turned into a constitutional debate when it clearly is not worthy of such. It is the POLE, not the AMERICAN FLAG that is the problem.

Good grief!

By Izzy

October 27, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

I’m not a US citizen. However I am a legal resident and home owner. Am I allowed to fly both my country’s flag and the US flag? Surprisingly, yes.

Out of respect for the country I live in, the US flag flies about my country’s flag. I’ve had complaints from neighbors that I should remove my flag, that it’s offensive to others. FYI, I’m from the UK.

Personally, I don’t see the big deal about flying a flag. Some people just have way too much time on their hands!

By Jack Bear

October 27, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

First, He should have asked permission. Now, either he can do one of the following : 1.) remove the pole. 2.) compronmise with the HOA. 3.) remove pole from ground and mount to side of house, 6 inch from the ground, with mounting braces.

By NEWNAN RESIDENT

October 27, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

FLY THE FLAG ALL YOU WANT, JOE MAKE SURE THAT YOU TELL THE HOA THAT WANTS AVERY PARK TO BE A DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES SUBDIVISION WHERE TO STICK IT, I AM ON THE MARKET FOR A HOUSE RIGHT NOW, DON’T THINK AVERY PARK COMMUNIST THAT I AM GOING TO LOOK FOR A HOUSE IN YOUR SUBDIVISION WITH THE CRAP RULES THAT YOU HAVE, YOU JUST LOST A POTENTIAL HOME BUYER!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW I GET SO FED UP WITH HOA CRAP, I BET AVERY PARK DOES NOT ALLOW BASKETBALL GOALS EITHER IN THE FRONT??? WHAT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD WITHOUT KIDS PLAYING B-BALL AND NO FLAGPOLES, YOU GUYS SUCK!!! KEEP IT GOING JOE YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT IF YOU NEED IT, ANYTIME YOU WANT TO DRINK BEER UNDER YOUR FLAGPOLE ON A SUNNY SATURDAY CALL ME BUD I’LL BE THERE!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU

By some people change

October 27, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

I am concerned about the mind set of the people in a home owners association. Just how many rules do you need? A lot of convenants are enforced only when they don’t like someone. Do you need someone to set rules for every aspect of your life?

By STEVE

October 27, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

I would NEVER EVER in a million years buy a house in a neighborhood with a “home owners association”. Noone is going to tell me how to live in a house i pay/paid for.

By chuck100d

October 27, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Thank God there are still Americans patriotic enough to fly the flag. This isn’t just any old flag folks. It’s OUR flag, our nation’s flag, the flag that men and women have fought and died for, to protect OUR fredom! Fly it proudly!!!

By MrLiberty

October 27, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Don’t like the rules, move somewhere else. This is not about freedom. You had the responsibility to read the contract and you either didn’t or didn’t plan on honoring your agreement. Notice he doesn’t bother to stand up for the rights his government is taking from him every day.

Frankly this guy needs to realize that wrapping himself in the flag is not going to protect him from his complicity in the war crime going on in Iraq.

By jma

October 27, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Roy I’d really give them something to talk about at this point. Read your HOA rules. And if your able, cover as much of your property legally as you can with flags. If it doesnt specify how many SMALL flag poles then id have about 40 of them. I know immature, vindictive…but hey they want something to complain about dont they. Take your display of class and give them some tacky lawn decorations they have a real reason to complain about. Sorry but this angers me. I take pride in my home and its appearance and i am having a hard time understanding how a single flagpole and flag regardless of its size would look out of place and/or diminish a homes value. We will always fly our flag on our 20 ft pole at our east cobb subdivision.

By Bruthaman

October 27, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Yet another example of why America is the way it is. If we can’t even come together on a little issue like a flag pole how are we gonna deal with the REAL issues. Let’s try to focus on Education, Healthcare, Immigration Reform or God forbid Foreign Policy. We are so far gone that neighbors can’t come together and compromise for ths good of the entire community. No matter how this battle ends there will be NO WINNER only LOOSERS. Get it together AVERY PARK………….

By Robert

October 27, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

There is at least one idiot in every “neighborhood” that thinks the rules/laws don’t apply to them. If you want to display the flag on a pole, buy yourself a piece of property outside of any neighborhood and put up all the flag poles you want. But when you moved into the neighborhood, you agreed to abide by the covenants set by the homeowners association. If you don’t want to follow those, move. But don’t drive down the value of your neighbors property because you think you are better than everyone else!!

This issue is not about being patriotic or crimes going on in Iraq. You can fly your flag, you just can’t do it on a flag pole in your front yard. I love the flag and put it out on every major holiday, but I don’t put it on a flag pole against the convenants that I agreed to abide by when I bought my home in a sub-division.

All you crybabies that don’t want to follow the rules of the howeowners association, which is trying to prevent people from parking 6 cars on blocks and 3 washing machines on their front lawn in sub-divisions with $500K+ homes, stay the h*ll out!! You say that people with $500K+ homes don’t park cars on blocks and washing machines in their front yard, BS!! Even rednecks have money and I don’t want them driving down the value of my investment. That is why people move into sub-divisions with covenants!!

Abide by the rules or move your sorry butt out our neigbhorhoods!!

By HOA's worst nightmare

October 27, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

all of you b!tching about property values…PLEASE TELL ME HOW THIS BRINGS YOUR LOVELY PROPERTY VALUES DOWN? no one has addressed this, only cried like the damn babies you are about it. you are SO THREATENED by a flagpole? get a life you losers…concerned that your grass isn’t the right height, concerned your damn mailbox posts aren’t painted every other day. and to the person(s) concerned about other types of flags being flown….as long as the american flag is on top, clearly showing what/where your allegiance is to, who cares? my god….are there not more important things to be concerned about? sheesh.

By HOA's worst nightmare

October 27, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

and another thing i’m seeing from you folks as i refresh for new comments, is that HOA’s are in place for a reason. i can understand and appreciate that you don’t want your neighborhood junked up with cars in lawns and brightly-painted sections of the homes or whathaveyou. i again ask you jackasses though, how is flying the american flag (of all flags that could be flown) gonna bring down your precious property values? afraid that if you’re selling your own home that it’s not drawing enough attention to it? don’t want to have someone in the neighborhood to have one-up on ya? that’s what it sounds like to me.

By frank123

October 27, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Whether it is a flag, a cross, a halo, a christmas tree, or a rosary, he needs to follow the rules.

By Ed

October 27, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Not all areas that have HOA are affluent neighborhoods, you’re an idiot if you think so. The same thing with really old money affluent neighborhoods, they don’t all have HOA’s. The ones that do have HOA’s are usually up to their eyes in debt, bad new money types that grew up in a two bedroom home in Alabama but now they moved to the city (whoopee)and they have three mortgages on their cheaply made fake stucco HOA homes with rooms full of cheap Rooms to Go Furniture, down to the tacky ‘art’ they got as a bonus. Fly the flag, this is America, tell the busy body HOA president that if they had a real life they’d keep their nose out of your business. Also, studies show HOA officers are usually sexually frustrated types as well.

By LivesHereButNotFromHere

October 27, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

The area I come from there was no such thing as an HOA. People would look at the home they want to buy and not the neighbor’s house. Houses where appraised based on compairative homes in the area based on size, condition, # of bed, etc., etc. - not on the neighborhood, because the area I came from there were no such things as subdivisions. Your house could be valued at $250K, while your neightbor could be $150K. Why? The main reason is condition of the house. So, when I first moved here and bought a house I was like, “what on earth is a HOA? Why do they have more power than the government (it seemed to me after reading the rules)?” I see now, years later, why. People care too much about others and not themselves - which can be good and bad. I understand also that there are many people who just don’t care and seem to love to live in their own filth and let it grow into the subdivision and bother everyone. That is when the HOA is great. But when 99.9% of the subdivision is following the rules and everything is close to being perfect on the outside people get bored. Everyone’s tastes are different, but why is my neighbor’s taste have to affect how I keep the outside of my house that I think looks like a magazine cover. So, that person will go running to the HOA and say, “I don’t like that birdbath, make them move it.” That is what bothers me. I might think that your figurine of little bunnies is goddy, but guess what - I will not go running to the HOA about it. Why? Because that is what you like and think is tasteful. It is not my place to think my tastes are better than anothers. I don’t think that is right. Why don’t they just come into my house and start throwing around HOA rules for that? As long as the neighbor is looking nice and kept, how is one flag pole going to keep anyone from losing value on their property. It is like the situation I heard that their HOA wrote up a homeowner because he kept his trash can out one day too long - they told him this was lowering property values. Again - HOW? How many people are going to honestly say, “I didn’t by that house because the neighbor’s (empty) trash can is at the end of his driveway.” That is a bunch of crap and you are shallow if you think that way.

By Jennifer

October 27, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

I think people telling me (or him) how he can show his flag is just ridiculous. He pays his property taxes, he pays his mortgage, and he is an American and is someone who is proud of that. He has the American right to show his patriotic loyalty to his country to the people in his neighborhood!! Be proud to have someone that is a proud American living next door and not some terrorist hiding in our country. This country has forgotten how to be patriotic and it is a shame that people are trying to start this fight. Let people live and stop trying to pick fights where there is no need.

By Tim

October 27, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Is there no discretion anymore? I get a kick out of the posters that say “rules are rules.” That sounds so juvenile. Oh and as someone that did serve I don’t require a citizen to have served to be patriotic.

By Robin

October 27, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Why does he not just a pole like everyone has on the side of the home for deco flags. He can still display the flag and it is not in violation of anything. I can understand the point of the assoication and if you give this guy the right to go out of the “rules” you are up for a fight from the whole subdivision sooner or later with something else down the road. I think it is wonderful that he has the passion for the flag and what it represents, so if he does not like living there he has the RIGHT to move.

By Robert

October 27, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

HOA - you dumb mf’r!! You are just the person that would have cars and trash in your yard! Your too stupid to understand how property values are calculated and the importance of a well kept property so you need a more intelligent person to explain it to you! You probably live in trailer in your momma’s backyard!!

It starts with flag poles, then its cars on blocks, then its refrigerators, washing machines, old children’s toys, water fountains, yard tools, you momma’s dirty bra’s flapping on a cloths line, etc.

It all boils down to, abide by the rules you agreed to when you bought your home in a subdivision. If you can’t do that, sell you home and buy property outside of any neighborhood and keep your old piece of crap car out of our well kept subdivisions!!

By fulldawg

October 27, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

I personally would not like to live where the “Homeowner A*. Nazis” are.

It is his property and he should have the right to do with it as he wishes within reason.

By some people change

October 27, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Robert, I may be wrong, but I am almost certain people have told you that you are a loud mouth moron.

By Sarah

October 27, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Who would want to live in a tacky HOA neighbrohood with the nuevo-riche types void of class; squandering through life sans of good breeding void od a a pedigree, fostering less than an infinitesimal amount knowlegde of the arts and culture; daily breeding unattractive children of whom I must encounter when the hired help is off duty, when I shop. You live in cheap little cookie cutter homes with cheap carpet and plastic flooring and you’re usually, in most of the instances I personlly encounter, are not nearly as attractive and bright as those of us who live outside the fescue of your blights on the landscape. Your entire exodus into said HOA neighborhoods is a faux pas.

By Marine-1991

October 27, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

As long as he has a light showing on it at night this is a non-issue.

By LivesHereButNotFromHere

October 27, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

IF there is nothing in black and white in any documented paperwork or covenants, this guy has a full right to put this flag pole up. IF this is true, the HOA is full of shallow people, the type of people that might as well create covenants on how you decorate inside your home. Come on, the HOA isn’t the government, we have legal rights here. I fully feel that the US government & it’s laws trumps any holier-than-thou HOA. Having a flag pole on a perfect kept lawn & house isn’t even on the same planet as having several cars on centerblocks all over the yard. On what grounds do HOA think their tastes are so perfect? Our neighborhoods are cookie-cutter as it is, and HOAs make it worse in many cases.

By WhateverBlah

October 27, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

So, you think flag poles are a sign of trashiness to come. That is a blanket statement. I have see many homes that have flag poles done very tastefully on their front yard and landscaped around it (and well kept) for years. I have yet to see cars on blocks anywhere near those homes. I guess that blows that theory/blanket statement.

By I hate pseudo patriots

October 27, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Will some of you yehaws read the story before you post?

This man is not being denied the ability to fly the American Flag…he just has to do it as specified by his hoa contract.

What’s to keep this guy from getting an 80 foot pole and one of those flags that are big as a house?..try sleeping at night with that flapping.

And what logic concludes that displaying the flag on a taller pole (or off the back of your pick-em-up truck ) makes you more patriotic?

By gary

October 27, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

wow, “redNeck, “move back to the trailer park” “Republican and Religious fanatics” Sounds like we have some very hateful people in here. Look the issue is the flagpole and not the flag. The HOA has a rule, apparently, that certain structures are prohibitive and they have the right to enforce that rule. However, as RJ noted earlier, the law that was signed back in July trumps this HOA’s rule. The man should be able to fly his flag on the 20 ft pole. Also, this is a 20 ft flag pole, if you people are worried that a 20ft pole is going to cause your propertly values to go down, the you have some serious problems. Please stop with the name calling, stop with the hate, and stop with the “if you want to be patriotic, then join the military” crap. You dont have to fight for your country to be patriotic. Also those of you who say the courts have more important things to worry about, you need a reality check. The courts were setup in this country for this very kind of thing. When one person feels their rights violated, then they have the courts to take it too.

By Ralph

October 27, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

He chose to live in an area with a homeowner association, so he knew the rules. No sympathy here.

By aa

October 27, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

whats the big deal…hoa can be ridiculous at times..

By Robert

October 27, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

some people change - you’re the first one. But I am smart enough to read the covenants and all other legal documentation before I make a major purchase or investment. And I expect others to do the same. If you are to lazy to do so then that’s not my fault, I still expect for you to live by the convenants!!

It doesn’t matter that a subdivision is cookie-cutter and all the homes look alike. Some people want to be in a neighborhood where the homes are well maintained. It’s not that the HOA’s taste are any better, it’s that people have decided that this is how they want things to be run in this neighborhood. If you don’t like how things are being done talk to the HOA. But for most people its too much trouble to get involved, they’d rather complain!!

Its simple people if you can’t abide by the covenants don’t buy property in a subdivision with a HOA.

This is a huge nation with plenty of undeveloped land. Go buy a piece of it and put all the cars and flag poles, etc. on it you want.

By The Law Says..

October 27, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

H. R. 42 One Hundred Ninth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and six

An Act To ensure that the right of an individual to display the flag of the United States on residential property not be abridged.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005”. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act— (1) the term flag of the United States'' has the meaning given the termflag, standard, colors, or ensign” under section 3 of title 4, United States Code; (2) the terms condominium association'' andcooperative association” have the meanings given such terms under section 604 of Public Law 96399 (15 U.S.C. 3603);(3) the term residential real estate management association'' has the meaning given such term under section 528 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 528); and (4) the termmember”—(A) as used with respect to a condominium association, means an owner of a condominium unit (as defined under section 604 of Public Law 96399 (15 U.S.C. 3603)) within such association; B) as used with respect to a cooperative association means a cooperative unit owner (as defined under section 604 of Public Law 96399 (15 U.S.C. 3603)) within such association; and(C) as used with respect to a residential real estate management association, means an owner of a residential property within a subdivision, development, or similar area subject to any policy or restriction adopted by such association.

SEC. 3. RIGHT TO DISPLAY THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES.

A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.

SEC. 4. LIMITATIONS. H. R. 42—2

Nothing in this Act shall be considered to permit any display or use that is inconsistent with (1) any provision of chapter 1 of title 4, United States Code, or any rule or custom pertaining to the proper display or use of the flag of the United States (as established pursuant to such chapter or any otherwise applicable provision of law); or (2) any reasonable restriction pertaining to the time, place, or manner of displaying the flag of the United States necessary to protect a substantial interest of the condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association.

By Sandra

October 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

There are many people on both sides of the issue of HOAs. The bottom line is this-HOAs and covenants DO NOT prevent “rednecks” from parking cars in their yard, prevent any type of “lazy” people from allowing their grass to grow, or “protect” any “acceptable” standards. I live in one of the largest communities in Coweta County. I have delt repeatedly with a board and DRC who use their position for self-serving control. Covenants are generally very vague so that Guidelines can be written and rewritten at the whim of the new leadership. Most people will care for their property regardless of covenants because of their personal investment, and “rednecks” (whatever that is supposed to mean) will always exist regardless of covenants. This is America. In America people are different. That’s what makes us so special. I would rather live in a community with cars parked in yards but where neighbors care for one another and help each other out. HOAs from my experience foster an atmosphere that cares more about the looks on the outside than the hearts and lives of the residents. Why do I not move somewhere without covenants? Because increasingly you can’t find a neighborhood without them unless you move to the country. And besides, this is my home, I am an American, and I have a right just like Roy to live where I choose, fly my flag on my 30 ft flagpole, help my neighbor when they are in need and ignore the self serving, random whims of self appointed, volunteer control freak board members. The covenants we sign when moving in should be followed. That’s only right because it was our choice to live here. The Guidelines that change with the wind are another matter completely. Go Roy Go!

By MT

October 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Everyone hate HOAs until their neighbor leaves his rusty, broke-down, Camaro in the driveway. If you don’t like having an HOA in your neighborhood then you’re the type of people HOAs are designed for! No one said he can’t fly the flag, just that he can’t install a 30’ pole in his front yard. What if he made a 20’ pyramid of beer cans and stuck a flag on top? Can’t make him take it down because Old Glory is flyin’ from the peak.

By dc

October 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

i am certain that at this point i would have the absolute most unbearably tacky but legal property in the COUNTY. not just the neighborhood. then, i may be open for compromise. maybe!
i have never been enlisted.i cried the first time i heard whitney houston sing the National Anthem. i am a patriot. tell me i can not fly the FLAG and see!

By Revamp HOA

October 27, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Ok people, when are we going to wake up our lazy butts and revamp how HOAs are done. Most HOA coventants and documents are created by some “Joe Blows” who doen’t even live in the neighborhood and we just sign away…. Read those coventants - I found stuff that actually breaks the law and said in it that it has the right and that they (the HOA) are pretty much “above the law.” That should never be!!!!! Do something - put out flyers, gather the neighborhood and create a new coventant, that is relivant & practical. You can create an new HOA, you have the power. Call your county government and ask what paperwork needs to be filled out. Stop complaining and make a difference and revamp HOAs!!!

By John M

October 27, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

I am with Roy 100%. It’s time we sincere patriots stand up for what we belive in. I am sick and tired of feeling like a second class citizen because I believe in America. And yes, I served in the Military…..Now, more than at any previous time in our country’s history, we had all better reafirm our faith in this country and bond together to keep it strong.

By blogmidtown

October 27, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

there’s nothing to debate besides how stupid the avg AJC reader is.

y’all are free to hate on HOAs and not live under restrictive covenants. that’s neither here nor there.

he willingly agreed to the restrictive covenant (the 1st amendment is irrelevant and has no bearing on the issue).

so do you god-fearing republicans want to see a nanny state where we step in to help idiots like this guy with his flagpole???

because the law is clear and it sounds like you want to hire a bunch or lawyers to waste taxpayer money.

By Sandra

October 27, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Long May She Wave! I cannot believe the HOA wants Mr. Johnson to take down the American Flag! Have people forgotten what our Veterans and active Military have gone through, and are still going through, to be ABLE to fly these colors? It is a shame, a crying shame, to think that the “Leaders” in Newnan, Georgia, or anywhere else in the USA, could actually want to charge someone to show their pride in OUR Flag!! I mean, what on earth are they really thinking? I wonder if they realize how many lives are affected, past and present, by the desire to keep our Country FREE? Do these “Leaders” read the News? Do they know how our men and women are sacrificing their very lives right now as I type, in order to keep our Country safe? I say: Everyone who wants to fly our colors, DO IT! Do it wherever and whenever you want to! BE PROUD! Show some respect for the people who put their faith in this Country!! I wish I had the money to erect a 20 ft. pole in my front yard! I would gladly do it! (I do have a 3ft. by 5ft.Flag), and the neighbors have never complained. Why is it okay to have a 20 ft./or whatever size they want, flagpole in front of Courthouses, Libraries, etc. and it is not alright for a citizen to do the same? I say to Mr. Johnson: YOU GO BUDDY! Long May She Wave!! I am a VERY PROUD Daughter of Maj. (Ret.) H. L. Barber, (Marines and Army), A Highly Decorated US VETERAN, and a US HALL OF FAME RANGER! My Brothers, my Sister, my Son, many members of my Family, and my Friends, have also served, and continue to serve to keep this very Flag flown; the symbol of Freedom and Faith in Our Country! And Please, Remember our Troops and pray daily for their safe return.

By Jim

October 27, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

The question is, “Are we a nation of laws or not?”. If we are to have laws, be they criminal or civil, they are to be obeyed until changed according to rules we all live by. In the case of the flag pole, it appears that contract law covers the situation. I have a contract with my mortgage company to make monthly payments toward my home mortgage. Am I allowed to stop paying because I don’t like to? Or, can I in Russian ruples just to prove a point? Of course, not. My contract requires that I pay my mortgage on time in United States currency. The homeowner association in this case is just like my mortgage banker. They have a valid contract that the flag owner agreed to when he bought the property. So if I have to pay my mortgage, why shouldn’t this homeowner have to live up to his contract? It may be a shame that he cannot fly his flag but that is totally immaterial in this situation.

By Lisa Hughes

October 27, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

I understand covenants and homeowners associations and understand what the main goal of these are but I feel sometimes they overstep their boundaries. This is an American flag flying on American soil, soil that is owned by the man flying the flag its not like he’s advertising a strip club or even that he has old cars up on breeze blocks in his yard no he has the audacity to fly an American flag to show the world that he loves his country and I would imagine that any soldiers coming home from Iraq or Afgahnistan or anywhere else in the world for that matter would feel really good and recognize that this American supports them and this country. I say quit sniveling and whinning there are larger issues in life that need some light shed on them. Leave the man alone and let him fly his, yours, mine, our beautiful American flag. NOTE— I am English by birth and I am shocked that Americans would complain about this, love your country (it’s beautiful)and fly your flags proudly and don’t forget those who gave their life for your freedom to do so.

By Dave

October 27, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

…”All you crybabies that don’t want to follow the rules of the howeowners association, which is trying to prevent people from parking 6 cars on blocks and 3 washing machines on their front lawn in sub-divisions with $500K+ homes, stay the h*ll out!! You say that people with $500K+ homes don’t park cars on blocks and washing machines in their front yard, BS!! Even rednecks have money and I don’t want them driving down the value of my investment. That is why people move into sub-divisions with covenants!!”…

If something got that serious (which I doubt it would if the homeowner had any responsibility to take care of their investment), then that’s what local ordinances are for, not nosey HOA’s.

By Dave

October 27, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

“First it’s a flag pole and then next thing you know, you got 20 rusted out cars on blocks in everyone’s front yards and bright orange and green houses and an old wahing machine on every porch, etc., etc.”

That’s the other agument (besides to “protect everyone’s home values”) HOA’s hide behind to justify their existance. Both arguments are absurd and I think the Georgia legislature should pass a law banning these types or any type of HOA.

By HOA's worst enemy

October 27, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Robert: wow, how judgmental can one person be based upon a blog entry? LOL. if i really needed someone “more intelligent” to spell something out for me, let me tell you, “your” not the one i’m coming to….get my drift? you can’t even put someone down intelligently so why should i listen to you? and another thing, “it all starts with….blah blah blah” that’s as far as i got. you’re probably the same bigot that is against gay marriage because you think, “it all starts with wanting to marry the same sex, then they’ll want to start marrying their dogs”. exact same mentality…what are you afraid of?

leave this guy alone, he isn’t hurting anyone….i seriously doubt he’s gonna erect something larger just to see how far he can get with you anal idiots.

By doug

October 27, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Why can’t you idiots get over the flagpole? He has the right to fly the flag so shut up about all of us “unpatrotic” people who care how our neighborhoods look. My home and neighborhood were covered with flags after 9/11, but no *ell was raised because they were all displayed according to the covenants. If you want to live in a dump, that’s your choice, just don’t do it next to me. I agree also that if he was really as patrotic as he thinks, he’d put his *ss on the line. I’m not calling anyone unpatrotic that doesn’t serve, but if you’re going to make yourself look like an idiot, you should find out what it’s like to have to back up idiot’s words like his in a firefight. (Speaking from 13 years military service) He needs to get a life and move on (or out).

By Fulton

October 27, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

That is why you don’t buy anything that inviolves a HOA. Otherwise, you are subjected to rules therein. Simple solution, problem solved!!

By QuestionMark

October 27, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

So all you HOA-lovers out there I have a question: Should your HOA rules be above the law of this nation, state and county? That is what HOA rules that are being created are doing. They are creating rules that keep us from doing things that the law protects. Thus, doesn’t that mean that some of these rules are, should I say it, illegal?

By Foster

October 27, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

This is why I will never live in a subdivision where there’s a HOA. Nobody’s going to tell me what I can and cannot do on or with my property unless they want to start paying the mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance on it.

Stand tall, stick to your guns and fly Old Glory with pride.

By LivesHereButNotFromHere

October 27, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

I wish these people who create these HOA rules would first think and research to make sure their rules are not in conflict with the law. They must have an agenda to rule the US with their rules. So, then why have laws? Our lives would be under the submission of the HOA - laws would be pointless because the HOA has the attitude that they will just create rules that will keep us from our rights protected by laws.

By Avery Park Resident TOO

October 27, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

To the OTHER Avery Park Resident…..PLEASE show me where in the Covenants it says we can not have a flag pole? NO WHERE! It DOES say we can’t have basketball goals, but there are those in Avery Park. It DOES say we can’t have a hot tube unless it is fenced in, but we have them that are sitting in back yards with no fence. Our street signs are not even legal, they are too low to the ground. Vince and the rest of them have a lot more they need to worry about than a flag pole.

By always amazed

October 27, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Is it not a little odd when people are attracted to a specific subdivision that the HOA’s have maitained the eye-appeal, and once they are a homeowner in the subdivison, they want to bend the rules to fit their passions and taste?

By Mac

October 27, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

He should get a taller flag pole! I will pay for it and have it installed if he wants it… pseudo patriot you seem like the type in favor of a “large pole”.

By Bart

October 27, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

For too long, people have been able to wrap their issue around words like “patriotism” or “Christian” and DARE someone to question them on it. Remember how you were called unpatriotic if you dare questioned any of Bush’s policies in Iraq? The uneducated, blind lemmings who hear these buzz words and automatically tune out logic and reason are the real problem.

I, for one, will no longer allow someone to tell me I am unpatriotic or Un-Christian because I have a particular belief. You don’t set my definitions for these or any terms.

By Flyer

October 27, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

I proudly fly the flag in front of my home. I also don’t live in a neighborhood with an HOA. They tried to pass it once we’d bought and it was shot down by everyone in the neighborhood except the nosy biddy who has nothing better to do with her life than run and tattle on everyone else.

And for those of you shouting that he should join the military…you’re pathetic. Not everyone who wants to join is accepted. My husband was denied because of health conditions. Don’t judge the situation until you know ALL the facts.

Pathetic losers.

By Rinaldo

October 27, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

if his cant stand his flags in his home .wher his can stand the Us Flags on the Correia ? In His home his is the King and his land are his Kindon , so living this Guy alone, nobody going to my home im my country to tell me wher or how many flags a have stand. let the guy alone !

By Brett "the hitman" Hart

October 27, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

well it looks like no one taught you how to spell either. HOA suck for sure but when you buy into one you have to follow the rules.

By suzan

October 27, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Condo camandos have nothing better to do than trying to emulate nazis

By bushwacker

October 27, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Hey DT, ITS OK TO BURN THE FLAG BUT NOT HAVE A POLE BIG ENOUGH SUPPORT THE SIZE FLAG HE HAS????

By bushwacker

October 27, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Jim, good question, the liberal left would like to get rid of all laws.And when that happens ,its back to the good old days, when only the fittest or baddest survive, and I’ll bet you this flag owner will be one of the survivors, like me. What about you are you a man or gutless?

By bushwacker

October 27, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

All you people out there saying rules rae rules,I bet your the same people who drive in the HOV lane alone!!!

By Liberty Rocks

October 27, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

You Neighborhood Nazis need a swastika shoved up your fascist azzzes. You who hide behind a myriad of Barney Fife rules to enforce your will on others are the EXACT same ones who bleat the loudest when property near you is sold for a strip mall or subdivision. The laws that provide for private property and the highest and best use of the same are meaningless to your socialist mindset. Little tin gods need to be melted into greasy goo and flushed from this planet.

By Megan

October 27, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Mr. Johnson, you make me proud to be an American. As someone who works as a civilian in support of the military, I spend the majority of my time in the Middle East (I was denied enlistment in the military due to medical issues - I am an example of a patriotic soul who had to take the civilian route in order to serve our Great Country). I know, firsthand, how much it means to have the flag-flying support of the American people back home. Stand your ground. There are many who are thankful for your individual support of our flag. I am submitting, below, a letter I wrote to family and friends 2 years ago, that I think might be appropriate in this venue. Your action and steadfastness are the reason I wrote it. And by the way, I think I have an ‘interesting’ solution to your HOA dilemma. If the flag POLE is at issue, perhaps taking it down (temporarily) and hanging an oversized American Flag (I’m thinking 20x30 feet, or so) from your roof as an alternative, might give them cause to rethink their objections to your flag POLE. A flag the size of a HOUSE vs. an attractive, well-kept flagpole and American flag….I think we all know which one they would choose! All the best to you.

(Letter originally written-September 8, 2004) Dear friends and family, As we approach the 3rd anniversary of the tragedies of September 11th, I wonder, where have the flags gone? I have driven around the Atlanta area recently, and I remember so vividly, that every car used to have an American flag flying from the window, and so, I have a request - a very simple one, and that is, that we put the flags back up. We need to remember, and so, here is my request -

Do something - Put the American flag back up….. on your car, your lapel, your house…. remember the fallen heroes and those that are still serving today, in your community, in your country and beyond…. go to your local fire house or police department on September 11th this year, and take cookies, or perhaps a card, or perhaps just a thank you….but do SOMETHING. Thank the soldier in uniform that you pass at the airport - make the effort, and walk across that terminal and tell them you appreciate their service; that because of them, you are living a life of freedom today. Offer them your cell phone to call their family, offer them a cup of coffee, or do the simplest of gestures and offer them your ear. You don’t have to agree with the politics. There is no agreement necessary to look at a soldier and know that they would, and will, lay down their lives to protect your own. The same for the firefighters, police officers, EMTs and Paramedics, first responders, and average citizens, who ran into burning buildings 3 years ago, never to come out again - and those that would do it again today, without hesitation, and with all that they are.

Do something. Volunteer for the USO. Give blood. Learn CPR. Put the flag back up on your car. Go to church and light a candle. If you don’t go to church, light a candle anyway. Let us not forget. Just do SOMETHING.

I remember that day…..we all do. I remember walking outside of my NYC home, to watch the black smoke eclipse the beautiful blue sky of that September morning. I remember standing for hours outside of my home, waiting for friends and neighbors to arrive home, and then lighting candles for each of them, that would never walk through their doors again to hug their spouses and children. I remember watching as countless members of the FDNY and other organizations arrived home, covered in a white dust, having spent all of their free hours digging through the rubble.
And I remember standing there, a few days later, to pay my final respects to all that were lost, and to give thanks for those that survived.

In the 3 short years that have passed, our lives have moved forward.
But we must, at times, look to the past……for To Remember, is to Honor. So please, do something…..And to those of you that are receiving this, and have or currently serve our Great Country in any and all capacities, thank you.

May God Bless all of you, and God Bless America,

By Ed Loomis

October 27, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

I had this problem in Ocala, Florida.After all was said and done, I kept my flag and flagpole. Don’t give up! God Bless America