It’s homeowner vs. homeowners’ association, and it looks like the law is now squarely on the side of a man and his flagpole.
President George W. Bush is joined by U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R- Md., as he signs H.R. 42, Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, Monday, July 24, 2006, in the Oval Office of the White House. The bill prevents a condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association from denying an owner or resident from displaying the U.S. flag on their residential property within the association.
CJ at A Soldier’s Perspective has the story of Michael Beckett and his ongoing clash with his HOA (hat tip to Tanker Brothers):
However, Michael Beckett, who I met through this site when I wrote THIS post after the act was passed, was recently forced to, again, take down his American flag (watch the video HERE). He had recently put it back up for the first time since September 2002, when he was forced to take it down.
This was a flag that was given to him by a soldier in Afghanistan. The flag accompanied Army SGT Tony Pinto throughout his entire tour and was then given to Michael. The flag is currently framed in the traditional triangular wooden box in his home.
“We have no problem with him displaying the American flag,†Decoster said, “but the problem is with the flag pole. We feel that flag poles, especially outside flag poles, are an obstruction.â€
CJ goes on to examine that stance and the law as it was passed. If one feels a need to rally to the flag, if you will, then contact information is also provided.
I find this post particularly useful, as I had just recently contacted our HOA with questions about a flagpole and was surprised at the paperwork they expect me to complete. Hmmm … I think that’s now become a little less likely. As to flagpoles themselves, we saw these at last year’s state fair and were very impressed by their quality and convenience.