My neighbor was fined and ordered to take down Romney banner

[HockeyMom]

This is in a Florida development. The HOA bylaws state that "No political or advertising signs can be put up by the homeowners." There is a $100 fine for violating this.

These neighbors took their garbage can and wrapped a HUGE Romney/Ryan banner around it, totally enveloping it. The garbage cans are the PROPERTY of the HOA. I suppose these people thought they could get away with it because it wasn't a LAWN sign? Duh, no. Put a STICKER ON YOUR CAR, idiots. What's the matter? That isn't BIG enough for you?

They don't want to play by the RULES, anywhere, anyhow!

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

1. It doesn't belong on the garbage can

It belongs IN the garbage can. Woot woot!

[HockeyMom]

2. That is probably where it WENT!

[wildeyed]

3. The symbolism is rich :)

Idiots.

[TlalocW]

4. Maybe they were being ironic?

Actually, probably unintentionally ironic. In the city I used to live in, I used to frequent a magic/costume store. The owner is very republican. Along with the magic tricks, costumes, novelties, etc. he had cardboard cut-outs. I went in once and complimented him on his political statement. He asked what I was talking about, and I told him to look at his front window. It took him a few seconds, but he finally realized that I was teasing him about putting a cut-out of George W. Bush next to one of the Three Stooges.

W. got moved soon after that.

TlalocW

[Patiod]

5. Too funny!

Although the Stooges, if still alive, would probably be a little insulted

[onenote]

6. I am viscerally opposed to homeowner association bylaws that bar political speech

Period.

[Sunlei]

7. I think HOAs are the most oppressive to personal Freedoms

People should be free to use their own home and property within the State and Federal health/safety laws only.

[Posteritatis]

10. Yep. This doesn't become okay because we don't like the statement being made.

And I don't buy "the rules are the rules" as an unassailable counterargument either, even though I'm sure that's going to be brought up a bunch in subsequent comments in this thread.

[abumbyanyothername]

13. Then

don't live in an HOA community?

HOA covenants are really necessary in order to cram even more people into smaller and smaller space.

[Jersey Devil]

8. The regulation is unconstitutional

Unfortunately you'd have to spend the money to take them to court to overturn it but there is no doubt in my mind that you cannot completely ban political lawn signs. You can pass reasonable regulations, like limiting the size and the dates they can be there, but not an all out ban.

[Posteritatis]

9. I'm actually entirely okay with defying HOA rules that get that oppressive. (nt)

[HockeyMom]

11. Personally, I would rather WEAR my political statement on my body

They have ripped up lawn signs. They have defaced bumper stickers, and scratched cars. Do you want to ASSAULT MY PERSON if you don't like my shirt? TRY that one, and the cops will be called, you will be up on criminal charges for assaulting MY PERSON. Scream and yell all you want at me, just don't TOUCH ME.

LIttle old lady gets beaten for Obama shirt? Imagine the headlines that would make.

[pnwmom]

12. Good luck enforcing that fine.

I hope that HOA finds itself facing the ACLU in court. Facing the possibility of substantial legal bills might make that HOA think twice about abrogating civil rights.

[ChiTownChavista]

15. If you're dumb enough to live in a HOA, expect this.

The irony of a repug getting bit by his own nazi rules is amusing though.

[pnwmom]

16. In some cities, it's hard to avoid them.

But several states have had rulings or passed laws that make it clear that HOA's aren't allowed to ban political speech. In other states, this is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

[TexasTowelie]

18. The irony is that the Repuke is living in a designed socialist community.

I wonder if it is a retired military person who has lived off a government check all of his/her life?

[Cha]

14. I can see mittLies and garbage cans tied together!

[groundloop]

17. I'm struck by the fact that some members here are actually defending .....

someone's right to display an RMoney political sign. Somehow I doubt if we'd ever see such a diverse, intelligent discussion on some of the right-wing message boards if the situation were reversed.

Additionally, I'll add that I find it oppressive for a homeowners association to limit free speech, even if it's in favor of someone I oppose.