A Veteran Who Has Earned the Right to Display Old Glory
by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)Many of you have been following the dispute between a 90 year old Medal of Honor recipient and his homeowners association about flying the American flag. If you haven’t, you can read about it in the Richmond Times Dispatch here.
Col. Van T. Barfoot, a resident of Richmond, Virginia, is a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam who begins his day by raising the flag in his front yard. This seems simple enough, a man who has sacrificed so much raising the flag he risked his life to defend around the world, yet the dispute continued.
In response, Congressman Buck McKeon (CA-25) of the Armed Services Committee and I introduced a resolution to ensure that ANY of the 72 Congressional Medal of Honor winners can fly the American flag outside their homes at any time. Interestingly, minutes later the homeowners association announced that they would let him proceed.
It’s a sad state of affairs when a man – a literal hero – who clearly has earned the right to proudly display our flag is banned from doing so. Commonsense should prevail in a situation like this one. Thankfully, the situation has been resolved. I salute Col. Van T. Barfoot, his commitment to this country and every veteran and active member of our military that fights for our freedom, liberty and democracy. And may they all fly the flag with pride should they choose – they have certainly earned that right.
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289 Comments
It is actually a sad day when anyone is refused the right to display their love of country by flying symbol of our American freedom i.e. the flag.
http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2625/barfoo...
If he ever needs help hoisting that flag, all he has to do is call.
Thank you congressmen. Now can you do something about the dumb idiots who want to tear down the crosses that have been up for years?
Seriously Eric?
A town in Connecticut won't let people tie yellow ribbons around trees. Hustle on over there and do a little grand standing and then rush back to DC (after a long, luxurious weekend at home or on vacation with some lobbyist friends) and write a resolution to ensure Americans can tie bows wherever they please.
Rome is burning Eric.
I think all 72 living Medal of Honor winner's should be allowed to tattoo the American flag across the forehead of any of their idiot neighbors who complain about their flying the American flag.
The treatment of an honored veteran is outrageous and speaks to our country's fading glory on two levels. Firstly, too many people have a disrespect for patriotism and secondly is the fact that we have too many people who believe in the collective over the individual and are all too comfortable with the nannyism of telling people what they are or are not permitted to do.
HOA have become the new home for what I call ADI (authority depraved idiots). Property value maintainence is their cover but wielding power is their game. Having lived in HOA communitees I have many horror stories of the HOA police. Just one regarded garage doors, we were woken early one morning by the local HOA dude patrolling in his golf cart to tell us our garage door wasn’t fully shut, (it was open six inches to allow ventilation) we had to close it all the way except when entering or exiting from the garage. To this true hero of america, it must be doubly gaulling that the freedom he defended was being so childishly abused.
Thanks, Eric, for standing behind the principles that were so evident in this sad story.
Now, please do the right thing by your constituents on the 7th District and show some real Conservative Core Values, not the progressive-appeasing moderate tone you took earlier this year when you teamed with Democrat Bobby Scott on the High Speed Rail fantasy.
http://fakevirginia.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/eric...
Many who used to believe in you have had their faith severely shaken of late, Eric, myself included. You'd better consider a move back to the right-of-center if you wish to lead in Virginia past 2012.
We are warily watching your every move. Do the RIGHT thing!
Alan
Henrico, VA
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rep. Eric Cantor, Jimmy McGrath. Jimmy McGrath said: Great article from Eric Cantor- A Veteran Who Has Earned the Right to Display Old Glory http://is.gd/5hSrx [...]
Of course, all veterans should be allowed to fly the flag, But so should everyone else be permitted to fly the American flag anywhere, anytime, period. The idea that flying the American flag anywhere in America should be restricted is ridiculous. I'm sick of having a few miserable people who hate everything and everyone tell the rest of us what we can and can't do.
At no time in the United State of America should anyone be denied the right to display our country's flag in a respectful manner, especially someone who fought to defend the flag and his country. I'd like to them try and prevent my 88 year old pop, a WWII Navy fighter pilot, from displaying the flag. We're talking WWIII if that happens.
I do not disagree with most of the sentiments expressed here, however if we want to change this sort of behavior by Home Owner Associations, do not sign on the dotted line of anything that states you can not fly the American Flag. One, I believe it is wrong to do so and two, if you do it is a legally binding contract. I think if HOA and Real Estate Agents started loosing sales, they might change the contract.
I'm not from Virginia or Connecticut. Neither am I too familiar with Representative Cantor. He is however, at least in this instance, a Virginia politician serving a Virginian. So I think the term "grandstanding" may be over the top here. Nevertheless, while I'm glad for Colonel Barfoot, there are millions of veterans and ordinary Americans in same situation who are not Congressional Medal of Honor recipients this "act of Congress" doesn't change anything for. I do appreciate Messrs. McKeon and Cantor's efforts though and, while a small victory, it's a victory nonetheless. I guess I'm saying to praise him (Cantor) when he does the right thing while still holding his feet to the fire.
I like the idea of using a branding iron.
I agree Artguy, we must train our politicians as we do our pets.
I'm glad the HOA had their stand! — Otherwise I wouldn't know about him.
Now I know who he is, when things get tough and I'm thinking what's the use, all I have to do is remember just a small portion of this life story and I have no excuse whatsoever to continue in my endeavors.
Col. Barfoot is now widely known and if more people emulate even a small part of his life, the country and world is just a little bit better place.
Thank you HOA for without your mean-spirited "Les Miserables" attitude, I would not know of Col. Barfoot.
Fixed…
"Now I know who he is, when things get tough and I'm thinking what's the use, all I have to do is remember just a small portion of this life story and I have no excuse whatsoever to not continue in my endeavors."
I don't see the correction. I meant to "to not continue in my endeavors."
HOAs make for excellent microcosms of government at work. I'm personally glad I live in a neighborhood with an HOA and covenants that protect my property values from neighbors who devalue their property (and mine by proximity). However, just as a constrained and just government (HOA) protects its citizens' freedoms and property, an unjust and unconstrained government (HOA) can and inevitably will harm its citizens.
This particular situation is unfortunate, but it is only a result of the aggregate wishes or apathy of this man's neighbors. I salute Col. Barfoot for his amazing courage and patriotism at home and abroad, and I'm glad the HOA has now allowed him to fly his flag. Having said all that, I do not appreciate the congressman's proposed use of federal law to overrule local authority, even a home owner's association.
Better yet, let them tattoo a big ole hammer and sickle across their forehead………..color them what they are.
I totally agree with the notion that a MoH winner should be able to pretty much fly a flag anywhere, anytime, anyway he wants. He should be entitled to fly Air Force One one time a year, anywhere he wants, with his whole family. With free ice cream. I don't agree with this continued notion that everytime something like this comes up that Congress has to pass a stinking law. Both political parties are guilty of it. I want government OUT of my life, even when it's doing the right thing. If Obama and the Democrats have taught me anything, it's that a government that can give you anything you want can take away all your liberty.
The correct remedy in this case is obvious: the HoA, sooner or later, would succumb to public opinion. In this case, government didn't need to solve the problem – the people did. Ironically, the cause of the problem? Say it with me: GOVERNMENT! HoAs are small governments, and if they're like mine, they are stupid and share Congress's view that they should solve every perceived problem with mandates and spending. There is a better way!
I'd like to add "fly according to the established honors the flag deserves" to your statement. I don't like seeing the flag in displayed in unflattering situations.
Col. Van T. Barfoot, Thank you for your service! And congratulations in your recent victory!
The correct principal to apply to allowing a small exception to something is "Les Misérables". In the end we are all humans and I believe this is the fundamental deep down core belief of all conservatives. As and example I present Kenneth Gladney. As an example of the libs not believing this I present Media Matters. The comments regarding Col. Barfoot on this site is 100% toe the letter of the law without exception, of course with the immediate requisite personal attacks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables&...
Agreed on the signature thing…why sign up for something so unamerican!
I can remember a time (I know I know) when people didn't feel the need for HOAs…people took pride in their homes/neighborhoods…looked out for each other. Walked down the block and gave a humble opinion to Henrietta that perhaps Magenta wasn't such a good idea for the front door…it wasn't served as a court notice!
When did flying the flag become scandalous in this country? Burn it and stamp on it all you want but you'd better not fly it proudly.
I remember a time when the color of Henrietta's door was Henriettta's business. I may have had to walk by it every day, and shook my head every time I saw it, but it's not my door, and it's not my place to suggest she change it. Court order, neighborly advice, HOA covenant notwithstanding.
I've never understood the people who get their knickers in a knot over every little thing in their neighborhood. The neighbor's flower pot made from a repurposed toilet bowl is a great conversation starter for when guests are over.
Thank you so much Mr Cantor and Mr McKeon. Great job! A sad state of affairs when such a thing requires the intervention from congress, but that seems to be where we're at today. what with this creepin' NWO marxism making power grabs in order to control us.
I know it's a difficult but could you please stop the demoRATS from railroading our health system – we don't want socialized medicine. Do all in your power to – delay, delay, delay. Thanks.
Could you please look into the case of this poor soldier:
http://biggovernment.com/2009/12/08/101st-airborn...
We're feeling powerless out here thus the anger. One awakens daily to something equally horrendous as the day before – for the first time in my life I'm scared of what this country is becoming under the current regime.
I pray daily for you guys,
God bless,
Annie
That resolution should be that ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN AMERICA can fly the stars and stripes.
The guy lives in Cantor's district your idiot.
your AN idiot.
Pot meet kettle…sheesh.
The knickers in the knot is the problem…why let get to that point? A friendly suggestion isn't a mandate…if it's done the right way, Henrietta may be appreciative…I would like to think that the people making the suggestion aren't doing it to control Henrietta, but save her embarrassment…if Henrietta still wants her door Magenta, more power to her…a good neighbor would respect that. And if the neighbors can't respect that, they can choose to live somewhere else too! As for me, I hate to lose good neighbors…we look out for each other's property while the other is away…have barbecues…help each other out with the heavy lifting… for me flowerpot toilet is low on the list of priorities…to having a good neighbor. Enjoy the toilet flowerpot if you choose…we can talk about it at the block party! LOL
Well, its like this…
I will do what I damned well want to do flying MY flag according to the etiquette guide…
And if anyone doesn't like it, I will be more than happy to introduce him to my 2nd Amendment…
"Passive resistance" is no longer in effect. "Active measures" have been instituted…
Why bother with any of that?
Complain, and the "complainer" moves…
I hear NY and CA need more wage slaves…
Thank you, Col. Barfoot, for you service and heroism!
We can now, once and for all, dispense with the idea that left-wingers are just as patriotic as Americans on the right side of the aisle.
It still seems like butting in inappropriately. When I pick paint colors, it's a big decision. If I put brush to surface and don't like the result, I'm cognizant enough to see for myself that it doesn't work. Unless, I happen to like it. If I do like it, and someone comes up with a "friendly suggestion", it'll hurt my feelings. And for what? Because my neighbors don't like my front door, I'll have to buy new paint, put in the time to repaint a door that I liked to a more "appropriate" color.
Magenta happens to be Henrietta's favorite color. Who am I to dictate her happiness. It's not like she's painting an instruction manual on deviant sexual practices.
If you register with intensedebate.com then log in here, you'll be able to edit your original post as long as it's before another person comes and posts a reply.
It is men such as Mr Barfoot who have protected our very right to fly that flag and some NAZI homeowners association tres to take that right away????
How shameful for us to have allowed it to get to this point.
I am on bended knee in thanks to this man for protecting our freedoms….THE NERVE OF THESE PEOPLE…no one should have to fight to fly the flag….NO ONE…especially not a true AMERICAN HERO!
Obviously the veteran is a flag worshiper. But do his deeds during WWII give him the right to fly his god in the faces of others? The flag is a symbol and was and is never intended to be an object of worship. He should have learned a long time ago to respect the beliefs of others, and to honor those beliefs. At 90, it appears that won't happen soon.
"Magenta happens to be Henrietta's favorite color. Who am I to dictate her happiness. It's not like she's painting an instruction manual on deviant sexual practices."
That's a leap! No reason to continue this…I am clearly not getting my point across.
Is it to much in this country to allow veterans to honor the men that were left behind on the battle field. Is it to much in this country to allow veterans to be show respect for the the dead.
All Americans should be allowed to show respect for this country by flying the flag of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA if they chose.
You've injected the most common sense I've seen from a personal point. There are always A holes with nothing better to do than split hairs six ways and impose meaningless rules on people in their petty power efforts.
Thanks for a well thought out post.
I don't know where your knowledge of history comes from. I do know that it based on lies and deceit .
James…it is not "worship", pal…it is his RIGHT to be able to fly the symbol of what he fought for and almost died for…Tell me you read what actually he did to win that medal…and then tell me you don't understand this whole thing…
I must ask…why is such a fear of this symbol of freedom…
This really bothers me. When did the flag become offensive? And what sort of mental malfunction must you possess to be offended by our Country's flag?
Congrats on the victory, Colonel
If you truly believe what you just posted, I think you're out of touch with reallity with what America stands for and what loyalty and honor mean.
Bunch of Anti American micro progressives. This article stinks to high heaven of self promotion by the author. The whole thing is flat out S T U P I D. I hope the HOA is proud of itself. Shame on them.
"He should have learned a long time ago to respect the beliefs of others, and to honor those beliefs."-James
This is the classic definition of a "tautology."
Hey genius, why didn't the HOA "respect" his beliefs, and I'm grateful that men like him didn't "honor the beliefs" of Nazi Germany, or you and the HOA would be speaking Deutsche in some lovely encampment somewhere.
Looking at his bio, I would guess that he worships Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and loves the country he defended that allows him and anyone else the freedom to do so, hence he daily flies the flag.
BTW James, we all worship something. What do you worship?
Combination of several threads–see the fistgate stuff.
My point is this: What gives you the right to say: 'Hey Henrietta, you know your door…really stands out. If you know what I mean." How is that different from a guy on a golf cart saying you'd better fix it, or else? Why does her door being a certain color affect your life so much that you'd feel the need to ask her to reconsider her paint selection?
I cannot imagine what warped teachers you had in life that could make you spew such incomprehensible *logic*. You sir are a credit to the gubmint Skool System. it takes years of programming to come up with a post like that one. My hat is off to you… I rarely get to see such lunacy on public display.
Well said professor and spot on!
"I salute Col. Van T. Barfoot, his commitment to this country and every veteran and active member of our military that fights for our freedom, liberty and democracy"
Amen! This I will stand and defend.
Thank you Col Barfoot, your indomitable American spirit inspires passion for freedom!
Well, for now I do have "the right to say" anything..not my point at all though. Just because I have the right doesn't make it right. In fact, if you were my neighbor I would never dream of advising you on paint color choices…because I live in the modern reality…I know it would only piss you off- and I think that is rude to boot–not my style…
Perhaps me starting off with making a suggestion to Henrietta overshadowed the fact that it comes down to the trust factor that used to exist between neighbors that they looked out for each other and shared the neighborhood. No golf carts with busy bodies or notices taped to the front door!
Nowadays everyone is so sick of people telling us how to live in every aspect-so I get your points about staying out of Henrietta's business…
My point is that there was a time..Henrietta would be over to play cards Friday night.and we were not just neighbors, but friends..If we had problems, it would never come down to "what right do you have"
We would do what's good for each other because we are neighbors–and that's what neighbors used to do.
"But do his deeds during WWII give him the right to fly his god in the faces of others?"
No, the First Amendment does.
Fucktard.
Ah. I see what you mean, and I agree fully with your assessment.
I live in a duplex, and my co-duplexees are nice enough folks. We say Hi when we see each other in the driveway. But I have no idea what their names are. When I was five years old (way back 20 years ago), I knew the name of every person on my street, from the families with kids my age to the retirees sitting on their porches.
What happened and why?
It is an EXTREME article of faith with liberals that AmeriKKKa is evil; ergo all symbols of AmeriKKKa are evil and cannot be displayed. No mention of American troops being wounded or killed to save innocent lives will be considered. No, you need to understand that the only difference between the U.S. and Nazi Germany is that Bush hasn't been put on trial at Nuremburg… yet. (sarcasm off)
What happened? I think we took our eye off the ball..so to speak. Didn't notice the gradual decline-we passively let things deteriorate.
Why? One big reason I can come up with is the left has been dividing us against each other for years through all kinds of venues like the media and Hollywood…constant images and commentary on all kinds of "discrimination" with race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income brackets, and lately, political affiliation…every time I turn on the news there is a new victimhood born. I think everyone is scared they might offend someone anymore. We look at someone and don't see a person anymore. We see categories and wonder if the categories we belong to clash with theirs…and think "it's not worth it…why bother!"
I know there's more to it than that…from my observations that reason seems to really be coming out loud and clear especially in the last year.
No one is saying he can't fly the flag. They're saying he can't put it up on a big 20 foot pole in the middle of his yard.
I agree, he's a MOH winner, and he should be allowed to put the flag he fought for up on a FIFTY foot pole if he wants to. But let's not make it out like the Homeowners Association are a bunch of unpatriotic lefties, when the issue is really about aesthetics.
IMHO, the real problem here is that everyone seems to be willing to cede power to the government as long as it is something they favor. Since when do we want our congressmen writing resolutions giving rights to some that are denied to others? I think there is a little something in the Constitution forbidding that. But while we are at it, Rep. Kantor, go ahead and grant me the title Duke of New York.
And then there is the little fact that this would arbitrarily abrogate contract law. Do you really want to cede this power to the federal government? Judging by the comments here, I can only assume that some people do. If so, you can't complain when other people also want to give more control of your life to the District of Corruption. Any differences you have with them will be largely semantic. Ironic, eh?
Let's just STOP with the friggin' associations. Everyone's become such an expert at managing other people's lives, when their own are in such disarray.
Have you ever met someone from one of these associations? The experience is about as pleasurable as rubbing your face up against a tree! And, not to be sexist, it's always some old woman who hasn't smiled in at least a decade.
True, but should be questioning why the Homeowners Association don't allow such displays though. Nothing wrong with pride in your country. Also, what i put in my home and garden is my business – i paid for it.
Mr. Barfoot is a true American I can be proud of.
Homeowner/condominium Associations nationwide are nothing more than cheap shots at homeowners by paid off local governments and greedy developers that are out of control. They all need to be abolished. Yet, no one in government has the guts to take on that project. This is just another of tens of thousands of stories depicting the gastapo-like dictatorships these associations have become. Only an American enemy would pull such a treasonist act, especially toward an American Medal of Honor winner.
Glad the real hero won this time!
Home Associations are nazis. Abolish all of them now!
MOH recipients generally acknowledge that they don't think they deserve the honor, that the real heroes are those men they served with who were killed. I suspect that Colonel Barfoot raised his flag each day at least partially to remember those men serving with him who died in combat.
It's not too much to ask, even of an uber-lib, to allow such men to express their commitment to our country and to the memories of the men they left behind in temporary, shallow graves, wrapped in a simple GI blanket.
LIBS have common sense ? ahhahahahahahahahahahhaha gasping for air ahhahahahhahahahahhahahaha
OMG I am dying here ahhahahahahahahahhahaha wiping tears from eyes hahaahhahahahahahahaha
Nice to see the majority win a battle against the few flithy scum left electorate ! Thank you, Sir, for your courage.
The HOA's are full of "little Hitlers"…
Wow! Talk about a massive overstepping of gov't power! And what an effing bunch of hypocrites you all are. This guy signed an HOA agreement when he moved into the neighborhood. This is a private, CORPORATE agreement you bunch of wayward hicks….nothing to do with "libs". Get your brains on straight and embrace the corporate state that you all portend to want so badly.
I am proud of this man and his service to our country. But he no doubt espouses "personal responsibility" just like the rest of you….and yet everyone is saying that this is "unfair". It is in his HAO agreement, a private legally binding contract. This is like Terri Shiavo all over again – Republicans who want the gov't out of our lives, but are happy to throw that principle to the wind and make a HUGE intrusion on private life as soon as it is politically expedient. Here's hoping you all recognize the hypocrisy of your statements.
Sorry dude. HOA's are contractual agreements that you sign with private entities (developers). They are about as CORPORATE as it can get. You don't want to pay into an HOA, you want to be able to put an above ground pool in your back yard – go buy a house somewhere else. Wanna know what separates an HOA from a local gov't? HOA contracts are iron-clad, and they can repress whatever "rights" you think you have without any judicial recourse available to you. If it is in the contract, and you SIGNED the contract – you have to live up to your end of the bargain. Even if it means that churches aren't allowed in the neighborhood, or that lawn decorations larger than 20ft can't be displayed. Very voluntary…if you got sucked into it without knowing what was going on – take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for it and stop blaming other people or trying to somehow make it a "gov't" problem. YOU are the problem.
Since you have lived in an HOA community, you know that it is a voluntary thing to live there. There are not any "rights" in that community that the contract with the DEVELOPER (not gov't) haven't given you. While I sympathize with the Col.; one of the institutions that he fought to protect is the "rule of law" – and contract law is a very integral part of that. I pity Rep Cantor for thinking that this isn't a major intrusion of gov't into our personal lives.
Actually, there would be no government intrusion here. This would simply codify the right to fly the flag – not interject government in any form.
Hear, hear! :^)
I missed the part where this has anything to do with Libs? I also missed the part where Col. Barfoot said it was OK for douchebags to exploit him for political thumb-sucking?
I don't know Robert, why can you not do something that is not offensive according to public decency laws? Sounds like too much power in the hands of a few small minds to me
Amen
Wow, wf, you totally missed the point on this 1, didn't you? Don't knee-jerk so much, and please don't pontificate against PATRIOTIC people(you people are so maddening, wah wah).
Please don't think you are in charge of anyone else. Thanks
Hey, it's better than NOT drawing attention to Col. Barfoot and his plight. What did you do to help his cause? Hmm?
WAAAYYY too much thought on your last comments. If it's so trivial, why bother?
Our Government is also about as CORPORATE as it can get, and I don't recall signing any contract that allows them to encroach on my freedom as they do on a daily basis.
Had this been an argument about him having 5 broken down chevy's in the unmown front lawn it would not have been an issue. The morons in this scenario decided to outlaw something as inoffensive as a modest flagpole with an American flag. If an HOA has draconian rules we have the consumers choice of avoiding that subdivision. We sign certain covenants which withing the rules of common sense should be fine unless interpreted idiotically by nitwits (ostentatious displays- what does that mean). I venture to say in this case that the responsible nitwits will soon be raplaced on the vaunted council. Homeowners of the world UNITE, and dyslexics of the world UNTIE!
Deus est Semper Fidelis
Wow! Talk about a massive overstepping of name calling and innuendo. Effing hypocrites and wayward hicks? What's wrong? Momma take you off the breast too soon? Wasn't 20 years long enough? Now go back to mommy's basement and think of even more inane comments. Verrry sentient and lucid comments, indeed.
Agreed. This high-speed-rail nonsense is just old-fashioned porkbarelling. Leave that crap to the Democrats! We expect better from self-proclaimed conservatives!
Bill
Chesterfield, VA
[...] Big Government » Blog Archive » A Veteran Who Has Earned the Right to Display Old Glory. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]
There shouldn't have to be a law passed in reference to flying the flag. Associations have a lot of stupid rules. They should just allow him to do it. They could write that in the rules. He's 90 years old, they should just leave him alone.
Had this been an argument about him having 5 broken down chevy's in the unmown front lawn it would not have been an issue. The morons in this scenario decided to outlaw something as inoffensive as a modest flagpole with an American flag. If an HOA has draconian rules we have the consumers choice of avoiding that subdivision. We sign certain covenants which within the rules of common sense should be fine unless interpreted idiotically by nitwits (ostentatious displays- what does that mean). If they add something like this flagpole provision after we have moved in we must fight. I venture to say in this case that the responsible nitwits will soon be raplaced on the vaunted council. Homeowners of the world UNITE, and dyslexics of the world UNTIE!
Agreed, but i always worry that if i buy my house and any land, why should anyone have any provisions on what is allowed on it? I should be able to put a 6ft gnome anywhere i damn well please if i so choose.
Rep. Cantor,
With all due respect, I believe you have no idea what the real issue is concerning Col. Barfoot and your 'solution' only exacerbates the problem.
Col. Barfoot did not 'earn the right' to display the flag. He, as an American, was born with that right and is merely exercising that right.
We, the people, have this legally-binding contract with our government. It is called the Constitution. In it, there are several rights of the people acknowledged, not given.
One of those rights is Freedom of Speech. It is enjoyed by all citizens, not just a select few.
Do you see that your resolution would create a special class of people?
Col. Barfoot and all other CMH recipients, as much as I respect and salute their gallantry, have the same rights as you or I.
Finally; the Medal of Honor is not 'won'. It isn't a lottery or a sweepstakes. The recipients are awarded it by a grateful nation.
A lot more than posting a 20 second comment exploiting this veteran as an excuse to whine about Libs.
Please don't use the term Nazi in this context.
Maybe Home Owners Associations are run by petty dictators, maybe they have too much time on their hands, and certainly many of them lack any common sense, but please keep the rhetoric to a minimum.
Thanks.
Ok, syntax, I'll bite. Just exactly what is that you've done to draw attention to Col. Barfoot and his plight?
Very presumptuous of you, geniass. Whoops, perhaps that was equally presumptuous of me. See how that works, Mr.Foot-in-mouth?
If you really read or saw the news story the restriction was not about flying the American flag, rather it was erecting a flag pole on his lawn in which to fly the flag. There is no restriction in that particular homeowner association to fly the flag. It was reported that he inquired of the homeowners association if he could erect a flagpole to fly the flag before he purchased his home. They told him that he could not. He purchased the home and erected the flagpole anyway. If he did not agree with it, he should not have purchased the home.
People have been telling me that my whole life…I guess it's because I give a damn!
A great example of the stupidity that takes the place of clear thought and honesty in policy and politics today. It is sad that Mr. Barfoot, who is a true hero, in his old age attacks and succeeds in destroying the free association that he earlier fought for. Common Interest Realty Associations (i.e. homeowners associations) have long become a common device in America for homeowners to choose residential developments with rules they agree to abide by when they purchase. Mr. Barfoot, though he may not be able to think his way through this, as neither can the idiot Congressman, now stomps on the rights of that association. In lieu of working to change the rules, or adhering to the agreement he voluntarily bought into, his ego and pride must take precedence over everyone elses. A travesty and bespotting of the very thing he once fought for…freedom (not for one but for one and ALL).
(cont.)
Now, when a neighbor decides to plant a pole and fly an Islamic flag, I would expect Mr. Barfoot to put up the same fight for that neighbor's right.
His past service provides no "right" to break his agreement to live under the association rules and impose his will on this association. If you jack the system (as he has), don't be suprised if the system later jacks you.
Yet another "feel good" moment for mindless Americans on their way to the bottom. Hey I have an idea, let's start by trying not to be so damn stupid anymore
While I meant no disrespect, it just seems to me that you would offer Henrietta advice on how to run her life in a most back-handed way. If we let trivial matters such as this decide how we are going to react to eachother, we seem to be encroaching on eachothers privacy and right to self-determination
. Now I seem to be getting mired down in trivial matters. Just sayin'….
TABLED by Home Association. It will be taken up again in July. Stay tuned for July ruling to remove the flagpole!
Rules abound in cities, suburbs, subdivisions, condos, and other places on what you can or can not do. Stupid rules such as not being able to park a pick up truck in your driveway, on and on and on.
Nothing new here, they had a rule against flagpoles and the guy knew it.
Mr. Cantor, please spend time on more important topics than what some dumb homeowners association put in their rules and regulations.
"it just seems to me that you would offer Henrietta advice on how to run her life in a most back-handed way"
That's a leap…running her life? Okay then…count me as back-handed for caring about my neighbors, choosing not to impose my will by taping notices in the dark of night to their front door via golfcart snitches, yet rather choosing to get to know them and build a relationship so we can be honest…yeh…then if that defines back-handed…that's another word we can redefine nowadays!!
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