Pompous jerks make miserable company. And when they get into some petty position of authority, they often like to throw their weight around as though their opinions actually matter or are even worth considering. When they occupy positions on homeowners’ associations and tell a veteran he cannot decorate his mailbox as an American flag, you know that’s just what you’ve gotten hold of.
There’s a dispute brewing over a patriotic mailbox wrap in Tallahassee, Florida, after a homeowners’ association said it’s not allowed.
The Southwood Residential Community Association in Tallahassee sent a letter to the veteran who put up the wrap, asking him to remove it or face penalties. However, the veteran said he’s not backing down without a fight.
“It’s not in consonance with their aesthetic values here in Southwood,” said retired U.S. Navy Officer, John Ackert.
Here we have a homeowners’ association with members who clearly have too much time on their hands as well as inflated opinions of their power. The correct response to them this veteran should offer is simple: “Go to Hell.”
As the holiday season comes to a close, please remove the American flag mailbox wrap. Decoration may be displayed 30 days prior and must be taken down 15 days after,” Ackert continues. “That’s been there for four years. It was put there 30 days after I moved into this house.”
Fortunately, this story has hit the television news, exposing the officers of this homeowners’ association for their absurd action. Interviews with neighbors are supportive of this veteran and his flag mailbox.
Neighbors in Southwood said the patriotism is refreshing, and the letter was a bit harsh.
“The man’s a veteran, he served the country. It’s just a mailbox with a flag, I don’t think it’s right. He owns the house, he can at least have that,” said neighbor, Mike Patel.
It would appear from the television news report that the big-shots on this homeowners’ association have just made buffoons out of themselves in public. Their best bet would be to just let the whole matter drop, which might be what is happening.
The letter said Ackert has 15 days to remove the wrap, or face a fine. He has not received a response since submitting his appeal.
Gray affiliate WCTV reached out to the community association Wednesday for comment, but have not heard back.
No surprise there. Anyone think those who sent that letter want to get on television news and defend their actions? Not likely. A win for the veteran is predicted.
Source: WCTV News Tallahassee, Florida
Gene Coniglio The U.S.P.S. has specific requirements about what constitutes a “Mailbox” and is Protected by the Federal Government. You may think you can put whatever you want to as a mailbox but that’s not true. The type of mailbox and the placement are all concerns and the first course of action will be refusing to deliver your mail and a warning about the NON Postal acceptable mailbox you have, next step is fines for non compliance and then after some time a warrant for your arrest will be issued. You will be directed by a judge to comply or face the consequences and could be subject to jail time. Getting loud at the post office or in a court of law is never a good idea. However the HOA may have stipulations as to what you may do with your mailbox but carries no weight since it’s protected by federal laws and as long as you haven’t violated one of those laws your fine. Property Owners Associations often go outside the lines when dealing with people in their neighborhoods and the best advice is to have a lawyer read over the rule book they give you and see if what they’re trying to harass you about is something you’ve agreed to when you signed the agreement or if they are trying to bully you. There are rules to follow everywhere and if you choose to engage in a contract it’s prudent to have a lawyer go over it first to see if it’s legal.
And that will have the police coming for you.
Having a flag on your mailbox isn’t a “Constitutional Right”
Jeff Stevens I guess it would depend on the state you live in. In kentucky we have the right to stand our ground and not retreat on our own property. Also, as a law enforcement officer in this state, I would first advise you to get off my property before adequately defending myself.
Applying the decal of the US Flag to your mailbox is considered flag desecration. On top of that I believe our mailboxes are property of the US Postal service and they make the call on what can be on the mailboxes. He can fly his flag via normal on a flag pole as required in a brochure on how to properly display our Stars and Stripes. Even putting a US flag on clothing can be desecration.
This country is sliding down the rat hole, and its occupants are too deaf, dumb, blind, and devil stupid to even know it.
Well i remember in the 70s, the Environmental Chicken Littles were predicting a new Ice Age would destroy civilization. We started warming and their predictions were a joke. Then in 2000, it was Global Warming but the Chicken Littles had one problem, we the Earth was starting to cool and all their predictions have been proven a joke. So they decided to ensure they can go through with their Ponzi scheme to shake down businesses and increase taxes, the decided to change name to Climate Change so no matter what happens the Chicken Littles can keep banging the dooms day drum to shake down businesses around the word. Well, i remember in school being taught there were something like 7 ice ages where the earth cooled and then warmed and the ice retreated, ALL before mankind had any impact what so ever. Follow the money on this Ponzi scheme!!! Another plot or politicians to line their pockets and those who own them!
Just the P.O.Boxes. sre property of the U,S Government.