Freedom to Fly the Stars and Stripes

                The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is the simple fact that the Stars and Stripes are being challenged in numerous places in our nation.  Schools may deny citizens the right to fly the United States flag more frequently than any other organization, but home owners associations are close behind.  It appears that many people live in the United States but do not want to see our national colors flying.

                Fox13 News reported the latest episode involving Chestnut Place, a condominium community in Murray, Utah, located near Salt Lake City.  A week or so ago, there were no regulations or restrictions on residents of the community who desired to fly the Stars and Stripes, and many the patriotic residents did.  At the last board meeting, “two members of the board and a resident” stated they were “tired of looking at the flag.”

                A warning went out to the community residents telling them to take down their flags.  Residents that refused to give up their freedom to fly the Stars and Stripes were fined $75 and given a notice.  The notice states:  “All exterior decorations must be removed within 10 days following the holiday….  Please remove your flag from the common area (Utah Community Association Act. 57-a-219).”

                Residents were shocked, but the president of the HOA refused to back down.  Home owners planned to address the situation at the next home HOA meeting, and they filled the room.  The meeting was cancelled at the last minute, and no board members were present.  Home owners are now calling for a special meeting to vote for new board members.

                “Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.”  I started typing that statement more than 50 years ago whenever I needed to test a typewriter.  I believe I got the statement from my husband’s mother, whom I dearly loved.  This statement is even truer today than it was in the 1960s when I learned it. 

                Our nation really does need good men and women to come to its aid, and a good place to start is by defending our right to fly the flag of our nation from our homes, vehicles, businesses, or wherever we so choose.  Any person who does not like to see the red, white and blue flag flying – or is offended by it – is free to leave our nation on a one-way ticket.  I will not be intimidated.  I will fly my flag whenever I choose to do so from my property!