Replies

Isn’t this how America began?

Sure, the Pilgrims could’ve stayed home and fought the tyrants - and lost. But instead, when they saw a chance for self-government and freedom, they took it in spite of the cost.

There’s a good deal of bashing of “closed communities” on FreeRepublic. HOAs are a great example. Yet despite their flaws and occasional abuses of power, these are at least attempts at self-government. Why should that be so objectionable on a site like this, where we rail constantly against big government?

Beck’s experiment might turn out like the disappointing “Free State Project”, which aimed at a political takeover of New Hampshire to promote freedom. Libertarians screwed that up, it seems; and Beck leans in the same direction. The Pilgrims weren’t so foolish, so they at least avoided one major poison of freedom.

The ability - and the right - of self-government are the underlying principles of the Declaration and the Revolution. They’re not “utopian”; they are what permit and promote freedom and a free republic.

I never cared much for Beck’s radio show. But from what I saw of him when he was on Fox, this Independence, USA idea fits the direction he was headed. We might not agree with that direction, but at least he’s not one to sit still a la Rush or Boortz, et al.

While there might be a “coming storm”. Maybe what the Pilgrims did is closer to what conservative minded Patriots can do. We are being persecuted, or will be. If there was a civil war, what would the sides be, and would we ever be able to re-establish the ideals of the founding fathers successfully again. I have serious doubts about that point. I just think there is way to many takers and now socialists.

I think Pat Buchanan is right this country will Balkanize along political idealogies and racial as well.

*** There’s a good deal of bashing of “closed communities” on FreeRepublic. HOAs are a great example. Yet despite their flaws and occasional abuses of power, these are at least attempts at self-government.***

You Betcha

Since my bride and I bought this, our one and only home, we have lived under the rules and bylaws of an *evil* HOA. And ... tada ... we've loved it! Those rules and bylaws were in fact the reason we decided to buy and stay here for 35 years while we raised our family. And we ain't planning on going anytime soon.

People forgot or overlook the fact that an HOA: Home Owners Association, is made up by .. duh .. our fellow neighbors and homeowners. And any one of us can run during the yearly election to be on the board of said *evil* association. And at the monthly meetings we can freely attend and VOTE on any proposed changes.

Has it all been a bed of roses and a perfect utopia during those years, no. Some years there were real jackwagons on the board but they didn't last long. On the other hand we also don't have Cars up on blocks in the front of our homes, Pink garage doors, Broken windows, or Pickup Trucks used as swimming pools.

So you're spot on, WE have as best can be, a self governing community of like minded people. And it's a DIVERSE one with every race, creed, color, age group, and 'persuasion' represented. Our street, a cul-de-sac, is a mini United Nations --- except we all get along. And those that can't and couldn't -- moved.

Natch I typically stay off those HOA bashing threads.