MoH Receipient Can't Fly A Flag

[Type-R]

Col. Van T. Barfoot, a local Medal of Honor winner, is under the gun from his Henrico County community's homeowner association.

In a five-paragraph letter to Barfoot that he received yesterday, Barfoot is being ordered to remove a flagpole from his yard. The decorated veteran of three wars, now 90 years old, raises the American flag every morning on the pole, then lowers and folds the flag at dusk each day in a three-corner military fashion.

In a priority mail letter, the Coates & Davenport law firm in Richmond is ordering Barfoot to remove the pole by 5 p.m. Friday or face "legal action being brought to enforce the Covenants and Restrictions against you." The letter states that Barfoot will be subject to paying all legal fees and costs in any successful legal proceeding pursued by the homeowner association's board.

Barfoot lives in the Sussex Square community in far western Henrico; its board of directors rejected a plea from Barfoot in July to approve the pole, disallowing the fixture on aesthetic grounds.

There is no provision in the community's rules expressly forbidding flagpoles, Barfoot's daughter said. But she said the board ruled against her father's fixture and ordered it removed in July, deciding that free-standing flag poles are not aesthetically appropriate. Short flag stands attached to porches dot the community.

"Dad sort of feels like this is the end," said Margaret Nicholls, Barfoot's daughter, who lives a few doors away. But she said this morning that she and her husband are attempting to generate support for her father's cause, a flag-raising rite that he has undertaken for most of his life.

Barfoot received the Medal of Honor on the battlefield during World War II in Italy and fought as well in the Korean and Vietnam wars. A portion of a highway in rural Mississippi, his native state, was named in his honor this fall. A building at McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond also carries his name.

Barfoot began regularly flying the flag on Veteran's Day this year despite the Sussex Square board's decision.

He said in November that not flying the flag would be a sacrilege to him.

"There's never been a day in my life or a place I've lived in my life that you couldn't fly the American flag," he said.

For more on this story, see tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Article, click here

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/POLEGAT02_20091202-091201/309031/P0/

http://media.timesdispatch.com/timesdispatch/img-story/images/uploads/barfoot_thumb.jpg



Here's his bio, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_T._Barfoot

I'm going to write those faggots a letter





UPDATE 12/02/09 10:10pm

Pressure needs to be put on the Sussex Square home owners association to reverse their decision. Colonel Barfoot is a hero who fought for this country and the right to fly the American flag proudly. He even has a highway named in his honor in Mississippi

Let the HOA know how you feel about them deciding that the American flag should not be flown in their community.

Contact Glenn Wilson, president of the Sussex Square Service HOA at (804) 741-9160 and their lawyers at Coates & Davenport, P.C. at (804) 285-7000 or toll-free at (800) 450-8311 and let them know we will not tolerate this travesty.




Here is the home phone number for Sussex Square Service HOA president:

GLENN WILSON
11800 N Downs Sq
Henrico, VA 23238-3474
(804) 741-9160

I personally spoke with him and confirmed that he’s the HOA president. I told him that they need to reverse their position on the flag, he thanked me and I hung up.

[thecrazyone]

Second Lieutenant Barfoot's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.


WOW.

this guy is a hero and they wont let him fly the effin American Flag, thats crazy talk.

im going to call asap in the morning. and pass the number along.

[Type-R]

this guy is a hero and they wont let him fly the effin American Flag, thats crazy talk.

This is the kind of guy most kids want to be when they are young and watching old war movies. Words can hardly describe his actions.

[buffdaddy18]

wow.......

[buffdaddy18]

my dad was a pilot in the USAF during vietnam. If this happened to him, I would personally beat the shit out of the person that opposed this. absolute bullshit

[man]

Wow, can't even fly the American Flag in AMERICA, wtf

[Alan®]

just goes to show what this country is coming too

[ash7]

These bastards are going to get a call from me, bright and early.

How dare they tell this guy he can't fly our American flag? This gentleman deserves our thanks!

-jonathan

[.blank cd]

un-fucking-believable. Id tell the H.O.A, if they'd be up for a rousing game of capture the flag, to come try and take it down and they can have it.

[Dr.G35]

just goes to show what this country is coming too
for real.....................fucking comies

[Total_Blender]

1.) This is a Homeowner's association and not any sort of government. Sadly, shit like this is what you have to deal with when you live in places that have HOA's.

2.) They're not telling him he can't display the flag, they're telling him that he can't display the flag on a giant metal pole on his property.

3.) He erected the flagpole AFTER the HOA's decision. I think the page you linked to has been updated since you posted it, because it now says this:


Tonight, the Sussex Square Homeowners Association issued a statement reiterating its position that Barfoot directly violated the association board's denial of his request to erect a flagpole.

"This is not about the American flag. This about a flagpole," the statement reads.

Barfoot lives in the Sussex Square community in far western Henrico; its board of directors rejected a plea from Barfoot in July to approve the pole, disallowing the fixture on aesthetic grounds

So he put up the pole AFTER his request was denied. I agree with you guys that the HOA doesn't have the moral authority to tell the Col. that he can't display the flag any way he damn well pleases, but the issue at hand is property values, which would plummet if everyone in the neighborhood had a 90 foot metal pole in their front yard. The article says that many houses in the neighborhood display smaller flags affixed to their porches, so to say that Col. Barfoot "can't fly a flag" is an untruth.

4.) He's having his day in court. If he doesn't win, he can rally his neighbors to remove the HOA. Or he can relocate to a non HOA neighborhood where he can fly his flag all year and leave his X-mas lights up all year too if he wants.

[Type-R]

I think the page you linked to has been updated since you posted it, because it now says this:


That is new info


Perfect example of why I live near a military base and will never take part of any HOA

[Type-R]

I emailed this info to Fox news early this morning, looks like it made it through

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579147,00.html

[.blank cd]

and the funny thing about this and HOA's is there is almost certainly a house down the street from this guy that has 20ft high grass that hasnt been cut in years

[Type-R]

Here's the Fox news poll, http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/12/03/american-hero-allowed-fly-old-glory/#commentCount


Col. Van Barfoot - Come on, homeowners, he's more than earned the right to fly the American flag, especially on his own property. 97% (26,201 votes)

The Homeowners Assoc. – Sorry, colonel, but rules are rules, and in a democracy the majority rules. 2% (626 votes)

Undecided <1% (72 votes)

Total Votes: 26,899

[bu villain]

Oh great...now everyone is trying to twist this into some fight for American values. HOAs always make all sorts of restrictive rules about what you can and can't put in your yard (putting a flag on something usually doesn't make you exempt from the rules). THIS IS NOT NEWS!

I just saw something today about a boycott of GAP because their ads aren't Christmasy enough (although they even specifically mention "Christmas" in the ads). People are trying way to hard to find anti-America/Christian shit.

It's sad what passes for news these days.

[oneSLOWex]

He sacrificed a lot for this country and the flag he is trying to fly in HIS front yard. Its not like he has old broken down cars/trucks and dogs running around everywhere. I know there are certain rules for neighborhoods with a HOA...but once in a while you have to put the rulebook down and have a heart. If any of you arguing the HOA BS had been in his shoes and been through what he has....you would be thinking differently.

[Type-R]

THIS IS NOT NEWS!

It's sad what passes for news these days.


roughly 30,000 people thought it was news and voted in favor, not to mention it's on the main page of Fox news

[Type-R]

It appears that the media attention and voice of the people has done some good thus far



The HOA has extended the deadline to remove the flagpole by one week. The original deadline was set for 12/3/09 at 5:00 p.m.

News (http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/FLAG03GAT_20091203-183803/309353/)



And this is the best part of it all,


Barfoot, a veteran of three wars who says he has flown the American flag for most of his life, was ordered earlier this week to remove the pole because the association had rejected his request to erect it and he constructed it anyhow.

The staff of U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., has intervened to help negotiate a settlement in the dispute.

[Dr.G35]

Oh great...now everyone is trying to twist this into some fight for American values. HOAs always make all sorts of restrictive rules about what you can and can't put in your yard (putting a flag on something usually doesn't make you exempt from the rules). THIS IS NOT NEWS!

I just saw something today about a boycott of GAP because their ads aren't Christmasy enough (although they even specifically mention "Christmas" in the ads). People are trying way to hard to find anti-America/Christian shit.

It's sad what passes for news these days.
No, it's sad for what passes for people these days. MORALS, people need them.

[bdydrpdmazda]

some peoples kids have no fucking pride in their country

[Type-R]

I called my local radio station and they are talking about it now

You can listen to it live right now, http://carolinaspurerock.com/Listen-Live-to-WXQRX/2188009

[oneSLOWex]

Another thing...Its not like he is leaving it out there 24/7 to get weathered and torn to pieces. He takes it down and folds it EVERY evening and puts it back up every morning...so its in good shape and not all torn up and faded.


I called my local radio station and they are talking about it now

You can listen to it live right now, http://carolinaspurerock.com/Listen-Live-to-WXQRX/2188009

Its awesome what you are doing letting all these people know about this man :goodjob::goodjob:

I will rep you as soon as possible.

[SPOOLIN]

lol, i would never think about a guy flying the flag, I havnt seen the pole but im sure its only a standard 20 ft pole. Most poles i have seen at a home were no taller.

[Type-R]

Its awesome what you are doing letting all these people know about this man :goodjob::goodjob:

I will rep you as soon as possible.


Thanks man, I heard today from some of my family in a few states that saw the story on tv on Fox news last night

[Type-R]

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Legion has joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia HOA

Looks like some other vets are standing behind him on this



Facebook seems to be reporting that the HOA is backing down from the issue

[bu villain]

roughly 30,000 people thought it was news and voted in favor, not to mention it's on the main page of Fox news

Have you ever looked up how many people read articles about Jon & Kate plus 8 controversy. Are you really suggesting that it is therefore important news?

[oneSLOWex]

Have you ever looked up how many people read articles about Jon & Kate plus 8 controversy. Are you really suggesting that it is therefore important news?

It is important news that people actually care about what they are trying to do to this man. This is not about anything else.

[Type-R]

Have you ever looked up how many people read articles about Jon & Kate plus 8 controversy. Are you really suggesting that it is therefore important news?

Are you seriously trying to compare a horrible TV show to this?

You might as well try and compare google website traffic statistics to this then, makes absolutely no sense. You are trying to raise your opinion that this is of no importance to you, fine... don't post here and stop paying attention to the subject. Those of us who care will continue to support.

[bu villain]

It is important news that people actually care about what they are trying to do to this man. This is not about anything else.

I'm glad people care about someone else but I just don't like that people take so much concern over the size of a flagpole someone can have in some neighborhood when I feel there are so many more important causes they could take up. They aren't even saying he can't fly a flag, just not a 20ft tall pole!!!

[oneSLOWex]

I'm glad people care about someone else but I just don't like that people take so much concern over the size of a flagpole someone can have in some neighborhood when I feel there are so many more important causes they could take up. They aren't even saying he can't fly a flag, just not a 20ft tall pole!!!

Its about what he has done for this country. Its just a fucking flagpole for gods sake. This is one of those fine lines where it comes a time to put up the rule book and use your heart.

[bu villain]

Are you seriously trying to compare a horrible TV show to this?

You might as well try and compare google website traffic statistics to this then, makes absolutely no sense. You are trying to raise your opinion that this is of no importance to you, fine... don't post here and stop paying attention to the subject. Those of us who care will continue to support.

No I am not comparing it to a horrible TV show. I am saying that alot of people being interested in it doesn't make it important as a national issue.

This is of great importance to me! I desparately wish people would show even half this concern on truly important problems.

[bu villain]

Its about what he has done for this country. Its just a fucking flagpole for gods sake. This is one of those fine lines where it comes a time to put up the rule book and use your heart.

If it were my neighborhood I would be one of the people complaining like crazy too, but its not my neighborhood and I respect a neighborhoods right to decide their own standards.

[oneSLOWex]

If it were my neighborhood I would be one of the people complaining like crazy too, but its not my neighborhood and I respect a neighborhoods right to decide their own standards.

So after all the guy has done....you would treat him like nothing over a flagpole? Come on man! If it were shit cars, trash or dogs....I could see it....Its an old man who stuck his neck out there on more than one occasion for his country and you cant look over some stupid ass rules and use better judgement?

[bu villain]

Did you not read my last post. I stated that I think he should be able to fly his flag on his giant 20ft pole. However, I don't think its my decision or the rest of the country's decision to make.

Everyone who is supporting him has a good heart but this is way overblown. If someone insulted him for his service and I was next to them I would punch them in the face but I don't think a national outcry over it would be necessary.

[oneSLOWex]

Did you not read my last post. I stated that I think he should be able to fly his flag on his giant 20ft pole. However, I don't think its my decision or the rest of the country's decision to make.

Everyone who is supporting him has a good heart but this is way overblown. If someone insulted him for his service and I was next to them I would punch them in the face but I don't think a national outcry over it would be necessary.

If thats what it takes to change the minds of the heartless people in that HOA....then yes it is necessary. I would want the same done for me as Im sure you would want the same if you were him.

[98blackcivic]

yea thats pretty fucked up

[oneSLOWex]

yea thats pretty fucked up

http://smiliesftw.com/x/Squinty500.png

[oneSLOWex]

call me we todd itt but I dont think I have seen this posted in here yet...

Flag controversy

In December 2009, the homeowners' association (HOA) of the Sussex Square, where Barfoot lives in Henrico County, Virginia, ordered him to remove the flagpole from which he flies the American flag. The HOA retained Coates & Davenport to help enforce their order.[1] The association's bylaws do not forbid flagpoles, but the HOA ruled Barfoot, aged 90, would not be allowed to use it "for aesthetic reasons". Barfoot is contesting the order.[8][9]

taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_T._Barfoot

[Type-R]

Yeah that was mentioned in a few of the links I posted. So many people are quick to jump the gun and point the finger at Col. Barfoot for "breaking the rules" yet fail to see the point that is trying to be made of fighting a stupid and ignorant decision from a biased HOA board.

There was nothing in the rules in regards to flag poles at all, they just don't like his flag pole so they want him to remove it which is where they used the "aesthetic" category to try and win their battle against him, that's it. As we've all pointed out, it's silly and disrespectful to such a hero of this country.

[Type-R]

Latest info regarding the American Legion support, http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/legion-support-wwii-veterans-fight-flagpole/

[Total_Blender]

. People are trying way to hard to find anti-America/Christian shit.

It's sad what passes for news these days.

Yep, the Fox News mouthbreathers love to jump on any bandwagon issue they can find if they think it's against their idea of Anglo/Christian/hetero/military "America". The same people who are jumping on this issue probably bought flags to hang on their car antenna after 9/11 and left them on until they got faded/jagged/dirty and then fell off.

Its easy for you guys to support the Col. because all you have to do is forward e-mails and join facebook groups. None of you own property in that neighborhood. :ninja:

[Type-R]

White House says "it's silly"

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/08/obama-spokesman-silly-allow-vet-fly-flag/

[Total_Blender]

White House says "it's silly"

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/08/obama-spokesman-silly-allow-vet-fly-flag/



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Every one of these headlines (and the tone of Fox's article on it) make it seem as if the Col. is being prevented from displaying the flag, which is not true. The HOA said he could display a smaller flag from his porch. This is about the flagpole and its impact on property values.

I really hope Obama does not comment on this and make it an issue. I think "Joe the Plumber" and the "beer summit" set the wrong precedent... any moke with a minor grievance can now get the forces of the right-wing blogosphere behind them and eventually get the president's ear. :rolleyes:

I'm still waiting for the president to issue a statement about my neighbors at the duplex leaving their cigarette butts all over the place. :goodjob:

[zspeed24]

When has a flag pole ever decreased property value?

[Type-R]

When has a flag pole ever decreased property value?

In Iraq and Afghanistan maybe

[Type-R]

Every one of these headlines (and the tone of Fox's article on it) make it seem as if the Col. is being prevented from displaying the flag, which is not true. The HOA said he could display a smaller flag from his porch. This is about the flagpole and its impact on property values.

I really hope Obama does not comment on this and make it an issue. I think "Joe the Plumber" and the "beer summit" set the wrong precedent... any moke with a minor grievance can now get the forces of the right-wing blogosphere behind them and eventually get the president's ear. :rolleyes:

I'm still waiting for the president to issue a statement about my neighbors at the duplex leaving their cigarette butts all over the place. :goodjob:

I watched Gibbs on TV commenting this, they specificly mentioned that it's silly to not allow him have the flag pole in his yard to properly display the flag he loves and gave so much for

Your duplex doesn't warrent the Presidents attention. Col. Barfoot received his medal from a U.S. President. Different status levels there.

[Total_Blender]

[

Your duplex doesn't warrent the Presidents attention. Col. Barfoot received his medal from a U.S. President. Different status levels there.

I was being hyperbolic. The president has bigger fish to fry right now than get involved in a dispute between some guy and his HOA.

I really don't see how the Col.'s status as a vet makes him exempt from the rules of his HOA. If they let the Col. have a flagpole, they'll have to let everyone have a flagpole. They might not want their neighborhood to look like the United Nations building.

http://blog.autoworld.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/un-building.jpg

[oneSLOWex]

I was being hyperbolic. The president has bigger fish to fry right now than get involved in a dispute between some guy and his HOA.

I really don't see how the Col.'s status as a vet makes him exempt from the rules of his HOA. If they let the Col. have a flagpole, they'll have to let everyone have a flagpole. They might not want their neighborhood to look like the United Nations building.

http://blog.autoworld.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/un-building.jpg

What you are saying is if you had done anything anywhere near what he has and simply wanted to display the flag for the country you risked your life for and live in the proper military way you wouldnt put up a fight?

[Total_Blender]

What you are saying is if you had done anything anywhere near what he has and simply wanted to display the flag for the country you risked your life for and live in the proper military way you wouldnt put up a fight?

FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS THEY DIDN'T SAY HE CAN"T DISPLAY THE FLAG.

They are just saying he can't display it on a 20 FOOT POLE.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3665286260_5542726b41.jpg?v=0

The first article cited in this thread says that there are other homes in Col.'s neighborhood that display their flags as in the photo I posted above. This isn't about patriotism, censorship, honoring veterans, etc etc. Barfoot CAN display the flag.

Its about one man having it out with his HOA about a 20 foot pole in his front yard.

[oneSLOWex]

FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS THEY DIDN'T SAY HE CAN"T DISPLAY THE FLAG.

They are just saying he can't display it on a 20 FOOT POLE.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3665286260_5542726b41.jpg?v=0

The first article cited in this thread says that there are other homes in Col.'s neighborhood that display their flags as in the photo I posted above. This isn't about patriotism, censorship, honoring veterans, etc etc. Barfoot CAN display the flag.

Its about one man having it out with his HOA about a 20 foot pole in his front yard.
You didn't answer my question.

I am not trying to say they said he couldn't fly the flag at all....they are trying to make him take it down from that pole. The way he is displaying the flag is the way he was taught to display it.

[quickdodge®]

What you are saying is if you had done anything anywhere near what he has and simply wanted to display the flag for the country you risked your life for and live in the proper military way you wouldnt put up a fight?

As moral issue, there should be no fight. What this man has done is worthy of being able to fly the Flag in the fashion he is trying to do.

But at the same time, this man did move into an existing neighborhood, fully aware of it's HOA rules. If he wanted to fly his flag in on a pole like that, maybe he should have moved into a house that would allow it.

Now if this ordinance had been put in place AFTER he had already had his flagpole erected, then you have yourself a legit fight.

If he does win this fight, then good for him. It is kind of a stupid rule to have in effect.



Perfect example of why I..... ..... and will never take part of any HOA

You live in an HOA-governed community you will. Later, QD.

[oneSLOWex]

As moral issue, there should be no fight. What this man has done is worthy of being able to fly the Flag in the fashion he is trying to do.

But at the same time, this man did move into an existing neighborhood, fully aware of it's HOA rules. If he wanted to fly his flag in on a pole like that, maybe he should have moved into a house that would allow it.

Now if this ordinance had been put in place AFTER he had already had his flagpole erected, then you have yourself a legit fight.

If he does win this fight, then good for him. It is kind of a stupid rule to have in effect.



You live in an HOA-governed community you will. Later, QD.


There is nothing in their rules saying anything about flagpoles....this whole thing is one person having an issue with it and thinking they can run things how they want it.

In December 2009, the homeowners' association (HOA) of the Sussex Square, where Barfoot lives in Henrico County, Virginia, ordered him to remove the flagpole from which he flies the American flag. The HOA retained Coates & Davenport to help enforce their order.[1] The association's bylaws do not forbid flagpoles, but the HOA ruled Barfoot, aged 90, would not be allowed to use it "for aesthetic reasons". Barfoot is contesting the order.[8][9]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_T._Barfoot

[Total_Blender]

You didn't answer my question.
.

He doesn't live on a military base or a courthouse square, he lives in a neighborhood with a HOA. If he doesn't like how they run the neighborhood, he can convince his neighbors to remove them, or he can move to a place without a HOA. If he wants to raise a flag military style, maybe he can do it at a public park, a town square, an American Legion, a post office, a school, or a government building where having a large flagpole is practical.

He knew what the rules were, he followed them, but when his request was denied he took it upon himself to do what he wanted anyway. Now he and his internet supporters are asking for special treatment. Epic meh.

This is not to say that I support HOA's, actually I despise them. But I recognize that they do serve a purpose and that there are people who choose to live that way. The Col. himself probably takes pride in knowing he lives in an area where people don't leave their X-mas lights up all year or have cars on blocks in their yards. :ninja:

[oneSLOWex]

He doesn't live on a military base or a courthouse square, he lives in a neighborhood with a HOA. If he doesn't like how they run the neighborhood, he can convince his neighbors to remove them, or he can move to a place without a HOA.

He knew what the rules were, he followed them, but when his request was denied he took it upon himself to do what he wanted anyway. Now he and his internet supporters are asking for special treatment. Epic meh.

This is not to say that I support HOA's, actually I despise them. But I recognize that they do serve a purpose and that there are people who choose to live that way. The Col. himself probably takes pride in knowing he lives in an area where people don't leave their X-mas lights up all year or have cars on blocks in their yards. :ninja:


The thing is there is/was no rules saying anything about him having a flagpole. So really, they cant do much about it.

[quickdodge®]

There is nothing in their rules saying anything about flagpoles....this whole thing is one person having an issue with it and thinking they can run things how they want it.

In December 2009, the homeowners' association (HOA) of the Sussex Square, where Barfoot lives in Henrico County, Virginia, ordered him to remove the flagpole from which he flies the American flag. The HOA retained Coates & Davenport to help enforce their order.[1] The association's bylaws do not forbid flagpoles, but the HOA ruled Barfoot, aged 90, would not be allowed to use it "for aesthetic reasons". Barfoot is contesting the order.[8][9]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_T._Barfoot

Kind of a sticky situation, then (if it isn't specific). One way to really check it out is to see the by-laws. See what it says. And how it explains it in them. I understand the not wanting flagpoles because after a while, most of them tend to start looking like shit. But if this rule isn't too specific, then it needs to be to prevent future occurrences. Later, QD.

[Total_Blender]

The thing is there is/was no rules saying anything about him having a flagpole. So really, they cant do much about it.

He made his request, and I'm assuming the HOA has the authority to deny requests on "aesthetic reasons" somewhere in his contract with them. Maybe its a Catch 22 but it is what it is. Thats how I will interpret it until its proven otherwise, anyway. The point of it is that his neighbors at the HOA voted against it.

Like all "internet hero of the day v/s _____" situations, the guy will have his day in court, and he will probably be forgotten about by his internet supporters by the time the outcome is decided.

[Total_Blender]

I understand the not wanting flagpoles because after a while, most of them tend to start looking like shit. .

Thats why you mainly see flagpoles at public-owned areas like gov't buildings and you don't see them at private residences. The upkeep is just not practical for a homeowner. Most places that have flagpoles have it in their budgets to repair/replace them when they start looking butt-y, the average homeowner, not so much.

[Type-R]

he will probably be forgotten about by his internet supporters by the time the outcome is decided.

By some, probably, doubtful that most will forget seeing how there are only 92 Medal of Honor recipients currently alive. The way the current war is going we probably won't see anymore "living" recipients due to the biased process that we have today where we are stuck in a trend of only awarding these medals to service members who are KIA. Handfuls of people warrented the MoH recently but were downgraded and it's beleived because they were not KIA.

If I recall I don't beleive there's been a living recipient since Vietnam.



This guy made headlines, probably the first in a long time. I'm sure his name will be around for awhile.

[quickdodge®]

I'm sure his name will be around for awhile.

Once this is over, TB is right. It'll be pretty much old news and gone. A few people here and there may talk about it, but it won't be water cooler or newsroom talk anymore. Gone with the wind. Later, QD.

[Type-R]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced a resolution, H. Res. 952, allowing Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to properly display the United States flag on their property at all times.

http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=11643759

[green91]

Im very glad to hear that the HOA has backed down from such a ridiculous issue

[quickdodge®]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced a resolution, H. Res. 952, allowing Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to properly display the United States flag on their property at all times.

That's weird. They, along with every other American, is already allowed to do this. How is that new or news? Later, QD.

[Total_Blender]

That's weird. They, along with every other American, is already allowed to do this. How is that new or news? Later, QD.

People still aren't getting it that this is not about Col. Barfoot's right to display the flag. Reading comprehension is a skill most of us learn in grades 2-5... why does it escape some people so badly. :screwy: :lmfao:

[Type-R]

People still aren't getting it that this is not about Col. Barfoot's right to display the flag. Reading comprehension is a skill most of us learn in grades 2-5... why does it escape some people so badly. :screwy: :lmfao:

You need to read alittle more clearly,

When the term "display properly" is used that doesn't mean hang the flag off your porch from some tac nailed rack the HOA thinks is pretty. Properly displaying the colors regards the correct manner in which the national ensign (flag) is flown. The national ensign (flag) does not dip or lower on a proper display, only organizational colors dip/lower when displayed along side the national ensign (flag).

Military bases, national cemetaries, memorials, all have flag POLES in the ground, not pretty little banner holders nailed to a rotting porch.

That must not have been covered in your school since it clearly escaped you multiple times. The issue wasn't about having a flag, correct and it wasn't because Barfoot just wanted to have a pole in his yard, he wanted to display the national ensign properly because back in his day before any of us were born that is how things were done in this country. People would have been shot in the face for burning a flag or something of that manner back then. Now half the youth in this country can't even say the pledge let alone remember who the 13th president was or who signed the declaration of independance. If you ask them who created MySpace or Twitter they could probably tell you.

[Total_Blender]

Military bases, national cemetaries, memorials, all have flag POLES in the ground, not pretty little banner holders nailed to a rotting porch.
.

As I said above, these places:

1.) Don't have to worry about their flagpoles having an effect on their neighbor's property values.

2.) Have the manpower and budget to repair/replace the flagpole when it starts looking funky.

And are you really saying people who hang the flag from their porches are doing it wrong? Tell me you didn't just go there.

http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#173

UNITED STATES CODE

TITLE 36

CHAPTER 10


§173. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition

The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 (http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#bob) and 2 (http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#2) of title 4 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.

So civillians are exempt from having to display the flag from a flagpole.
Public institutions, however, are required to have flagpoles.
§174. Time and occasions for display




(e) Display on or near administration building of public institutions The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.



Military bases, national cemetaries, memorials, all have flag POLES in the ground

These places are public institutions, and falling under Title 36 ch. 10 §174 subsection E they are required to have flagpoles. As I said above, the US flag code permits civillians to display the flag in other ways than hoisting it up a flagpole.

Its not that kids aren't learning enough about the flag in the schools, its that the damn schools are failing at teaching the kids how to read. :taun:

[quickdodge®]

As I said above, these places:

1.) Don't have to worry about their flagpoles having an effect on their neighbor's property values.

2.) Have the manpower and budget to repair/replace the flagpole when it starts looking funky.

And are you really saying people who hang the flag from their porches are doing it wrong? Tell me you didn't just go there.
Its not that kids aren't learning enough about the flag in the schools, its that the damn schools are failing at teaching the kids how to read.

Lolol. This dude can't escape. He doesn't realize that every time he thinks he has you, the the return fire is greater than the initial volley. Lolol. Later, QD.

[oneSLOWex]

I believe what he meant was thats how he was taught to display the flag, so thats how he is going to want to display it. To him, hanging it from his porch is not the proper way. Quoting something you found on google does not change how this guy was raised or the proper way the US Army showed him how to display it. None of this is about some rule book in which the rule for a flagpole was never there and it is not about a law either. This old man did some great things for our country and the ones he was protecting during the war. Are we really that worried about a flag pole in his front yard in which he wants to display the flag for our country in a way he knows as the correct way? You can go look some more stuff up wherever it is you found that. All you are doing is arguing because you have nothing better to do.

[quickdodge®]

Are we really that worried about a flag pole in his front yard in which he wants to display the flag for our country in a way he knows as the correct way.

It has no bearing on me. But for the neighbors that may want to sell the house in the future might have hard time getting a good deal on their house if a potential buyer comes along and sees a rusted out pole sticking out of the neighbors yard.

I'm just looking at both sides of this, rationally and morally. It's just a touchy situation all around if you think about it. Later, QD.

[oneSLOWex]

It has no bearing on me. But for the neighbors that may want to sell the house in the future might have hard time getting a good deal on their house if a potential buyer comes along and sees a rusted out pole sticking out of the neighbors yard.

I'm just looking at both sides of this, rationally and morally. It's just a touchy situation all around if you think about it. Later, QD.

Oh I know it is. The guy may take care of his pole (that sounds so bad), no one really knows. I mean hes 90, I doubt he works and probably doesnt do anything during the day but sit on his front porch like most old men do.

[quickdodge®]

Oh I know it is. The guy may take care of his pole (that sounds so bad), no one really knows. I mean hes 90, I doubt he works and probably doesnt do anything during the day but sit on his front porch like most old men do.

That's what I'm thinking. He may take care of it (or have it taken care of), but at his age, he doesn't have long and you never know who's going to be in there afterward. I wonder if that's one thing the HOA talked about amongst themselves while agreeing to let him have it. Thinking he won't be around much longer and when he does depart, they'll remove it.

And I hope I can just be old and sit on my front porch like that. I plan to be anyway. We have a 1886 house in TN at the base of a section of the Blue Ridge Mtns with an awesome front porch to sit out on. Lolol. Later, QD.

[oneSLOWex]

That's what I'm thinking. He may take care of it (or have it taken care of), but at his age, he doesn't have long and you never know who's going to be in there afterward. I wonder if that's one thing the HOA talked about amongst themselves while agreeing to let him have it. Thinking he won't be around much longer and when he does depart, they'll remove it.

And I hope I can just be old and sit on my front porch like that. I plan to be anyway. We have a 1886 house in TN at the base of a section of the Blue Ridge Mtns with an awesome front porch to sit out on. Lolol. Later, QD.

They may have let him have it because of that or to get the media and everyone else off their backs.

That would be the life man....its SO NICE up there!

[Hektik]

Fuck HOA's... why pay a mortgage and still have someone tell you what you can and cant do on your property?...

[quickdodge®]

Fuck HOA's... why pay a mortgage and still have someone tell you what you can and cant do on your property?...

Exactly. That's why you DO NOT move into an HOA neighborhood.




That would be the life man....its SO NICE up there!

I know man. My sister and I are the only ones NOT from this part of TN. I mean we are talking 1/2 mile from Virginia and 2 miles from N. Carolina. That's where this is. We have so much land up there, man. My Mom is heading up there in about 2/3 years for retirement. The Blue Ridge runs right through our land. It's about 1/2 mile from the back door through a pasture. Later, QD.

[Total_Blender]

Fuck HOA's... why pay a mortgage and still have someone tell you what you can and cant do on your property?...

Some people see HOA's as a way to ensure that their property value doesn't drop. Imagine if Joe Dirt moves in next door and brings a few automotive "yard ornaments" with him... some people want no part of that and will do what they feel is necessary to protect their way of life. If you don't like it you don't have to live in a place like that. It wouldn't be my choice either.



Quoting something you found on google does not change how this guy was raised or the proper way the US Army showed him how to display it. None of this is about some rule book in which the rule for a flagpole was never there and it is not about a law either

As far as "things I found on google," thats from the United States Code. Which constitutes the laws and freedoms Col. Barfoot himself fought to protect.

The HOA legally has the upper hand here, but kudos to them if they give in and decide to let the Col. have his flagpole. I don't see that it was necessary for Congress to act on this issue, but I guess the GOP is pretty much grabbing at any straw they can get to stall the healthcare debate. :crazy: