"We have . . . substituted 'market value' for 'moral value'. What has been deliberately and carefully made 'socially acceptable' was, not too long ago, thought to be irresponsible — both financially and morally."
What America did Capt. Clauer fight for? The New America of HOA-land (now 23% of Americans live in HOAs), or the America of our forefathers? HOAs are unrecognized, de facto political governments operating outside the US Constitution. The HOA private government repudiates the Constitution, and it is allowed to do so with the permission and approval of your state legislature. This is disgraceful!
HOAs must be made subject to and accountable under the Constitution as all other forms of political government in this country are subject.
Article comments
1 - George Staropoli
While waiting for publication, a June 27th article appeared in the Telegraph Herald , reporting that the Heritage Lakes HOA has hired a PR firm to address all the publicity stemming from this foreclosure. In short, in dispute are the HOA claims that the assessments were owed before going on duty and when Clauer was on active duty, and that they never knew he was on active duty. Clauer's attorney replied that they never even attempted to call him.
I have written repeatedly about the short-sighted, self-defeating, hardnosed position that the HOA does not negotiate and does not give in one inch. That posture stems from the great fear of a slippery-slope path to a loss in absolute power over homeowners.
2 - Doug Hunter
I appreciate the article. HOA's are way out of control, but sadly are just a reflection of what we Americans have become.
3 - George Staropoli
You got it right, Doug. People need to take a good look at themselves, and what America has become. We are no longer a nation under the rule of law, but of man. Why do you think there's all this fuss about the next Supreme Court Justice. The concern is for getting the right MAN as a Justice.
And our political apparatus, values, and ideals have fallen to the level of third-world politics, where each faction is vying to push their views to in the hearts and minds of Americans, and control the country.
Read Ron Brownstein's "The Second Civil War."
4 - roger nowosielski
I am amazed at your take on things. For some reason, you seem to view HOAs as some kind of socialist/liberal-mindset scheme.
In actuality, it's but good old American-style ethic, however disguised, but all intent on defrauding people and making "easy money."
Business as usual. Nothing new.