I was perusing the TNN (Twitter News Network aka Twitter) earlier today when I ran across this story about a Home Owners Association (HOA) in Utah. Apparently this HOA has told the residents of Chestnut Place that they must remove their American flags flying on their properties 10 days after a holiday.
I don't know about you, but I take issue with this requirement. Generally, I think HOAs can play a good role in neighborhoods and can help ensure that member residents are maintaining their property appropriately and not making changes that will detract from the value of other member residents' homes. However, I see a HUGE distinction between holiday decorations and the American flag.
The American flag has always been a symbol of pride and support for this country and if a homeowner wants to fly the flag every day of the year (assuming that they light it properly and follow all provisions outlined in the US Flag Code). Growing up a Boy Scout, I was always taught how to care for, respect, and properly fly the American flag. In fact, in re-reading the US Flag Code, I came across an Executive Order from President George W Bush that is titled "Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005." The key excerpt of this Executive Order is below:
Without knowing all of the details, it seems to me that the HOA in question is in violation of the Executive Order signed back in 2005. What frustrates me the most about the HOA's interpretation of holiday decorations is that the American flag is a powerful symbol that represents many things, among them freedom, sacrifice, strength, unit, and patriotism. Telling a group of residents that they cannot fly the American flag except within a 10 day period surrounding a holiday is beyond me and is a situation that I hope is fixed swiftly.
Issue 3
I don't always agree with the Enquirer editorial board's viewpoints on issues, but I think I agree with them more often than not. This week is one of those times. The board released this article. The Enquirer said it right when they said that Issue 3's greatest flaw is that "It doesn't put the public first." Specifically, the Marijuana Growth, Cultivation, and Extraction (MGCE) facilities are quite concerning as the language of the issue would allow for the 10 MGCE facilities to own exclusive rights to the commercialization of the drug in Ohio. If marijuana is going to be legalized, it should be in a way that does not create a monopoly for a few individuals that put in $2 million to support specific language that will benefit them personally.
I have never personally used marijuana, so I can't comment as to the effects of consumption, but I believe that the conversation around the legalization of the drug is one that will (and should) continue throughout the country over the next 5 years. I haven't seen all of the statistics, but it does appear that marijuana laws in Ohio have not been deployed in a manner that is applied consistently across all demographics.
More so than anything else when it comes to this issue, and all issues to be decided by the citizens of Ohio, I recommend reading the actual language contained in the wording that will appear on the ballot and ask questions if you have them. Reading the language and understanding the impact is necessary to responsibly participate in the democratic process.
Quick Thoughts:
Kim Davis:
I found it interesting that Kim Davis announced recently that she was switching party affiliations (from Democrat to Republican) because "the party left me." Should a view on one issue determine an individual's party affiliation? Should I even care?
The Pope's Audiences:
I can't think of another person whose audiences are so closely scrubbed for inferences than the Pope. His meetings with a same-sex couple and Kim Davis during his visit to the US because public last week and much scrutiny has followed.
The Bengals:
4 - 0 and on a roll. The Seahawks will definitely prove a tough test next week, but if the offense can continue to put up points as they have lately, we could see a 5 - 0 Bengals team.
The Bearcats:
The win against Miami was exactly what this program needed. Both the defense and the offense played well and the crowd was unbelievable. That was definitely the best atmosphere I have seen at a UC home football game.
Beer of the Week:
Stone Enjoy by 10.31.15. I picked this up at Party Source over the weekend mostly out of curiosity as I enjoy Stone's other beers. It definitely did not disappoint. If you like IPAs and/or Stone's beers, check this out. I'm now looking forward to their Enjoy by 11.27.15.
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