In Henrico County of Richmond, VA, 90-year-old war veteran Colonel Van Barfoot was ordered by his neighborhood homeowners association to remove a free-standing flagpole that he erected in his front yard on which he hangs the American flag. Apparently, the HOA has indicated in its covenants that it does not allow free-standing flagpoles on resident property. Barfoot had petitioned to install his pole in July 2009 but his request was rejected. As a veteran of three wars--WWII, Vietnam, and Korea--Barfoot raises his flag to remember his fellow veterans and takes it down every evening at dusk, folding it for storage in the traditional military three-corner style. Check out the story here: http://www.downtownshortpump.com/2009/12/04/short-pump-wwii-vet-garners-national-media-attention-over-flag-pole-dispute/
Since the news of Barfoot's HOA order dropped on Tuesday, December 1, people have swarmed to his aid in person, on the telephone, and online via Facebook (a Fan page was created in support of Barfoot flying his flag, and in just over a week it has now reached 34,601 fans). Even Senator Mark Warner has proclaimed his support for Barfoot, stating on his Twitter page that his office would solve this situation. But people are taing this way out of context in my opinion. It's not about the HOA not allowing Barfoot to hang his American flag--he can do that on the angled pole mounted to the side of his house, no problem. It is about the FLAGPOLE that he KNOWINGLY put up AGAINST HOA ORDERS in his front yard.
It is rumored that the HOA doesn't allow free-standing flagpoles because they might depreciate property value, and if that is the case, then I understand the rule. I also understand that Barfoot went AGAINST the HOA's order to not erect the flagpole after it had denied his request. I understand that Barfoot has served tirelessly both during and after his military service to remember those who fought alongside him, and that he should be able to display the American flag the way he WANTS to. And honestly, I went to his house to interview him and I saw the flagpole; it doesn't look bad at all, and it's not hurting anybody.
But alas, rules are rules, and if the HOA makes an exception for Barfoot then they will have to make exceptions for other residents, and that could get ugly. Also, a reader brought up a good point on DowtownShortPump.com: if the person who wanted the flagpole in his yard was a rapist, would anyone support the man? So that raises the question: is it right to give special treatment to those who have served in the military or armed forces because they have "earned the right"? Is that the definition of equality in America? I'm still not sure how I feel about this entire situation. Thoughts?
