A Marine veteran of Vietnam has been been threatened by his condo Home Owners Association, saying his car will be towed, at his expense, if decals on his auto are not removed. The Marine vet threatened is Frank Larison, and his car decal controversy is stirring up other homeowners. See photos and view a video below.
Marine Vet Car Decal
Mr. Larison has lived in his condo complex for about eight years. He received a letter from his HOA telling him to remove the offending decals and characterizing them as “advertising.” Mr. Larison says they are not advertising, they are patriotic, and besides that, “you can’t buy freedom.” In addition to the threat of towing his car, this vet is threatened with a monetary fine “if” he crosses the HOA in the future.
According to Larison, the decals range from the Marine Corps emblem to the Semper Fi motto.
Neighbors interviewed by FOX4 are supportive of this marine veteran. They see no controversy, and one HOA board member knew nothing of the letter. You can see the FOX4 video below, and also see the other bumper stickers on other cars in the parking lot. The FOX4 reporter says if the HOA rule holds, then every auto there should be towed.
One neighbor says the decals are the vet’s identity - and “Everyone else agrees with it; it doesn’t bother anybody.” Another says Larison is proud of being a Marine and “I don’t blame him.”
Of course it was not possible to get a comment from the HOA or the condo management company. Those delivering low blows often hit and run. I think development covenants are a very good thing. If no one was allowed a single bumper sticker on their care for any reason, then all moving into the development should be expected to honor that rule. But when covenants are not monitored, and not enforced, the management needs to get over themselves. Just a little bit of power can make some feel mighty big.
I expect FOX4 will stay on this, and the Marine vet will keep his car decals. I expect bloggers will have plenty to say, as did Pat Dollard who said this is “cultural Marxism, and his commenters who do not like seeing a Marine vet threatened, and especially over car decals. After all, this is Dallas, not San Francisco. What do you think?
Car Decal Controversy photos
Marine Vet Threatened Video
May 29th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
“What do I think”. Well. What I think isn’t PC. No. Not PC at all. Think that some younger Marines .. say early 20’s should pay this HOA person .. and take him/her out for a little stroll and conversation. Really cool these days. We can supply young, healthy Marines in either flavor.
May 29th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
HOA’s have far too much power in Texas. But that is the trend in everything lately. Flags at work, patriotic pins on uniforms, even stickers on a veterans car are all targets of the PC Left. They think they can push Americans around and by and large, they are getting away with it. I hope those of you who voted for Obama on a whim are happy, because this is what he’s all about.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Edward, I was really pleased that the homeowners were in support of this man. All to often we find that not to be the case. Our Marines stand by us. We must do the same.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Ellen K: I wonder how many Obama voters are really getting the message. I think many of the Independents have, but I’m guessing few Liberals are hurting enough yet to see the light.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I hope he sues the bastards, I’ll contribute in twinkling of an eye. I had a similar problem with an HOA about my 30′ flag pole with an American Flag on it; lit and 24/7. they sued me; I counter sued and won. they still, 14 years later have not paid the damages; they have no money; so I remind them yearly with a past due notice.
Where do I contribute to this metaphor of liberal idiodicy.
May 30th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Semper Fi my USMC Brother I Fly a Flag and a usmc flag under it also put my stickers on my truck and always will, HOA needs to get a life
May 30th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
My first response is that this is unbelieveable but this is PC America. This is an ex-Marine and he should stand proud. I bet it would be OK if he had a hammer and cycle on his bumper. Could someone please provide an address? I want to send this guy a Marine flag to proudly fly in front of his domicile! Please let me know if there will be a legal battle. I will contribute. God Bless the USA and the United States Marine Corp for making the world safe for democracy! OOHRAH!
May 30th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
What a bunch of bull!! Our marines should be bowed to and thanked, not bullied. Where has the American people gone wrong. So many people are afraid of getting sued they are not standing up for their rights. I say we need to take a stand. Support our current military personnel and give thanks to our vets. God bless America!!!
June 4th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I think it is just appaling that the HOA can do this to a United States Marine, the fighting force that goes in FIRST in the battle and makes a way for the others. I have an American flag attached to my car antenna, and I also put pro-life stickers on my car, since I am Very Pro-Life. The managers at my apartment complex never say a word, of course I am not a marine. As far as those who voted for Obama, they will see the CHANGE he was talking about in his campaign. I have a dear friend who’s son is a marine, and I watched him turn from an 18 year old boy into a MAN, and a marine I am very proud of. He wanted to be a marine since he was a little boy. They never leave a fellow marine behind in a battle either. Semper Fi! Short for Semper Fideles, (always faithful). GO MARINES!!
June 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I too am a United States Marine who served 24 months in Vietnam and retired from the corp with 29 years of service I am very proud of. My son is a purple heart decorated Marine as well who served two tours in Iraq. I dared outside invaders to try and remove my freedoms from my hands and I will defy internal invaders to try and do the same as well. This goes out to all of my brothers USMC, Navy, Army , Air Force etc. we are not few out there and will help physicall,morally and finacially in defending your freedom and our colors. We never leave anyone behind and will always have your back. We love you brother!