To many, "America" is the exact opposite of "communism". Besides, hasn't the U.S. fought a nearly 50-year old war against the spread of "an enemy, power[full], unrelenting and implacable who seeks to dominate the world by subversion and conspiracy”? (John F. Kennedy on the containment of communism, 1952). Then why is it that we often find ourselves in a subtle, yet very present form of communism in our own communities as a social entity known as the HOA?
Homeowners' Associations are present in most urban and suburban communities. They essentially govern all aspects of neighborhood conduct and control what an individual can or cannot do with his or her property. They require annual fees and govern by pages and pages and pages of rules that are, essentially, for the good of the community.
On a similar note, communism expresses an ideal society in which property is not privately owned, but rather, communally owned and controlled by the state. In this respect, (though at an admittedly much smaller scale), the Homeowners' Association is no different.
Though most cases prove HOA's to be competent and beneficial to their respective communities, others demonstrate their abuse of power and authority. Incidents in which miscommunication, unfair fines and poor organization harm residents are not few. And stemming from those situations are increasing worries that HOA's may be becoming too controlling and overbearing, inhibiting us from fully exercising our right to "private property."
Of course, we acknowledge the good intention behind such an organization. Besides, who else would organize community festivities, maintain community facilities and ensure proper community conduct? More specifically, who would arrange for garbage pickup or pool maintenance, and allow us to enjoy life in a pleasant setting? But is it really necessary that we obtain permission to cut our trees, paint our front doors or install a set of swings? Is it truly mandatory that we build our fences within the right margins, that our mailboxes be completely uniform, or that our flags be specified dimensions? If so, what freedom, then, can we exercise over our property? How is it that when we purchased our homes, we simultaneously agree to be subservient to that community's covenants, bylaws, and amendments? If "purchasing" entails that we obtain freedom to do what we want with our property, and HOA's visibly limits our right to do so, how is it that our community is any different from America's fear of the detested ideology of communism?
Though HOA's do benefit our communities in various ways, it is time to reconsider the amount of power they are granted over our "American rights" to private property.