Sometimes, we take for granted the ability to practice our faiths freely and openly without fear of reprisal. That is not the case in certain other parts of the world, or even in the US.
In Germantown (MD), a homeowners association there is fining a family hundreds of dollars for their Christmas decorations according to WJLA, a local TV news station there. The decorations are completely within the rules that the HOA sets. That particular HOA has no rules banning Christmas lights. Their rules prohibit loud noises, lawn ornaments, and lights directed outside of the property. But other neighbors have had lights and decorations on their lawns and have not been fined.
One resident interviewed by the station noted they used to have lights at one point that were across the whole front of the house. They had lived in the neighborhood for 20-25 years. They were never fined.
We all agree on the need for cities and homeowners associations to set rules that protect public health and safety for their communities. That is not the issue. The issue comes when such authorities cross the line and begin regulating peoples’ freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
We are taught from day one by our schools, churches, and families that we have freedom of expression. When authorities engaged in petty authoritarianism like this, it is a good way to alienate people from our political process. US News & World Report reports that 36% of eligible voters stayed home in the 2024 election, far too many. This was a good way to alienate even more people from the political process, which benefits nobody regardless of who you support.
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