🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <electric.05xi@meltdown.chi.il.us> electric@meltdown.chi.il.us (Rick Martinez) writes:
>If some of you had properly read the original post you would have noticed
>that it's not just Christian, but it's also Charlie Brown theme.

Yes, I read that part.

>These people don't care what their neighbors beliefs are, they just want
>them to participate in the christmas lighting with either christian or
>charlie brown themes.

Bingo.  Read that sentence again.

"Hi, we're from the homeowner's association.  We realize that you are
not of the Christian faith, so to be respectful of your beliefs,
we will let you use secular decorations when we force you to
celibrate Christmas."

Yes, in practice, this may not be what is happening in this particular
community - a non-Christian resident may very well feel happy about
having a way to participate in a community celibration - but others
who feel strongly enough about their beliefs may not want to participate
in any way.

One of the standard covenants in at least one Lexington Homes development
is a prohibition against erecting a tent on the premises.  So what?
If some kids have a backyard campout, nobody will complain, and
it will keep anyone from throwing a wild wedding reception, right?
Here's what.  A friend of mine said he couldn't live there, because
his religious beliefs and customs _require_ that he erect a tent
on his property and live in it for a period of time, each year.

Before you shrug off restrictive covenants as "not really a big deal",
or saying "everybody does it anyway", consider the other point of view.
Regardless of whether any discrimination was intended, the covenants
stand as a legal document which could be twisted to serve the ends
of bigotry.  No, I'm not saying that they are, in this case, but
can any of us say for certain whether someone went elsewhere to buy
a home because of them?
-- 
Jonathan E. Quist                              Lachman Technology, Incorporated
jeq@i88.isc.com  '71 CL450-K4 "Gleep", DoD #094        Naperville, IL
 __       There's nothing quite like the pitter-patter of little feet,
 \/                   followed by the words "Daddy!  Yay!"