Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for January 13, 2024

Is there HOA rule about throwing a brick through your neighbor’s window?

The Republican concept of debate.

A violent attempt to overthrow the government of the United States is just a form of political discourse.

Before this is over, the whole housing development will end up looking like the Gaza Strip!!

EBay used spiders and cockroaches to intimidate enemies. Cursed reporters.

This situation calls for Bugs Bunny: “Of course, you know this means war!”

Here’s a solution: Put up the clothesline and dry your clothes in your neighbor’s yard. Then they will be hit with the fine.

Huh, this could be happening today.

They sure can. HOAs these days have turned into dictatorships; worse than on-base military housing, in some places! I always said I’d rather be homeless and live out of my sedan than EVER live in an HOA.

No rules except that the brick must be on the HOA’s list of approved colors.

Can’t fly the flag on Flag Day. No cars in driveway after dark.

Have to use weedkiller on the lawn. No large bushes.

No kids toys on front lawn.

Crazy bunch of buggers.

1989 I purchased 50 acres of woodland in northern Maine, in an unorganized township. There were 110 such lots in this non-development, with about 20 miles of gravel road to maintain. The lots were advertised and sold as recreational land with seasonal roads, and you belonged to the Landowner’s Association if you bought one. Being a sap, I allowed myself to be elected president for the first four years. I could write a book about it, but not here. EVERY LOT OWNER was given the simple rules of the Charter, much of it based on Maine property laws. There was, and are always several members of ANY such association who feel that the by-laws don’t apply to them, not paying dues, building too close to the road, maintaining a dump; the list goes on. If I knew beforehand about the realities of owning in an association, I never would have bought it.

Zonk’s mom needs to remember this lesson when the neighbors leave their christmas lights up after Twelfth Night.

If you’re not fond of the rules in the HOA where you live, run for the HOA Board and try to change them. You may find out that a lot of your nabors actually like the rules, which is why they’ve chosen to live there. Or maybe not, in which case you get to be a hero.

If they’re sufficiently obnoxious….

Joanie practices in a different state, so Zonker’s asking the wrong person.

I was our HOA president for a few years. And yes, an anti-clothes-line rule is written into our by-laws (from 30 years ago). Not that we’ve ever had to enforce that one.

My neighbor calls the HOA either the “Get a Life Gang”, or the “Clipboard Ladies”. They’re always on the prowl.

Just imagine: this comic originally ran in 2001 and HOAs are STILL this batsh-t insane in some places

Executive immunity