The whole nation celebrated on Monday, July  4th, INDEPENDENCE DAY. Our forefathers fought and died for this independence and the freedom from taxation without representation. And when they signed “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America” the second paragraph clearly stated: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

But are homeowners living in mandatory homeowners still “equal” and do they really have representation before taxation?

I honestly doubt it, considering the fact that we see “civil wars” raging in many of these communities. Nowadays these wars are not fought any more on battlegrounds with cannonballs and musket balls, but in court rooms with attorneys wearing Armani suits – according to a Florida judge. Do we need another “Revolutionary War” – or do we just need a Florida legislature willing to act in the interest of these homeowners instead of listening to special interests who are using these communities as their private cash cows?

Do you consider it being “equal” if only rich owners have the money to legally enforce their rights – rights – in words only -- given to them by the Florida State Legislature?

Why is it that homeowners get punished for ”little” mistakes, often paying thousands of dollars for what board members and/or CAMs consider violations of the deed-restrictions, while board members are indemnified against mistakes that may cost the property owners millions of dollars? Is that considered “EQUAL?”

Why is it that our State legislators, who swore an oath to uphold our constitution, allow laws to be enacted that create dictatorships in the “Land of the Free” – according to the lyrics of our National Anthem.

Year for Year we celebrate  the 4th of July as “Independence Day.” But do we really mean it – or is it in the meanwhile just another holiday with fireworks where we don’t have to work?

If you live in a mandatory homeowners’ association in Florida, are you really Independent, Free and Equal – or have so-called contract rights taken away your “Unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?”

Just think about it -- if you have a few minutes time and if you are not just fighting with your neighborhood association.