So file complaints on every violation and issue a press release to let others know when they violate public trust

February 12, 2004

By Willowdean Vance (View author info)
Copyright AHRC News Services

HIP, HIP, HURRAY, FLORIDA WON ONE TODAY!

Highlands Today newspaper in Sebring, Florida had a two page story on the Statewide Audit revelation under the First Amendment Foundation,. It reported that half of all public officials are so ignorant of the law, or paralyzed by suspicion. they regularly thwart citizens exercising their constitutional right to inspect public records.

This applies to homeowner associations also because they operate subject to 501(c) nonprofit laws, and sheriffs, have such poor training,

Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist said "The state may have to consider training, ". This idea is backed by the First Amendment Foundation. Barbara Petersen from the foundation said, "We were so swamped with complaints that we finally asked two members of the House of Representatives (Robaina and ) to investigate the problem and propose a bill."

So homeowners, don't overlook this valuable resource in your home state because they do stand up for our rights and I learned this in 1973 as a member of the National Federation of Press Women because we pledge support to First Amendment Rights.

To all those harassed in homeowner associations, check out Title 18 United States Code,(USC) SEC 241, 242

" If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District, in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the constitution or laws of the United States or because of his having so exercised the same; or if two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured-They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.".

Quasi-governments aka homeowner associations are not exempt from this law. Sheriffs, State Attorneys and representatives are also not exempt from this law or the First Amendment Rights. So file complaints on every violation and issue a press release to let others know when they violate public trust.

Elected officials like Senators, Representatives swear to serve all their constituents but usually end up serving special interests. We had one in Orange County who only seem to know one song, "Tomorrow, tomorrow is just a day away, " and when we confronted him for failure to protect our homestead acts, he changed his song to, "What a difference a day makes, " and his last name is "Morrow," so don't count on him honoring his oath, he follows the Skip Daum CAI trail.

Daum still never saw the light even when the Federal Trade Commission served his nonprofit CAI group a cease and desist order for violating the Unfair Business Practice Act.

The lobbyists know the bottom line with legislators, is, "How much is it worth,"