Communism Comes to the 'Burbs?

Chris has been going to our former house to pick up some items that are still there.

One of the "items" he came home with this week is a list of "rules" our former subdivision's association has compiled. I was aghast! Seriously, folks? Oh....and there's a $100 fine for each violation. Read on for a laugh (or a scare). Can they legally inforce these rules??

1. No modifications to your home's exterior without written permission from the board. (Does that include planting a rosebush?)
2. Garages must be kept closed at all times, except when entering and leaving your home. (Ought to make for fun times at Christmas - forget a string of lights or an extension cord, up goes the door, cha-ching, $100... And we thought buying gifts for everyone and their uncle was the real cost...)
3. Vehicle maintenance only allowed inside said garage, must be performed with the door shut (in accordance with the above rule). (Everyone better invest in a good carbon monoxide detector...)
4. No BBQs or baseball games conducted on common property (public park). (They forgot kite flying, football, soccer and playing....)
5. Overnight parking on the street is prohibited.
6. Satellite dishes need board approval prior to installation. If rules are violated, the board can forcibly remove the satellite dish from your home without notice or permission. (This is where I wonder if there might not be an illegal satellite dish crime ring being run out of Grundy County...)

If I were still a resident, I'd like to petition the board to consider curfews for adults, the banning of all junk food from your home (so as not to attract ants), no bikinis for anyone who has birthed a child, no music, no art, no books, and a scarlet letter to be worn by all those who dare to not use their Jewel Saver Card.

Ridiculous, preposterous and downright unfair. Who pays the association fees and taxes anyway?? Oh....wait....not us anymore. Well, I'll take some stray cats and the occasional "ya'll" in place of being afraid to really live in my home.

To those friends who still reside in this subdivision, my heart goes out to you, and I hope you battle like crazy to get those rules altered and/or done away with completely.

FREEDOM!!!