The War on Peace

If you needed a reminder that people get offended by the darndest things, here is a story from Colorado.

The Durango Herald:

A Pagosa Springs resident is resisting an order by her homeowners' association to remove a peace symbol-shaped wreath from an exterior wall of her home.

"I just wanted to put a message of peace out there," said Lisa Jensen, who hung the wreath Nov. 19. She said Wednesday she didn't intend the wreath as a statement against the Iraq war.

"I was really trying to be in favor of something - peace," Jensen said.

She was informed by letter from the Loma Linda Homeowners' Association that "Loma Linda residents are offended by the Peace Sign displayed on the front of your house."

The letter, citing a use-restriction banning "signs, billboards or advertising structures of any kind" within the subdivision without prior approval, said the wreath had to come down by Friday, or Jensen and husband, Bill Trimarco, would face a $25-per-day fine.

I know what you're thinking..."This holiday season, what better way to get to know the neighbors than to ask that they remove any signs or symbols that seek an end to violence and killing?"

Fortunately, in this case, the AP is now reporting that the homeowners' association has backed down and apologized for the incident. The wreath gets to stay up and no fines will be levied.

So I guess we all know what that means...midnight fighting over PlayStation 3's at the local Best Buy and circulating petitions to ban gay marriage will continue to be the best way to meet your neighbors.