A homeowners association in Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado (about 40km or so north of New Mexico and 435 kilometres southwest of Denver) is all in a tizzy over a Christmas wreath in the shape of a peace symbol.
According to the Associated Press, Bob Kearns, the association president, said some residents who complained about the wreath have children serving in Iraq. Others “believed it was a symbol of Satan.” The article also says only three or four residents complained.
Kearns ordered the committee that overseas signs and displays in the subdivision to require that the wreath be removed. They refused, finding instead that it was just a seasonal display. So, Kearns fired them.
The association is threatening to fine Lisa Jensen, the woman who put up the display, $25 a day until she takes down the wreath. Jensen estimates that, if enforced, she will be fined about $1000 for displaying the wreath. Jensen is a former association president herself. She said the wreath wasn’t about Iraq. "Peace is way bigger than not being at war. This is a spiritual thing,” she told the AP. She also refused to take the wreath down, asking “What if they don't like my Santa Claus?”
Has the association forgotten that one common wish for Christmas is “Peace on earth?” Or is that “Satanic,” too?
Update: The homeowners' association has apparently backed down and will not now impose fines for displaying a peace symbol.
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