All Ohio residents Joseph J. Swantack Jr. and Christine Swantack wanted to do was fly a Thin Blue Line flag on their doorstep. Little did they realize just how much trouble it would bring them.
The couple were recently the target of their home owner’s association (HOA), who threatened them with both fines and litigation if they refused to remove the flag from their properly. In response, the National Police Association has stepped in, filing a lawsuit in response to help the couple.
James Bopp Jr. of the Bopp Law Firm in Indiana noted, “HOA covenants that prohibit the display of the Thin Blue Line flag are in violation of the First Amendment and the threats by the HOA to enforce their prohibition in court are without merit.”
Speaking to us now about the importance of the Thin Blue Line flag is Michael Letts, a proud supporter of police forces and founder and CEO of InVest USA. This organization provides police across the United States with bulletproof vests, through various charity programs and sponsorships.
Q&A
- Tell us about the importance of the Thin Blue Line flag, and why more people are flying them at their residences and businesses.
- Why do you think the HOA is so hellbent on trying to get the Thin Blue Line flag taken off the Swantack’s property? Are they trying to avoid neighbors getting “riled up” or could it be something else?
- This isn’t the first time an HOA has gone after a Thin Blue Line flag, as there was a previous case involving a Colorado resident that ended up winning their case. Do you see a similar outcome with this one?
- We’ve seen situations in the past where some people are jaded about police, especially in the face of the Black Lives Matter protests. How frustrating is it to see this, and what do you think those that support police can do to help further?
- Where we can learn more about what your group, InVest USA, does for officers, and how people can help?
- They can visit our official website at http://www.investusa.org.
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
