"This is the most absurd thread I've ever read."
Just to be clear, in what way?
That HOA's are Stalin's progeny, and a spiritual ode to repression in action?
Or those who think that's ludicrous?
I just wanted to chime in and say that this is in the top 10 of ridiculous threads...and I am referring to the progeny of Stalin idea.
HOA's are a manifestation of liberty, in that they allow private citizens to contract with other private citizens and form agreements as to how they will live. Once in, they can be changed by mutual consent and can be terminated by leaving/selling.
Like some others have pointed out, if you don't like it, don't buy into it. There are plenty of other choices. Better yet, buy a large tract of land and start your own development with whatever rules you want (or have absolutely no rules).
I live in a neighberhood with a HOA. There are times when I do not like the rules, but I had a copy of them before I bought the house, so I have no room to complain. I was "elected" to the board several years ago. Basically, I ran unopposed. I had to resign because meetings conflicted with work. Most of the residents never came to the meetings. Out of about 100 adults, we would get 3 or 4 that showed up to meetings. Most people didn't care about participating in the decision making process. OTOH, we would get all sorts of calls, complaining about this and that.
For the most part, I like where I live. Would I live in another place with a HOA? Probably not, but that is mostly because I would like to live on some acreage.