I have to admit to a degree of sympathy for the Walker family. It’s true that they are kind of unusual. This was made apparent by the U.S. Air Force’s maintaining back in the 1960s that the Walker patriarch, Grover Cleveland Walker, was paranoid. This diagnosis has not been undone by his family’s subsequent behavior: They went on a 45-year rampage claiming they were being unjustifiably persecuted by their enemies, and publicizing their claim with huge front-yard flagpoles featuring upside-down flags and gigantic words of defiance painted on the front and roof of their house. When accumulated fines resulted in Orange County threatening to evict them from their home, Mr. Walker said that should that happen, he would fill his entire house with concrete. The Walkers also publicized their version of their persecution by stamping it in abbreviated form on dollar bills. I once came across one of their “We-are-not-paranoid-bills,” but, foolishly, I spent it. Wish I had it now.
The Walkers were probably helpful to us when we were house-hunting in 1989, since, by turning their front yard into a carnival of pseudo-patriotic defiance, they lowered the property values of the nearby homes, including the one we eventually bought. When we were looking over our soon-to-be new home, the seller told us that every potential buyer that drove away in the direction of Tyree Lane turned into a lost cause once they saw the Walkers’ yard. One look at the display there and they would never come back. So, the Walkers made it possible for us to afford our little bungalow when other Winter Park homes were beyond our reach.
Yesterday we received a notice from the City of Winter Park asking us to contact them about an issue in our neighborhood. No doubt that issue is the Walkers. But what will I say when I respond? I really don’t mind the Walkers, but they are three or four houses away from us. What if they lived right next door? That might make their ostentatious displays just irritating enough for me to want them to cease and desist.
Their current notion is that Barack Obama’s health care reforms are communist tyranny. That, in itself, is a bit off center, but notice how many Americans share that particular version of off-centeredness. Do we want Rush Limbaugh and the entire Fox News team declared officially beyond the pale of reason because they say or imply that Obama is a communist or a socialist? Well, yes, I suppose we do, but I’m afraid we’re gonna have to file that wish under Impossible Dreams.
Food for Thought:
Is It Crazy to Think That Obligatory Health Insurance is Tyranny?
Is It Wrong to Undermine Your Neighbors' Property Values with Nutty Billboards?
I don’t think it’s likely that the Walkers will ever give up using front-yard billboards in a desperate effort to prove that they’re normal. But, should that happen, or should they move out, I wonder how much our little bungalow might suddenly be worth on the Winter Park real estate market.
(3/2 easy access to shopping, good schools)
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Ha! Great fun to read. I'm afraid my temperament is not so easy-going as yours, Bob. I'd be mighty irritated to have to see that junk on a daily basis. My neighbors have different beliefs than my own (hell, so does my husband!), but at least they don't SHOUT it in their front yard! (Well, if they did, the community's committee on how our homes and yards need to "somewhat" conform would be on their asses pronto! haha.
ReplyDeleteThis sickens me. If only you people understood or knew the whole story. I am Grover Walker's grandson and I am actively serving in the Marine Corps currently. If all you care about is the value of your property then you are valueless as a human being. I'm glad my family are some of the few people left in this country who will stand up for their rights. My grandfather was a perfectly sane and able man and a great one. Beyond great. He was the reason I joined the military. He died on my 13th birthday but I finally was able to visit his grave in my blues when I had to go back to Arlington for my friend and fellow marine's funeral. All you know is what the media or neighbors tell you. For that, you are foolish. And how would you like to falsely be labeled as insane after DECADES of faithful service defending this country, defending your family, your friends, defending you and your right to complain about him! Yes they are onto different protests now but I don't blame them. This country is full of sheeple like you. Maybe you should educate yourself on our country and leaders from the founding fathers and the constitution all the way to Obama and his "change". As well as foreign affairs, what goes on in the government, international leaders on America and numerous other topics. You are too ignorant and unintelligent to realize you're slowly losing your freedom.
ReplyDeleteHey there Oakley..supporter of your grandfathers campaign in England here, from a long time ago. Would you be Theresa's son? Respect to your family
DeleteJohn D UK