Private Government - be very afraid

In the coming days, weeks and months... I intend to publish true horror stories about living under a private government more commonly known as a Homeowners Association. These governments are an increasingly dangerous infringement of the rights of every citizen living inside the walls controlled by an HOA.
Why do I describe them as a private government? They make the law, known as covenants, conditons and restrictions or CC&R's. Just by living within its boundries you are subject to their law. They tax which is known as fees, dues or assessments. They provide services such as mowing common areas, maintaining fences etc. This is the definition of a government.
The danger is there is no system of checks and balances. There is no appeal to a decision of a fine or dissaproval of your home improvements. If there is an appeal process, you will find yourself in front of the same people that turned you down or fined you in the first place. The most scary thing here is that they do not even have to comply with federal, state or local laws. Your constitutional rights even come into question.
With the massive growth of these HOA controlled developments, it is extremely difficult in some parts of the country, particularly here in Williamson County Tennessee, to find a home not controlled by an HOA.
Harrasement, threats and non-judicial foreclosure are common in HOA hell. You think you own your home? Maybe you pay for it and maybe you live there but there is someone watching you that can change your way of life if they so choose.