Kelo effects
I had hoped that, if nothing else, Kelo would serve as a wake up call to everyone regarding just how too-big-for-their-britches the .gov had become. It seems some are getting the message. However, some are pouncing:
Ravenwood reports that Freeport is already drawing up papers and going shopping and that DC is too.
Radley has a round up of other governments pouncing on other people’s property.
Quite depressing.
And I think this is the right idea.
However, the ray of sunshine is that politicians are waking up and realizing that this issue is important to people. Donald Sensing thinks a draft state constitutional amendment is a good start. I feel obligated to point out that the fifth amendment did not stop the Supreme Court.
First, compliments to Bill Hobbs for getting responses from local politicos. Here’s some:
State Senate Candidate Ed Bryant, in a blog interview at Bill Hobbs blog, responds to Kelo:
The U.S. Supreme Court decision Kelo v. New London takes a radical turn on the important issue of private property rights. The ruling is a blow to our Constitution’s 5th Amendment, and I believe it is devastating to private property rights. The court got it wrong!
Excellent. Also, Hobbs posted Hilleary’s response and he is against it as well. Kurita is also against. Good. SayUncle applauds these three.
Ford, however, has just ended his political career:
“I’ve always believed individual rights are a big thing….. but, I find value in the court’s decision. As long as people are compensated fairly, I can appreciate the decision. Certain areas in our state are crying for development, if this decision helps – it’s a positive.”
I don’t think you believe individual rights are a big thing at all. On the national level, Eugene Volokh notes that Senator Cornyn has a bill that would limit takings, though that limit would be rather modest in that it affects Eminent Domain exercised using federal funds.
Update: Politicos in Alaska are moving to limit Eminent Domain there.
June 28th, 2005 at 11:05 am
True, but more explicit wording at the state level might make a difference.
June 28th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
I’d actually be content with the Cornyn bill. If the federal government can be talked into complying with the Fifth Amendment voluntarily, state and local governments can be brought into line by amending their own constitutions one by one.
June 28th, 2005 at 2:42 pm
http://www.freestarmedia.com/hotellostliberty2.html
Enjoy, Revenge comes with an eviction notice