Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to Racial issues go directly to equal treatment under the law, clearly a Constitutional issue.

Eminent domain itself isn't the main issue.
Tom Brosz — (archived)

Those who think the Supreme Court decision isn't going to really change anything, since local government still supposedly has something to say in this, are fantasizing.

The kicker here is not the concept of eminent domain itself, or compensation, which, while it leaves a bad taste in my mouth*, is a well-established precedent.

I think what people don't like about this decision is that the term "public use," as mentioned in the Amendment, appears to have been broadened considerably beyond what most people have been willing to put up with, and probably far beyond what the framers of the Constitution had in mind.

A government-run airport, road, municipal parking lot, or a public school is a true "public use." The money to pay for them generally comes out of the taxpayer's pocket, and ideally, any money made by fees, tolls, and such goes right back into the treasury.

So, should you be able to condemn private property for a Costco?

Sure, a mall or real-estate development will put more taxes into the treasury. But it's going to dump a hell of a lot of cash into private pockets, too. Some of which no doubt will be funneled into next year's campaign contributions.

What next? Some billionaire wants to put a multi-million dollar mansion where an older neighborhood is now, and points out that he will be paying one HELL of a lot more property taxes than the current residents are?

Sorry, I don't buy this particular idea of "public use."

I think the camel's nose in this tent was the idea that taxpayers should fund sports stadiums for privately-owned teams. I've always thought that stunk, and now you can see where it leads.

A few more examples are shown here.

*If I can force you to sell your favorite car to me, does it really matter, in terms of freedom and choice, that I'm paying you for it?

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