Posted on 08/26/2005 3:54:55 AM PDT by FortRumbull
THIS LAND WAS YOUR LAND
Warning: Kelo puts church property at risk
Policy organization alerts Christians about effects of court decision
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
A prominent Christian lobbying organization is warning its supporters a recent landmark Supreme Court decision puts churches at particular risk for seizure since they do not generate tax revenue for government.
"Churches occupy prime city properties all across America, but what will happen if local governments seeking more revenue set their sights on them?" asked Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, in an e-mail.
The June 23 Supreme Court ruling in Kelo v. City of New London gave the Connecticut town's government the approval to seize residents' homes and transfer them to a private party for development of an office complex. In the highly controversial decision, the justices ruled 5-4 that the economic development and increased tax revenue resulting from the eminent domain action qualified as "public use" under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.
It's the tax-revenue increase lure Perkins believes may prompt local governments nationwide to target churches. The activist believes conservative churches are especially at risk due to decision-making city officials " who are in many cases hostile to religion."
Wrote Perkins: "If you are upset about the fact that private property is at risk, you are not alone! Private property rights are foundational to a free and prosperous society."
Perkins encourages supporters to contact their federal legislators about supporting S. 1313, sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, which would blunt the impact of Kelo, promising to return to a more traditional meaning of eminent domain.
"The bill has a real chance of passing, if we can generate strong public support," Perkinds said. "Let your U.S. senators know that private homes and property must be protected, as they have been since the founding of America."
/sarcasm?
Have You noticed that Cities claim to "want More recreation for their citizens & for tourism"?
Have you noticed that "City Tax structures" don't differenticate between "Seasonal Recreation places" & "Malls"?
Have you noticed that "daylight savings" killed Drive-In Movies? Or that, in post DST America, you MUST have AC to make it cool enough to sleep {for the next work day}?
Without DST, your bedroom would be cooler, Earlier!
Scientists recently released a report stating that most of the people of the world get one hour a day less sleep than is need for good health. Politicians and economists rave about extending the day by one hour through DST. Do you suppose there is any connection?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.