Let There Be Blight

Wall St. Journal ^ | April 22, 2004 | Editorial (Presumably Paul Gigot)

[Tom D.]

And, lo, the city fathers looked upon a choice piece of property and declared, "Let there be blight." And there was blight.

And it was good too -- at least for the Ohio businessman who wants that land for a $125 million development, and for the city of Norwood, which wants that developer for the new tax dollars it hopes he'll bring in.

[Tom D.]

It is interesting that the Constitution's language that protects private property is as restrictive as the language that protects life and liberty. Unfortunately our Courts have taken the view that property is a second or third class right.

[ClearCase_guy]

I consider Eminent Domain to be theft. I think the Mom and Pop stores should be able to state an asking price of $10M (or whatever) and if the government doesn't want to pay that much, then that's the end of it. There is no justification for the government's "counter-offer" to be 5% (or whatever) of the asking price and have it be mandatory to sell.

Without property rights, there is no liberty. Eminent Domain is an abrogation of property rights.

[The Other Harry]

This issue will be getting hotter and hotter over the next few years. Hopefully the Supreme Court will end it on the side of the Constitution.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[farmfriend]

Rights, farms, environment ping.
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
I don't get offended if you want to be removed.

[B4Ranch]

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
Edward R. Murrow

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[CDHart]

"Hopefully the Supreme Court will end it on the side of the Constitution."

Let's not hold our breaths -- we could die of asphyxiation.

Carolyn

[The Other Harry]

Let's not hold our breaths -- we could die of asphyxiation.

I agree.

But I also think the taking of private property and turning that property over to another private entity is unconstitutional. I don't care if it's a trailer park that's going to be turned into a Wal-Mart.

As of right now, I think the issue has a chance at the Court. It might not a few years from now.

[CDHart]

Re completely un-Constitutional, I agree. But there are so many things that are un-Constitutional now, and half the population doesn't even realize it. They wouldn't recognize the Bill of Rights if they fell over it. I guess I'm just cynical in my old age! :^)

Carolyn