Posted on 06/29/2005 12:47:56 PM PDT by mark3681
WEARE, N.H. - Following a Supreme Court ruling last week that gave local governments power to seize private property, someone has suggested taking over Justice David Souter's New Hampshire farmhouse and turning it into a hotel.
"The justification for such an eminent domain action is that our hotel will better serve the public interest as it will bring in economic development and higher tax revenue to Weare," Logan Darrow Clements of California wrote in a letter faxed to town officials in Weare on Tuesday.
Souter, a longtime Weare resident, joined in the 5-4 court decision allowing governments to seize private property from one owner and turn it over to another if doing so would benefit a community.
The letter dubbing the project the "Lost Liberty Hotel" was posted on conservative radio show host Rush Limbaugh's Web site. Clements said it would include a dining room called the "Just Desserts Cafe" an a museum focused on the "loss of freedom in America."
A message seeking comment from Souter was left at his office Wednesday morning. The court has recessed and Souter was still in Washington, one of his secretaries said.
A few police cruisers were parked on the edge of Souter's property Tuesday.
"It was a precaution, just being protective," said Lt. Mark Bodanza.
Clements is the CEO of Los Angeles-based Freestar Media that fights "abusive" government through a Web site and cable show. He plans to move to New Hampshire soon as part of the Free State Project, a group that supports limiting government powers, the Monitor reported.
The letter was passed along to the board of selectmen. If the five-member board were to endorse the hotel project, zoning laws would have to be changed and the hotel would have to get approval from the planning board. Messages seeking comment were left with Laura Buono, board chairwoman.
"Am I taking this seriously? But of course," said Charles Meany, Weare's code enforcement officer. "In lieu of the recent Supreme Court decision, I would imagine that some people are pretty much upset. If it is their right to pursue this type of end, then by all means let the process begin."
Souter's two-story colonial farmhouse is assessed at a little more than $100,000 and brought in $2,895 in property taxes last year.
The Supreme Court case involved the city of New London, Conn. The justices ruled that City Hall may take over property through eminent domain to make way for a hotel and convention center.
In his majority opinion, Justice John Paul Stevens said New London could pursue private development under the Fifth Amendment, which allows governments to take private property if the land is for public use. He said the project the city has in mind promises to bring more jobs and revenue.
At least eight states — Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, South Carolina and Washington — forbid the use of eminent domain for economic development unless it is to eliminate blight. Other states either expressly allow private property to be taken for private economic purposes or have not spoken clearly to the question.
didnt I read years ago that Souter still lived with his mommy? awwww, dats so sweet.....
But, but, but:
Justices Rule Police Do Not Have a Constitutional Duty to Protect Someone
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1432132/posts
Great, waste the taxpayers' money because what the good judge has put into place (now perfectly legal) is being tried out on his very desirable property.
What's good for the goose, and so forth.
Logan Darrow Clements I like the way you think! Give the MIB a big dose of his own medicine. Bwuahahaha!! I love it.
Yeah, but he gets police protection.
Justice Souter, like all the other Justices, has round-the-clock protection from U.S. Marshals. I'm suprised that the local PD would get involved like this.
Of course I deplore the decision, but I can't see why anyone would go postal over it. Ultimately, Supreme Court retirements and their replacements will ensure that the Court tracks more solidly conservative (given the current unlikeliness of the Demo frontrunner H.C. from winning in 2008 of course) and the decision will get overturned.
While I agree with everything you said I'm happy that he feels a bit of fear. On the other hand I'm confused about why Souter alone seems to be taking the heat.
FOFLOL! Souter deverves BOTH shoes to drop. A hotel would certainly be valued at more than $100,000 dollars and would definitely pull in more money in property taxes.
Yep, looks like you have an excellent grasp of the situation.
I would think that the other justices might come in for the same treatment (the 5 who voted for it anyway)...
A few police cruisers were parked on the edge of Souter's property Tuesday."It was a precaution, just being protective," said Lt. Mark Bodanza.
That's it.
She's gone. Say goodbye to all the high-minded ideals this country was founded on.
Yeah, Bush can get on the tube and ramble on about Liberty and Freedom and Democracy all he wants.
They are empty words designed to make us feel good.
When the servants in the government become rulers, they need protection.
Too bad. Leaders used to be cheered and applauded by the people.
Fourth Reich, he we come!!
If only that were true.
For us ordinary people, having the police cruisers show up at the property is NOT a good thing. They're usually there to enforce the state's "right" to our property.
Cowardly little scumbag isn't he?
It might be a wise idea for those thugs in black to be a little frightened. A little fear has a way of keeping a man honest.
Not that we're likely to find much honesty in the the five black robed bandits....
Souter gets police protection
You will have to provide your own protection from Souter's police when they come for your property.
Looks like we got an ally in 58% bush country.
"He gets multiple officers for protection when no one has made a threat against him. Yet a woman who has a restraining order against her murdious husband gets no protection, is killed, and Souter says that's ok, cops have no duty to protect her"
EXCELLENT POINT!
Funding for the U.S. Marshals should be completely cut. Let judges fend for themselves.
"South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum."
Jame L. Petigru
1860
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.