Posted on 09/12/2006 1:56:42 AM PDT by goldstategop
The city of Cooper City, Fla., has given itself the power to seize residents' personal property in times of emergency.
Officials deemed this new law necessary because of what is expected to be a busy hurricane season.
But don't worry, they say. The law would never be enforced unless there were no other options – presumably meaning that the city could not persuade private citizens to permit the government to borrow, rent or buy their equipment.
Think of it as eminent domain for generators, power tools, trucks and anything else local czars determine they need.
Not surprisingly, this plan has met with some resistance.
''These people, with their mindset, should be arrested and put in jail for even attempting to do something like this,'' said Tim Wilder, a mobile mechanic who owns emergency tools and equipment.
While Commissioner Elliot Kleiman acknowledged that such a law is subject to abuse, he explained, ''but it's not going to happen here.''
Wouldn't that make you feel better?
You see, tyrants and dictators always believe they will be benevolent – that they would do the right thing in all circumstances. Few people run for office or seek power believing they cannot be trusted. They almost all trust themselves.
However, if we could trust people in power, we wouldn't need the safeguards we have in America to keep them in check, to limit their authority, to restrict their actions, to maintain the rule of law rather than the rule of men.
What's happening in Cooper City is not unusual. Unfortunately it is happening all over the country. It's happening in local governments. It's happening n state governments. And it's happening at the federal level.
That's why this is worth talking about – worth thinking about, worth praying about and worth fighting with all of our American resolve for independence and liberty and individual freedom.
It's easy for government to respect civil rights in the best of times. The challenge is for government to respect them in the worst of times. And few rights are as foundational as property rights.
That's why I agree with Mr. Wilder. That's the theory behind our rights. But what about the pragmatic implications of seizure laws like this? Are they really effective? Or are they, in fact, counterproductive to saving lives and property in times of emergency?
Think about this.
The best emergency scenario is that people themselves are prepared. Even the most well-equipped, efficient, resourceful and powerful government in the world can't take care of everyone's needs in an emergency.
Does a law like the one approved in Cooper City encourage people to prepare for emergencies? Or does it discourage them?
Most of the adamant objections to the law come from people who are prepared – people who make preparedness a way of life, people who even make a living investing in and operating emergency equipment.
Are these not the very people we need during times of emergency? Isn't it better to encourage people to do just what these folks are doing? Isn't it better for all concerned if we don't discourage people from making those investments and maintaining those businesses? Would any city or state want to drive these people out of their jurisdictions by raising fears of confiscation of their property and livelihoods?
Furthermore, why would other private citizens knowingly invest their own dollars and cents in preparing when city officials are giving them the impression that their neighbor's equipment will be seized by government to rescue them?
It's just one more example of a law that makes people more dependent on government – never a good idea in times of emergency.
You want to hear the real kicker? The Cooper City law, as with so many others like it, would allow officials to prohibit possession of firearms in times of emergency and close any public gathering place.
There go the First and Second Amendments as well as the Third, Fourth and Fifth in one fell swoop.
Is there any point in owning anything any more? Or, maybe a better question would be: Does anyone, besides government, really own anything any more?
99 is for you also
So what. Just because other entities have the law doesn't make it right.
Can you show me abuse associated with this?
I believe the argument was because of the potential for abuse, but if you want an example just look at the various cops confiscating citizens firearms in the aftermath of Katrina. or furthe back in time when the LA police confiscated the business owners weapons (but oddly enough not the gang memebers weapons) during the LA riots.
And this is for you....
(_?_)
Whatever the situation is with weapons, that can be settled in the courts. But it is a fact that catastrophes bring out the looters and they are often armed.
So show me where Ma and Pa Public had their generator confisticated by the state.
Is that your best reply? Hah hah hah hah hah. Gotcha.
Let's see.
Either your mommy isn't home and doesn't know you're on her computer, or your really a two year old who wears big britches and is slobbering on the keyboard for lack of anything better to do.
I'm betting it's the latter...
BTW..'Gotcha' is a 'relative term' as I'm sure your government heroes have pointed out to you repeatedly.
But that's ok. You just go right on ahead and push that 'communism will work given enough time' crap.
I'm sure you'll convince someone eventually.
It just won't be me, or many, if any, people here.
Bye now.
You have a nice nap and I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning.
Or maybe not.
Hah hah hah
Actually, rumor has it that Kennedy had numerous assignations. Only one assassination, however...
I can't believe you actually think this is a good thing........
Property is property.
I am no longer surprised to see this embrace of the nanny-state. I am, however, still sickened by it.
As others have pointed out on this thread, this has little to do Ma and Pa public and most to do with equipment in stores or a warehouse for temporary shelter.
Let me help you here.
The existence of this law is abuse.
BTTT
Show you what? that a generator costs $1000 , a gun cost $1000 etc. ?
this has little to do Ma and Pa public and most to do with equipment in stores or a warehouse for temporary shelter
Oh so it's ok to take the property of corporations - like their stockholders aren't people?
hehehe,,Even us ole' dumb folks in Louisiana won't fall fer that Crap.
I'm sickened by the number of people on THIS sight who embrace it.
The real article contradicts you.
That could possibly put a "monkey wrench" in their agenda.
Anyone who truly owns something and has a life as an individual ALWAYS worries.
I guess you all missed the part where I said I thought it unconstitutional. What I was pointing out was the discrepancy between what was being discussed and reported in the linked article vs the original article. Personally I think it is ridiculous how we have let our government grow. An emphasis on personal preparedness and responsibility is the way to go. They used to teach stuff like that in civics class. A more logical response would be for whoever is in charge of local cleanup/recovery etc to ASK someone if they can help out or loan equipment. Good citizens step up and help their neighbors and there is no need for laws like these.
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