U.S. gives Flight 93 site landowners one week to sell (Update #14, Nixed)

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 6/6/09 | Amy Worden

[jimbo123]

The federal government issued an ultimatum yesterday to people who own land designated for the Flight 93 memorial in Western Pennsylvania: They have one week to reach an agreement on the sale of their land or the government will initiate proceedings to seize it.

[khnyny]

The Supreme Court voted for this kind of personal property grab by the government. It's called Kelo vs. New London. In effect, there really is no right to personal property anymore. Imho, one of the worst SC decisions ever.

The Supreme Court decision basically gives corrupt local and federal government officials carte blanche to steal. Government power on steroids.

[jimbo123]

You missed this part:

SOMERSET, Pa. - The federal government will negotiate with landowners for one week in an attempt to get the property needed to build a Flight 93 memorial without using eminent domain, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said yesterday.

But if no agreement is reached by June 12, the government will seize the land.

[Las Vegas Ron]

This is a time when thousands upon thousands of Americans need to unite and prevent the government from seizing this land.........

[nathanbedford]

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. (United States Constitution, Fifth Amendment).

I have no problem with the government condemning this property for use as a memorial which is clearly a public purpose providing there is just compensation. There is nothing in the article that indicates that the government does not intend to pay just compensation. These proceedings are initiated by a seizure, that is a notice of taking, if the parties cannot negotiate a settlement. The matter then proceeds to trial with experts on both sides presenting their arguments to the jury.

[jimbo123]

The eminent domain threat was dropped only for one week! Salazar said if a deal isn’t done by the end of next week, he is going to take the land.

[Clint Williams]

America -- a great idea, didn't last.

[mad_as_he$$]

Kelo is not the decision that would be used to enforce this taking. It does not conform closely enough. Actually if i were the landowners lawyer I would hope for the Feds to try and use Kelo - you could knock that down in the first rounds of motions.

[Las Vegas Ron]

That was yesterday, the article in question is dated today.

Looks like there are some conflicting stories out there

[HungarianGypsy]

Sure does. The government has forgotten about that and will take what they want so they can build a monument to themselves. We don’t need a monument to remember. The owner can simply clear the land and leave natural. It’s his land and will know the best thing to do.

That, and maybe a small marker would be the best monument of all. There doesn't need to be anything else.

[Oldpuppymax]

All so Big Brother can build a nice, Islamic Crescent! Ain’t it great to live in a formerly free country!

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Conflicting stories....indeed.

[KTM rider]

Putting up memorials to 9-11 actully glorifies the terrorism, it is why the terrorists did it.

maybe the landowners dont want to see a memorial

[AuntB]

So...US citizens get attacked by terrorists and the government solution is to take the land of more innocent US citizens?

WOW!

[mefistofelerevised]

You’ve got that right

[jimbo123]

[AuntB]

“Sort of defeats the purpose of what those people died for, doesn’t it?”

EXACTLY!

[dfwgator]

"Unfortunately there is one thing standing between me and that property - the rightful owners."

[jimbo123]

All so Big Brother can build a nice, Islamic Crescent!

Obama's muslim apology tour this week would be a failure if he doesn't get his "Crescent of Embrace" memorial to the 9/11 hijackers built in this field.

[Las Vegas Ron]

Conflicting stories....indeed.

Seems like this is always done, must be how they guage public reaction to "test the waters", so to speak.

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Maybe Obummer will change it to the Hammer & Sickle.