Without eminent domain, no large metropolitan airports would have been possible, our magnificent Interstate Highway system would be impossible, most large hospitals and schools would not be here, not to mention huge financial centers in New York, Chicago & Los Angeles.
Keystone pipeline, a private enterprise, would require confiscation of thousands of farms and homes. Eminent domain is a prosperity creator.
Some people do not place prosperity high on their agenda, both on far left and far right.
The distinction, as I understand it, is using eminent domain for a public purpose (narrowly defined) like an airport or highway, and using it for a predominantly private purpose, like a casino or shopping center. Some fans of the Kelo decision get on the slippery slope and argue that there is a public purpose to granting the power of eminent domain to a private developer who would, for example, build a shopping center on a tract the local government would like to see improved but requires eminent domain to secure a few parcels to make the development “work.”
A functioning options market could accomplish all of that, but can't function as long as the eminent domain power exists. Eminent domain for private benefit is corporate welfare, and always has been.The Great Northern Railway was built without it.
Keystone pipeline, a private enterprise, would require confiscation of thousands of farms and homes. Eminent domain is a prosperity creator.
For some at the expense of others. Increasingly, it is a corrupt and unjust racket.
So you put schools, hospitals and highways in the same category as casino parking lots?
The Kelo decision was terrible.