Not according to me. According to the law in Chicago. However, I do believe that in cases like this, property rights are not absolute, but must in fact be traded against community interests. Resolution of the conflicts between private and community interests are (and should be) handled by courts and enforced by police.
We can argue about the specifics of this particular case; however, the underlying point is beyond reasonable dispute.
I was responding to the comment that the condition of my neighbor's house has no real effect on my own property interests. Clearly I do have a stake, if (say) the condition of his house makes my house more difficult to sell. Part of living in a community is that I have a responsibility to take into account how my actions -- even on my own property -- will affect the neighbors.
Apparently, compassion and understanding are not a part of your community.
Apparently compassion and understanding are only one-way in yours. The man clearly had no compassion or understanding for his neighbors.
what a good little collectivist you are!
Not according to me. According to the law in Chicago (the quality of upkeep on someones house is enough to have the courts and police involved.) ... We can argue about the specifics of this particular case; however, the underlying point is beyond reasonable dispute. (snip) I have a responsibility to take into account how my actions -- even on my own property -- will affect the neighbors. (snip) The man clearly had no compassion or understanding for his neighbors.
You are correct in that you do have a responsibility to consider how your actions on your property affect your neighbors ... There are laws about noise, firing a gun, operating a business in a residential area, etc. that are valid concerns for the community and it is reasonable that these sorts of disputes are handled by the courts and police. But an old man living as a recluse in a dilapidated house is pushing the boundries of what is proper for the law to be involved with. Your property's value because of proximity to such a person is not a valid concern of the law. If this is the way the law in Chicago is written, then it is wrong. Further, the involvement of the courts and the action of the police in this matter were improper at best, and plain stupid at worst.
The old man may have had little compassion or understanding for his neighbors, but he didn't have to, so long as he kept to himself, didn't play his stereo too loud, shoot a gun in the front yard, or try to open a used car lot in his front yard. The right to live in peace, secure in one's possessions are fundamental principles of this republic ... at least they used to be ...