THE MAIN benefactor of Proposition 90, wealthy New York real estate mogul Howie Rich, makes no secret of his desire to rein in the power of government. The 30-second TV spots portray the "Protect Our Homes" initiative as a constraint on eminent domain. It would prohibit cities from using their condemnation powers to transfer property from one owner to the other, such as was done in the Connecticut case that drew national outrage when the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it. It would also strengthen the negotiating hand of landowners whose property is being sought for schools, freeways or other public...