Letters to the Editor 06-28-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Property Rights - Take A Stand
Property Rights
Editor, Times-Union:The Supreme Court ruled June 23 that local governments have broad power to confiscate private property in the name of "economic development."
They handed down a 5-4 ruling against a group of homeowners in New London, Conn., who claimed the city is trying to illegally force them to sell their property. The city wants to make way for a hotel, an office building and other privately funded facilities.
Government agencies including city and county governments have long been allowed to condemn private property so that public buildings, roads and other infrastructure can be built. Called "eminent domain," this practice is constitutional as long as the power is exercised strictly in accordance with the Fifth Amendment's "takings clause."
However, the new ruling will allow local governments to claim property for the benefit of private entities, rather than restricting eminent domain to acquiring land for public use. This ruling sets a frightening precedent that will affect poor and middle class families across the nation. Dazzled by the possibility of increasing tax revenue and employment opportunities, local government officials will now be able to claim entire communities for the benefit of private corporations.
While the Libertarian Party supports the right of corporations to do business, we even more strongly support the constitutional rights of the individual. And those constitutional rights are being trampled on by local governments around the country.
Because the Supreme Court's decision gives government agencies much broader power to confiscate private property, the Libertarian Party calls on both state legislatures and Congress to stand up for the rights of private landowners.
This country was founded on the principle that people have the right to protect their lives, their lands and their liberty. It is the sworn duty of elected officials to stand up for the individual rights of their constituents. Now is the time for them to do so.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Take A Stand
Editor, Times-Union:According to the American Family Association of Indiana, our State Governor Mitch Daniels recently passed a new employment policy that authorizes special employment rights and privileges to practicing homosexuals and cross-dressers. The Governor's new EEO policy was reviewed by the American Family Association Center for Law and Policy and the results of their review was that, "Under the new policy, homosexuals, cross-dressers and others with gender identity issues are entitled to special rights and privileges not available to heterosexuals and men and women who dress in a manner consistent with their biological sexes.
"Moreover, rights such as those conferred on homosexuals by Gov. Daniels can be used by activists courts to justify legal recognition of same-sex marriage."
In my opinion, our country is plagued with politicians who exhibit no backbone or moral character. This can be witnessed everyday by the inability of our Congress and Senate to make a simple decision. The primary focus and concern of most politicians seems to be getting that all mighty vote. Activists groups such as the gay movement are fighting hard on a daily basis to win the heart and soul of our leadership both at the national and state levels. The American public needs to wake-up and get involved. Together, we can make a change. Together, we can take our country back from those whose primary goal is to destroy the values and morals that have safeguarded this country for more than 200 plus years.
Regrettably, this policy proposal will only serve to open Pandora's box and allow for more such legislation to be forced upon this great nation and our state. I urge you to write to our Governor or send a short e-mail voicing your opinion on this subject. Together, let's hold our local politicians accountable. Enough is enough! It's time to take a stand. Those who refuse to get involved or choose to stay on the sidelines only widen the gap for our politicians to have their way with no one to hold them accountable.
The Governor's mailing address: Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204-2797. Web site address: www.in.gov/gov/contact/html The American Family Association of Indiana, www.afain.net
Rick Bradley
Warsaw
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- Property Rights - Take A Stand
Property Rights
Editor, Times-Union:The Supreme Court ruled June 23 that local governments have broad power to confiscate private property in the name of "economic development."
They handed down a 5-4 ruling against a group of homeowners in New London, Conn., who claimed the city is trying to illegally force them to sell their property. The city wants to make way for a hotel, an office building and other privately funded facilities.
Government agencies including city and county governments have long been allowed to condemn private property so that public buildings, roads and other infrastructure can be built. Called "eminent domain," this practice is constitutional as long as the power is exercised strictly in accordance with the Fifth Amendment's "takings clause."
However, the new ruling will allow local governments to claim property for the benefit of private entities, rather than restricting eminent domain to acquiring land for public use. This ruling sets a frightening precedent that will affect poor and middle class families across the nation. Dazzled by the possibility of increasing tax revenue and employment opportunities, local government officials will now be able to claim entire communities for the benefit of private corporations.
While the Libertarian Party supports the right of corporations to do business, we even more strongly support the constitutional rights of the individual. And those constitutional rights are being trampled on by local governments around the country.
Because the Supreme Court's decision gives government agencies much broader power to confiscate private property, the Libertarian Party calls on both state legislatures and Congress to stand up for the rights of private landowners.
This country was founded on the principle that people have the right to protect their lives, their lands and their liberty. It is the sworn duty of elected officials to stand up for the individual rights of their constituents. Now is the time for them to do so.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Take A Stand
Editor, Times-Union:According to the American Family Association of Indiana, our State Governor Mitch Daniels recently passed a new employment policy that authorizes special employment rights and privileges to practicing homosexuals and cross-dressers. The Governor's new EEO policy was reviewed by the American Family Association Center for Law and Policy and the results of their review was that, "Under the new policy, homosexuals, cross-dressers and others with gender identity issues are entitled to special rights and privileges not available to heterosexuals and men and women who dress in a manner consistent with their biological sexes.
"Moreover, rights such as those conferred on homosexuals by Gov. Daniels can be used by activists courts to justify legal recognition of same-sex marriage."
In my opinion, our country is plagued with politicians who exhibit no backbone or moral character. This can be witnessed everyday by the inability of our Congress and Senate to make a simple decision. The primary focus and concern of most politicians seems to be getting that all mighty vote. Activists groups such as the gay movement are fighting hard on a daily basis to win the heart and soul of our leadership both at the national and state levels. The American public needs to wake-up and get involved. Together, we can make a change. Together, we can take our country back from those whose primary goal is to destroy the values and morals that have safeguarded this country for more than 200 plus years.
Regrettably, this policy proposal will only serve to open Pandora's box and allow for more such legislation to be forced upon this great nation and our state. I urge you to write to our Governor or send a short e-mail voicing your opinion on this subject. Together, let's hold our local politicians accountable. Enough is enough! It's time to take a stand. Those who refuse to get involved or choose to stay on the sidelines only widen the gap for our politicians to have their way with no one to hold them accountable.
The Governor's mailing address: Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204-2797. Web site address: www.in.gov/gov/contact/html The American Family Association of Indiana, www.afain.net
Rick Bradley
Warsaw
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