The Supreme Court's ruling in Kelo v. City of New London is just simply wrong. It demonstrates that a majority of the Supreme Court Justices don't understand that private property rights are foundational to a free society. And for once, it's not just us Libertarians saying so.
If someone else covets my lawfully purchased property, it's not ok for them to just take it from me. Neither is it ok for them to have the city council or county commission take it from me forcefully and give it to them.
But let's be honest about how we got here. Real estate redistribution is just the next logical step on the path we've been walking. For decades many have said nothing while the government redistributed tax dollars from one private entity to another. The only thing new here is that people are starting to complain.
Do you want an art gallery, but can't afford to build it, and nobody wants to buy your art? No problem! The government will tax everyone else and give you a grant.
Want a college education that will result in a lifetime of comfortable income for your family, but you don't want to pay for it? Taxpayers will pay for it, and you can enjoy the personal financial gain.
Jealous of someone else's insurance policy? The government will take from them and give to you.
Want to expand your private company, but you need a free building and free property? We'll call it "economic development" to make it sound positive when we raise property taxes and the city or county gives you what you want.
Barry Goldwater was correct when he said, "Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have."
Alicia Mattson
Chair, Libertarian Party of Tennessee
aliciamattson@charter.net