Emminent domain in Oklahoma


Fallout from a badly decided Supreme Court case

Ralph Blumenthal lays it out.

In what a local newspaper called "a battle between God Almighty and the almighty dollar," Sand Springs is moving ahead with a redevelopment plan to clear the church and other occupants from the rundown district near downtown to make way for superstores like the Home Depot.

"I'm open to anyone telling me how we're going to pay for city services," said Mayor Bob Walker, who said the city was seeking to negotiate fair prices with Mr. Gildon and other property owners - 41 offers have been accepted - and would use eminent domain only as a last resort.

Strengthened by a United States Supreme Court ruling last summer that approved the condemnation of private property by New London, Conn., for resale to other private interests for what the court called "public purpose," municipalities around the country are considering similar forced takings, to a chorus of opposition by local interests and state legislators.

If government is not required to recognize and protect private property, then your property is yours only at the sufferance of the government. It could be taken away tomorrow for any reason or no reason at all.

Without private property, you have precious little that is yours. Maybe your mind.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Thu - January 26, 2006 at 05:08 AM  Tag


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