It's amazing how something so fundamental as property rights can be dissolved so easily, all in the name of "public good".

Today, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Big Business with a 5-4 opinion that granted private developers the power to demolish people's homes in favor of business parks, malls, and gyms for the purpose of economic development and increased tax revenues.

Any why wouldn't the government be in favor of increased tax revenues?

The poor souls in New London, CT who are poised to lose their homes (some of which have been in their family's posession for generations) will be "fairly compensated," which means that a 80-year-old Victorian will get market value.  This rarely enables the owners to find new adequate housing, because of the hyper-inflated housing costs in the Northeast.  So what's a person to do?  Chain yourself to your front door.  Gather 400 friends and family to form a solid human wall around your property and prevent the government from taking your home.

It's clearly up to you to protect what's yours; when the government fails to uphold the very ideals upon which this country was founded, the responsibility fails squarely upon the shoulders of the citizens.

Seven states allow private business development on seized property:  Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and North Dakota.

It should be noted that New Hampshire and Massachusetts have indicated they probably will find this alarming new power to be unconstitutional.  I URGE you to contact your representatives and senators to outlaw the ability to seize property for private development.

Otherwise... Don't get too comfortable.  Your home may be next.

Senator Judd Gregg (R)
393 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2904
Phone: (202) 224-3324
Official website

Senator John Sununu (R)
111 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2903
Phone: (202) 224-2841
Official website