Eminent Domain Ruling.

[reprehensor]

“In 2000, the city of New London approved a development plan that, in the words of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, was “projected to create in excess of 1,000 jobs, to increase tax and other revenues, and to revitalize an economically distressed city, including its downtown and waterfront areas.” 268 Conn. 1, 5, 843 A. 2d 500, 507 (2004). In assembling the land needed for this project, the city’s development agent has purchased property from willing sellers and proposes to use the power of eminent domain to acquire the remainder of the property from unwilling owners in exchange for just compensation. The question presented is whether the city’s proposed disposition of this property qualifies as a “public use” within the meaning of the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”

Opinion of the Court, KELO V. NEW LONDON

IMO, we’re getting decimated on the Kelo v. New London ruling.

There are a handful of Democrats decrying the ruling, but by and large, Republicans are leading the charge.

The common argument in defense of the ruling is if the court would have entered into narrowing the definition of ‘public use’ it would have opened a can of worms about redefining other words in other interpretations of the Constitution.

But that goes on all the time.

Another argument is that it would have stopped the use of ED completely, which is the true intent of the conservatives on this issue.

Maybe.

But here are some facts; Republican reps are proposing legislation left, right and center because the SC decided to continue to let the states interpret ‘public use’ which is the precedent. The legislation being proposed by and large limits the interpretation of ‘public use’ to exclude interpretations that are based solely on profit-driven ‘economic development’. If the moderate Supremes had their way on this decision, why could they not cleverly fashion a ruling to guide legislators when interpretating 'public use'. Now, the field seems to be wide open for interpretation, and corporate America just wet its jeans.

Here’s what got me started off on the wrong foot on this topic; my ill-informed post about Judge Souter’s House.

I believe that there must be more discussion here, because defending this ruling seems a little like defending feudal corporatism. I believe that by sticking with precedent, Souter and co. are ignoring the flood of ED abuse which is ongoing; and encourage more corporate raiders.

Not talking about it is not making it go away, and Republicans, Libertarians, property rights advocates and moderates are making points on this issue, and Dems are looking pretty flatfooted right now.

Let’s have some discussion about making some positive noise, encourage Democratic leaders to lead on this issue, and take it away from the Red team.

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Here are some opinions as to why the Kelo case is freaking out homeowners:

Reckless With Wrecking Ball

Eminent injustice in New London

Bill Clinton; Court Was 'Wrong' on Eminent Domain

Little Italy laundry threatened with eminent domain

Letter: Landowners invite others to join the fight against eminent domain


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Here is a lengthy, informative thread provided by endarkenment, over at KOS.

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[Hosnon]

1. Eminent Domain:

It is the job of the Supreme Court to interpret the words of the Constitution. That can of worms was opened by the founding fathers. That is what judges do - interpret the law.

I don't think that a different vote on Kelo would have eliminated ED altogether - just would have kept it where it was prior to now.

I agree with you. I don't believe that the founders intended the clause to be interpreted this way and support state laws forbidding it.

Dems need to get on this quick!