Pot, meet kettle
Posted by J.A.S.O.N. on 27 Feb 2005 at 07:20 pm | Tagged as: Rants
Not this is rich. First, though, a little explination for those that may not understand what Eminent Domain is and how it’s used.
Answers.com defines Eminent Domain as:
The right of a government to appropriate private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner.
Also important to know, but, at first seems unrelated to this concept, is the the fact that both coporations and the law view patents as property. Intillectual property to be exact. Which, technically speaking, makes them susceptible to Eminent Domain, something being considered by states in an effort to reduce prescription drug costs and health care, in general.
This is something the pharmaceuticals are strictly against stating that such a practice is unconstitutional. Which is rather odd, considering that in 1998, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced plans to develop a new research facility in New London and when landowners refused to sell, the comapny had the local government use Eminent Domain to force everyone to move. From everything I read, the ensuing court case is still pending
In all cases I’ve read about where Eminent Domain was used to force people out so corporations can move in, increasing tax revenue was the primary reasons. So, does this mean that any of us are susceptable to having our property taken from us and given to a third party company owner just so the city/state can increase it’s revenue the easy way? If this case ends in favor of pharmaceuticals, the resounding answer is, yes.
I encourage any property owner to do themselves a favor and research the topic thoroughly. Castle Coalition is an excellent place to start.
I’m just learning about a bit of this, so if I’ve mist-stated something, feel free to correct me.
When I first learned about eminent domain it freaked the bejesus out of me and I made a vow that day:
If Uncle Sam (or any of his cohorts) wants my property, rightfully owned and paid for (you know, when I actually get some), they can pry it from my cold dead hands…
I own a rental property, our city has a new goal to clean up this town, I agree, and think some of teh propertyies need to be torn down, or cleaned up, I’ve roofed, painted, and made this property safe and actrive to the public eye, but they just keep pushing me to go further, me and about 80 other properteis in a population of just 30,000. a lot of us are mad and plan to attent the city council, my point I am trying tomake is, its not a public safety, cosmetic, or health concern, what rights do they have to condem it ? what rights do I have to protect it ?
oops, sent before I was done, where can I obtain information on the rights of the property owners and the power of the city ? can they actually make the statement that if the home is not inhabitable ( I’m using it for storage but it was a resedential home when I purchased it ) it can be demolished ? If I meet plumbing, electrical, safety and environmental codes, what leg do they have ? before I take it personal, I’d like to use my head and research my rights, etc. I have the support of several realators, that I’ve had look at it, was thinking about selling it, in stead of fighting it, but I’m starting to feel like I’ve been stepped on, and this old hillbilly don’t back up too easy. I thinbk I still have the right to protect my protect my property? I need some back bone ( on paper ) for the next council meeting, do you have any directions for me to go ? past cases ? hostory of similar situations. appreciate the feedback, and any advise.