| It's my opinion that people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of property. The governments' failure to plan and build for the future is not the property owners fault.
Tee, I agree with you. For a Gov't to pay assested value, in some cases, is not enough. How do you put a value on hard work (building up a business), inconvience (having to relocate), or even, sentimental (fond memories). In some cases eminent domain involves homes. I can't imagine all the memories that have been created by living in one home for a life time, (which many people do). Raising kids, family holidays and even in some cases having a loved one die in their home with the rest of the family gathered around the bedside. If you could assess value to some of those issues, all the gold in Fort Knox wouldn't even come close.
I do not favor the goverment stepping in and taking people property. It is wrong! But on the other side I also see that some property owners have taken advantage of the situation by holding out. (which is thier right to do so). And Gov't abuse. But in my book, eminent domain should not be used to force property owners to sell. If they don't want to sell, so be it. If they do settle, good for both parties.
Demon '84, Thanks for putting up Article V.
...just compensation." is the key. Coming to it is a whole other issue.
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"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." -Thomas Jefferson
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
-Thomas Jefferson |