The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down a federal law that prohibited most states from allowing betting on sporting events was a double-edged sword. While it struck down a right-violating law, it will do nothing to prevent states from violating individual rights. According to CNN, The court said the federal law violated constitutional principles limiting…
Last Friday, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that short-term rentals are not a commercial use of property. The case involved a home owner association that claimed short-term rentals were a commercial use and violated its deed restrictions (also called covenants). Patrick Sutton, the home owner’s lawyer, said, This is about as strong of a property…
A new organization, Defend Texas, is pointing out the hypocrisy of some Texas politicians who proclaim support for property rights. As we have previously pointed out, Texas politicians were vehemently opposed to the use of eminent domain along the Red River, but have supported (or remained silent) seizing private property along the Rio Grande. Defend…
In October 2017, Anthonia Nwaorie was about to board a plane in Houston. The nurse was going to fly to Nigeria with medical equipment, supplies, and $41,000 in cash to open a medical clinic in her hometown. However, Customs and Border Protection officials had other plans for her. They detained her, subjected to hours of…
The latest craze among Leftists is to accuse individuals of “cultural appropriation.” According to Wikipedia, “Cultural appropriation is a concept in sociology dealing with the adoption of the elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture.” For example, if an Anglo opens a taco truck, he is guilty of “cultural appropriation.” (Two…
This is an excerpt from Individual Rights and Government Wrongs. Perhaps no government institution is the object of more jokes and frustration than the United States Postal Service (USPS). Long lines, surly clerks, and “going postal” draw the ridicule of patrons and late-night comedians. Yet, despite the complaints and jokes, any suggestion that the USPS…
In recent years, much controversy has arisen over companies such as Airbnb and Uber. These two companies are the poster boys of the “sharing economy”–a technological revolution that has allowed millions to become successful entrepreneurs. City governments (as well as some state and national governments) have fought back and enacted a multitude of restrictions and…
With the 2019 legislative session less than a year away, we are already hearing the opening salvos of another debate over funding government schools. Invariably, the article, blog post, or editorial calls for more money for this program or that. The funding of government schools has been a contentious political issue for decades. As has…
In the last Texas legislative session, great controversy erupted over Austin’s attempts to reign in local governments. Bills were introduced to prohibit local controls over plastic bags, trees, short-term rentals, and more. Local governments claimed that these efforts by the state usurped their authority. A similar controversy has erupted in California. California State Senator Scott…
In “honor” of May Day, the socialist holiday celebrating the destruction of property rights, I offer Chapter 1 of Principles and Property Rights for free. Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man, Imagine all the people sharing all the world. John Lennon, “Imagine” We…
A lot of noise is being made about censorship on social media platforms such as Facebook, You Tube, and Twitter. Many are claiming that these companies are engaging in censorship when they remove or limit certain content. The truth is, no private company can engage in censorship. Censorship is a legal prohibition on the expression…