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The Full Context: Eminent Domain
Too often, political debates fail to consider all of the alternatives. But if we are going to make rational and informed decisions, then we must consider all of the alternatives, as well as the pros and cons of each. We must consider the full context. Eminent domain serves as an example. We are often told…
Conceding Principles
The mission of the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is to be the voice of Texas agriculture. As such, it frequently voices support for property rights. As an example, in a recent opinion piece, TFB President Russell Boening calls for eminent domain reform to protect property owners. Boening writes: Corporations with this powerful, often abused tool…
A Private Beach is Threatened
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on July 23, 2009. Comments have not been migrated. While the Texas Open Beaches Act (TOBA) made land along the shore “public property”, a small section of beach in Galveston has remained private property since the enactment of TOBA in 1959. According to the Chronicle: The Legislature approved…
Ignoble Means, Ignoble Ends
Last week, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation that will prohibit the federal Bureau of Land Management from claiming Texas land along the Red River as public domain. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), said, The fundamental right to own property must be protected. This bill takes another crucial step in giving…
Friday Roundup 7-16-21
Writing in the Washington Times, George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin addresses the issue of “just compensation” required under the Fifth Amendment when eminent domain is used to seize property. Somin notes that courts typically equate “just compensation” with “fair market value.” However, many owners attach a value to their property far above what…
Principles for Unprincipled Times
Democrats and “Progressives” are not known for their defense of property rights. Indeed, most of their proposals involve the violation of the right to property. Yet, many Texans on the political Left have recently invoked property rights in their opposition to Republicans. On the other hand, Republicans have cited property rights in their opposition to…