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Eminent Domain Reform vs. the “Public Interest”
While eminent domain reform is a priority for many legislators and interest groups, meaningful reform is not likely to occur in this session. The reason isn’t a lack of political support; the reason is a moral premise held by those legislators and interest groups. As an example, Gordon Sauer, director, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers…
Two Wrongs don’t Protect Property Rights
Texas legislators have been struggling with eminent domain reform during this legislative session. While reform is needed, the bills that have been considered are founded on the same faulty premise as eminent domain. Two wrongs won’t protect property rights. Eminent domain is founded on the premise that private property can be seized for a “public…
ReRoute the Route
A new group has been formed to oppose the proposed bullet train between Dallas and Houston. ReRoute the Route–a coalition of land owners, elected officials and business leaders– is arguing that, “This project needs to be built right, using existing right of way and connecting to city centers; or not built at all.” In other…
Principles, Propositions, and Property Rights
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on October 14, 2009. Comments have not been migrated. When an individual abandons principles he approaches each issue in isolation from other issues. He has no way to integrate or connect seemingly separate issues, and deals with each on a case-by-case basis. The resulting conclusions are often contradictory,…
Theft is Theft
Imagine for a moment, that a neighbor’s young daughter desperately needs surgery to save her life, but her family can’t afford the medical expenses. If her father broke into homes in the neighborhood and stole money to pay for the surgery, we would recognize his actions as theft. His tragic circumstances do not change the…
A Contradiction at the Border
For decades, the government has been preventing property owners from using their land as they choose. Under the guise of protecting “wetlands” and endangered species, government agencies have prevented development on parcels of land across the nation. But under the Trump administration, government agencies are wildlife preserves, both public and private, along the border to…