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Principles and Practicality
In the mid-1990s, Joe Overton identified a political concept that became known as the Overton Window. The website for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, where Overton was a senior vice president, describes the concept: Joseph Overton observed that in a given public policy area, such as education, only a relatively narrow range of potential…
Negating the Principle of Property Rights
Like most conservatives, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims to support property rights. And, like most conservatives, he carves out exceptions. In doing so, DeSantis and his fellow conservatives are negating the principle of property rights. As an example, DeSantis recently defended the use of eminent domain when it serves a “public purpose”: So sometimes you…
When the Principle is on the Other Foot
During the past several sessions of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers have tried to slap down numerous local ordinances that they correctly say violate property rights. Laws protecting trees, restricting banning short-term rentals, and bans on plastic bags have been among their targets. As we have previously written, it is proper for the legislature to prohibit…
Should “Corner Crossing” be Legal?
The owner of a Wyoming ranch is appealing a judge’s ruling that “corner crossing” is legal. Corner crossing is the practice of going from one parcel of “public” land to another via privately owned land. The plaintiffs in the case relied on the Unlawful Inclosure Act of 1885, which prevents a private landowner from blocking…
An Open Letter to the Bellaire City Council
As the Bellaire City Council contemplates restricting or banning short-term rentals (STRs), it is important to consider the full context, as well as alternative policies. The concerns voiced about STRs by home owners—such as loud noise, trash, and similar disturbances—are legitimate complaints. Nobody wants to live next to a “party house.” Admittedly, there are some…
Libertarians and Rand Paul
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on May 28, 2010. Comments have not been migrated. Kentucky Senatorial candidate Rand Paul is taking a lot of heat for his comments regarding the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Paul stated that the federal government should not be dictating how private businesses operate, and specifically said that…