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The “Bundle” Theory of Property
The dominant view of property today is the “bundle” theory. According to this view, property consists of a number of separate rights, such as the rights to use, disposal, and trade. Metaphorically, property consists of a “bundle of sticks.” One of those sticks can be removed, but a bundle remains. Similarly, one of rights of…
I Don’t Need Ted Cruz
ByjbpLast week, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was spotted on an airplane. Normally, this wouldn’t attract attention from the media, social or otherwise. However, Cruz was leaving Texas just days before a winter storm was about to do nasty things to the state. And this didn’t sit well with some on social media. One user wrote,…
The More Things Change…
ByjbpIn 1993, during the final months of the last attempt to bring zoning to Houston, I gave a talk to the Houston Property Rights Association titled “Winning the Battle but Losing the War.” In the talk, I warned that without a moral defense of property rights, we might defeat the upcoming referendum, but zoning advocates…
Houston’s War on Sexually-oriented Businesses
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on January 6, 2009. Comments have not been migrated. Last week the City of Houston won a legal victory in its war against sexually-oriented businesses (SOBs). A state district judge ruled in favor of the city, which had sued the Penthouse Club for violating an ordinance that prohibits…
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…
The Freedom to Produce and Trade Vaccines
Nearly a week after Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine began being used in Great Britain, the vaccine will start being used in America today. The delay was caused because Pfizer had to obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it could release the vaccine. In the meantime, an unknown number of Americans died from…