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Ag-gag Laws Protect Property Rights
A federal appeals court recently ended two injunctions that blocked Iowa laws that prevent animal “rights” activists from using deception to gain entrance to agricultural production facilities. Activists have lied on job applications and used other deception in an effort to document alleged abuse of farm animals. The so-called “ag-gag” laws were challenged on free…
Theft by Any Other Name is Still Theft
Lawmakers and political activists like to frame their policy proposals in terms that hide their real meaning. An example of this is a proposal in Colorado to impose “rent stabilization” on mobile home parks. Rent stabilization is nothing more than a euphemism for theft. The bill would require park owners to pay up to $30,000…
Property Wrongs
A neighborhood association in Boise is fighting a proposal to develop a 226-unit subdivision. The Northwest Neighborhood Association (NWNA) contends that the development would prejudice its “substantial rights to ‘open space and rural character.’” Rights pertain to freedom of action. If one desires to live in a neighborhood with open space and a rural character,…
The “Other Guy, ” Again
We frequently hear individuals claim that their property rights are being violated. It happens when the government uses eminent domain to seize property for the border wall. It happens when zoning is used to prohibit or severely restrict short-term rentals. It happens when a preservation ordinance is used to prohibit modern buildings. Yet, in these…
The Problem Isn’t Term Limits
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on August 12, 2010. Comments have not been migrated. The Chronicle’s editorial on Wednesday again voiced opposition to term limits: We continue to believe they entail needless public cost for staging elections while denying the best officials the opportunity to continue serving the city. The system prevents citizens…
TLC Thinks Some Consumers are Stupid
The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is suing a Houston-area distiller for trademark infringement. The commission owns a trademark on the phrase “Texas Two Step.” The distiller wants to market a handmade vodka called “Texas Two Step.” But that is where the similarities end. Trademarks do not prohibit others from using a phrase. They do prohibit…