A graphic at the beginning of a recent article about short-term rentals (STRs) in the Dallas area illustrates the fundamental nature of zoning. In the graphic, it is stated that the zoning ordinance adopted by Grapevine in 1982 did not permit STRs. It is implied that if a particular use is not explicitly permitted, then…
Virtually everyone, no matter their political persuasion, denounces cronyism–dispensing political favors for political support. Yet, cronyism continues to dominate political issues in Texas and across America. As a few examples, we see evidence in attacks on Uber, ordinances to protect trees, and attempts to regulate, restrict, or ban short-term rentals (STRs). In each of these…
In early October, the Houston City Council amended the city’s sexually oriented business (SOB) ordinance. The updated ordinance prohibits businesses from allowing customers to rent and try out sex dolls at the business’s store. This move was in response to the construction of a KinkySdollS store in the Galleria area. Councilman Greg Travis said that…
In recent years, the “living wage” movement has made great strides in raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour in many locales. According to Wikipedia, A living wage is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs. This is not the same as subsistence which refers to a biological minimum….
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…
The context establishes the relationship of a statement or idea to other statements and ideas. If we consider an idea in isolation, then we are guilty of dropping context, of ignoring what defines or conditions that idea. When we are guilty of dropping context, we are failing to consider the full context. We are considering…
In Part 1, we briefly examined the prevalence of false alternatives in controversial political issues. In Part 2, we examined how to identify false alternatives. In this post, we will look at one of the most common ways in which false alternatives are presented. One of the most common ways in which false alternatives are…
Have you ever attempted to discuss a property rights issue with someone who disagrees with your position? Did you have a constructive conversation in which ideas were calmly discussed? Or did it turn into an angry argument? Often, when we discuss political issues with those who disagree with us, we take on an attitude of…
In Part 1, we briefly examined the prevalence of false alternatives in controversial political issues. But how do we know when false alternatives are being presented? How do we know that there are other alternatives? The clearest indication is when we actually know of real alternatives. If we are aware of an alternative that isn’t…
If we examine virtually any controversial political issue, we often find that we are presented with false alternatives. This fallacy consists of asserting that we must choose between a limited number of alternatives when other, unmentioned alternatives exist. As an example, when a Christian baker refused to bake a cake for a gay wedding, and…
In early September Grapevine became the latest Texas city to outlaw short-term rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb. The city’s mayor defended the prohibition, saying, It’s just not appropriate. We spent hours zoning this town, protecting single family homes and putting businesses along the highways. We’ve got a well-planned town. If you love this town, we…
A friend describes herself as liberal–she supports gay marriage, is pro-choice, and hates Donald Trump. She generally votes for Democrats, though she admits that she would have voted for John McCain if he hadn’t selected Sarah Palin as his running partner. Often, when we are discussing an issue, one of us will take a stance…