Repercussions from the recent supreme court decision

I recently wrote an article calling attention to the decision of the Supreme Court enabling state and local governments to take property by eminent domain in the interests of increasing tax revenues.

See: The Supreme Court-Eminent Domain-A Conundrum October 17, 2005. www.ezinearticles.com

At the time I did not express an opinion as to whether it was a good decision or not, but I did express concern that it might lead to abuses.

I can understand that where a blighted area exists it might be advisable to use this law for the common good, even though a few people might suffer in the process.

It seems that my worst fears were well founded.

Michael Brown the Mayor of Riviera Beach, Florida has launched re-development program that will take two thousand homes and businesses affecting six thousand persons in order to have developers build a marina, an aquarium and some luxury condominiums.

This is not a blighted area, the homes are rather modest but it is by no means a slum.

The owners allege that they will only receive half their real value. The Mayor has referred to them as being selfish. If I were to lose my home even if I got full value for it I would not be happy, but to take a horrendous loss on top of it is unthinkable.

I'm not generally an activist, but this is a case where Americans should stand up and make their opinions known to our representatives. Even if they disagree with me they should make their opinions known so that this controversy can be put to an end.

This is a very important matter and I fear that this situation is only going to spread and worsen. This could happen to any of us.

My feeling is the supreme court should be made to amend it's ruling so that the rich cannot take advantage of the poor, as I feel is happening in this case.

I don't think congress should do more than take an oversight position. For them to get involved would make conditions even worse.