Back in February I wrote Slouching Towards Despotism on the Kelo v. New London eminent domain case. At that time I wrote:
First step down the slippery slope: “Urban renewal of blighted areas and slums” as justification.
Second step down the slippery slope: “Fair redistribution” as justification.
Third step down the slippery slope: “Boosting tax revenue” as justification.
Read the whole piece.
I’m not surprised by today’s decision. I’m not angry. But I am heartsick, and I’m not alone.
Connecticut residents involved in the lawsuit expressed dismay and pledged to keep fighting.
“It’s a little shocking to believe you can lose your home in this country,” said resident Bill Von Winkle, who said he would refuse to leave his home, even if bulldozers showed up. “I won’t be going anywhere. Not my house. This is definitely not the last word.”
When I wrote Freedom’s Just Another Word for “Nothin’ Left to Lose” last week, this was precisely what I was writing about. Bill Von Winkle now has three choices: Submit, go to jail, or die. His legal options are finished.
And still this isn’t the straw that will break the camel’s back.
But it ought to be.
UPDATE: Due to the herculean efforts of reader John Hardin, the original JS-Kit/Echo comment thread for this post is available here.