Do you think that eminent domain should be allowed?

Question

if the property is needed for a highway going through, I guess you can't stop progress, but, for hi rises, stores, etc?

Answer 1

Eminent Domain should be evoked only if a property is going to be converted to communal use. But what is going on now is that city councils are evoking eminent domain abuse claiming that particular buildings are "blighted". Honestly, what they want is a condominium, or other commercial interest that will generate for the city more tax revenues.

This phenomenon is one piece of evidence that we have strayed far from the path of classical liberalism upon which we were placed by our forefathers. They believed in limited governmental roles and maximized individual responsibilities. The very fact that governments are acting unscrupulously in order to grow their taxes means that they are wanting to increase their functions.

Answer 2

John Locke said that people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of property. (This of course was later changed by Thomas Jefferson to the pursuit of happiness) In a capitalism and a republic, private property is very important. Why work if someone can just take your things away? Having control over your property is a human right. Theft is theft, no matter who the thief is.

Answer 3

I don't know about you, but i live in Philadelphia.
And if you ever visit you will immediately loose doubt that some neighborhoods are BLIGHTED.
For example here are some pictures from north Philadelphia:

1. http://www.jim-frizzell.com/Philadelphia2001/04-18-01/04-19-01broad_erie_germantown_north_philadelphia3.jpg
2. http://www.thewissahickon.com/issues/february%2005/images/Northphilly.jpg
3. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://photography.cicada.com/gallery/downey/graphics/condos.jpg&imgrefurl=http://photography.cicada.com/gallery/downey/image02.html&h=355&w=432&sz=43&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=01VF5Xw502465M:&tbnh=101&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnorth%2Bphiladelphia%2B%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG
4.http://frosties.nixta.com/images/winter0304/feb04_3/philly_streets.jpg
5. http://www.jim-frizzell.com/Philadelphia2001/04-18-01/04-19-01jefferson_and_darien_north_philadelphia.jpg

All these are not in some third world place, and not in some war zone. It is right here in America.
If you tell me that acquiring that land by eminent domain, DEMOLISHING everything and building High Rises is a bad thing, i will not believe you.

Answer 4

Yes, I like Eminem's domain.

Answer 5

no just another vehicle for greedy and corrupt politicians to take your property.

Answer 6

For needed public use, perhaps. For private use, never.

Answer 7

I feel that it is unethical and very crappy

Answer 8

NO