Vote no on Question 1
An amendment on property rights pretends to solve a problem already addressed by state law.
Most Virginians who vote next month to amend the state constitution’s property rights protections will do so believing they are preventing governments from condemning land in order to give it to private businesses for economic development projects.
In reality, that practice has been illegal in Virginia for five years. The General Assembly banned takings for private development in response to the infamous U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Kelo v. City of New London. Advocates of the constitutional amendment acknowledge that the law has accomplished its goal, yet they argue constitutional restrictions are necessary to discourage as yet unhatched plots to nullify the statute.
October 26, 2012 - 6:25 AM
A yes vote would prevent a judge from ruling the law you cite unconstitutional would it not? It pre-empts a judge from ruling something unconstitutional when it is in the constitution doesn’t it? (Unless it is California on Gay Marriage and even when made constitutional apparently a ludge has more power than millions of voters/citizens)
That was my thought, Bob. It might seem duplicative, but I’d rather have it in the Constitution than simply as a law that could get overturned or repealed relatively easily.
After DOMA, I am not so trusting of anyone who wants something in a constitution. Even less so when there are partisan points involved.
I do not like to see anyone’s property “taken” but I do not like anyone holding a community hostage either.
Vote YES on Question 1…private property and the protection of private property rights is a keystone of a free society.
#4 Absolutely correct, ‘Hoo. The RTEB is consistent in their philosophy of government control versus individual freedom.
The RT is consistent in ignoring F&F, WH security leaks, manipulation of economic data….and now the Libya bungle & cover-up (etc.).
So if we have to work under the assumption that news media get their orders from the administrations (only the ones they support, that is), where is it you get yours?