Ten Court Cases That Sanctified Government Theft

 

The following is a list of ten significant court cases involving eminent domain in the United States. These cases have had a substantial impact on the interpretation and application of eminent domain law:

1. Calder v. Bull (1798), 3 U.S. 386 (1798):While not specifically an eminent domain case, it laid the groundwork for the concept of "public use" by establishing limits on legislative power. It influenced later cases on the scope of eminent domain.

2. Berman v. Parker (1954), 348 U.S. 26 (1954):This case upheld the use of eminent domain for urban redevelopment, broadening the interpretation of "public use" to include the elimination of blight and slums.

3. Hawaii Housing Auth. v. Midkiff, 467 U.S. 229 (1984): This decision reaffirmed the government's authority to redistribute land ownership through eminent domain when it serves a legitimate public purpose.

4. Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005): Perhaps one of the most famous eminent domain cases, this ruling allowed the use of eminent domain for private economic development, causing significant controversy and leading to legislative changes in many states.

5. Horne v. Dep't of Agriculture, 576 U.S. 351 (2015): While primarily an agricultural case, it addressed the issue of takings and compensation, highlighting the importance of fair compensation for property owners subject to eminent domain.

6. Knick v. Township of Scott, 588 U.S. ___ (2019):  This case clarified the process for property owners to seek compensation for takings under the Fifth Amendment, making it easier to bring takings claims in federal court.

7. Murr v. Wisconsin 137 S. Ct. 1933 (2017): It focused on the concept of regulatory takings and how multiple contiguous parcels of land should be considered in eminent domain cases, providing guidance on property rights.
8. Palazzolo v. Rhode Island, 533 U.S. 606 (2001):This case dealt with the issue of "takings" in regulatory contexts, establishing that property owners can challenge regulations that significantly diminish property value.
9. Armstrong v. United States, 364 U.S. 40 (1960):This case addressed compensation issues related to partial takings of property, clarifying the principles of just compensation when only a portion of a property is taken.
10. Poletown Neighborhood Council v. City of Detroit, 410 Mich. 616,304 N.W.2d 455, (1981):  This case, like Berman v. Parker, dealt with the use of eminent domain for urban redevelopment but was notable for its broad interpretation of public use, allowing the taking of property for private development.

These court cases have shaped the legal landscape surrounding eminent domain in the United States and have influenced how the government can exercise its power to take private property for public use.

Untold Perspectives: Unveiling the Anti-Federalist Papers' Crucial Role in Shaping America's Founding

The Anti-Federalist Papers are a collection of writings, speeches, and letters penned by various authors who opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution. Unlike the Federalist Papers, which were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the Anti-Federalist Papers do not have a single unified authorship. Instead, they were written by a diverse group of individuals using pseudonyms. 

Note:  You can buy your own copy of The Anti-Federalist Papers by clicking the Anti-Federalist Papers link in the menu on the right hand side of the page.  A portion of the proceeds will go to keeping A Conscious Conservative in operation.

Here is a list of some notable Anti-Federalist Papers along with their respective authors or pseudonyms when known:

"Brutus" - Likely multiple authors used this pseudonym.

"Centinel" - Likely Samuel Bryan.

"Federal Farmer" - Believed to be Richard Henry Lee.

"Cato" - Likely George Clinton or George Mason.

"The Federal Republican" - Likely George Clinton.

"John DeWitt" - Abraham Yates Jr.

"Agrippa" - James Winthrop.

"Montezuma" - Robert Yates.

"The Dissent of the Minority of the Pennsylvania Convention" - Minority members of the Pennsylvania Ratifying Convention.

The Anti-Federalist Papers are important in American history for the following reasons:

Opposition to a Strong Central Government: The Anti-Federalists expressed concerns about the Constitution's creation of a powerful central government. They feared that this government could potentially infringe upon the rights and liberties of citizens and the authority of state governments.

Debate Over State Sovereignty: The Anti-Federalists raised important questions about the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Their writings contributed to the discussions that led to the addition of the Bill of Rights, which addressed many of their concerns.

Influence on the Bill of Rights: The Anti-Federalist arguments played a significant role in the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights, which included the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments provide crucial protections for individual liberties and limitations on federal power.

Diverse Perspectives: The Anti-Federalists represented a wide range of opinions and backgrounds, including farmers, merchants, and political leaders. Their writings reflect the diversity of views and concerns among the American populace during the ratification period.

Understanding the Ratification Process: The Anti-Federalist Papers help modern readers understand the contentious and spirited debates that took place across the states as they considered whether to ratify the Constitution.

Influence on Political Thought: Although the Anti-Federalists did not prevail in preventing the Constitution's ratification, their arguments contributed to the development of American political thought. They emphasized the importance of decentralized government and individual rights.

Ongoing Constitutional Interpretation: The Anti-Federalist Papers continue to be referenced in discussions about constitutional interpretation and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

The Anti-Federalist Papers provide valuable historical insights into the concerns and objections of those who opposed the Constitution's ratification. Their writings influenced the creation of the Bill of Rights and remain relevant in discussions about the principles of federalism, individual rights, and the scope of government power in the United States.

Republican-Democratic Alternatives: Then and Now

Third-party movements in the United States have often been fueled by passionate individuals and unique circumstances. While not always successful in achieving their goals, these movements have contributed to American political discourse and sometimes sparked significant change. Here are some inspiring stories of third-party movements in the U.S. along with relevant quotes:

1. The Populist Party (People's Party):

   • Background: In the late 19th century, the Populist Party emerged as a political force, representing farmers and laborers who were struggling with economic hardships. They sought reforms to address income inequality and the influence of big corporations.
   • Quote: "We meet in the midst of a nation brought to the verge of moral, political, and material ruin. Corruption dominates the ballot-box, the legislatures, the Congress, and touches even the ermine of the bench." — Populist Party Platform, 1892.

2. The Bull Moose Party (Progressive Party):

   • Background: In 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt founded the Progressive Party (also known as the Bull Moose Party) after failing to secure the Republican Party's nomination. The party promoted progressive reforms, including regulation of big business and worker protection laws.
   • Quote: "We stand at Armageddon, and we battle for the Lord." — Theodore Roosevelt, Progressive Party Acceptance Speech, 1912.

3. The Libertarian Party:

   • Background: The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 and advocates for minimal government intervention, individual liberty, and free-market principles. It has consistently run candidates for various offices across the country.
   • Quote: "The great virtue of a free market system is that it does not care what color people are; it does not care what their religion is; it only cares whether they can produce something you want to buy." — Milton Friedman, Economist and Libertarian.

4. The Green Party:

   • Background: The Green Party, founded in the 1980s, focuses on environmental issues, social justice, and grassroots democracy. It has had some success at the local level and has been influential in raising awareness of ecological and social concerns.
   • Quote: "We should learn from the way the butterfly develops wings: with a small impulse, a specific impulse, at a specific point in space and time. At some point in the world, there is a choice." — Petra Kelly, Co-Founder of the German Green Party.

5. The Reform Party:

   • Background: The Reform Party, led by Ross Perot in the 1990s, aimed to address fiscal responsibility, government reform, and reducing the national debt. Perot's independent presidential campaign in 1992 garnered significant support.
   • Quote: "We are all foot soldiers in that long struggle, no matter where we come from, no matter where we live, no matter our party. Our cause is America." — Ross Perot, Founder of the Reform Party.

These third-party movements, although not always victorious in elections, have played a crucial role in shaping political debates and bringing attention to important issues. They have inspired citizens to challenge the status quo and work towards a more inclusive and responsive political system in the United States.

Anti-Federalist Melancton Smith

 

The Anti-Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by opponents of the proposed U.S. Constitution during the ratification process, are often overshadowed by their better-known counterpart, the Federalist Papers.

Melancton Smith's Proposed Amendment to the New York Ratifying Convention holds immense historical significance and continues to influence the modern United States in several ways.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Top Conservative Blogs - Your Guide to Informed Perspectives!

 

Conservative blogs and websites cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, culture, and more. Here is a list of some prominent conservative blogs and websites:

National Review (nationalreview.com): A leading conservative magazine and website that covers politics, culture, and policy.

The American Conservative (theamericanconservative.com): A publication that promotes traditional conservative values and offers commentary on foreign policy and cultural issues.

The Federalist (thefederalist.com): An online publication known for its conservative commentary and analysis on politics, culture, and society.

RedState (redstate.com): A conservative blog and community that focuses on political news, commentary, and analysis.

Townhall (townhall.com): A conservative website featuring news, commentary, and opinion pieces on politics, economics, and culture.

The Daily Caller (dailycaller.com): A conservative news and opinion website founded by Tucker Carlson.

The American Thinker (americanthinker.com): A conservative blog offering analysis and commentary on politics, economics, and current events.

The Washington Times (washingtontimes.com): A conservative-leaning newspaper covering national and international news.

The New York Post (nypost.com): A tabloid newspaper with a conservative-leaning editorial perspective, covering news, politics, and entertainment.

RealClearPolitics (realclearpolitics.com): While not exclusively conservative, it provides a balanced mix of conservative and liberal viewpoints on various political topics.

The Daily Wire (dailywire.com): A conservative news and entertainment website founded by Ben Shapiro.

The Heritage Foundation (heritage.org): A conservative think tank that offers policy analysis, research, and recommendations.

The Cato Institute (cato.org): A libertarian-leaning think tank that provides conservative perspectives on various policy issues.

American Enterprise Institute (AEI) (aei.org): A think tank that produces conservative-oriented research and analysis on public policy.

Please note that the landscape of conservative media is continually evolving, and the viewpoints within these publications and websites may vary. The list provided here is not exhaustive and may not include some newer or niche conservative blogs and websites that have emerged.

Law Enforcement or Political Cash Cow?

 

"Policing for profit" is a term often used to describe a controversial practice in which law enforcement agencies generate revenue through activities such as asset forfeiture and fines. This practice has raised significant concerns about the potential for abuse and conflicts of interest within the criminal justice system. Here are some key points to understand about policing for profit:

Asset Forfeiture: One of the most common manifestations of policing for profit is civil asset forfeiture. This is a legal process through which law enforcement can seize and forfeit property (including cash, vehicles, and even real estate) that they suspect has been involved in criminal activity, often without charging the property owner with a crime. The proceeds from these forfeitures are typically used to fund law enforcement operations. Critics argue that this creates a perverse incentive for police to target assets for the purpose of generating revenue rather than solely for public safety.

Fines and Fees: Some law enforcement agencies generate revenue by issuing fines and fees for various infractions and violations, such as traffic violations, parking tickets, or code violations. In some cases, these fines can be excessive or used as a way to raise funds for the local government.

Concerns and Criticisms: Policing for profit has come under scrutiny for several reasons. Critics argue that it can lead to over-policing in certain communities, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and communities of color. There are concerns that the focus on revenue generation can undermine the core mission of law enforcement, which is supposed to be maintaining public safety and upholding the law impartially. Additionally, it can erode public trust in law enforcement when people perceive that police are more interested in generating revenue than protecting and serving the community.

Reform Efforts: In response to these concerns, there have been calls for reforming asset forfeiture laws and practices to increase transparency, accountability, and due process protections for individuals whose property is seized. Some states and localities have implemented reforms to address these issues, such as requiring a criminal conviction before property can be forfeited.

Public Debate: Policing for profit remains a topic of debate in many places, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary source of revenue for cash-strapped law enforcement agencies, while opponents contend that it undermines the integrity of the criminal justice system and harms marginalized communities.

It's important to note that the specific practices and laws related to policing for profit can vary widely by jurisdiction.