As we all know, eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use. However, it is important to remember that this power can also be abused and used to take away the property and livelihoods of individuals for the benefit of private companies or politician’s pet projects.
This is why it is crucial for us, as Libertarians, to speak out against eminent domain and the injustice it can cause. Here in San Antonio, we have seen exactly this occur as the City Council votes to take property away from Vince Cantu and his Moses Roses Hideout bar taken away for the benefit of larger companies and development projects. This is not only morally wrong, but it also goes against the principles of property rights and individual liberty that we hold dear.
We must also remember that eminent domain not only affects property owners, but also the community as a whole. The loss of small businesses and family-owned properties can have a detrimental effect on the fabric of our neighborhoods and the local economy.
That is why we urge all of our members and supporters to get involved and make your voices heard. Attend city council meetings, write letters to the editor, and join protests and rallies against eminent domain. Together, we can make a difference and protect the rights of property owners and the community.
It’s also worth mentioning that eminent domain has always been a controversial topic and many politicians have spoken against it. Some of the quotes that have been made:
- “Eminent domain is the process of taking property from one private owner without his consent in order to give it to another private owner, who will put the property to a use that is supposed to be more beneficial to the public.” – Ron Paul
- “The use of eminent domain to transfer property from one private party to another for the latter’s private use, as well as for public use, is illegitimate and must be prohibited.” – Gary Johnson
- “Eminent domain is a necessary tool for government to acquire land for public use, but it should never be used to benefit private interests. The government should not have the power to take away someone’s home or business for the benefit of a developer or corporation.” – Jo Jorgensen, Libertarian Party Presidential nominee
As you can see, many politicians have spoken out against the abuse of eminent domain. It is important that we continue to raise awareness and push for reform to protect the rights of property owners and the community.
Get involved today by volunteering HERE or Donating HERE.
Press Release: Libertarian Party of Bexar County Condemns Eminent Domain Abuse
San Antonio, TX, January, 26th – The Libertarian Party of Bexar County strongly condemns the abuse of eminent domain powers by the City of San Antonio to take away property and livelihoods of hardworking citizens such as Vince Cantu and his Moses Rose’s Hideout Bar.
Eminent domain, the power of the government to take private property for public use, is a destructive tool that allows politicians to prioritize their personal wishlists and crony projects over the livelihoods and businesses of private citizens. The government’s purpose is to protect the rights of its citizens, not trample them.
Unfortunately, government entities have been known to widely abuse eminent domain powers, taking property from individuals and small business owners without just compensation or for the benefit of private development projects. This overreach of power is not only a violation of property rights, but it also destroys communities and harms the economy.
“This was not a run-of-the-mill eminent domain ‘we’re going to put a pipeline or a road through this property,'” Vince Cantu tells Reason Magazine. “This is property on the grounds of Texas liberty. This is blood-stained soil that we fought against this very thing, this whole idea of a government coming in and taking away your way of life.”
The Libertarian Party of Bexar County believes in protecting the rights of individuals and small business owners. We believe that taking away someone’s property and livelihood is not only morally wrong but is also a violation of the principles of a free society.
We call on City of San Antonio government officials to respect the property rights of their citizens and overturn its use of eminent domain powers. We will continue to fight against eminent domain abuse and to protect the rights of property owners.
We urge citizens to speak up when they see eminent domain abuse happening in their communities, and to support candidates who will fight for property rights and against eminent domain abuse.
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About Us
The Libertarian Party of Bexar County is an Affiliate for the 3rd largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. LPBexar seeks to elect Libertarians and influence legislation that focuses on individual rights, self ownership, and limited government.
For more information on this matter, contact JR Haseloff at JR@LPBexar.org
https://reason.com/2023/01/25/the-alamo-is-trying-to-eminent-domain-this-mans-bar-to-make-way-for-museum-honoring-alamo-defenders/