Eminent Domain Hearings Imminent

While a tiny handful of libertarians approved of the Supreme Court's land-theft authorizing decision in Kelo v. New London, the overwhelming majority of libertarians were terribly dismayed, if not angered. Fourth Amendment, anyone?

4th Amendment

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The right of the people to be secure in their houses, against unreasonable seizures. Taking one person's private property and giving it to another person so that it may be re-developed is now considered "reasonable" in the United States. Disgusting. So disgraceful of the Supreme Court.

Like the Kelo decision or hate it, the wind up is that the issue is passed off to the states. Fortunately, Indiana is going to take a good look at eminent domain soon. From State Rep. Kathy Richardson's article in the Noblesville Daily Times:

The final issue that I would like to mention is eminent domain and the effect of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. The power of eminent domain allows units of government to buy the property of private citizens when that piece of land is required for a public project. The most common example of this would be buying a piece of property to build a new highway. However, recently the Supreme Court ruled in Kelio v. City of New London that government may also take property under eminent domain laws if the project results in economic development for the community.

Even though economic development is good for our community, we must always take into account personal property rights. The good news is that as a state we regulate just how eminent domain is used and limit its use. In this respect the Summer Study Committee on eminent domain will spend time this summer examining this complex issue. The committee's first public meeting will be held on at 1 p.m. Aug. 10 in the auditorium of the Government Center South.

I'd like to think that I had something to do with this making the study list. I personally spoke with Rep. Richardson and advised her that the Libertarian Party has a deep interest in defending property rights, and would back any legislation that limits eminent domain powers statewide. I think that the possibility exists for us to draft model legislation and have a State Rep. introduce it in the 2006 legislative session.

In the meantime, plan to attend the hearing. More importantly, contact your State Reps and State Senators and let them know that you demand a very restrictive eminent domain law for Indiana.

Podcasts?

It was suggested to me that maybe I should look into doing podcasts that I could make available on this blog.

It's an intriguing idea. I have years of radio experience, but as a candidate for statewide office, I can't get a show on regular broadcast radio unless I buy brokered programming. I know- the 'equal time' laws don't exist anymore, but most stations choose to honor the principle, generally. I know that podcasts are the cutting edge like blogs were five years ago, and everyone knows I like to be a cutting edge kind of guy.

You tell me: If I go to the effort, would it interest you enough to listen?

GOP Candidate School

I've seen news articles in the local papers about the Hamilton County Republican Party's candidate school. It's designed for students, to give them the insight into what it takes to be a candidate for office, and into how the process works. From the Noblesville Ledger:

Model County Government will be a five-month program designed to let students explore civics interactively. Participants will be divided into Federalist and Nationalist parties to learn how precinct committeemen and party leaders participate in and influence the election process.

Some highlights were left off this list. Allow me to fill in the blanks. Students will learn how to:

• Campaign like a Libertarian, but govern like a Democrat
• Vote against your conscience to placate your Governor
• Face a room full of citizens who want you to vote 'nay' and then vote 'aye'- and not blink
• Find ways to make other elected officials vote for a tax constructed in such a way that you benefit without having to go on record in favor of the tax
• Accept campaign contributions from engineers and contractors and then steer work to them
• Step on fellow party members as you climb up the ladder of personal power

I was wondering why it would take five months to show students how the system works. Well! It's not easy to show all the nuances of conniving in any less time than that! It's a bargain at $35.

Pre-Emptive Strike Fired

Fearing that suburban municipalities would duplicate the recently passed Indianapolis smoking ban, opponents are organizing in advance of any solid proposals. Yesterday's meeting at Claude & Annie's was front page news on today's Noblesville Daily Times, placed above the fold.

In attendance were two members of the Hamilton County Libertarian Party, the
president of the Restaurant & Hospitality Association of Indiana, executive director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, the ILBA attorney and two others associated with area bars.

One of those was Mark Imgrassia, owner of the Sandpiper in Noblesville. A smoking ban would affect his business "very negatively," he said, which is why he decided to
attend the gathering.

and

"If we want to live in a free society, at some point we need to allow people to make their own decisions for themselves," (Restaurant & Hospitality Association of Indiana President John Livengood) said.

Libertarians Brad Klopfenstein and Mike Kole agree, which is why they are lending their support to the group."

We believe it's the right of the property owner," Kole said.

Bill Smythe from Claude & Annie's is a property owner who was burned in his Marion County establishments by the approval of a smoking ban there. Together with the Libertarian Party, Bill was one of the most outspoken opponents to the ban as it was being discussed.

He lamented that it was tough taking the defensive position, reacting to a proposed law. He believed it would be easier to stake out a position in Hamilton County in advance of any proposals to ban smoking than to repeat the defensive position again.

The only political interests present were the Libertarians. The other two parties are the ones diminishing property rights in this country, after all. We'd love it if Republicans or Democrats were in favor of property rights, personal choices, individual liberty, and individual responsibility, but if we have to be the only ones to make the case, so be it. We're proud to be taking the high road.

It's Real!

The NHL really will have a season this time around. The League just released the schedule within the hour and I've had a look at it.

Good fortune smiles on me in my quest to check out San Jose Sharks games in the midwest, as the Sharks visit the midwest in October, and on weekend dates! They return to the region in March. This means the chances of freezing rain and huge snow drifts in the Interstate are slim at best. Road trip!

Now, if we could one day lure the NHL, or even top-flight minor league action here to Indianapolis once again, I'd be absolute ecstatic. The highest level of hockey in Indiana is third-tier UHL action in Fort Wayne.

It's About Time!

The return of major league hockey will finally become real tomorrow at Noon, when the NHL releases its 2005-06 schedule.

I will eagerly check for San Jose Sharks games in Columbus, Chicago, Nashville, and St. Louis. All are within a four hour drive. I'd add Detroit, which is three hours away, but the tickets for Wings games are too expensive, even if you can get them.