Liberty Takes A Holiday

The more I contemplate the Kelo decision, the more I think this was the quiet moment when our foundational idea of liberty began to erode. If the Civil Rights Act was the moment when the promise of our Republic was finally and completely realized - that makes 41 years. A short run, don't you think?

If you don't think Kelo is important, think of it this way: As you travel over the holiday weekend, take a look at the land - the beautiful places on the coast or in the country. Pretend you have a big pile of real estate money. Could you make more in corporate tax revenue from that property though a hotel or shopping mall than whatever the unfortunate bastard who owns the place pays in property taxes? If so, then you've got the right, according to this ruling, to take it away from them.

At least retiring justice Sandra Day O'Connor can be put to pasture with a clear of conscience for not supporting this travesty. Somewhere amid the bloodthirsty fracas that will erupt over the next Supreme Court nominee I hope a U.S. senator has the good sense to ask his or her opinion about property rights.

Have a safe weekend, folks. Don't blast off any fingers lighting fireworks and remember to back away from the potato salad when things get out of hand.