V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
February 16, 2012
Bill Pit Property Rights Against Gun Rights in Tennessee 02-16-12
Do I like the idea of places of business that ban guns? Not at all. In fact, I tend not to frequent them (and that's despite the fact that I'm not tyically carrying a firearm). But that doesn't mean a property owner shouldn't have some say-so over activity on his own property, does it?
February 15, 2012
- Keystone XL Pipeline: Texas Farmer Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against
TransCanada 02-14-12
I'm in favor of the pipeline on the grounds it offers both jobs and a significant step toward energy independence from the Middle East. But I'm at a loss to understand how all 600 acres—or even a substantial portion of that acreage—of a farm could be lost. Anybody?
February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Property rights amendment to Va. Constitution heading for ballot 02-13-12
It's good to know that something positive is coming out of the nightmare decision made in connection with the infamous Connecticut land grab case! And make no mistake: This is a good thing.
February 13, 2012
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR Private property rights "a thing of the past?" 02-12-12
Unfortunately, it does seem to be headed in that direction. If that does happen, you can kiss virtually every other freedom good-bye! Private property ownership is a bedrock of liberty. You'd do well to remember that next time you are among those who are determining government seizures in the name of "eminent domain" and the like!
About the Fifth Amendment
The Fifth Amendment was written to protect an accused from abuses witnessed throughout history, including in the early days of Colonial America. The Founding Fathers wished to ensure that, while trials could be conducted and guilty criminals punished, innocent men and women wouldn't suffer by mere government whim. Sufficient evidence of criminal conduct would have to be presented to a Grand Jury; the government couldn't repeatedly try an individual on the same charges until he or she was either convicted or financially exhausted; it couldn't demand answers from the accused, but rather would have to provide sufficient evidence to convict without such testimony; and it couldn't simply snatch property it wanted or needed from its owner.
It should be pointed out that an exception is made where the taking of property is concerned, and that's when the property in question is required "for the public good." Failure to reach an equitable agreement to sell can mean the imposition of eminent domain by the government entity. While this is not always a bad thing in and of itself, it is more and more frequent today that we see eminent domain flagrantly abused.
Click here for more on the Fifth Amendment. Want to help preserve the Fifth Amendment? Educate yourself, and then take action!
