From Harford Campaign for Liberty:
Harford Campaign for Liberty is excited and proud to host Tom DeWeese, President of the American Policy Center and recognized property rights expert, at it’s April 28th meeting.
The notion of private property is deeply ingrained in the human psyche. A casual observer at any playground will quickly note the instinctive need children have to quickly, and sometimes tearfully establish boundaries around what they see as theirs. The rules followed on those playgrounds, and indeed the larger ones occupied by adults, are unspoken yet understood.
Our founding fathers understood the relationship between property and freedom. John Adams warned that-
“The moment that the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the Laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. Property must be sacred or liberty cannot exist”
Prosperity and economic development are also at risk when property rights are threatened. Indeed, no first world society exists that doesn’t provide for the orderly transfer of property and the legal muscle to protect owners from theft. Abundant natural resources and a skilled work force can’t overcome the economic disadvantages of poorly protected ownership. Developing nations all over the world condemn their citizens to toil and poverty for lack of the protections to which we have become accustomed.
So here in the “Land of the Free” we feel safe from dangers that threaten “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”. But a deed locked away in a safe deposit box and documentation at the government office will do nothing for you when regulatory agencies and unelected boards come calling. Emboldened by the backing of a compliant government, the free use and enjoyment of your property become subject to their scrutiny and objectives. We’ve all heard the nightmarish stories of farmers, ranchers, and homeowners forced to abandon homes and livelihoods in deference to questionable environmental goals defined by far removed agencies.
http://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/234685-epa-water-rule-is-blow-to-americans-private-property-rights
How can this happen in a nation once considered a model of personal and economic freedom? Maybe these abuses aren’t aberrations but the result of a long and steady erosion of rights we had assumed were unshakable.
Mr. DeWeese, a foremost authority on the topic, has assisted property owners and legislators in identifying and combatting this problem. Please don’t miss this opportunity to hear him explain the origins and outline the solutions to this most Un-American malady.
Please pre-register at the link below for this highly anticipated event.
Vicki Seitzinger
Harford Campaign for Liberty
As a native American who can trace my lineage back through 500 years of Indian tribes this interests me immensely.
Forget it, Cochise. Taking property by force is ok if you think god is on your side. Protecting it for future generations is blasphemous.