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Conservatives Outraged at Abiding Eminent Domain Abuse

A version of this blog post appeared as a press release from the American Conservative Union.

In New London, CT, a man’s home is the city’s castle

ALEXANDRIA, VA— The American Conservative Union, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative lobbying organization, today expressed outrage at the inconceivable decision by the city council of New London, CT, to evict and impose back fees and rent on homeowners Susette Kelo and the Cristofaro family.

One year ago, in a stunning interpretation of the Constitution’s eminent domain clause, the Supreme Court ruled that the government can seize the homes of law-abiding citizens if some bureaucrat believes that other tenants (namely, wealthy developers) can generate more tax revenue. Despite the backlash the case prompted—scores of states have created legislation restricting the use of eminent domain; the House overwhelmingly passed the Private Property Rights Protection Act; even Ralph Nader condemned the verdict—the New London city council continues to defy both common sense and common decency.

“This is a flagrant abuse of eminent domain, morally and politically,� said ACU chairman David A. Keene. “The right to private property—to keep the fruits of one’s labor—is an essential part of the human experience and an essential ingredient for prosperity. Our homes are more than just wood and bricks to be condemned, commandeered and sold to the most politically connected bidder.�

Keene continued: “Susette Kelo and the Cristofaros are the heroic victims of seven people in the so-called Constitution State who do not understand that the constitution limits government power, not expands it. Today, a man’s home is no longer his castle. Today, a man’s home is the city’s castle.�

In February, Susette Kelo received the 2006 Ronald Reagan Award from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation. Her acceptance speech is available here.