Eminent Domain is Simply Theft, Just Like Taxation

I really hate the use of eminent domain. This compensated theft also goes by other names around the world such as expropriation, resumption, and compulsory acquisition or purchase.

Simply defined,

eminent domain is the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

I would contend that the use of the word “right” is a misnomer for “power” and payment of compensation is relative to those doing the paying and the definition should more appropriately be defined as,

the power of a government or its agent to steal private property for public use, with payment of compensation of what the thief deems “fair”.

I realize that the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution addresses this issue as “…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” I assume that there is much legal history and precedent in many nations for this act and any number of justifications for the necessity of the theft. I don’t contend to make any claim to be well versed in the legal mumbo jumbo that enables this act through the legal system or what constitutes “public use” or “just compensation”.

I recently became aware of a project that is mostly a commercial pursuit with a slight public element; whereby, a parcel of land is being claimed under the guise of eminent domain. Today I listened as these folks described how their land, their own piece of heaven that had been in the family for decades, was slated to be taken using public need as justification. I am a strong property rights person and believe that this is a basic tenet of Liberty, so this was hard to watch without becoming a bit emotional.

The taking of people’s property by force in this manner is no different to me than theft by taxation. This act of public theft is often touted as for the greater good. Take my stuff, to do stuff, to help other people and their stuff. I get the argument about needing infrastructure and the additional costs that often would be incurred by the public, but those costs should be weighed by the potential loss of Liberty Every Time It Occurs. End rant.