Don't Let Me Stop You: Eminent Domain for the Rest of Us

Ryne also called this little gem to our attention. Logan Clements of Freestar Media, LLC : has a great idea for a development project in Weare, NH. He writes to the local authorities:

"Dear Mr. Meany,

I am proposing to build a hotel at 34 Cilley Hill Road in the Town of Weare. I would like to know the process your town has for allowing such a development.

Although this property is owned by an individual, David H. Souter, a recent Supreme Court decision, 'Kelo vs. City of New London' clears the way for this land to be taken by the Government of Weare through eminent domain and given to my LLC for the purposes of building a hotel. The justification for such an eminent domain action is that our hotel will better serve the public interest as it will bring in economic development and higher tax revenue to Weare.

As I understand it your town has five people serving on the Board of Selectmen. Therefore, since it will require only three people to vote in favor of the use of eminent domain I am quite confident that this hotel development is a viable project. I am currently seeking investors and hotel plans from an architect. Please let me know the proper steps to follow to proceed in accordance with the law in your town."

We love it! Here's more from the press release:

Freestar Media, LLC : "The proposed development, called 'The Lost Liberty Hotel' will feature the 'Just Desserts Cafe' and include a museum, open to the public, featuring a permanent exhibit on the loss of freedom in America. Instead of a Gideon's Bible each guest will receive a free copy of Ayn Rand's novel 'Atlas Shrugged.'

Perfect. Actually, if the museum is open to the public, we can even call that a "public use," not that Justice Souter thinks that's necessary. Alternatively, we can claim Souter's actions have "blighted" the property:

Clements indicated that the hotel must be built on this particular piece of land because it is a unique site being the home of someone largely responsible for destroying property rights for all Americans.

'This is not a prank' said Clements, 'The Towne of Weare has five people on the Board of Selectmen. If three of them vote to use the power of eminent domain to take this land from Mr. Souter we can begin our hotel development.'

Clements' plan is to raise investment capital from wealthy pro-liberty investors and draw up architectural plans. These plans would then be used to raise investment capital for the project. Clements hopes that regular customers of the hotel might include supporters of the Institute For Justice and participants in the Free State Project among others."

One might think there's no chance at all of this coming about, but this is New Hampshire so who knows. Perhaps Clements will be able to get three votes on the board for the project. At any rate, we can dream. Now where do Ginsburg, Kennedy, Stevens and Breyer live...

These guys are doing some great videos on liberty and rights issues, too.

Technorati: Kelo, Supreme Court, eminent domain, property rights