Socialism for The Rich

October 04, 2006 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

Economist Thomas Sowell writes that eminent domain abuse is like a form of socialism that takes money from the poor and gives it to the wealthy:

For example, the city of Riviera Beach, Florida, is planning to demolish a working class neighborhood under its power of eminent domain, in order to prepare the way for a marina for yachts, luxury condominiums and an upscale shopping district.

What will the city of Riviera Beach get out of all this? More taxes from higher-income people, enabling local politicians to spend more money on programs to attract votes.

Meanwhile the rich get rid of lower-income folks without having to pay them the value of their homes and businesses that will be demolished. As in so many other cases, eminent domain is socialism for the rich.

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