Imminent Domain, my family history.

[Vercades]

I was working with my father today, when the subject of imminent domain came up.

The history of my family being involved with this law begins with my grand father a World War veteran, and upon his death he did not receive a military funeral for his services, I'm not sure why but, I'll learn more later.

My grand father did own a piece of property that the government claimed imminent domain on. My grand father built the business he had there up from the ground and, sold it to the government for 30,000 dollars, Now, after a few decades years the property he previously owned is well over millions of dollars. My father didn't fight imminent domain but, he did settle for what the government offered, afraid that if he did fight he wouldn't be able to take care of his children for lawyer bills and such. This information is taken from my father's witness and, understanding.

There was an interstate built through where my grand father's entire life was, he ran a restaurant and a truck stop, legend has it from my uncle that Colonel Sanders wanted to start a franchise with my grand father one day, my grand dad declined because he didn't understand the concept putting it delicately.

I haven't got a complete understanding of why imminent domain is issued in governmental projects but, I would like to know more if someone has a little experience in that field.

Questions that remain in my mind are;

1. Why would the government step in and claim this law on a business that is flourishing?
2. Why would the government force this on a veteran soldier of the United States?
3. Who is the individual that appeals the law and sets it in motion?

If you cannot answer my questions, I welcome any kinds of thoughts or, experiences you might have on it.

[Nick Grana]

That's a tough one. 1 and 2 are easy. Because the government can do anything it wants. Just be reminded of the things they have done just lately.
Number 3, I guess, would be you (or other family members).
It's next to impossible to fight Immanent Domain now, much less the advancements made on your behalf a long time ago.
You would have to talk to a lawyer (oh yeah, great) with special interest in Immanent Domain Law.
Found this..Immanent Domain and many more just on the same lines.

As I've always said, "We Americans (in history) have no problems taking land from anyone if it suits our purposes." Native Indians and Native Mexicans come to mind quickly but there are more.
Are we now too good to take Iraq or any other country upon our demand?
We do it to our own people all the time and history proves we have done it to others than "our" people.

This should be a good thread.

Just a psycho babble on my part but I also have strong feeling on this.
Good luck.

[renegade600]

there was a recent supreme court ruling where your land can now be taken for any reason, not for government uses. It can be taken because some rich dud can build a shopping mall that will supposely generate employment and tax dollars.

You can find all the info you want about this by searching the net.

[Vercades]

Thanks Dan, you gave me a starting point one I needed. I read this article on the supreme court ruling you spoke of, I am a bit concerned about it, will read more.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2300783_2.html

Near the end I read this part that intrigued me.

Originally Posted by Washington Post

And in a separate dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas sounded a rare note of agreement with liberal groups such as the NAACP, which had sided with the property owners in the case.
He protested that urban renewal has historically resulted in displacement of minorities, the elderly and the poor.

I am a register Democrat, I haven't decided on any positions on this but, obviously I'm leaning a little closer to the liberals here. Thanks again.

[uripyores]

Originally Posted by Nick Grana

Immanent Domain

Error 404

Sorry, we can't seem to locate that page

@Vercades
Do you have the equivalent of Citizens Advice Bureaux, if so that's where I would start if I were you.

[Nick Grana]

Yeah, thanks Dan.

"disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms."

The government will be involved by any action. It may be federal, state, county, city or town, but they will make the decisions. Some fat cat can not just up and vacate you.

Sorry about that link I made. It did work because I test before I submit.
Here's something similar: Eminent Domain (gonna spell this right sometimes)

[Vercades]

Originally Posted by uripyores

@Vercades
Do you have the equivalent of Citizens Advice Bureaux, if so that's where I would start if I were you.

There's the Better Business Bureau which is kind of relevant but not really, I'm ignorant of anything else that offers citizenship advice in the U.S.

So far all I can get info on it is news sources.

[uripyores]

Aha! We have a similar thing called "compulsory purchase" - just another name for theft by government. [nb:my opinion] They can do exactly that if they can think of a half believable reason......roads usually.

[Vercades]

Today, I got to talk a little bit more with my dad about the situation. How it went down was that traffic was getting really cramped in the area where my father built his truck stop, the government foresaw the disaster it'd be if nothing was done, so what happened was they moved my Gram pa from the place and build a bridge over where he had his business, later my Gram pa trued to rebuild his business a mile away but, to no avail. It closed down and, life was rough for awhile.

I agree that the road should have been built in that area, I'm just not sure why they needed to put a bridge there, confuses me a little.

Read a little more about it and, I think these things being built for imminent domain should be for public use only and not for private business's like building strip malls and, condo's to help line the rich mogul's pocket with green.

Gonna read more about this, I'll keep updating the thread if people actually want to read it.