Big Bank does right thing; dentists clean up as jaws drop across the land.

[Manny]

BBT has decided that it will not fund projects by private developers on land taken by eminent domain. (http://www.forbes.com/technology/feeds/ap/2006/01/25/ap2476186.html) It's a teensy part of their business -- this isn't akin to RJR deciding not to make cigarettes any more. But still, for them to take a philosophical stand on this is laudable.

[corplinx]

Mostly symbolic. But it gives me the big middle finger pointed at government feeling regardless. I like that feeling.

[Cleon]

Good for them!

[toddjh]

With the huge, huge popular condemnation of recent interpretations of eminent domain, I'm surprised legislatures aren't falling all over themselves to restrict it. I know some action has been taken, but I'm curious why there hasn't been immediate and widespread action against it.

Jeremy

[Cleon]

With the huge, huge popular condemnation of recent interpretations of eminent domain, I'm surprised legislatures aren't falling all over themselves to restrict it. I know some action has been taken, but I'm curious why there hasn't been immediate and widespread action against it.

Jeremy

Because the same developers/companies that have the money to pressure governments into abusing Eminent Domain also have enough money to bribe legislators.

[TragicMonkey]

With the huge, huge popular condemnation of recent interpretations of eminent domain, I'm surprised legislatures aren't falling all over themselves to restrict it. I know some action has been taken, but I'm curious why there hasn't been immediate and widespread action against it.


Some are, some aren't.

Mine isn't, because my area's cities, and indeed, probably the whole state, is rife with well-heeled developers who contribute heavily to elected official's campaigns. The neighboring city, Virginia Beach, is in the habit of using millions of dollars of tax payer funds to go into "partnership" with developers to add yet more hotels to the beach. The city council is pretty much the developers' b**ch. The Kelo ruling was a great delight to the hearts of those running that city.

[luchog]

Mine isn't, because my area's cities, and indeed, probably the whole state, is rife with well-heeled developers who contribute heavily to elected official's campaigns. The neighboring city, Virginia Beach, is in the habit of using millions of dollars of tax payer funds to go into "partnership" with developers to add yet more hotels to the beach. The city council is pretty much the developers' b**ch. The Kelo ruling was a great delight to the hearts of those running that city.
My city is pretty much the same way. Screw the citizens, it's all about giving Big Business carte blanche to do whatever they want; with the city council, mayor's office, state legislature and governer keeping their noses planted firmly in the developers' asses.

[peptoabysmal]

Yep. This is land theft, American style.

[TragicMonkey]

Yep. This is land theft, American style.

Well, it is a nation founded on land theft. It's just that we're supposed to steal it from other people, not ourselves!

[peptoabysmal]

Well, it is a nation founded on land theft. It's just that we're supposed to steal it from other people, not ourselves!
My family history is such that one of my ancestors was fighting against the new Americans.

That being said, I don't have a problem with the spoils of war going to the victor, but having it stolen by slimey politicians and lawyers disgraces my ancestor. :p

Too bad that something that was intended to do good for society, by providing a way to secure a public asset like a Hoover Dam, has been corrupted to line the pockets of developers and public officials with fresh greenbacks.