Hands Off My Home!

Institute for Justice Lawyer Scott Bullock
Announces the “Hands Off My Home” campaign

The brilliant lawyers at the Institute for Justice have launched a grass-roots campaign to protect the rights of ordinary citizens to enjoy their property without fear of it being confiscated and sold to someone determined by a political body to be richer or more deserving. I’m a donor to the Institute and I hope that others will join me in supporting IJ financially, even if it’s with a small donation of $10 or $20.

Another thing that one can do: write letters to state legislators and governors insisting that they create or strengthen state constitutional protections against such theft. Most state legislatures make it easy to write letters by email, so there’s no excuse that you don’t have a stamp handy. A complete list of state legislative web sites can be found here; on the left column select your state and on the right select “Legislators.” Many of the websites also have guides for you to determine which of the members represent you in the legislature.

I know from experience that simple, reasonable, and respectful letters to legislators can make all the difference. I’ve already gotten a number of people to send out letters. I hope that you (if live in the U.S. or are a U.S. citizen abroad) will join them.

As an example, here’s a letter that was sent today to Colorado legislators (with variations sent to statewide office holders):

Concerning: Property Owner Rights in the State of Colorado

Dear Mr./Mrs. XXX:

Given the recent deplorable ruling concerning property ownership rights by the United States Supreme Court I believe that Colorado must take the responsibility to protect the property rights of private Colorado citizens.

I ask you to initiate and pass a law that would prohibit a government entity, at any level, from confiscating or forcing the sale of private property to transfer it to other private parties. The taking of private property and transferring it to a more “desirable” owner is un-American and very frightening. How can anyone be secure in the enjoyment of his or her property if a city council or the legislature can determine that they would rather that someone else own it? Then it’s not property at all, just a loan from the government, who might decide to loan it to someone else.

Thomas Jefferson said that we would get the government we deserve. I do not think that the citizens of Colorado deserve a government that can force property sales to benefit others, including that government.

This type of governmental action sounds more like an authoritarian state where everything is owned by the government. Here in Colorado we pride ourselves on our independence and we do not tolerate incursions by out-of-control government agencies, local or state.

I would ask that you take the lead in this effort, in our state, and be the first to bring this before the Colorado State Legislature to ensure that the laws of this state continue as a bulwark against such unconstitutional activities.

Sincerely,
XXX