Public Housing a Public Nightmare?

pO157.

Posted to Politics on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:10:29 PM EST (promoted by port1080). RSS.

A reporter visited a few sites and was shocked by what she saw. No children playing. No residents outside. The constant pop-pop-pop of random gunfire. Broken glass scattered across trashed playground equipment. Pools of human blood spilled across the sidewalk, remaining there for days. Remaining citizens cowering in internal rooms of their homes for fear of their safety. Animals and insects coming in through gaping holes in the roof. Narcotics trafficking and looting in broad daylight.

Where was this? Afghanistan? Iraq? Sudan? South Ossetia? Tijuana? No. Urban public housing in the United States.

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When Does Eminent Domain Trump Free Speech?

MayorBob.

Posted to Legal on Mon Jan 08, 2007 at 08:15:46 PM EST (promoted by 1fastdog). RSS.

The concept of eminent domain says the state may decide upon the most appropriate use for property.  Normally, it's applied when a municipality, county or state wishes to construct a highway or some other sort of public project and it needs to take control of property which is "in the way" of completion of said project.  However, the law has recognized the right of the state to assert eminent domain in cases where public projects are not at issue, but rather where economic interests are in play.  Thus, we've determined that the Fifth Amendment takes a back seat to eminent domain.  But, what about the First Amendment?  According to the highest court in Pennsylvania, even free speech rights hold second position to eminent domain.

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