"The theory of the Communists may be summed up 

in the single sentence: 

Abolition of private property."

—Karl Marx

The Problem

According to polls following the landmark Kelo decision, more than 86 percent of registered voters believe eminent domain abuse is wrong, and harmful.  Eminent Domain powers are being abused in America.  The Kelo decision emphasized the trend that more and more government officials and politicians have no regard for the property rights of average Americans.  Seizing a home so that condos or a big box store can be built is but one way that average Americans are abused.

Using the force of government to intimidate and threaten property owners into selling their property for less than fair market value or for some illegitimate purpose is common. No thoughtful person doubts our need as a society for schools, roads, parks or government buildings, but the Constitution guarantees fair treatment.  

The same people that enforce the government's position on eminent domain, do not have empathy for your position because they are not likely to be threatened with condemnation.  And there exists a much better chance those enforcers will profit excessively from selling their property to the government.  

We are the wealthiest nation in the world.  We are spending $10 Billion a month  trying to stabilize the Iraqi society.  We spend billions of dollars to fight AIDS in Africa.  And we're spending trillions of dollars in an attempt shore up our own economy.  All worthy causes, but surely we can build roads and schools without mistreating the very Americans that make all of the above possible.  Americans should not have to defend their own homes from fellow Americans, elected or appointed.

The Constitution is clearly limits the government’s ability to forcibly take property.  Compensation must be just and the condemned should  be restored to substantially the same position prior to the taking.  Still, some politicians and bureaucrats are destroying the foundation of a free America, one home at a time.

In June of 2005, most Americans felt betrayed and outraged that the Supreme Court ruled that local governments could take their home and sell or give it to another politically connected person that promises a more profitable use for the government.  Politicians all over America assured us that although issues surrounding eminent domain issue were complicated, those politicians could be counted on to fix the loopholes and right the wrong.

It is now 2009 and efforts to repair the complicated process of eminent domain in lieu of the Kelo decision are all but non-existent.

Our homes are where American life happens.  Here, we raise our children, celebrate holidays, and mourn our losses.  Home is where we go when we need to feel safe.   And homes are usually the largest single investment for any American.  Some homes are nicer and more attractive than others, but they are all homes for someone.  If we embrace the attitude that governments can take our homes, at any time for any reason, then we are willingly surrendering our unquestionable right to our family’s foundation and the very foundation of American freedoms.

Polls tell us that, 117 out of 136 million, registered voters clearly understand the principle of private property ownership and how other facets of American life and prosperity rest squarely on that principle.  People of all political persuasions, races, religions, or economic status are in total agreement on this single issue.  We must now realize that the people we elect to represent us do not own us, our thoughts and certainly not our homes.  We must understand that if enough of unite, this dilemma will get attention.

Eminent domain abuse is simple.  But the political process around it is complicated.  Real reform of eminent domain must begin with average Americans... those with an interest in protecting their homes.

The Solution

We know that special interest groups with very limited memberships have shaped the laws and policies of America very successfully.  A sizeable group of average American property owners concentrating on restoring property rights to Americans will also get results.  Please join with us, if we all stand together, we will once again realize the American Dream of home ownership without the fear of some group of politicians using our homes for their own purposes.  While we must encourage our elected representatives to provide necessary services and make our communities better, we can no-longer accept the destruction of America's private worth to achieve these common goals.

American property owners must unite on this issue and force change.  With your help, we can create the Private Property Project, a non-profit clearinghouse for information and resources aimed at protecting property owners in many ways.  And we'll start by advocating change. 

"The moment the idea is admitted into society

that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, 

and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it,

anarchy and tyranny commence."

—John Adams

Battles over eminent domain are often cases of David versus Goliath. Very few Americans can match the spending power of even a small municipality whose officials have experience in seizing property.  

The struggle we have endured with the City of Stockbridge has pushed us nearly to the breaking point.  Both our personal and business finances have suffered.  And  we’ve endured the emotional suffering that comes with uncertainty and injustice.

We love this country.  We dislike abuse of power.  If you feel the same way we do and want to help preserve fundamental rights, we are asking for your financial help. If you can’t donate financially, we hope that you will take a moment to register your email address so that we can invite you to join the Private Property Project at no charge once operational.

With your help, we hope to  create our new dream, the Private Property Project, a  non-profit organization aimed at preserving rights.  Ours and yours.

Thank you.