When Big Brother Wants Your "Stuff" (FL Socialists Trample On Property Rights Alert)

Worldnetdaily.com ^ | 09/12/06 | Joseph Farah

[goldstategop]

We don't own property in this country. Try not paying taxes on your home and you'll discover how illusory your property rights are. You would think its enough for our socialists, comprende? Not really. In Cooper City, Florida, the City Fathers have taken it upon themselves to pass an edict authorizing the city government to seize your personal effects in the event of an emergency. "For your own good." Where have we heard that before? It seems the only party that owns anything free and clear is government. We're well along the road to collectivist despotism and our officialdom is testing to see how much more they can get away with. Next Big Brother will decide he wants to take your life. In the meantime, in Cooper City, besides seizing your personal effects, the authorities have arrogated to themselves the power to confiscate your firearms and ban public meetings. So much for the Bill Of Rights.

(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )

[Recovering_Democrat]

When was this law passed? What is the name? I want to now, since I am familiar with and know people in CC.

ONCE AGAIN another story ignored by the South Florida LameStream Media!

[Ben Ficklin]

This is a typical World Nut Daily article.

They take an article, such as this one from the Sun-Sentinal, copy it word for word, except they leave out the part they don't want you to read.

[TankerKC]

Even the most well-equipped, efficient, resourceful and powerful government in the world can't take care of everyone's needs in an emergency.

B-b-b-but why not? </liberal whining>

[TankerKC]

Why don't you share then?

...and, I'm no fan of WND.

[TankerKC]

Seizure law riles Cooper City residents

[Blue_Ridge_Mtn_Geek]

"except they leave out the part they don't want you to read"

Please point out which part of the article "they don't want you to read". If anything, what they left out is more alarming than what they included.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-sconfiscatesep09,0,5658448.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

[Ben Ficklin]

It would take many, many people, working full time, to correct the mis-info that gets posted on the internet.

Its not my job.

[jeffers]

I have exactly one response for anyone, government or otherwise, who trys to violate my property rights.

We have rights because we insist on them.

I choose to insist, and negotiation is not an option.

Take it if you think you can, otherwise, respect the Constitution. These are the only choices I'm willing to grant.

[gitmo]

This law removes a citizen's means of survival in times of direst need. Floridians need to take these traitors out NOW.

[Ben Ficklin]

How about the fact that the State has the same power? Or, it is not actually confisticated, but compensated for?

[TankerKC]

Its not my job.

Then why bring it up?

I found the link anyway.

[visualops]

Under the city law, once the city declares a state of emergency, officials would be able to regulate fuel and alcohol sales, close any place of public assemblage and prohibit public possession or display of firearms. In addition, they would be able "to confiscate merchandise, equipment, vehicles or property needed to alleviate any emergency condition."

Confiscated property would be returned within 30 days after an emergency ends. And the city must compensate an owner for using personal property, which would have to be returned in the same condition in which it was seized.

Note that I still believe this is unconstitutional. However one would hope in times of emergency that people would willingly step up and help if they have equipment.

[Adder]

So you are saying that the generator I am using to keep my home going is fair game for the state/city to take and let my neighbor use because he doesn't have one? And because I am "compensated", its ok?

There are a lot of "Big Brother" elements to this nonsense like taking from those who are prepared and giving to those who do not prepare. I would not like it...and I don't care how many other towns do it...or the state for that matter.

[Ben Ficklin]

"I found the link anyway"

A great may people know that WND, and others, recycle and edit the news to suit their agenda.

Some don't and some don't care because that is what they want to hear.

As you pointed out, it only takes about 20 seconds and a couple of clicks.

[Einigkeit_Recht_Freiheit]

So what is property compared to liberty.

There is a lovely cadre of FReepers just dying to give up more freedom to the government in the emergency we call WOT.

Phone taps and unwarranted searches are just hunky dory as long as its W. As soon as its a RAT govt. it is a totally different story. I can't stand hypocrites and the blind are even worse.

[Ben Ficklin]

As the actual un-plagerized and un-edited article points out, one person complained.

[mc5cents]

Phone taps and unwarranted searches are just hunky dory as long as its W. As soon as its a RAT govt. it is a totally different story.

Oh boy, I hope you are wearing your asbestos underware. It could get hot around here.

[Captain Rhino]

Very true. Here is an important part of the Sun-Sentinal article that they left out:

Under the city law, once the city declares a state of emergency, officials would be able to regulate fuel and alcohol sales, close any place of public assemblage and prohibit public possession or display of firearms. In addition, they would be able "to confiscate merchandise, equipment, vehicles or property needed to alleviate any emergency condition."

Confiscated property would be returned within 30 days after an emergency ends. And the city must compensate an owner for using personal property, which would have to be returned in the same condition in which it was seized.

(A hat tip to TankerKC for posting the link.)

The article notes that the state of Florida already has this power legislatively along with other Florida communities but that it has not been used. Given the requirement to return the property in the same condition it was confiscated in and pay for its use (both conditions presenting endless potential for litigation), a town or city would probably be very reluctant to take on that expense and liability unless absolutely necessary, especially if free aid ain the form of supplies, equipment, and services were available from the state or federal government.

The only parts of the report that bother me are the possible confiscation of guns under the prohibition of public possession and display and the lack of some outside authority to terminate the emergency if the local government wouldn't at the end of 30 days. Obviously, for personal security and protection of personal property against looting after a natural disaster, citizens must retain their firearms. Anti-gun zealots might use a real disaster as an excuse to order police to seize firearms and retain them for the duration of the "emergency."

[commonguymd]

A couple hundred bucks for a generator won't do me a bit of good if the power is out. Taking my things against my will even if compensated is still confiscating my things.