[spodefly]

No one was trying to open a biker bar or a brothel ... the old man's house needed some paint and repairs, but he was living alone and not causing any degradation to the quality of life in the neighborhood by bringing in an unwelcome element. According to you, the quality of upkeep on someones house is enough to have the courts and police involved. Apparently, compassion and understanding are not a part of your community.

[r9etb]

According to you, the quality of upkeep on someones house is enough to have the courts and police involved.

Not according to me. According to the law in Chicago. However, I do believe that in cases like this, property rights are not absolute, but must in fact be traded against community interests. Resolution of the conflicts between private and community interests are (and should be) handled by courts and enforced by police.

We can argue about the specifics of this particular case; however, the underlying point is beyond reasonable dispute.

I was responding to the comment that the condition of my neighbor's house has no real effect on my own property interests. Clearly I do have a stake, if (say) the condition of his house makes my house more difficult to sell. Part of living in a community is that I have a responsibility to take into account how my actions -- even on my own property -- will affect the neighbors.

Apparently, compassion and understanding are not a part of your community.

Apparently compassion and understanding are only one-way in yours. The man clearly had no compassion or understanding for his neighbors.