Tis the Season! However, its also the season when politicians try to ram bad policy through COUNTING on YOU being distracted by the Holidays. Truthfully, you SHOULD be able to focus on the Holidays but this bill is NOT something you want to find in you...
While the crony capitalism prevalent in Texas made national news headlines during the 2012 presidential campaign, the practice has not been curtailed. One need only look to the ongoing saga between private property owners and pipelines in Texas to see that the politically influential continue to script law that grants them special privilege. The ability of legislators to convince the public of their commitment to the rule of law, private property rights and free markets … Continue reading →
Landowner Julia Trigg Crawford and her attorney Wendi Hammond announced that they have filed their appeal against TransCanada with the 6th Court of Appeals in Texarkana. The brief disputes TransCanada’s attempt at taking Crawford’s property on the basis that TransCanada has yet to prove the company is a common carrier, but is instead a private foreign company utilizing its pipeline for private gain. “Our appellate brief is now in front of the Sixth Circuit Court … Continue reading →
“Only one candidate for Railroad Commissioner has the proven experience and ability to lead the agency and protect private property rights.” That is the opening line from one of Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman’s re-election radio ads (emphasis added). The problem, at least from my perspective as an engaged citizen who has fought to protect private property rights in Texas for years, is that Mr. Smitherman has not lifted a finger to protect property from eminent … Continue reading →
Nebraska was one of only fourteen states to see the successful passage of a State Sovereignty Resolution in the two year period 2009 – 2010, while well over thirty states had resolutions. In other words, the passage of the Nebraska resolution on April 13, 20101 , was no small thing. It took an organized effort… more
I’ve received some feedback on the most recent article published here “TransCanada Trojan Horse: Keystone XL Pipeline Will Increase Gas Prices“. That feedback confirms my earlier concerns about the use of environmentalist rhetoric in the pipeline project debate. That feedback also confirms that anyone else interested in running for Miss Popularity in the state need… more
As we’ve noted here, more than once, our primary interest in the Keystone XL pipeline project was the conduct of Nebraska’s elected officials at both the state and federal levels, and serious concerns about property rights. We did not have an overall position on the project and we did not recommend any particular action. Our… more
On Tuesday we wrote an article about the TransCanada pipeline issue that has been getting a lot of reads and generated a number of e-mails and phone calls. We even drew the attention of one of the people mentioned, Bold Nebraska’s Jane Kleeb, who stated that she wants to sit down and have coffee. Tuesday’s… more
Recently I had an opportunity to converse with Rep. Paul Opsommer about the hotly debated DRIC bridge and HB 4961. Below is the results: Joan: Rep. Opsommer, thank you for your time. As Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee I appreciate the information you have to share today. Rep. Opsommer: Thank you, it is my pleasure. Joan: I [...]
To what degree will you fight for there to be arable land in Texas that has...
...No property tax and no possibility that it can be forced onto you by vote?
...No possibility of the government taking your land?
...No possibility of the government forcing you to vacate your home?