Henderson

Owning your own home. The great American Dream. But it is not just the dream of Americans. It is the dream of millions throughout the world — way beyond the slightest glimmer of hope for most but an unquestioned right of Americans.

Our forefathers viewed the private ownership of land as a critical element in the creation of a great new nation. Thomas Jefferson believed, “The small landholders are the most precious part of a state.” The 5th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution promises us “…nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” The Washington State Constitution is even more protective. Article I, Declaration of Rights, Sec. 16 promises; “No private property shall be taken or damaged for public or private use without just compensation having been first made...”

Because of the promise of these constitutional rights, we think of our homes and private property as a “sanctuary” – our castles – protected by law. Free from the demands of landlords and unlawful invasions.

The very people we elect to uphold our constitutional laws are violating the protection of private property promised by these two sacred documents in unprecedented measure. They have turned over lawmaking to appointed officials and their bureaucrats who not only have no regard for our laws but also believe they have the power to rewrite them. And they are re-writing them and daring our legislators to stop them. And nobody is stopping them! If one of our constitutional freedoms is violated – which one is safe?

Private property has been disappearing across America at an alarming rate. Property owners are being assaulted by an almost unintelligible maze of federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations and taxes. Using regulations that arise from the Endangered Species Act, wetlands regulations, government acquisition of “open space,” Clean Air Act, biological diversity, Shoreline Management Act, forest regulations, watershed protection, Clean Water Act, Growth Management Act, and now “Smart Growth,” Americans are being deprived of the responsible use and enjoyment of our own land. Industries, farms, jobs and American dreams are being destroyed. Land being placed in government coffers is taken off of the tax rolls and the financial burden shifted to the relatively few remaining owners of private property.

The cost of these regulations is shocking. Like increases in production costs of commodities, they are passed on to consumers (home buyers and renters). Fewer and fewer home buyers qualify or can afford the extravagance of owning their own home. Our children will not enjoy the gratification of home ownership so well known to our fathers and their fathers before them.

We must take a different path. Home ownership is one of the values that has made America the greatest country in the world. I urge you to elect leaders on all levels of government who honor their oath to protect and defend our Constitutions as well as protect our environment.

There is a balance. Check it out. “Blueprint 2001: Drafting Environmental Policy for the Future” www.heartland.org/environment/apr01/blueprint.htm.