More reasons to love Koch Industries

[ninboydean]

http://www.observer.com/2010/slideshow/131739/eminent-domain"How did the Kochs manage to build up a pipeline network of this magnitude? By getting the government to use its tyrannical powers of eminent domain forcibly seize private property on Koch Industries' behalf

Comments

[induke]

The only real evidence of eminent domain abuse the article cites is the case of a Minnesota pipeline. I've read through the article, and it's talking about affected landowners, but doesn't say anywhere that they used eminent domain to gain access to land. There is only one veiled reference to it (one landowner says the land agent told them "they would get less if the company has to go through the eminent domain process").

Having worked for a long time for a wind farm developer, I know firsthand that landowners can be less than truthful (and that's putting it delicately) when it comes to large project development. It could be out of sheer ignorance sometimes, but more than likely it's due to them not receiving as big of a pie as their neighbor. Stories like this are far too familiar to me, and my old company never used eminent domain to gain access to property.

[gunslnger]

Here's the referenced article. Yeah, I'd say it sounds pretty much like that. I see no indication that there was any eminent domain usage. The "lack of due process" referenced is in regards to the notices sent out about using the right-of-way.

http://www.glencoenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=31&ArticleID=17180

[ninboydean]

Actually, the article directly refers to easements, which are by definition the usage of property not yours.

But don't let reality stop you from defending your privileged thieves! After all, they manage big industry - their theft is justified!

[induke]

The article refers to easements, I never denied that, and I know what they are, thank you very much. What's your point?

[induke]

The Observer piece reads like a huge hit piece on the Koch brothers. I'm surprised they didn't mention the fact that the Kochs use public roads when driving.

[ninboydean]

"the U.S. Forestry Service subsidizes them to do it by forcing taxpayers to fund the construction of new logging roads that provide loggers with access to virgin growth-a nice welfare arrangement for the industry that costs taxpayers over $1 billion a year

[ravidiedtonight]

Cool story bro.

You need to learn more before slinging accusations.

[montecristo]

Not all people who call themselves libertarians are Cato-ites. Using the Koch brothers to smear all libertarians is a dishonest attack.

[typewriterking]

Oh look, the resident Anti-Semite arrives to sling poo.

[ninboydean]

"The Jews! The Jews! The Jews!"

Doesn't your ridiculous culturalism ever get tiring?

[reality_hammer]

A utility easement != theft of property.