rest in peace

[just_a_sliver]

Old cemetery poses grave dilemma for buyers of Vermont farm

By LISA RATHKE, Associated Press WriterSun May 4, 2008

The 130-acre property was exactly what Michel Guite and his family wanted: an old Vermont farm with mountain views, rolling hills and meadows.

There was, however, one wrinkle: The property included a small family cemetery - with the

Comments

[adarkjewel]

I wouldn't move the remains. I'd simply build my home on another part of the property. I mean, we're talking about 130 acres, for goodness sake.

[just_a_sliver]

So do you oppose moving remains in general?

[adarkjewel]

I do. I feel that one should respect the land. If you buy land with a cemetery on it...or ancient trees...or a historic building, it's your responsibility to care for it.

[just_a_sliver]

In most cases, I would agree with you.

[esthompson]

It's the call of the zoning board, probably.

[tomcatshanger]

I don't get the problem.

These folks are dead. I promise they don't care where their bodies are.

The fact that "respect" for the dead of 196 years ago means not using a part of one's private property sounds less about respect, and more about control.

Why in the world would it be OK for the govenrment, via eminent domain, but it's not OK for a private citizen to do the same thing?

We're not talking about a private citizen stealing someone else's property like eminent domain, we talking about moving what's left of bodies.

[just_a_sliver]

I agree. That's why I would be willing to move them. I would keep them on my property because I love cemeteries and it would be cool to own one.