Proposition 98			00.00 05/06
	Opinion
	Sigh.  Missed again.  When the proponents of Prop 90, which mixed control of eminent domain with the repeal of zoning laws, saw that Measure go down in flames in 2006, we thought they might learn a lesson and come back the second time with a clean measure restricting itself just to the control of eminent domain.  But no.  This time, if we want to restrict the use of eminent domain, we must also agree to do away with rent control.  This is not a fair request. Clearly, restrictions on the use of eminent domain are badly needed; when the proponents actually get around to presenting this as a distinct and limited proposition, we will support it.  Each of us is entitled to build the life we want, and buffer it within the set of possessions and property with which we are most comfortable.  It SHOULD be a rare and difficult thing for the central planners, under the cover of arbitrary laws, to take any of that away.  Eminent domain is a tool increasingly being used by the central planners to impose their "vision" of the good life upon the rest of us, as if we were all just pastel people eager to live in pastel blockhouses.  Their growing arrogance and eagerness to manipulate others should be stopped. Rent control is less obvious.  Imposition of rent control IS a taking; it reduces the ability of the owner to get a return for the use of the property that justly matches the cost of maintaining it.  If a proposition were on the ballot, focussing solely upon doing away with rent control, we would support that too.  But in so doing, we would have to note that laws are already in place in many cities specifically supporting it and that in those cities some people rely upon rent control in order to afford a place to live. The issues are different.  On the one hand, to stop government's expanding power to completely take away private property.  On the other, to significantly reduce the existing authority of government to manipulate the price of housing.  It is possible for thoughtful people to oppose the use of eminent domain, but support rent control (wrong though they might be). In fairness to the voters, these issues need to appear as separate propositions, to be separately debated and decided upon.
	Vote NO on 98.
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