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Libertarians Condemn Media Corporate Welfare Scheme

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November 13, 2000--The Libertarian Party of New York condemns a scheme by The New York Times to have the state condemn property so that the media giant can erect a new building at the expense of the taxpayers, the landowners and their tenants. State Chair Richard Cooper declares that "The New York Times and other media should expose eminent domain and corporate welfare, not use them. They are so arrogant that they have conducted a design competition to build on land they do not own. New York State and City taxpayers would foot the bill for them. Congress should investigate if Federal funds would go to this scam.

Libertarians identify corporate welfare and eminent domain as legalized theft, using state power to deprive people of their property. We call this example Timesscam."

The Times wants the Empire State Development Corporation's 42nd Street Development Corporation to condemn the properties on Eighth Avenue between 40th and 41st Streets. The cost to the taxpayers has not been reported by them.

City Libertarians speak out against Timesscam. Manhattan financial analyst Jak Karako "This is where political pull is above and beyond all rights, where twisted laws are passed under the disguise of public good." John Clifton, a Queens social worker, argues "Eminent domain is a prime example of the wrongful use of force by government to seize other people's property to unfairly benefit a private company." Bronx scientist Robert Goodman asks "Why can't the Times shop and pay for space like everyone else."

Libertarians are fighting the City of New Rochelle's threat to condemn homes, businesses, and churches to make way for an Ikea furniture store. Richard Cooper contends "Ikea should furnish homes and businesses, not wreck them through the state's eminent domain law."

Libertarians are battling the Town of North Hempstead's seizure of St. Luke's Pentecostal Church, offering $80,000 for a property for which the church paid $130,000. A Zoning Board official said "We have enough churches here in New Cassel." In response, the House passed an amendment sponsored by Ron Paul and Carolyn Kilpatrick to bar using Federal funds to seize religious institutions. St. Luke's is one of three plaintiffs in a lawsuit, filed by the Washington, DC-based Institute for Justice, challenging New York's eminent domain law. Cooper thunders "Moses said to Pharaoh: Let my people go. The Libertarian Party says to our modern Pharaohs--the politicians and bureaucrats-- let these people stay."

Cooper charges that these abuses of property owners violate the US Constitution. The Fifth Amendment reads "...nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." He asks, "How is furniture public use? How are newspapers public use?" The Libertarians propose amending the law to prohibit forcibly transferring property between private parties.

The Libertarians call upon concerned Americans to speak out against these threats to property owners, taxpayers, and tenants.

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