In fact, fighting eminent domain is a sobering experience. Private property owners facing the threat of eminent domain quickly learn that they are not standing on a level playing field legally, economically or politically.

Among other lessons, there is a lot of play in the “just” of “just compensation.” The power of eminent domain brings with it a sense of entitlement. At that point, property owners are merely an obstacle to be swept aside — when, in fact, they possess the key asset coveted by government and the corporation.

But property owners can fight back. Our two-year battle against Houston-based Spectra Energy which seized our property rights for an underground gas storage field led to the development of a website which has begun to attract whistle blowers inside the energy industry. We are collaborating and helping property owners in many states. For info, visit the site: http://www.spectraenergywatch.com/blog/

By the way, our new neighbor, Spectra Energy, has received two Notice of Violations for “unlawful conduct” over the past 2-3 months related to emergency shutdowns and emissions at its storage field in Bedford County, PA. Reports of contaminated water supplies are on the rise since they began operations.

Like Kelo and Atlantic Yards, the ripple effects of eminent domain are never over.

Even in the old west when they hung a horse thief they would box up his possessions and send them to his next of kin if they could find them.