The Libertarian Party of Texas strongly condemns the abuse of eminent domain powers by the City of San Antonio to take away the property and livelihoods of hardworking citizens such as Vince Cantu and his Moses Rose’s Hideout Bar.
Eminent domain, the power of the government to take private property for public use, is a destructive tool that allows politicians to prioritize their personal wishlists and crony projects over the livelihoods and businesses of private citizens. The government’s purpose is to protect the rights of its citizens, not trample them.
Unfortunately, government entities have been known to widely abuse eminent domain powers, taking property from individuals and small business owners without compensation or for the benefit of private development projects. This overreach of power is not only a violation of property rights, but it also destroys communities and harms the economy.
“This was not a run-of-the-mill eminent domain ‘we’re going to put a pipeline or a road through this property,'” Vince Cantu tells Reason Magazine. “This is property on the grounds of Texas liberty. This is blood-stained soil that we fought against this very thing, this whole idea of a government coming in and taking away your way of life.”
The Libertarian Party of Texas believes in protecting the rights of individuals and small business owners. We believe that taking away someone’s property and livelihood is morally wrong and a violation of the principles of a free society.
We call on City of San Antonio government officials to respect the property rights of their citizens and overturn its use of eminent domain powers. We will continue to fight against eminent domain abuse and protect property owners’ rights.
We urge citizens to speak up when they see eminent domain abuse happening in their communities and to support candidates who will fight for property rights and against eminent domain abuse.
