Eminent Domain Abroad and at Home

From today's NYT, an article filled with indignations from "human rights" experts about the "tens of thousands" of Cambodians who have suffered "land seizures that lead to evictions." The confiscations, derided as "serious human rights abuse[s]," are justified on the grounds that the property is needed for "modern buildings, modest malls and plans for skyscrapers."

For any defender of property rights, the moral outrage is justified. But it is difficult to see the difference between this "human rights abuse" and those committed in the U.S. by "redevelopment agencies," coastal commissions, and looting politicians doing the bidding of developers and corporations.

If you are interested in helping to defeat such violations of an individual's right to property, I suggest that you support the "Institute For Justice." (See www.ij.org)