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Orlando Sentinel, August 16, 2007

Hometown Democracy and Property Rights

OPINION READER VIEWS


When I read Mike Thomas' entertaining columns, I usually chuckle, roll my eyes or wince for the latest victim of his slashing wit. However, I was absolutely mortified on Sunday to view his column promoting the deceptively named Hometown Democracy amendment.

The intent of this ill-conceived amendment is to strip Florida citizens of their individual private-property rights. If passed, this amendment would defile our state constitution.

Both the U.S. and Florida constitutions were designed specifically to protect individual rights, by limiting the powers of government. The reason America has a representative democracy with a system of checks and balances is to ensure no popular majority, individual or branch of government has too much power to subvert individual rights.

I sincerely doubt Thomas would advocate the freedom-of-speech rights of journalists and newspapers should be subjected to the whim of a popular vote, but this is exactly what he suggests is appropriate for your private-property rights.

Florida citizens should indeed send a message whenever they see a paid agent promoting the Hometown Democracy amendment. They should take the card graciously, rip it in half and politely remind the presenter that the purpose of Florida's constitution is to protect individual rights and freedoms, not diminish them.

Carol Saviak
Executive Director
Coalition for Property Rights
Orlando