Political Quotes

“today we will again address private property rights. And there is only one issue: whether or not we will obey the fifth amendment. For those who haven't read their constitution lately, I would like to quote these 12 profound words. The final clause of the fifth amendment states the following: ``* * * nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.'' This is a simple statement that requires little explanation. Just as a thief need not destroy the property he steals to be guilty, neither must the Government necessarily require a landowner to vacate his property for it to be taken for public use. Mr. Speaker, without these 12 words, we would be little better than a socialistic society. I, personally, subscribe to the axiom that if a man has done nothing wrong he has nothing to fear. Unfortunately, many law abiding citizens have a great deal to fear from the Federal Government. Why? Because our environmental agencies create laws and regulations that destroy the value of their property. In my district, millions of acres of timber lie unharvested because the government exercised its authority to save the spotted owl. The Government has the authority to take my land. It also has the authority to save owls, but it does not have the right to do so without justly compensating you or me for it. Mr. Speaker, let's reaffirm the fifth amendment, protect private property rights, and pass H.R. 925.”