Emiinent Domain - Happened In Fairfax Years Ago

[Henry]

The government wants to build a new port of entry at Morses Line, VT, and it plans to do that by taking land from a dairy farm through eminent domain.

But that's not okay with Brian Rainville and his family.  They've lived on that farm on the border for three generations.

For more on the story, click on the following link:

http://www.fox44now.com/global/story.asp?s=12345737

Back when the old Iron Bridge was taken down as shown in Mike Cain's two photos below, Donald Boutin was running the gas station and convenience store next door to what is now the Steeple Market.  The state decided to straighten out the road to the way it is now much to the dismay of Donald Boutin who posted signs and fought it toof and nail, only to lose the battle, much the same as will probably happen to Brian Rainville.  The gas pumps that Donald had up near the road became useless once the road was straightened.  I am sure many of you old timers will remember the struggle that went on during that time.

For many of those not involved in the loss of their property, it may not seem like much, but there are some things that money just won't buy.

[mirjo]

I vaguely remember that going on, though i was a kid at the time. I don't recall there being much of a convenience store business left there at that particular time though. Not that I agree with this "eminent domain" crap and think it's lousy how the government can just take whatever land they want (that's pretty much how this country was founded, if the history books are correct so, not much has changed in >200 years), but whether or not Boutin's had a viable business at the time, they should not have had to surrender their property!!

Neither should the Rainvilles--I think they're right in the assumption that the government is spending the money because it has to be spent--Morse Line is not a huge border crossing area and not likely to be. It's unreal how we have no control over a government that is allegedly "for the people, by the people," that's joke.  I wouldn't want to live in a different place, but more so than not, it seems our "freedom"   lies in the right to complain without being jailed or killed.

[7F24]

Kind of explains the "End Tyranny and Oppression" sign that used to hang out front.  I always wondered...thanks Henry.

[Henry]

Thanks Tom,  I tried and tried to remember what that sign said, but it was up there for years.  Not sure just when it was taken down.

[cedarman]

"I wouldn't want to live in a different place, but more so than not, it seems our "freedom"   lies in the right to complain without being jailed or killed."

I agree with this comment for the most part.  I commend those individuals who fight the good fight against government infringement on the rights of ALL of us.  I don't always agree with the stance the people or groups are taking (ACLU stands out as one in particular), but I do respect that even if their positions might be disagreeable, they are protecting OUR rights. 

Sometimes, they are protecting rights many people are willing to surrender in exchange for the PERCEPTION of security.