SB 174 -- Eminent Domain Referral Movement Launches Website

Jeremiah M. Murphy and the folks pushing to refer SB 174 to a public vote have launched a website to promote their cause. These opponents of special government intervention in emeinent domain proceedings to benefit DM&E and other rail interests appear to be tuned in to the Internet as a campaign tool: along with using the website to recruit petition circulators and announce petition signing events (none listed yet, but the site's only been up for a day!), "Protect Private Property" is also including the SD blogosphere on his press release list.

Broadcast note: SDPB's South Dakota Focus discussed eminent domain on Thursday. SDPB will rebroadcast the debate Sunday at 1 p.m. Central. You can also watch the program online.

Protect Private Property also sends out a note this morning highlighting an editorial from the Brookings Register:

The right of an individual to be secure in his home, on his own land, is no longer sacrosanct. In a sweetheart deal solely for the benefit of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, the South Dakota Legislature gave that American promise a shot to the heart this year by making sure West River landowners couldn’t delay their settlements with the railroad as it seeks to take their land.

When the Legislature starts passing laws to benefit one specific company, it's time to rein 'em in. DM&E may enjoy corporate welfare, but they'll find darn few sympathizers among South Dakotans who've worked for their land and never get special favors from Pierre.