April 27, 2007
New London seasons greetings
The infamous Kelo v. City of New London case, 545 U.S. 469 (2005), involved a woman whose house was taken through eminent domain for economic development. It wasn't a very popular ruling, and most states almost immediately amended their statutes to prevent that kind of thing.
The homeowner herself sent a Christmas card to the city councilmen which contained the following little rhyme:
"Here is my house that you did take
From me to you, this spell I make
Your houses, your homes,
Your family, your friends
May they live in misery
That never ends.
I curse you all, may you rot in hell
To each of you, I send this spell
For the rest of your lives, I wish you ill
I send this now, by the power of will"
My professor read that and then said, "Obviously, she's a little... peeved."
Yeah, I'd say so.
She arguably made $300,000 on the deal, because the city gave $440,000 for a property appraised at less than $140,000.
