The following announcement makes me feel good that there are legislators who recognize the need to protect property rights in this country. The seizing of property from individual property owners to transfer it to other individuals who will improve it so the local government can receive more property tax revenue has the ring of socialism about it, and does not comport with traditional American values.

A group of California lawmakers is trying to block the impact of a U. S. Supreme Court ruling expanding government’s power to seize private property.

Senators Tom McClintock and Dean Florez have introduced a state constitutional amendment that would prohibit governments from seizing private property for anything other than public use.

Sen McClintock, a conservative, and champion of property rights, hopes to get the amendment on the November ballot. He is running for Lt. Governor in 2006.