Some People Just Don't Get It
This story from the Montgomery Advertiser is about how some people in Autauga County want zoning to protect their "property values." A quote:
"I'm for zoning because trailers bring down your property value. Personally, I don't have anything against trailers. It's just that if I want to sell my house, I want to sell it for what it's appraised for," Kareem Howard said.
Some people just don't get it. Howard is black. Take the statement above. Replace "zoning" with "segregation" and "trailers" with "blacks." Think he'd get it now?
The article notes that some other property owners have made private agreements with their neighbours to protect against unwanted development. This is called a restrictive covenant, and is perfectly legal and legitimate from a libertarian point of view. Other people just want to force their preferences on others without bearing the cost themselves.
Zoning, like segregation, is using the force of government to keep people from using their property as they wish. Segregation had to be enforced by government to survive, because discrimination is expensive. Let us hope that Alabama counties do not acquire the power to legislate. That is why they are always clamouring for home rule. If they ever get it, they'll be no place left in this state where you can live without getting government permission to light up a BBQ or water your lawn.
"I'm for zoning because trailers bring down your property value. Personally, I don't have anything against trailers. It's just that if I want to sell my house, I want to sell it for what it's appraised for," Kareem Howard said.
Some people just don't get it. Howard is black. Take the statement above. Replace "zoning" with "segregation" and "trailers" with "blacks." Think he'd get it now?
The article notes that some other property owners have made private agreements with their neighbours to protect against unwanted development. This is called a restrictive covenant, and is perfectly legal and legitimate from a libertarian point of view. Other people just want to force their preferences on others without bearing the cost themselves.
Zoning, like segregation, is using the force of government to keep people from using their property as they wish. Segregation had to be enforced by government to survive, because discrimination is expensive. Let us hope that Alabama counties do not acquire the power to legislate. That is why they are always clamouring for home rule. If they ever get it, they'll be no place left in this state where you can live without getting government permission to light up a BBQ or water your lawn.
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