When I was younger, I never much paid attention to the wording, of “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation,” from the Fifth amendment. All I remember now is a vague sense of thinking that the government could only do this during wartime.

I realize now that public use is broader than that. But I don’t think it’s as broad as the Kelo v. New London decision would have it. I guess I’m too dumb to figure out how it constitutes “public use.” I looked up “public” in the dictionary; I looked up “use” in the dictionary; I still couldn’t figure it out. How does giving land to corporations constitute “public” use? How is adding jobs public “use”? I guess I’ll take the time to read the actual court case to figure it out, but for some reason, I still doubt I’ll get it.

While I was at it, looking up things in the dictionary, I also looked up “just.” This is arguable, but I don’t think fair market value for your home is “just.” I hope the cities pay for moving expenses and such. I really don’t know what they do.

All I know is, it really sucks for the common man.