Bulldozed: 'Kelo,' Eminent Domain and the American Lust for Land

by Carla T. Main

No domestic policy issue more angers or galvanizes the public than the controversy over eminent domain-the taking of private property for public use. The stakes in this always controversial procedure have been dramatically raised in recent years as eminent domain has been used to fund private development. As the notorious Kelo case in New London, CT demonstrated last year. The practice of using eminent domain to enrich municipalities is an incendiary issue. Veteran journalist, Carla Main, takes a hard look at this practice and delivers an incisive expose that is sure to be widely read and hotly debated.

330 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2007

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would recommend this book, but I only gave it two stars. First, I am against economic development takings. I think that the process erodes faith in government and works against the "American" society. But, this book is poorly written. The author switches from analyst to advocate to analyst... Comparing PR moves by the city to Bill Clinton is one example of poor analysis. Second, her review of Daniel Webster work on eminent domain from a contractual standpoint is terrible.

I understand that she had a difficulty telling both sides of this story. And, it may be, and probably was, that the economic development takings looked bad. But, the author did a disservice to herself and those who oppose this sort of takings by writing this book in it's style.

To those unaware of takings, government, and economic development, this book will prove incendiary. But, to those aware, it will be a missed opportunity.

[Booklover]

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