Crude filled train blows up in N.D.

[icenine]

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-...#axzz2pLyXl7gz


Makes an interesting point that because of no continental pipeline there may be a resultant increase in train explosions.

[piece-itpete]

I've lived near a very busy high speed rail for many years. I've been considering putting together a little emergency kit like masks, disposable suits etc.

Pete

[MrPots]

My issue with pipelines are property rights. The private lands that would have to be confiscated to build it.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by MrPots

My issue with pipelines are property rights. The private lands that would have to be confiscated to build it.

As was the case with the rails carrying those tankers. As would be the case if we chose to truck it on highways or fly it in planes.

[MrPots]

So where does it stop? Any time someone with money wants a piece of someone else's property for one reason or another he can just take it by petitioning the local government with enough green.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by MrPots

So where does it stop? Any time someone with money wants a piece of someone else's property for one reason or another he can just take it by petitioning the local government with enough green.

The constitution specifically addresses this issue. Also, the Supreme Court ruled on a famous case in which the state wanted to take land from one private party to give to another in support of a project that would economically benefit the public. The SCOTUS sided with the state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._City_of_New_London

The issue is whether there's a viable public need for the property in question.

[MrPots]

Even if it's simply rows of apartment building.

Private property isn't really. If someone with more money comes along and can convince the local regulator with reason or cash that they want your property, it's theirs, no matter how many decades it's been in your family. In most states you're simply renting the property from that entity called the state or the city anyway.

[merrylander]

At least the Aussies are honest, there you 'rent' your land from the government, on a long term lease.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by merrylander

At least the Aussies are honest, there you 'rent' your land from the government, on a long term lease.

Don't pay your property taxes for three years and you'll find out damn quick who owns your real estate.

Chas

[MrPots]

Originally Posted by merrylander

At least the Aussies are honest, there you 'rent' your land from the government, on a long term lease.

That's what we do too, except it's a yearly lease on the land and building.

It's a mystery why they bother issuing titles.....

They used to collect rent on the contents of the property too, furniture and appliances and such but quite that a few years back.