Government

Minnesota Land Right Fight: Commissioner Calls Constitution ‘Old Document’

Editor’s note: This is a special report for The Blaze by Jessica Zummo of The Revered Review

Simple people living on “God’s Earth.” Simple people who just want the allowance and freedom’s their forefathers granted them. Simple people…who are simply being held hostage on their own land.

The landowners of Houston County, Minnesota, a small county in the southeast corner of the state, decided, over five years ago, that they were going to reclaim their property rights and their “pursuit of happiness.”

Today, they are still fighting for those very freedoms.

On the surface, the issue lies with an “updated Land Use Plan.” With additional amendments being proposed for adoption, many of the affected landowners started getting involved in their local government.

In 2006, they started attending the public hearings and County Commissioner’s meetings. “From the beginning, we experienced being ignored and belittled,” says a troubled landowner.

“We were told to sit down, to be quiet, and not to speak about our Constitution.”

At the same time, according to local resident Conrad Curren, the local newspapers started “taking sides” and “publishing things that were not true.”

Needing to take matters into their own hands, a small group of landowners decided that it was time to educate others, and themselves. With easy-to-read handouts of the Declaration of Independence, quotes of the Founding Fathers, and parts of the Constitution, the group spent their evenings going from door to door, talking to their fellow citizens and asking for support.

County Turns Up the Heat

In 2007, Houston County sued a young, newly married couple due to the new land use plan. The couple, who had just legally bought the home, was given four options to “settle the situation.” The couple was required to move their house fifty feet, purchase an additional 32 acres of land, sell their property to a neighbor, or tear their house down. Dealing with “impossible options,” the couple chose to appeal the ruling in the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court refused to hear their case, thus leading them to sell their property. The couple is now renting the very house they once owned.

Though a battle was lost, the war had only begun: The war for freedom.

“However, it has made the county afraid, causing some to just go along with the system,” said a member of the Concerned Landowner group.
According to County records, there are more than 50 similar situations in the area, situations that the landowners feel are “denied rights guaranteed by the Constitution.”

A Simple Solution?

“We the Landowners Concerned About Property Rights in Houston County do hereby call for the resignation of all the members of the Planning Board and Commissioners who do not agree with the will of ‘We the People…”

Joining forces and voices, the landowners of the county rallied together. In a grassroots effort, a group called Landowners Concerned About Property Rights was born. Together, they drafted  a resolution, which was signed by 700 of the County’s landowners.

The resolution, urging the County Commissioners to recognize the protections for private property and property use reads as follows:

“We the people, property owners of Houston County, desiring to reclaim our liberties and property rights as guaranteed and specified in the Constitution of the United States and the State of Minnesota, do hereby determine that the Houston County Board of Commissioners pass this resolution stating all interpretations and applications of the zoning ordinances shall acknowledge and promote the supremacy of private property. We the People retain the right to own, maintain and develop property as we see fit, free of restrictive zoning regulations. This right being guaranteed to all in their “pursuit of happiness.” These liberties extend until it can be proven that their execution brings harm to or infringes upon the rights of others. Let justice be served.

Seeking liberty and justice for all, let all zoning regulations be examined to see if they accomplish this intent. This document to be affirmed and recorded in full.”

This signed petition and resolution was presented to the Commissioners in 2007. The Commissioners never responded.

Media Madness

“The Letters Came in Droves”

Letters to the Editors hit the local newspapers as fast as people could write them. The landowners of Houston County, exercising their freedom of speech, used the local media as a venue for their voices, as they “wondered why no one was listening or even cared.”

Titled “Arrogance or Ignorance?” ,“County is Wrong!”, “Agenda 21,” the letters filled the newspapers- until one newspaper pulled the breaks.

A new headliner popped up from the editor of the Spring Grove Herald. The article, “New Policies for our Opinion Page,” explained that the paper will “stop publishing letters to the editor on the land rights issue.”

Feeling that the letters were “repeating themselves,” the editor, Heather M. Gray, went on to say, however, that they “will accept a limited amount of letters from any individuals who support the county’s current zoning ordinances.”

In a nutshell, those who opposed were not allowed to submit letters, however those that were in support, had the allowance to do so.

In a phone interview, Gray stated she, “did not feel that she was taking away the residents’ right to Freedom of Speech because they had said everything they needed to say.”

“They were just trying to sway people to think like them, but were saying the same things over and over again,” said Gray, who ironically, was also the Mayor of the town at that time.

Gray, when asked if she, in fact, felt it was acceptable to take away a venue for the people’s voices, stated, “Yes, for that period of time. We had published plenty of points of views. In my opinion, they had said enough.”

The landowners, who felt there was certainly more to say, were denied the publishing of letters from that point on. However, the Herald did allow them to take out “ad space” for their statements. The group was spending approximately $500 a week, just to say what Gray thought, “they said enough of.”

Today, the “freeze” is lifted, however, the residents are held to a 500-word limit, with the editor having the right to “edit as she feels fit.”

What is really going on here?

Why do the Commissioners and Planning Board members of Houston County, Minnesota feel as if these strict, nearly impossible demands and rules are acceptable? Why is the local media turning their heads away from the truth?

The answer lies respectably in the Constitution, or lack thereof.

“At some meetings, we are told not to talk about the Constitution and the protection it guarantees to US citizens,” claims the landowners spearheading this revolution.

On March 13, 2008, at a planning board meeting, this group continued to bring up the Constitution, freedom, and rights. “The board members would bristle in anger,” says the group.

Finally, Curren went to the podium and asked the commissioners if they “knew what they swore to uphold when they took their oath of office.” No one answered. After repeating the question several times, the board replied the same- with silence.

Soon after, a conversation was had between some landowners, Curren, and one of the commissioners.

“I know we’ve sworn to uphold the Constitution but it is an old document; times have changed,” stated Commissioner Tom Bjerke.

Surrounded by many landowners as witnesses, Bjerke continued on to say, “Quit bringing up the Constitution.”

Bjerke did not return any of the repeated calls in regards to this statement or situation.

Now What?

The Houston County property owners have endorsed new litigation to get government back in the hands of “We the People.” The Complaint, which was filed in the Minnesota Federal Court, asserts that the Houston County Commissioners, Houston County Zoning Administrator Bob Scanlan, the Board of Adjustment, as well as the Planning Commission and Environmental Service Director Richard Frank are violating the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the landowners in the county.

The case, which was filed October 3, 2011, will be seen in court on December 16, to decide on “ a schedule for the case.”

“We are not a litigious group,” said Robert Ideker, a Houston County landowner. “We have tried to work with the county, we have attended dozens of meetings and hearings, we have written dozens of letters, but no one will listen,” said Ideker.

In 2010, the group also filed litigation in the state court, challenging the land use plan and zoning ordinance, but during research and discovery in the case, many landowners learned that “the issues between the county and its citizens were significantly deeper than state level.”

“Those issues go to the heart of the Guarantees in the US Constitution, and are protected by the Federal Civil Rights Act.”

The landowners are now dismissing the state court case and have endorsed the Federal Case instead.

County landowner, Tom Groesschner said, “It is disappointing that it has come to federal court litigation but there is nowhere else to turn. It seems impossible, but we must get the government back into the hands of ‘We the People.”

The Landowners Concerned About Property Rights say, “ We are doing this because of our faith. We believe that the earth is the Lord’s and that men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. We all need to care for our families, run our farms and businesses, and better our lives as we so desire, being stewards of what God has given us.”

Comments (363)

  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:01pm

    Scam alert!

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:07pm

      You can SAY the constitution limits government but of course in a society issues come up .and the government will adjudicate what the laws will be pertaining to any human issue that comes up [is made relevent to competing interests or views] based on what[again] people in strategic positions of power [judicial,legislative, executive or the media which shapes public opinion] believe at the time regarding said issue. Those beliefs stem from their values of what is right and wrong, good or bad, just or unjust etc. Doesn’t matter a whit what the constitution says but what their beliefs are.Those in power will validate ther beliefs by self servervingly claiming it is constituional but of course the constituion can be interpreted however one likes so of course every one is right by that standard.Americans are brainwashed into having to validate their political beliefs by appealing to the constituionas if that said anything at all about how society should be goverrned or about what our values as americansare. Like all humans values and belifs evolve or change over time-it is simply silly to have toi justify ones beliefs on constituional grounds.A dead letter. All that is required is for the people in power to say it is constituional for any belief [and law arisiing from that belief] to claim legitimacy.The whole thing’s a game.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:42pm

      Alright Rose. You will not consider anything other than errors that have been pointed out to you. Nor should you…everyone has their place. This unique society needs people who will be free and who use the fundamental protections secured to them to protect it. The society also accommodates subservients. It works way OK for me if you choose a servant role — paying privilege taxes; obtaining licensures, giving up rights, permitting govt to direct just about every aspect of your life by permitting them to define the Constitution as they wish, &c. Its less that I have to pay.

      Report Post »  
  • RIGEL_ORION
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:49pm

    The abuse of power by the mayor/newspaper editor is stunning. In an open forum, it’s not the role of an editor to decide when one-side has had enough to say. Anyone in advertising can tell you that right about the same time your are sick and tired of seeing your own ads, is just about when the rest of the public has finally noticed them.

    This is not uncommon though. The unusual part was the editor/mayor actually admitting the censorship of ideas and attempts at propaganda by only allowing one viewpoint. This more subtle censorship by exclusion and weighting is how the media uses push polls and feature stories to push their agenda and create the perception of a false majority.

    I’d imagine people can write as many pro-government op-eds as they want in China too.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:56pm

      It’s not surprising; and an editor’s job very much includes what to publish. A newspaper is not an open forum. My local hometown paper did the same thing when debating a new wind turbine farm. The paper was owned by one of the richest families in town, and they were afraid of having their property values decrease; every opinion article on the topic was against the turbines.

      It’s not right, but it’s nothing new.

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:02pm

      Calling the Constitution “old” really ticks me off. The Bible is old too. Fundamental truths never change.

      That’s why it also ticks me off that people say we much sacrifice some liberty/freedom for safety like the antiPatriot act and “indefinite detention.”

      Either USE THE CONSTITUTION or toss it in the trash.
      Too bad that even some Republicans have chosen to “toss it in the trash.”

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 9:02am

      I meant it rhetorically [the constitution is like the bible].laws in theory get their auauthority from the constitution but of course laws can and are enacted that overturn previous ones and therefore in actuality what was prohibited becomes allowed or what was allowed becomes prohibited- based on the values of the people in power at the time [whether judiiary,legislative or executive-and the press which influences public mores].The so called authority of the constituion therefore can and does mean anything people in power want it to mean. [of course where specifics are stated [the age one must be to be a president,for example] it can always be amended.Both right wingers and left wingers ,republican and democrats swea rallegence[if elected] to the constitution. how can that be except that the constitution can be interpreted to reflect whatever values one holds-whether in economic theory or social or foreign policy.How can you disagree with that? Everyone professes “follow the constitution” yet believe dimetrically oppossed values.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 12:45pm

      Mention of the Bible being too old. Matt 5:18 Till Heaven and earth pass, not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law. Hmmm! Sounds good to me.

      Report Post »  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:47pm

    Is this like the old westerns on T.V.? The richest man in the county wants to change all the rules so
    he can get control all of the land, no matter what it takes. I can hear him now, “The Constitution be
    damned. I run this town.” Somebody is behind this. This sounds like a job for the Magnificent Seven.

    Report Post »  
    • Gary Fishaholic
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:13pm

      Sure does!

      Report Post » Gary Fishaholic  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 5:52pm

      There is nothing fundamental in the constitution. can’t you gulls see that?What the heck is cruel and unusual punishment? okay we all agree we shouldn’t quarter people today.So what. can you have capital punishment? life in prison without parole? Solitary confinement ?etc. the anwser is whatever those in positions of power believe , is deemed constituional.. the constituion is alot of hot air.Without it people could still decide what values they hold [concerning crime and punishment say] and enact laws accordingly. Till there is enough dissension to change those laws. on and on. that is what a parliamentary system allows-authentic discussion of values and beliefs and perhaps a constitution that guarantees actual conditions of life for citizens[health care or housing or education say].The constituion is a pompous emperor with very little clothes.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 7:00pm

      Rose. The Constitution is not as fickle as you would have it. The judiciary can interpret vaguarities, like ‘cruel and unusual’, but such are the exceptions. Problem is, We the People (me and, yes, YOU) have let them “interpret” the black-and-white.
      The Constitution says little about crime and punishment.
      Finally, if you believe that a rock-solid Constitution could somehow encompass health care, housing, or education (which it does not because it cannot) then how do you propose to insulate those items from the fickleness of which you complain? Who will set, and uphold as the constant standard you pine for, in health care, housing and education?
      Your ideas sound well-meaning. But they betray fundamental misunderstandings of what any constitution can do and what our Constitution does. A little bit of education will take you a long way, Rose.

      Report Post »  
    • DAGNY
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:55pm

      This isn’t new. So this is where our Republic is going. City councils and state legislators completely ignoring our national charter of laws because they think it is dated. Idiots! Don’t they know the Constitution is absolutely timeless.

      This isn’t the time to whine and make vague threats. People if you are not sitting in every council meeting recording every word said, they will push through things you’d never imagine. I spend a lot of time on my state gov website and watch the video of various committee meetings. It’s horrendous how one person can give testimony and for a change of law and the next thing you know, it’s a new law.

      We conservatives have always thought if we all keep our heads down and work hard nobdy can take what belongs to us, so we just go with the flow. Look where it’s gotten us!

      No more heads down. No more silence. You MUST get to your local meetings and speak loud and strong against violations to the Constitution. And above all, publicize what you hear. Share it with everyone you know via the internet and make sure they pass it along. It doesn‘t take long for a proposal to go through the system and pop out on the Governor’s desk so there is no time to sit around and wait for “somebody” to do “something”.

      BE THAT SOMEBODY!!

      Report Post »  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 3:14pm

      I’ll have to agree with DECENDENTOF56, the time is coming very soon to have to begin ‘persuading’ these facist/communists to stop them from over-reaching their authority. When this begins to take place, they may change their progressive views and the abuse of their power they are so brazzenly displaying. They work for us & do not rule us…..DECENDENT, I’m with ya & will assist in any way neccessary. A few of them need to begin long prison sentences for treason and they’ll think twice.

      ROSE-ELLEN please stop with the mindless progressive drivel, you’re pis*sing in the wind. When the SHTF you people will be the first to cry out for help against the tyrannts. People like myself and many others that are prepared to take our land back and urge our true constitutionalist leaders for a govt overhaul will not help or save you from the progressive brown shirts.You & DESERTROSE need to buddy up….The US Constitution & Bill of Rights IS the law of the land, we don’t care how you wish to interpret it!

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
    • privacyina9m80
      Posted on December 23, 2011 at 6:20pm

      Rose, the Constitution, much like issues of morality and dignity, is written concretely in black and white. Too bad you can’t see the writing.

      Report Post »  
  • SmallGovBigGuns
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:43pm

    send ol’ tom emails! let him know he is wrong

    tom.bjerke@co.houston.mn.us

    Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:52pm

      Thanks, smallgovbigguns.

      “TIMES” have NOT changed – people have changed.
      Time is nothing more than a measurement.
      An inch is an inch and a foot is a foot.
      Time does NOT change – PEOPLE change.
      It is time for people to change again – in the RIGHTEOUS direction!

      Let us all strive to RESTORE LOVE in our daily lives…
      each and EVERY day!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Thanks — I emailed my previous post to him — you made it too easy!

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:17pm

      My reply from him: Tom Bjerke tom.bjerke@thrivent.com

      2:14 PM (1 minute ago)

      to me

      I will be out of my office on a medical leave from TuesdayDecember 13th until Monday December 27th. I will be checking my email and try to get back to you as I am able.”

      Guess he got sick of peoples’ backlash! LOL

      Report Post »  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 7:19pm

      Hey, this guy is smarter than you’re giving him credit for. Anyone who can get away with calling being away 13 Dec to 27 Dec ‘medical leave’ is working with bunches of the not-so-sharp. But then, we’ve already established that.

      Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:41pm

    agenda 21 made easy…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TzEEgtOFFlM

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
  • bikerr
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:40pm

    Spring Grove Herald
    To reach the Spring Grove Herald office, or call (507) 498-3868.
    Email:
    sgherald@bluffcountrynews.com

    Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:39pm

    Agenda 21 for Dummies…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TzEEgtOFFlM

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • cemerius
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:35pm

      The days I cherish the most of my former Marine Corps days, was a nice cool early morning, splashed with the smell of spent gunpowder, and accurate rounds down range…….

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • SFYMP
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 8:52pm

      If all goes as planned by der fuerher, it will be cherished in our future as well. Semper Fi Devil Dog. Where’s Chesty when we really need him!

      Report Post »  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:36pm

    “Nessesity is the plea of every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.”
    - William Pitt the Younger

    Report Post » THX-1138  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:36pm

    When the taxpaying, productive, land owning citizens of this once great nation finally wake up and realize that they have been sold down the road by the greedy, arrogant slimeballs that “We the People” have elected to represent us on a local, state and federal level, there will be hell to pay. We are resolved, we are prepared and we are armed. The socialists, communists and progressives will all be fair game, as they are the threat to our freedoms.

    Report Post » team1blazer  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 8:30pm

      This is no different from what Castro and Chi did in Cuba and Central America.

      Report Post »  
    • dmforman
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:25pm

      By the time more people wake up and understand what Agenda 21 is all about it will be too late. The Agenda is being implemented secretly right now, as our bills do not stick to one common theme and have so much crap in them that the people voting aren‘t reading them in full and really don’t know what they are voting yes or no for.

      Report Post »  
  • CS_GUY
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:36pm

    To all parties wanting to prevent land owners from exercising their Constitutional rights, we say the following.
    Get out while you can still slither to your cars.
    If you come back or continue to “blackball” these land owners you will regret the day your ever ran for office.
    This is America and in America we follow the Constitution and the law.

    Report Post »  
  • EchoHawk
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:33pm

    While I empathize with the landowners, quoting The Declaration of Independence isn’t going to engender and Constitutional rights. I’d recommend seeking the counsel of an intellectual properties attorney, if they can protect the your rights to something that abstract then real property should be a breeze.

    Report Post »  
    • SFYMP
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 9:04pm

      It’s past time for lawyers fool! Who created the entire mess we are in? It is time for the people to direct the direction and course of this nation. And for crying out loud, get a backbone. Get a lawyer, what a sheeple. The property owners of this country better wake up and see if their area has signed on to agenda 21.. Most would be shocked to see their county and town on the list that have signed up. Over 600 cities, towns and counties. Wake up america.

      Report Post »  
    • kevinj319
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:32am

      I recommend the lawfirm of Smith & Wesson.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:43am

      In case you forgot to read the article Simple Fi several lawsuits have been filed and one state case dismissed. Either you’re a nation of laws or not, I know I know, conservatives want to overthrow the government every time they can‘t burn a cross on their own property but that isn’t how it works, you should have gotten used to that by now.

      Report Post »  
  • constitutionaldirective
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:33pm

    These people have a hard lesson to learn..

    The Constitution is only relevant to the extent to which We the People enforce it..

    WE the People.. have not had the TESTICULAR FORTITUDE (or the legal grounds) to enforce it since the Act of 1872..

    Now sit down, shut up and enjoy the will and whim of the Ruling Class like good little subjects!… 8(

    Report Post » constitutionaldirective  
    • CS_GUY
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:37pm

      You need a lesson in manners………

      Report Post »  
    • OneofMany
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 5:34pm

      @constitutionaldirective – You hit it BULLSEYE !!!

      @CS_GUY – you prove his point perfectly.

      Report Post » OneofMany  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 6:46pm

      Yes, BULLSEYE. The sad fact is that as terrific as this story is, the people will lose. Because in-alienable rights cannot be protected smorgasbord style, demanding them here and ignoring them there. These people gave up their property rights when they acknowledged local govt’s superior position by paying the property tax extortion.

      Less on for all. Protect your rights. All of them. Or lose all of them.

      Report Post »  
    • DRSAVAGE24
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 5:02am

      I am often a critic of Glenn Beck, but as a resident of Minnesota I appreciate this website being here to inform people of news other websites/news sources won’t report. Either due to my own ignorance or the media here not reporting on this, I had no idea this was going on until now.

      Report Post »  
  • AIDANMAN
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:32pm

    this is way liberals cheat on their wifes…. it was an old promise, things have changed.

    Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:32pm

    Is there an elephant in the room that no one outside of this town knows about? I kept reading the article, hoping to find out what exactly the issue was, and who was in charge of it. The closest I could get is that some MN local lawmakers are doing… something?… to land owners that they feel is unconstitutional. But I have no idea who is doing it, what they’re doing, or why. Could someone answer that? I read the entire article and could swear no one ever came out and said anything specific.

    Report Post »  
    • knighttemplar999
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:44pm

      I agree, I didn’t have the patience to read the whole article but probably the zoning ordinance was modified and some of the hillbillies houses were too close to the property lines. These are the type of dirty hillbillies who live in trashed out mobile homes and have NO TRESPASSING signs plastered on every tree.

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:53pm

      I see, the constitution doesn’t apply to dirty hillbillies. Great attitude.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:06pm

      And you wonder why we slap liberals around. It is easily comprehensionable

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • toolology
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:45pm

      I was wondering the same thing, then I did a simple Google search and found more specific examples. It is pretty abhorrent what these bureaucrats are doing in MN. Specifically, they have blocked land owners from building more structures on their land. There was an example that stated a farmer who owned 200 acres wanted to build a modest house for each of his five sons but was denied. Another wanted to build a new barn and tear down his old one. They denied and said he could refurbish his old one. It’s pretty disgusting.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:48pm

      @Toolology,

      Thank you, that’s the kind of information I was looking for.

      Report Post »  
    • trench99
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 5:58pm

      The Planning & Zoning commission along with the Mayor is enforcing land use laws retroactively forcing land owners to foresake their property. So the folks legally built their home, then the “commission” passes a law saying the easements must be “X” so the owner to remedy must purchase more land, tear down house, or what have you. That is my best understanding.

      Report Post »  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:52pm

      I am not sure what is so hard to comprehend. The article told the story of the young married couple who was forced to sell their house/property because of the county’s rezoning activities and how a similar situation was being faced by dozens more. They were not even given realistic options and not compensated in any way for their trouble. This is abhorent, and every citizen of this country should get involved regardless of vicenity.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:31pm

    wow, this is exactly the battle us Ron Paul supporters are in right now, corrupt politicians that REFUSE to uphold the oath they have sworn too.
    “The reality is Ron Paul is poised to become a major figure in the Republican Party if his momentum continues and he’s able to win in Iowa,” said GOP strategist Steve Schmidt, who managed the campaign of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the party’s 2008 nominee.

    Report Post » THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE  
    • asybot12
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 5:53am

      If he “managed” McCain’s campaign who was he working for? Not much of an endorsement! just sayin

      Report Post »  
  • Thors Hammer
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:30pm

    You can’t be the only one in your county that feels that way. Run for office, and keep running until you succeed. Be part of the solution. Help make changes from the ground up, and vote the garbage out.

    Report Post »  
  • altops
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:28pm

    Hang them …

    Report Post » altops  
  • drphil69
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:26pm

    The end of property rights means the end of freedom.

    BE PREPARED.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:25pm

    Small Government… Freedom… Bachmann!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:31pm

      Small Government? Freedom? Bachmann?

      I have one word for that, she voted PATRIOT ACT EXTENSION!

      That alone belies all of that bluster about her.

      To that commish; the times may have changed, but the ideas have not, and our guns still work as a redress of grievances. Don’t force your hand.

      RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD!

      RESIST THE NAZI POLICE STATE!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • uncleherbert
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:34pm

      I agree!

      Report Post » uncleherbert  
    • justangry
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:50pm

      Um… patriot act

      Report Post » justangry  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:13pm

      Bachman/Gingrich/Romney will be no different than Obama.
      She is a War monger just like the others.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 7:11pm

      Sorry Luke, but this is a person who proudly touts being a tax attorney on her resume. No candidate who knowingly participates in that fraud and extortion can make her words overcome her action. She doesn’t know, you say? Ask her, or any other CPA or tax attorney, what code section they turn to to define ‘gross income’.

      Only one candidate out there has consistently had the cajones to ask such questions and be prepared to take action upon it. It isn’t Bachmann.

      Report Post »  
    • Bakko Bomma
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:20am

      Ron Paul 2012

      Liberty or death

      Report Post » Bakko Bomma  
  • momrules
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:24pm

    On June 9, 2011 Barack Obama by executive order 13575 created the White House Rural Council. This is all part of The UN’s Agenda 21.
    Throughout America,right now, people are having their land rights stripped. The Federal government is actively taking through new regulations citizen owned property.
    Please research this. This is going on under the radar.

    Report Post »  
    • bdwatcher
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 6:54pm

      This has been in the works for over 50 years. Even Bush signed the UN Rio agreement, Clintin signed his, and Obama signed 2 more executive orders, 13575, which takes control of all rural lands and executive order 28591 which takes control of all coastal areas. ICLEI (International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives), a UN organization, goes under many different names professing they have the way to help development of all areas of the US. There is maps designating what we will end up with if this is done. All these progressive organizations, funded through the UN, gives counties funding if they comply. The words used is Urban Sprawl, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Growth among others. It is the UN’s objective to relieve the sovereignity of the US to the UN or New World Government. 150 nations have signed agreement to international development for sustainable growty. It is in direct contridiction to the Constitution. There have been some successful lawsuits prohibiting international guidelines to infiltrate our governments, starting at the city, county commisioner leve. Go to youtube and look for agenda 21 for dummies. Search TDR, Flume. Then you can follow links and become educated in this process going on. It is the taking of all our property rights, when they are gone, then all personal rights belong to the government. Persue your happiness, work and play within a 5 minute area.. China cities? Your rights will be what government will allow you to have.

      Report Post » bdwatcher  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 6:10pm

      If this is true (it DOES sound like a scary conspiracy) then biblically, they are trying to concentrate people in order to control them. America’s land mass is too large to do it effectively UNLESS you start herding people into restricted areas. SPOOKY! And no one will pick up a gun and use it, either. People on here keep saying lock and load – but we all know it will never happen. The end is here!

      Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:21pm

    Way to go land owners!. Keep the pressure up.Don’t quit.

    Report Post »  
  • felix
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:20pm

    BJERK is a liberal,progressive communist and needs to be tarred and feathered and dumped in a poop tank !!

    Report Post »  
  • midnightgolfer
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:18pm

    I know you take taxpayer money to pay your salary, but you’ve been at it for so long you forgot we can get rid of you. You’re too old.

    Report Post »  
  • rienheart
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:17pm

    Keep up the GOOD FIGHT. Many in America are behind you on this. AGENDA 21 Must be Disolved.

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:15pm

    It would have be very helpful, if the reporter had bothered to include what the ordinance actually says, instead of blustering twenty paragraphs that say nothing but “Constitution,“ and ”rights“ and ”freedom.”

    Report Post » Mandors  
    • rienheart
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:19pm

      All you have to do is read AGENDA 21. That is what is being implemented throughout the United States. It is a United Nations Agenda to take control of America.

      Report Post »  
    • bhelmet
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:30pm

      Judging by your comment, you would need a lawyer to understand the ordinance anyway. Talk about missing the point. “Constitution”, “rights”, and “freedoms” ARE what it is about – you may not care about yours, but MOST of us do. You’ll miss them when they are gone. Since you regard them so lightly, I hope none ever hears you say, “First Amendment right” when you are being told to shut up or sit down.

      Report Post » bhelmet  
    • Beck-n-ing The Blaze
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:37pm

      MANDORS, I agree. What exactly is this about, in specific terms? In the one example where the couple had 4 choices, it sounds like there may have been an issue with property lines, but it’s very vague. I’m not saying the county or county officials are right in what they are doing – we just need to understand what exactly they are doing before we can form an opinion. The author of the article should have spent some time on that.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:38pm

      @Bhelmet

      ““Constitution”, “rights”, and “freedoms” ARE what it is about ”

      I’m with Mandors; I have no idea what this issue is about, and the author never says. The closest I could figure is that some local MN legislators are making additional legislation that makes buying property more onerous. But Mandors is right: what the rules are are never mentioned. How the Constitution applies is never touched upon (heck, the author says “Constitution” 12 times, but never what sections she means, or what issue is Unconstitutional).

      It feels like a Pavlov’s dog reactionary article. Say “Constitution”, “rights”, and “freedoms,” get people outraged. But I have no idea what they’re outraged about and would appreciate more information before whipping up a batch of righteous indignation.

      Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:46pm

      @BHELMET

      What rights are being taken away, exactly? How do you know? Maybe they are, maybe not. Why did the couple have to move the house? Why did they have to supposedly buy more acreage? You don’t know. The article DOESN’T SAY. This is yet another instance of bad journalism on this website. So, stop thumping your chest, when you have no idea what the facts are.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • RIGEL_ORION
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:00pm

      Regardless of whether an article is throwing around terms or not, I think the meat of the situation is very valid and extremely pertinent to our time.

      Would you say that with the right zoning and restrictions a local zoning board could effectively make it impossible for anyone but a select few to own land/property?

      Think about it. By creating enough obscure regulations and hurdles (all in the name of the public good), a group could make the simple ownership of land too expensive or cost inefficient for all but a few select people with loopholes. The beauty of all these progressive regulations? They’ve just progressed us back to the time of Noble landowners and Serfs.

      So, YES, all of these zoning regulations should have to be evaluated and decided based on the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:10pm

      @Rigel

      “Regardless of whether an article is throwing around terms or not, I think the meat of the situation is very valid and extremely pertinent to our time.”

      However, it is extremely pertinent to this situation. What is being done? Who is doing it? Why is it being done?

      I agree with your example, that purchasing land could be made very difficult. However I don‘t even know if that’s the issue here. I’m just making guesses because the article never says what the issue is.

      About the only thing I got out of this was that some landowners are upset, feel like some lawmakers have violated the Constitution, and a commissioner called the Constitution old. While that makes him a moron, I‘d rather know what’s going on before getting mad about it.

      Report Post »  
    • bhelmet
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:15pm

      I do know the facts – using zoning laws to force people from their private property. Not Constitutional – backhanded way around the Constitution. That point was plain as day.

      Report Post » bhelmet  
    • DesertPaine
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 7:16pm

      No Mandor, it would not have mattered a bit if they cited an ordinance. Ordinances cannot conflict with state laws or statutes, statutes cannot conflict with laws and laws cannot conflict with with the state or fed constitution. To the extend that property rights are the issue (very possible, although that isn’t your argument) then it doesn’t matter what an ordinance says.

      Report Post »  

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