Did You Know...

To balance out all the green eco-hysteria filling the air today for Earth Day, I’m using the event to honor private property rights.

*As our friends at the Competitive Enterprise Institute remind us: “[W]e need to create a far greater role for private ownership and property rights in environmental policy. There’s a reason why Bengal tigers are critically endangered and domesticated cattle are not, despite high levels of demand for products from both animals. Allowing individuals and local communities to exercise legal ownership of natural resources gives them a potent motive to act sustainably.”

*Read PERC’s “Private Solutions” profiles. An introduction:

Private individuals are powerful agents of change. They can restore healthy forests, clean contaminated land, and reduce energy consumption if they have the right incentive. When they prosper from their efforts through markets, they can “move mountains.” Be inspired. Read some amazing stories.

*“The Fable of the Bees” should be required high school/college reading to counter eco-myths of market failures.

*The Institute for Justice, at the vanguard of defending private property rights, has a new campaign against civil asset forfeiture abuse. Learn more here.

*Here’s a useful primer on takings and the Fifth Amendment.

Refresher…

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.