Georgia family farm fights land seizure, claims eminent domain abuse

[@bradleygt1070]

This is disgraceful, leave these people alone. Private companies should never be allowed to use eminent domain.

[@StFrogdog]

THEY CANT, A corporation HAS NO STANDING IN LAW!!!!!

[@bradleygt1070]

@ you are absolutely correct., but the unfortunate reality is that the government and corporations are in bed together and this happens more than we realize

[@walt1064]

Eminent Domain laws need to be changed. A law should be put forward to change whom or who can use it. And the value of property should be for actual cash value. Not a realtor.

[@swskitso]

Just like laws some states have about cutting trees on others property if the land owner does not wish to sell they should be paid double or triple the value of stolen land.

[@chrisjudy4088]

​@@bradleygt1070 WHY don't people SEE this.? The govt and the corps are thick as thieves.

[@katiesioux7757]

They are definitely abusing those laws for private companies

[@elmerfudd5193]

It’s the Republican Way! Roberta court has given this country to benefit CORPORATIONS NOT THE PEOPLE.

[@codybeck5425]

Maybe those 5 officials should get the same treatment the CEO of united healthcare got.

[@katiesioux7757]

@codybeck5425 I concur

[@mentalog6018]

What's new?

[@harolddalejr5203]

We the people have to fight against corruption... No to government land grabbing...

[@UntetheredBanshee]

FOR CORPORATE BENEFIT AND KICKBACKS. What a shame that The country just elected an administration that is going to let corporations do absolutely whatever they want. As Mike Johnson said, " We are going to take a blowtorch to the regulatory state". From now on, The same railroads that have been murdering whole communities with their toxic spills now get to do whatever the hell they want on anyone's land they want. The new government is the most pro-business in history and I'm not sure why people think they're going to be protecting individual rights when a corporation is offering them money. And to be clear every administration on both sides is corrupt as hell And fully an oligarchy (One is a little less cruel towards the working man, but they've somehow convinced the working man that it's their party). We need a different way entirely. Now it's going to be run by a sleazy real estate tycoon and a trust fund baby with more money than brains.

[@AtlanRau]

2nd Amendment. Bet that 5 person council would think twice if the LAST time -- the farmer targetted ...also targetted the council and their families. You dig?

[@leenonolee4629]

@@AtlanRau That is a threat and does not good in furthering justice for the affected land owners.

[@AtlanRau]

@@leenonolee4629 Life is war, bub. Get used to it.

[@robinfallentine]

Part of our land is being taken to widen a road and making a roundabout. Not nice.

[@markwybierala4936]

A railroad is a private entity. The law clearly says “for public use” - not a profit making company.

[@davidasimpkins]

not according to the supreme court

[@ygrittesnow1701]

That is the bait and switch though. The government seized it. The government then sold it to the private company. During the seizure they can claim it was for the intent of public use. The law doesn't require they follow through and actually use it for public use.

[@ZuulGatekeeper]

Problem is each State can define 'public use' however they want. The rail road will bring investment & jobs to the area therefore it's public use or that's the story being told. It's all down to the Biden admins Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. They need the granite & a rail road extension will allow them to access it from a nearby quarry. So the Government wants it, State wants it, Business involved want it & the poor little farmers well who cares what they want.

[@donaldburroughs3310]

Sounds illegal to me, a train for private business is not a public improvement!!!

[@bmiles4131]

Politicians privatize to make money off of stocks, then use government to protect the private companies. The only way to stop is quit voting for crooks.

[@kellychamberlain2396]

Oh yes it is.

[@YOUR-WORD-IS-YOUR-BOND]

He's lying about not taking more of their property. Listen how his tone changed. Pay attention to his body language.

[@nowhereman7398]

Yes, he was squirming around like any other thief that got caught.

[@Lioness1499]

Fight, Fight, Fight. This happens to Black family land owners. My family has faced this in a different state. Land that has been owned for 159 years snice 1865.

[@luannestrickland4199]

@@Lioness1499skin color has no bearing as this is occurring to many in America. It’s just wrong

[@myurbangarden7695]

​@@luannestrickland4199 It absolutely DOES, Black families have been disproportionately subject to eminent domain for public works such as rail roads, highways and reservoirs. Between 1959-1970 2/3 of eminent domain land seizures happened 2/3 of the time to African American land owners

[@Falcon2609]

​@@luannestrickland4199BS

[@mgmassey174]

Stealing by another name. Forcing people to be removed by corporations is just wrong.

[@kellychamberlain2396]

Nobody was being removed. Just a rail right of way. What's the matter with you people. It's industry, jobs and commerce. It's what we need.

[@mgmassey174]

@kellychamberlain2396 self centered and oblivious to the suffering of others. To you money is all that matters

[@USMC_Motor_Tuh]

The railroad can figure out another way to connect the lines, without stealing people’s privately owned land. How would you feel if generational pieces of YOUR LAND were taken by force??

[@kellychamberlain2396]

@@USMC_Motor_Tuh Stop crying. 16 ft wide right of way and being compensated does not equate to stealing land. It's cry baby's like you who complain about everything that stops progress. These land owners should be happy to help create industry and jobs. Get out of the way if you can't help.

[@KR-ot5yv]

No eminent domain for private profit.

[@smokingjoe9864]

Pipelines and power wires are not government owned.

[@Dub0r]

@@smokingjoe9864 yes but those actually benefits everyone. power lines to houses and gas to gas stations. one so we have electric and the other so gas prices are not sky high lol.

[@shahs3262]

​@@Dub0r gas isn't delivered to gas stations through pipelines

[@smokingjoe9864]

@@Dub0r how is this different than other infrastructure? Go hug a tree.

[@smokingjoe9864]

@@Dub0r who is everyone? Regionally speaking, yes. Everyone will benefit.

[@cynnsantana9973]

If eminent domain is for public use, how does a private railroad company justify its claims?

[@jeabo0adhd]

In allot of states, eminent domain is allowed specific private uses like powerlines. I think its unconstitutional.

[@knight838_]

​@jeabo0adhd i dont know about everywhere but around me they have to buy the land or an easement. It isn't eminent domain.

[@IssacAintPlayin]

There is non it’s unlawful

[@SooHooSamaSito]

Eminent domain needs to be adressed in our Constitution.

[@Brap-pl2me]

It is. 5th Amendment. Takings Clause.

[@chrisjudy4088]

1000%

[@SooHooSamaSito]

@@Brap-pl2me That only defines the feds use of it, not state and local taking your land.

[@Brap-pl2me]

@ You’re incorrect. All government entities must abide by the basic standard set forth in the Constitution that private property will not be taken for public use without just compensation. The states may, in their constitutions and statutes, further limit their powers of condemnation, but they are still held to the standard set forth in the Federal Constitution.

[@SooHooSamaSito]

@@Brap-pl2me Instead of me wasting time illuminating cases that skirted federal law, hiw about we get rid of ED altogether. Problem solved.

[@katiesioux7757]

The money trail will lead to fat politician pockets

[@glennw7118]

My family's land in Georgia was taken through eminent domain for a highway. The compensation never adds up to what a family has worked to attain the land.

[@TimRannow]

A highway is public use, it still sucks that the state took it, but I feel that is legit. A railroad taking land isn't.

[@glennw7118]

@TimRannow it's never right when it's usually perpetrated against black folks. Do your research.

[@carrotspaghetti236]

Same. Maryland.

[@zacharyhancock8675]

Can you elaborate on the situation? How much land / house was taken. Was the payment much less then expected?

[@glennw7118]

@zacharyhancock8675 The money was less than expected. I'm 59 yesterday and I was probably an infant, so exact details I don't remember and many of my family who were directly involved are long gone.

[@billstill1794]

This horrific misuse of eminent domain needs STOPPED! It's all-out theft!

[@Benniibennii]

A private corporation enacting eminent domain that will be used to enrich a private corporation… that is no basis for the use of eminent domain. I would most certainly look at the board of directors that enforce this.. they must be enriching themselves by this venture to consider approving such nonsense. Fight fight fight!!

[@0f-the-land]

Shouldn't they be paying rent to the landowner? And not taking the land.

[@susanhurst3292]

It's easy for the board to decide where they can take properties, but I bet where they live, the don't have to worry. Shameless

[@sailawaybob]

who else wonders how much $$$$ or perks these public officials got from the railroad .

[@jgulley12]

Basically, they pick areas in which landowners can't afford lawyers to fight them back. The Institute for Justice is nonprofit.

[@Chowlife]

Thank you for covering this!!!!!! Pull everything into the light. We must rally around this family. Build a legacy museum On the land and they won’t be able to touch it. Damn these wicked ⚪️

[@YOUR-WORD-IS-YOUR-BOND]

Exactly 💯

[@straightopoint]

The rail road is a threat to humanity. Noise, spills, erosion, global warming and tiny lizards.

[@UntetheredBanshee]

That's brilliant, The land absolutely needs to be protected, this is so sick, And just proves not nearly enough has changed, despite everyone claiming we're all caught up on progress. The way the sleazy railroad owner just didn't even try to defend his own bullshit barely. He even said the quiet part out loud - " Jobs are what these people care about" Yeah you know how to pull their little strings don't you railroad man?

[@Watchingyou-r9q]

Maybe a good idea.

[@francismarion6400]

CSX is Warren Buffet. Just remember, his secretary pays more taxes than he does!😂😂😂

[@nboddie1036]

This is NOT a CSX issue. It's a different RR trying to build a spur connecting to a CSX line.

[@francismarion6400]

@nboddie1036 It IS a CSX issue.

[@jeffrme]

So what he’s saying is, we try and negotiate what we feel is fair and if you don’t agree we will just take your land!

[@sandydaniels2668]

That’s exactly what Illinois did to people in my town because they wanted the property for a 3rd airport that we don’t need in the middle of farm land. 20 years later nothing happening and people lost beautiful homes. Eminent domain is wrong.

[@shanesteel3757]

It's called theft plain and simple

[@wolfpacva]

Eminent domain is so wrong and should be abolished

[@ArthurC.Stewart]

I can understand it in very ,very RARE situations. But seems this 21st century its over used n used unfairly. As this case demonstrates.

[@jonathanjones3126]

​@@ArthurC.Stewartto many private developers benefit from it

[@ArthurC.Stewart]

@jonathanjones3126 Im well aware of the benefits SOMETIMES from the use of eminent doman claims. My point still stands. In this century too many cases of it being used improperly. Particularly against p.o.c. Im in Grand Haven Michigan. A pricey real estate market. I guarantee you youd not see Eminent domain actions against Our wealthier Caucasian land owners.

[@jonathanjones3126]

@ArthurC.Stewart I think their needs to be a constitutional amendment in place to restrict things like eminent domain with strict punishment included for government who try to abuse it. In my experience government tends to leave rich people alone just because they have better lawyers.

[@ArthurC.Stewart]

@jonathanjones3126 I agree. As in very strict legislation. Im a amatuer history buff. One example of questionable Eminent domain uses? Our Federal Highways. In West Michigan, Grand Rapids example. Look up US 131 . As it winds thru downtown Grand Rapids. Its been proven it was located deliberately in the poorer West side. Where Immigrants n p.o.c. had homes n small businesses. It forced them to sell. But no one touched the pricier Upscale neighborhoods or business areas owned by wealthy Caucasians.

[@amyreynolds3619]

Something like this happened I South Carolina. A lady who had lived on the land for generations was struggling to get landowners off of it. She won, and Tyler Perry helped her.

[@Dari-b5g]

Folks can sign for the county commissioners to have a Grand jury investigation to find out if they are illegally bribed with money or other personal gain. The truth hurts... .

[@lizzymoore54]

No, no, no ! Shame on the Georgia Public Service Commission!!!! This is wrong on so many levels. We’re praying for the Smith’s. 🙏🙏🙏

[@mentalog6018]

Warning ⚠️ Do not touch this land. They are being warned.

[@jrevan]

With all the derailments and spilt dangerous chemicals the railroad is known for would surely be enough reason to keep them out, they could ruin their property forever.

[@brotherlittlefoot2216]

I thought "condemned" meant "unusable"... If the RR company can find a use for it,then it shouldn't be "condemned" in the first place. And how is letting a private RR co. own it giving it up for "public use"?

[@thisorthat7626]

They are moving ROCKS! Not coal. Not oil. Not crops. ROCKS. Why can't the rocks be moved via trucks on roads? Corporations always claim that their expansion will help the community. I hope this family wins and keeps their land.

[@EnlistedBombin]

Should lease to the railroad in a irrevocable lease for X amount of years, with a options to extend. Keeps the property in the familys posession and keeps the businesses in operation. That quarry will not last forever so the land use should not last forever.

[@royhoco5748]

that is a idea but the folks don't want the railroad on their property

[@darrellm.9622]

Mf they don't have option to lease only to force to sell duhhhhaaa

[@EnlistedBombin]

@@darrellm.9622 Yes because the RR and the Private owner can not do deals without goverment intervention.. man your daft.

[@rose.g.]

He shouldn't have to lease his land, and definitely shouldn't have their land taken! Period!

[@Darci3333]

Railroads are corrupt.

[@chriswendschlag1856]

Thats how they got it to the west. See once upon a time in the west.

[@WhiteytheLab]

FIVE people took a vote and agreed they needed your land?! Eminent domain, as well as the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) need a a serious re-evaluation.

[@theresaj.pereda7648]

WOW! Totally shameful, who ever came up with that filth;

[@davidperez4755]

Those local city officials needs to be removed from public office, they don’t represent the local people they represent the power businesses out with them

[@davidcarp5935]

Local governments are the absolute worst. Many horror stories all over youtube

[@George-hl2xm]

Wow 600 acres I hope you win your case from these corporate criminals 🙄

[@CFaith23]

Thank you Institute for Justice 🙏🏼🇺🇸🙏🏼❤️God speed, wisdom and favor

[@americanindeon]

They think we're stupid is the problem!

[@AngellBrown-t9p]

When you condemn something it's unfit for use! "condemned" means declared to be unfit for use or service; If it's unfit for use then no one should use it for anything! This makes no sense at all!

[@JT-oq9eu]

Happens every day all across the US.. we had over 200 acres taken from our fifth generation family farm in Michigan for a private railroad.. we tried to get the public’s attention but no one cared.. wonder why 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@scottowensbyable]

I have neighbors that lost a farm of hundreds of acres to the corp of engineers dam project. They used their compensation to buy another farm. That new farm is worth 4 times as much as the old one. If you have to sell out use the money to buy more land. Most of the time people take the money and blow it on a "important" stuff that disappears. I live on a farm, I know the risk. Buy more land, that will preserve yourself.

[@roselynn816]

I care! This is not right!

[@Darci3333]

Eminent Domain should be outlawed😢😢😢

[@standstoreason3744]

just issue a citizens arrest for conspiracy to commit fraud to the 5 counsel and the r.r. owner. private train company is not public use.

[@bcbloc02]

Good luck to the smiths and IJ! Seems like a lot of expense building rail track to a cement plant. Especially for only one train a day. Seems like locating the cement plant to a site that already had rail access would be a lot cheaper.

[@Anon-qc4ie]

I'm glad there are still groups who are fighting for people and not corporations

[@AlphaRalpha]

This is being done to put money into a few pockets, those pockets don't belong to the current land owners.

[@CaponeCabin]

This is so insane! That family has every right to keep ALL of his property!!!

[@Ssss-3z]

The Institute for Justice is a not-for-profit organization that relies on donations to exist. They represent their clients at no cost to the client yet the railroad exec says they are representing the landowners “to make money off the lawsuit” - shows you where the railroad guy’s head is at.

[@susanmcconnell6041]

FIGHT TOOTH, NAIL, AND EVERY OTHER WAY YOU CAN THINK OF!!!!!👍👍👍👍 PRAYING FOR YOU, SMITH FAMILY!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 THANK YOU, INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE!!! MAY JUSTICE PREVAIL!!!

[@SKY77713]

Make it a Historic Site. Also, check to see if there are any endangered and threatened animal/plant species on the land to halt land seizure.

[@nativestacker4185]

These laws were meant for the property to be used by The Public such as a road to connect places . It is not supposed to be used for private companies to make profit . Rail Road companies all across the country do this same thing , then 25 years down the road they no longer use that land .

[@mariusdanson8008]

Someone’s pockets got laced with cash.

[@Baseballisbest67]

They’re being “railroaded” literally!

[@TheMakersMarkTSF]

That's funny that I didn't think of it, but that is actually where the term came from!🤣

[@Diddley-js6lf]

Americans Are With The Smith Family

[@jimmybrock6593]

Eminent Domain should be outlawed.

[@LOSTbutterKNIFE]

Eminent domain should be illegal! Banned! Nobody should be subjected to Eminent Domain!

[@swskitso]

This should not even be in question. Its not public use therefor it does not meet the standard set forth.

[@TERRY-cb2ku]

The government will use force if they deem it necessary to remove you from land that is legally yours. We should be able to use force to keep them out.

[@DrDanDungas]

this is why they fight so hard to get rid of the 2nd amendment

[@ralphday4842]

F-16s taxi to runway,....,

[@heavymechanic2]

I have the same issues with national Broadband Expansion. Lawmakers granted federal money to allow private companies access to our land under electric service. Now all these telcom companies are abusing our land causing damages and parking their vehicles on our private road interfering with ingress/egress rights at our expense. Abandoned utility poles are still in place after more than a year outside of regulation allowing four months for removal.

[@JoeDirt-g5f]

I've seen highway projects stop or get rerouted because they found the area to be Indian burial grounds. I've seen strip malls and housing projects stopped because they found Civil War graves. There's no telling how many slaves have been hanged or tortured on those very 600 acres. That man and his family have owned that land honestly and fairly for generations. They have bled and worked that land for more than a century. I think it's sick how you can pad the pockets of government officials and suddenly morals get thrown out the window.

[@jeffraines6893]

Family doesn't want to sell! Do not destroy their rights! Tarbuttons only in it for profit and they have power in Atl.

[@eileeng5076]

These residents should ask for a percentage of the goods being transported every day. In other words, compensation should include continuing royalties to ensure generational wealth.

[@chanchan5349]

This is happening all over the US. Wherever corporations decided they NEED land, water, minerals they get local government behind them and they take what they want.

[@ohiosbestpeach770]

Y’all should check out and cite what happened in Akron Ohio. The Akron Beacon Journal article is called, “The failed Akron Innerbelt drove decades of racial inequity. Can the damage be repaired?” This practice needs to go and it certainly shouldn’t be used for private companies.

[@MrAboriginal2You]

They hate to see us at peace with our lands smh.

[@JasperTomo]

You mean apartment 😅

[@SpringScapes]

I think eminent domain property should have to pay 10 times the market value. If it is that important to you, then by all mean, but, I think you'll see how important some of these, so called, "Good for the community", eminent domain property grabs are.

[@Eldoradoredd]

Dude said IFJ is using the lawsuit as a money making venture for themselves!! BRO!! You are doing the same thing, taking property illegally to profit your train company. Make it make sense!!!

[@scable-eq7bp]

This was tried in Alabama a few years ago but the homeowners fought it and won. They make dump trucks to haul aggregate, they could do this in Georgia and it would be more economical........

[@iganciosandoval780]

Eminent domain a fancy way of saying steal for the rich make them richer

[@jaceski5806]

Hold onto it!

[@michaelshepard3796]

PSC keep your corrupt hands off this family's property!

[@CountryRaod]

They lying. Don’t not let them take your land.

[@RoeRobinson-c7e]

Love how the government decides that rich people can use ur land better than u and there needs is more important than u

[@m.rogers9490]

HOW IS THAT RAIL ROAD GOING TO HELP THAT TOWN WITH JOBS .

[@teresamccoy596]

Make them go around YOUR land!!!

[@GreyBeardIT]

"The Institute for Justice is using this as a money making venture for themselves." He really doesn't know that much about IJ does he.

[@billyscruggs9800]

Fight for your land,not makingany more land.Willbe PRAYING FOR YOU!! People don'tunderstand what land means to some people.I love the land we have.Fight for what is yours!!!

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

Farms are great income sources for families.

[@dodgeguyz]

IDE love to know how much money that company donated to those people on the board!

[@jamesclark9347]

This is wrong so wrong!!!

[@scottjohnson9225]

For that politician to bash the Institute for Justice says a lot about government corruption.

[@annapharr6482]

God bless you and your family. Don't give in. This is wrong.

[@khbow2810]

For a private company? That’s not allowed to happen. The railroad isn’t doing this, the concrete company is. That dude has a lot of nerve. And the promise of helping the town? Definitely a lie. That’s always a point for the greedy.

[@sumiland6445]

Oklahoma state is trying to seize the 5 tribes' land in eastern Oklahoma. Governor Kevin Stitt says it hasn't been used properly. 😖

[@MrTheAwesome1994]

Everyone on the board needs to be sued separately and then the department, finally the “private company who’s making profit and connecting to a “public railroad””.

[@marlannakennedy4508]

This railroad will not bring money to the town. It's a shortcut through the town, that's all. Cheaper route for the railroad company.

[@MN-ci2ch]

Fight, It's your land!!! They are not making any more of it!!!

[@tracyshoemake9686]

You don't own any land in the US. Don't pay your property tax and wait 2 or 3 years and see how you like being homeless.

[@iamrestnpieces]

Leave their land alone!

[@victornowlin9092]

Don't let them get you down and don't let them win. You shouldn't have to pay for legal fees either.

[@MustangerMom]

Why not just build the company that makes cement closer to where the rocks are? No railroad necessary.

[@Yah1stp2nd36]

By the people for the people! Not the corporations for the corporations!

[@jeffholmes5591]

That rail line is going through not stopping in Sparta therefore it will not impact the community with any revenue. Use some common sense. You don't take people's land Remember these words. You will own nothing and be happy. Bull shit. It's time for our Govenor to be replaced. People we have the say not the government.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

My grandfather spent most of his life savings keeping a developer from using eminent domain to take the 55 acres he was saving for an inheritance for his 3 daughters. Then my cousins screwed everyone over and got the whole thing for himself. After fighting so hard, it was a family member who managed to steal it. 😞

[@Mrsgreermurrieta]

Our laws must be changed when abused

[@markharbin9945]

Praying for you guys 😮

[@royhoco5748]

this is wrong there is no other word to describe it

[@Jeaninehicks]

Thank you !!! Stand ur ground !!!!!

[@IAMGiftbearer]

This is heinous! The Pubic Service Commission is the same entity that allows utilities companies to price gouge us, so I'm not really surprised they would pull some crap like this. I hope this couple wins and gets to keep their land.

[@rfrhodes1055]

You can tell this man is just greedy of self gain he could care less about these people Stand strong folks done give in to these greedy companies

[@katiesioux7757]

They claimed the pipe line, gold, copper, silver, railroads would create jobs , the boom ends and towns fail

[@charlesbrakeville5825]

The railroads have ruled this country since railroads were invented. Try to get permission to run powerless over or run other utilities under railroad tracks & you will see. Public utilities can also condemn property to implement imminent domain to run lines or install new facilities. That pretty much nationwide, not just in Georgia.