Ethics and Government - Eminent Domain out of control in CA.

Ethics and Government - Eminent Domain out of control in CA.

Here's the story: You own an burger restaurant in West Fresno. The original owner was an Italian immigrant who built a good business 50 years ago. He sold it to his nephew and his son, who sold it to you in 2004. You continue to make the same excellent burgers and your clientele likes the food. It is a good business. The most expensive thing on the menu is $5.95. The car clubs visit regularly. You work hard everyday for the American Dream.

One day in August 2013, a woman comes into the restaurant and says, "Don't be mad at me, I am just doing my job." She hands you a big package of papers. You are confused. Then she says the State of CA now owns your restaurant and land. The High Speed Rail Authority needs it for their boondoggle train.

Oh yes, she says you will get $100,000 for the property and another $20,000 for the business. And you have to leave by September 15, 2013.

One more detail. You and your wife came from Cambodia at ages 17 and 19, escaping the Pol Pot regime with your lives and looking for the promise of freedom from tyranny. Two young immigrants chasing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Now the State wants to take it all. And not even give you fair market value or enough money to rebuild your business. They won't even let you take the neon sign.

What do you do?

LA Times article: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-angelos-drive-in-20130818,0,1179684.story