Private property is foundation of freedom, prosperity

America’s founders clearly understood that private property is the foundation not only of prosperity but of freedom itself. Common law, state law, and the Constitution provide the rights of people to acquire, use, and dispose of property freely and without interference from government. The Constitution protects property rights through the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments’ due process clauses and, more directly, through the fifth Amendment’s takings clause: “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” The main legal property rights guaranteed by the government are the right of possession, the right of control, the right of exclusion, the right to derive income, and the right of disposition.

Apparently, the Bonner County Commissioners, Sandpoint Airport Board and their tenants, do not understand the law. These entities are continuing to harass and bully local residents to give easements to the airport so that the airport can expand their operations.

With the shortage of available and affordable homes in Sandpoint, it seems the airport cares nothing about the people in the community they purport to serve. Obviously, it is all about their bottom line.

What percent of the population actually uses the airport? How many people need or deserve to have access to an affordable home? The work force is shrinking because workers cannot afford to rent or buy a home in Sandpoint.

MAUREEN and STEVE TILLBERG

Vancouver, Wash.