Democrats and “Progressives” are not known for their defense of property rights. Indeed, most of their proposals involve the violation of the right to property. Yet, many Texans on the political Left have recently invoked property rights in their opposition to Republicans.
On the other hand, Republicans have cited property rights in their opposition to local tree ordinances, plastic bag bans, and regulations of short-term rentals. For example, Gov. Gregg Abbott wrote, “Local governments have gone well-beyond traditional land-use zoning ordinances and are now imposing rules on private property that severely limit a landowners’ property rights. Lawmakers must act now to prevent local governments from taking private property rights away.”
Yet, Republicans have largely remained silent on civil asset forfeiture or supported violations of property rights through the use of eminent domain. What gives? Why are both Leftists and conservatives defending property rights on some occasions while advocating their violation in other situations?
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