Comment by iamnothere
17 days ago
Yet that lobbying is legal under the first amendment, so the people have no ground to stand on. They can do their own lobbying in response.
If the voters did their job and elected good representatives, who respect the interest of the voters, then they have nothing to worry about: the forest will not be sold.
Voters could also try to establish a referendum system where public lands cannot be sold without a local vote, assuming this is not in conflict with state law.
Edit: The point I am trying to make:
- You said that the town owns the forest in your example. I presented points to explain why this is not an issue, as lobbyists cannot force the sale of public land.
- I wanted to clarify that YIMBYs cannot force property owners to build against their will, except in limited circumstances (eminent domain) that usually requires assent from local government.
- To be clear, I think that individual property rights should be respected. I can build on my land, I can’t force you to build (or not build) on your land unless you are voluntarily bound by some covenant.
I would implore you to go back and read the top comment, the person was asking what YIYBY is. I explained.
For some reason you are trying to argue with me about the merits of YIYBY, when I never took a stance on it, just explained what it is and why people don't like it.
Pixl97:
>> Who owns the forest and why do you think you get to say if people build on it or not?
You:
> The town, a democratic institution for which you are a tax paying constituent, owns the forest.
That’s what I was arguing about, primarily. The other points emerged after you deviated from that point further down.
And what's you argument? That people wouldn't be upset that outsiders are lobbying their town?
I never said anything about outsiders forcing anything. They simply lobby and people get mad about it, those lobbyists are "YIYBY". Its the origin of a term.
You built a strawman about forcing a town to do something, and are really intent on attacking that strawman. But you built it, I never said anything to that effect. Of course they cannot force the town to do anything and of course the lobbyiest have first amendment rights. Never said anything to the contrary.
EDIT: Our convo is now rate limited, but I'm glad you live in a place where politicians work for voters and ignore lobbyists. Treasure it, most are not that lucky.
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