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Carla T. Main's Bulldozed: 'Kelo,'
Eminent Domain and the American Lust for Land is a book for any American
concerned about the future of property rights and the American Dream. For those
interested in urban affairs and the law, Bulldozed provides an in-depth
account into the way an eminent domain battle affects a family and a town.
Set in East Texas, Bulldozed tells the story of Pappy
Gore. Born into poverty, he grows up to found a successful business, Western
Seafood, and become a pillar of his community. But then things change in town.
The city of Freeport decides to build a commercial marina on the river and moves
to take Pappy's land in eminent domain. The city wants to turn the land over
to Western Seafood's next-door neighbor -- a descendant of a great Texas oil
family -- who will build the marina. Long-standing neighbors and friends take
sides as the marina controversy brings to the fore deep-seated differences over
values, justice and fair play, eventually splitting the town down the middle.
Against this backdrop, Bulldozed examines the history
of eminent domain from the Revolutionary War and the drafting of the Bill of
Rights by James Madison, through the behind-the-scenes intrigue that transpired
in New London, Connecticut leading to the Kelo case. Bulldozed addresses
the all-important question: How did we get here in America?
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