The US Supreme court, by refusing to even hear Kent Urbine's case (against condemnation of his property for use by the FedEx cargo sorting hub), has sent a clear message to the people of this country: Any big business can take what it wants from you just by throwing enough money at the local government. Yes, it seems our most highest court, the one supposed to be above the influence of the corporate machine, has given in to the almighty dollar.
The airport authority has long maintained that Kent Urbine's land was required to build the third runway and therefore would be used for a 'public' purpose, yet if you look at the map published in Tuesday's High Point Enterprise, you will see that the disputed property won't even be part of the runway, Bryan Boulevard or the sorting facility itself. Most likely, it will become part of a parking lot for FedEx's trucks and employees. His property WILL be used for a commercial business and NOT for the public good. If the hub is built then just try parking your car there. Some security guard will probably chase you away.
What can we do about this? Not much, I'm afraid. The US Supreme court is supposed to be above even the court of public opinion. Unlike politicians, a supreme court judge is in his office for life, and doesn't have to worry about reelection.
What you can do is write your Congressman, your Senator, your County Commissioner, and perhaps the supreme court justices themselves. Tell them this is unacceptable. The Urbine case, win or lose, should be heard if for no other reason than to decide once and for all if Americans still have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
