An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
Press Conference
Some members of the press started coming in around 10:15.
This fellow was from Fox 17:
Channel 4 also was setting up a camera. There was also print media and photographers. One photographer in particular is on my list of weasels. Hint: When someone says, “Excuse me, can I get a picture, please.” The proper response would be to scooch over to the opposite side, NOT move even MORE in the way. sigh.. Especially if you are in the range of 10 feet tall, and the person asking is an inch taller than a two year old. 
Ok, perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration, but…..
The lawyer from Institute for Justice, Scott Bullock, spoke a bit about the history of the case. It seems that the big developer from Houston, Lionstone Development Group, who is at the bottom of this whole eminent domain issue, along with the MDHA. Unfortunately, the MDHA are ending up looking like complete morons. The definition of blight they are trying to impose is from a 1999 definition. The law was changed in 2006, thanks to the ridiculous finding of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Kelo VS City of New London case. From the WPLN website:
Despite her objections, MDHA development director Joe Cain says it’s only a matter of time before the agency acquires Ford’s property.
In Cain’s words:
“I mean obviously we feel like we have the, um, you know, that this is what we have done in past redevelopment districts and have the ability to go ahead and acquire this piece of property and redevelop the area so that we can eliminate any deleterious uses and blighted properties in the area and get the area redeveloped.”
You’d think a guy that goes out of his way to use a word like ‘deleterious’, could refrain from the “um, you know” syndrome. Sorry, that’s just something that annoys me.
Oh, in case you’re wondering: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
I’m not making any accusations, but I would question the real motives behind this whole fiasco.
Carroll Ford, Miss Joy’s stepson, spoke for a few minutes, standing behind his stepmother and her desire to save the business she built with his father.
Miss Joy spoke, expressing gratitude for all those who came to show support, which included the sons of two rather famous artists, Waylon Jennings and Joe Stampley.
Contrary to what some might believe, Joy Ford is not fighting to get more money from the development company, or the city. She is fighting to keep the business she and her late husband built. Fighting to keep the government from stealing her property, but every other citizen who holds the rights granted in the U.S. Constitution dear.
This is far from over. Papers have been filed, and the battle will rage on.
After speaking, all were invited outside to partake in quite a spread. I love quiche! I spoke to several more folks outside, even in the heat. I always question why men don’t take their suit jackets off when they step outside. I tend to actually ask them this question, and always get the same answer….”I don’t know!” sigh…
There was a very talented young lady who sang the National Anthem, and I will find out her name. I didn’t have my scrap paper and pen handy, so didn’t write it down.
Unfortunately, she turned her head when someone spoke to her. sigh….
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Thanks for the pix and the on-the-ground report. We cannot let this case be ignored.
@nedwilliams:
It was an honor to be invited! It was also quite an education. It seriously amazes me that gubmint, at any level, will do everything they can, including ruin it’s citizens for the benefit of a PRIVATE corporation.