What goes around, comes around

I'm a believer in fate...karma. It's only occasional that I see something that brings a smile to my face after having my blood boil just 3 minutes earlier. Fortunately, this is one of those times.

First the blood-boiling part. I'm sure you all have heard the Supreme Court decision that basically states that the government, usually a local munincipality, can take your property if it "benefits the community". Under this ruling, cities will now have wide power to bulldoze homes for projects like shopping malls and hotel complexes in order to generate tax revenue, whether you want to give it up or not. Enough said here or my blood will quickly rise in temperature again.

Here's the good part. Justice David Souter joined in the 5-4 court decision allowing governments to seize private property from one owner and hand it to a developer. Three days after he helped pass down this rediculous ruling, a letter was faxed to town officials in Weare, N.H., where Souter is a long-time resident. Logan Darrow Clements, a California developer, said that a hotel on Souter's property would bring the town economic development and tax revenue. He is planning on following up with this plan to build a hotel on Souter's current property.

I don't get out of this area much anymore. However, if this hotel does go up, I plan on a weekend stay at some point. I'll have to contribute to this absolutely fantastic venture. Paybacks truly are a bitch.

My advice to Justice Souter - careful what you wish for. You just might get it.