Citizens Rally in New London Against Supreme Court Decision
In a rare show of solidarity, citizens and politicians from across the political spectrum turned out in force last evening to demonstrate against the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Kelo vs City of New London case. Discussed earlier in a Moonbat Central post of mine, that decision seriously jeopardizes the property rights of all Americans. It is a deep insult to our Constitution.
The pro-property-rights rally was held on the steps of New London City Hall in New London, CT and I arrived just as it got underway. The crowd of approximately 1000 people was highly spirited but peaceful. Scott Bullock, an attorney for the Institute for Justice in Washington, D.C., which represented Susette Kelo in her suit against the City of New London, gave a rousing speech in defense of his client. Bullock also urged the New London City Council, which was meeting after the rally, to redeem itself by protecting Ms. Kelo and her neighbors from eviction. A few other speakers then took turns telling their personal horror stories concerning their loss of rights during eminent domain seizures.
Susette Kelo gave a brief speech during which she fought back tears. She vows to remain on her land, as do the other New London property owners most directly affected by the Moonbat Five's anti-property-rights decision.
During the rally my still camera went on the fritz so I was unable to get pictures of the event. However, I managed to shoot some video of it. Click here to view a brief clip of the rally featuring Ms. Kelo's speech-one which is short, to the point and quite moving.
Update: I've posted stills from my video of the rally below. Click below each picture to hear audio clips relating to them.
Lawyer Scott Bullock, who represents the citizens whose homes are in peril, speaks to the crowd. Click here to listen
CT state representative Bob Ward addresses the crowd. Click here and here to listen.
The true spirit of the rally is written on this flag.
A crowd of appx. 1000 people fills the street in front of New London City Hall.
Susette Kelo speaks. Click here to listen and here to watch
New London resident Matt Dery, whose home is slated to be demolished, calls for reason in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. Click here to listen
CT state representative Steve Mikutel relates how his 90-year-old mother's house was seized. The stress of the taking contributed to her death. Click here to hear her story and here to hear Mikutel rail against the Supreme Court's decision in the Kelo case.
A sign that gets to the crux of the property rights matter
Attendees voice support for the residents about to be evicted from their homes. They chant, "let them stay!" Click here to listen.
Long-time New London resident Mike Christafaro, whose home is to be demolished, speaks to the multitudes. Click here to listen.
