Eminent Domain in Philadelphia: "I don't need consent"

"Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual."    --Thomas Jefferson

"I don't need consent" is what Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez of Philadelphia said about the seizure of property she is pushing. She also said that something being legal makes it moral. You can watch her claim these dictatorial powers in Mike Salvi's video:

An explanation of the situation from Mike Salvi's World:

Small business owner Meletios Athanasiadis, and 35 other property owners in Philadelphia, received letters, without prior notice, informing them that ownership of their properties has been transferred to the City of Philadelphia. 

Philadelphians marched to Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Darrell Clarke's houses to confront them on their decision.

Please watch and spread this video as far as you can, and help show Mel and his neighbors they will not go down against this abuse of power without a fight. 

You can find some of the details of the story here, 
http://www.citypaper.net/news/185550302.html

This is what happens when people aren't opposed to taxation on the principle that it is theft. Since they have the power to seize money it isn't much of a leap for the government to also seize property. This sordid affair underscores the importance of standing on principle. No theft, no initiation of force, period.

Update, June 14,2013: Mike Salvi put up a second video that includes the protest in front of Councilman Darrell Clarke's house: