George Will on Atlantic Yard's 'Cognitive Dissonance'
“The Atlantic Yards site, where 10 subway lines and one railway line converge, is the center of the bustling Prospect Heights neighborhood of mostly small businesses and middle-class residences. Its energy and gentrification are reasons why 22 acres of this area — the World Trade Center site is only 16 acres — are coveted by…
“The Atlantic Yards site, where 10 subway lines and one railway line converge, is the center of the bustling Prospect Heights neighborhood of mostly small businesses and middle-class residences. Its energy and gentrification are reasons why 22 acres of this area — the World Trade Center site is only 16 acres — are coveted by Bruce Ratner, a politically connected developer collaborating with the avaricious city and state governments. To seize the acres for Ratner’s use, government must claim that the area — which is desirable because it is vibrant — is “blighted.” The cognitive dissonance would embarrass Ratner and his collaborating politicians, had their cupidity not extinguished their sense of the absurd.” — George Will in The Washington Post
I agree MM, this does put it in perfect perspective…. A pompous out-of-touch rich guy from suburban Illinois supports your position!
Congratulations…..
You’re also in accord with Scalia and Thomas — they were in the dissent in Kelo and are against the expansive read on eminent domain that served as the underpinning of AY.
Can’t believe I’m in accord w/ him!
I’m shocked that I’m agreeing with George Will. But it is indeed too late on his part.
I love this sort of writing, folding all the intricacies of an issue into a neat, hard piece of evident wisdom.
George isn’t on the bandwagon…it’s early in the year and he had to come up with something to write about. If he were REALLY on the bandwagon he would have written this BEFORE the Court of Appeals decision, not after the fact.
Schultz, Conservatives don’t like the abuse of individual property rights.
Wow, how did George get on the bandwagon? I totally agree.
That about sums it up.