Soccer Dad

What part of "just compensation" don't you understand?

The fifth amendment:

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Apparently the city of Washington DC has decided that unused cell phone minutes belong to the city. (h/t Instapundit)

Washington, D.C. is suing AT&T because some customers who buy its prepaid calling cards don't always use up all the minutes. The city isn't suing on behalf of the customers, of course (though even that would be sort of silly). It's suing on the notion that when a customer doesn't use up all of a product or service they purchase, the remainder belongs to the government.

This reminded of a recent attempt by a Maryland state legislator to pass a law that would confiscate unused balances on gift cards. Though the bill wasn't passed, I was shocked that such a bill could even be considered. But what was more shocking was that when I researched the subject, I discovered that quite a few states do just that. I'd love to say that it was Blue State overreach, but it isn't. Quite a few Red States steal their citizens' money too.

One would think that since these laws violate an article of the Bill of Rights, that anyone proposing or voting for such a law should be ineligible to make laws ever again. But apparently there are apparently quite a few state legislators walking around who don't know what "due process" or "just compensation" mean.