John Sophocleus Fights AL DOT's Use of Eminent Domain

[profsmartypockets]

I took two Microeconomics classes from this man and they changed my whole life. Really the only good thing I got from 4 years of college. If he's still teaching and you have the opportunity, you want this experience. Quite a bargain. I looked forward to that class more than anything on TV.

[kennyLLC]

My wife is 50 and I am 45. All we have ever done to these people is pay their outrageous bills for 3, going on 4 generations and to mind our own business. I didn't expect someone to come in and shit on us and lie about it, so I have made a video with interviews of other neighbors and more similar events that have happened during this "block improvement" Fed-funded HUD program. So far it is about 40 minutes long.

What I have learned about it is that it is not for us that they have done this.

[PeteEyre]

@kennyLLC Great to hear you're pushing back and putting a spotlight on the rights-violations you've experienced Kenny. Looking forward to seeing your finished product.

[kennyLLC]

I like to live imagining that such people do not exist in this world, however it always seems to turn out that they are more often in important positions in this world where they have more say so over our very health, welfare, liberty, and happiness.

If we lash out we are criminals.

Such is life.

[kennyLLC]

The public utilities company in Seneca S.C. crushed a main line in front of my home and left it for a month before connecting us to the new line.

It backed up under my house periodically throughout August 2010, and they have lied about it ever happening both to the news,their insurance adjustor and DHEC. The director, Bor Faires at City Hall has taken my words that I did not see it come out the top of the manhole to mean that none of it happened at all and had it printed as such in the paper.

[tonewah]

I voted for John against Riley for Governor in '02. He was a MUCH better choice. Riley's been pretty much a Gomer Pyle-esque joke.

[junior00bacon00chee]

these people are complete scum!! WELL DONE, by standing up for yourself you have stood up for us all. excellent work.

if they leave you no choice then you've got to exercise the 2nd amendment, thank god the idiot backed down.

if this ever happened to me, and it got to the point where they raised my house, it would be game time. they would live the rest of their lives in utter fear, in a complete living hell where everything they take as their property is turned into ashes.

[TaxSlaveNoMore]

Too bad that machinery operator didn't run over that red Japanese maple 3:45. We need more heroes who are willing to spill blood like Joe Stack. And not just the blood of evil enemies but their own blood as well. It is time for the tree of liberty to be watered again.

[TotalAnomy]

what a man

[HodjaIII]

"So, effectively, what Judge Myron Thompson is doing is thumbing his nose at the U.S. Supreme Court." Funny, Myron Thompson had Roy Moore removed from the Alabama Supreme Court for that VERY reason. By Judge Thompson's own principles, its time for Judge Thompson to take off his little black robe as well!

[laurenhavens]

I'm glad Motorhome Diaries did this interview. I know this has been a challenging journey for John Sophocleus and his wife. Their efforts will not be in vain--even if John doesn't get his prayer that this not happen to other people--because they have inspired so many of us with their courage.

[opelikacnt]

Amen!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this sort of abuse comes to an end....

[opelikacnt]

We all should hope this case case wins over extremist judges like Myron Thompson and the 11th Circuit - thankfully competent jurists like Susan Walker and UNANIMOUS US Supreme Court got it right this time. When Roy Moore offered similar resistance to a Sup. Court Ruling, he was removed - how come a similarly extreme judge like Thompson will not be disciplined?

When the people see cases like this fail - Civil unrest is not far in future... justice delayed (for over a decade) is justice denied.

[Chuck6134]

John's story is both sad and invigorating. He had the balls to stand up for his rights and win in court. Of course under our ever increasing fascistic state, that means nothing with willing state accomplices like Judge Mryon Thompson to prevent settlement that is long overdue.

I've known John for some 10 years now and I know I for one would have given up years ago.  If our Republic is to ever be renewed or saved, it will be because of the example of men like him.

[1983Bantam]

Whee, I was standing behind the camera in this interview :-D

This guy rocks!

[GinsingSullivan]

This is what it's all about you people. Freedom!

[OkieBluesDog]

Excellent my friend.

Thank you for sharing

[PRWelke]

For anyone wondering if there are heroes left in the world, here's your answer.

[shooter348]

This is a great story I would have liked to hear more of it. I like that he brings up the third amendment as I see it being underutilized in our rights. I equate the term soldier as any government representative as they all bring with them the full force of the government. Why must I open my doors and hospitality to any census representative or IRS auditor? As for eminent domain it's abuses are far to many. As John points out it is very expensive to fight, a tactic we see too often. Thanks!

[whippoorwillss]

thanks