The “Condemned” article stated that “private parties” like corporations can condemn private property, bypassing government, for “public use” in five Western states. If that is the case, then why can’t “private parties” like incorporated environmental groups condemn the private property of corporations for “public use”? Rather than fight to change the state constitutions, use existing provisions for “public use” condemnation to acquire timber company-owned forests to maintain oxygen for “public use,” to acquire mining operations to get safe drinking water for “public use,” etc., etc. The possibilities are endless.

Michael J. Aune
Lynden, Washington