Reply #292: Traditionally, this would probably be a conservative issue..

[starscape]

It deals with property rights at its essence. However, I think we are seeing a real intersection here of Democratic values, as many Democrats have taken an active interest recently in how communities develop and grow, and what we feel is "progress" versus what might just be unwanted "development." Case in point is the Wal-Mart battles.

We're also sensitive to the inherent greed seen between many city officials and "big-box" developers with no respect towards the homeowners and, in some cases, the community at large.

Plus, we're all Americans, most of us respect the ideal of owning our own home and our own "space" (however small :), and we cringe to see someone's lifelong dream bulldozed so that a Best Buy can be built down the street.

We're sympathetic. ;)