The Monkey Trap

The situation we are in concerning the proposed Copperopolis Community Plan reminds me of the Monkey Trap.

The Monkey Trap consists of a coconut shell with a hole in it attached to a chain and tied to a tree. Inside the trap is delicious monkey food. The monkey puts his hand in the hole, grabs the food but can not remove his hand until he releases the food. He is trapped until he learns to let go.

Our representatives cannot seem to let go of the concept that it is OK for government to control of the use of private property. It is not OK because it violates property rights.

The issue now seems to be an inconsistency between a proposed population limit of 40,000 and what the population would be if all properties were to be developed in accordance with the declared uses. They are going to hire a consultant to figure it out.

What we sometimes forget is that, in a free society, the owner must plan the use of property they control and government must do likewise with property it owns, such as roads.

Perhaps our representatives should be seeking to correct the parts of state law which are causing police power oppression of our private property rights, and learn to let go.

It seems more important that the people's rights to life, liberty and property be respected, than what a future population number may be. Yes?

Albert J. Segalla