Eminent domain has increasingly been used for economic development, meaning for private owners (stadiums, shopping centers, etc.) instead of government/public use (highways, military bases, etc.), as it was originally intended. Research and describe an example thereof. What were the outcomes, good and bad? What is your opinion on the matter?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Use of Eminent Domain for Economic Development: A Case Study
Introduction
Eminent domain is a legal principle that allows governments to acquire private property for public use in exchange for just compensation. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the interpretation and application of eminent domain, with some cases involving the use of this power for economic development purposes rather than traditional public use projects. This essay will explore an example of eminent domain being used for economic development, discuss the outcomes – both positive and negative – and provide an opinion on the matter.
Case Study: Atlantic Yards Project in Brooklyn, New York
One prominent example of eminent domain being used for economic development is the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, New York. The project was initiated by Forest City Ratner Companies, a private real estate developer, with the goal of constructing a new sports arena for the Brooklyn Nets basketball team, as well as residential and commercial spaces.
Outcomes: The Good
Economic Stimulus: The Atlantic Yards project aimed to revitalize a previously underdeveloped area of Brooklyn. By constructing the Barclays Center (the sports arena), it attracted new businesses, created job opportunities, and generated economic growth in the local community.
Increased Tax Revenue: The development brought in new tax revenue for the city, which could be allocated towards public services and infrastructure improvements.
Urban Renewal: The project transformed a neglected area into a vibrant neighborhood, attracting residents and visitors alike. It contributed to the overall revitalization of Brooklyn and improved the quality of life for its residents.
Outcomes: The Bad
Displacement of Residents: The Atlantic Yards project required the acquisition of private property through eminent domain. This resulted in the displacement of residents and businesses, disrupting established communities and causing hardships for those forced to relocate.
Loss of Cultural Heritage: The redevelopment led to the demolition of existing structures and landmarks, erasing elements of the neighborhood’s cultural heritage and character.
Public Funding and Subsidies: The project received significant public funding and subsidies, which raised concerns about the allocation of taxpayer money towards private ventures. Critics argue that public funds should be prioritized for projects with clear public benefits.
Opinion
The use of eminent domain for economic development raises important ethical and legal questions. While there are potential benefits such as economic growth and urban renewal, it is crucial to consider the negative consequences, particularly regarding property rights and community cohesion.
In the case of the Atlantic Yards project, the displacement of residents and loss of cultural heritage are significant drawbacks. These issues highlight the need for careful consideration of alternative strategies that prioritize community input, negotiation, and the preservation of existing communities.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that public funds are allocated responsibly and transparently. Governments should critically assess whether private developments truly serve the public interest or primarily benefit private entities. Public projects with clear public benefits should be prioritized over private developments.
In conclusion, while there may be potential positive outcomes from using eminent domain for economic development, it is crucial to strike a balance between public interest and individual property rights. Transparent decision-making processes, community involvement, and a thorough evaluation of public benefits are necessary to minimize negative impacts and ensure that eminent domain is used judiciously and in alignment with its original intent.
