Once again, California is burnishing its reputation as the nation's premiere location for oppressive government. In a 4-3 vote on September 11, the Richmond City Council approved a measure whereby the city would use the government power of eminent domain to seize hundreds of "underwater" mortgages. After seizing the mortgages, the city would offer the banks what it considers a fair market value for them. In turn, homeowners would be granted a new loan with lower monthly payments aimed at keeping those owners in their houses. Lenders have filed lawsuits to keep the plan from proceeding.
