Black’s Law Dictionary defines property in part as “…that which belongs exclusively to one.” It goes on to say; “In the strict legal sense, an aggregate of rights which are guaranteed and protected by the government.” Oh baby, have we strayed a long way from that concept. In this brave new world of controlled living we appear to have turned the notion of rights guaranteed and protected by the government on its head.
On this show we normally focus on those rights as they pertain to involuntary membership HOAs and enabling legislation nibbling away at what little is left. But perhaps enemy #1 is the very entity charged with protecting those “aggregate rights” Black’s Law Dictionary talks about.
Joining us On The Commons this week is Martha Boneta. Martha is a farmer in Fauquier County, Virginia where she tends to her animals and grows vegetables, produces honey and shares her passion for farming and her love of the land with anyone and everyone who is willing to listen. It is no surprise then to learn that when a friend asked if she could host her daughter’s 10th birthday on the farm that Martha willingly agreed. The birthday girl and 7 of her best friends enjoyed a day playing with animals, making soap and picking fresh vegetables. But apparently not everyone thought this was such a wonderful idea because Martha soon heard from the county government, you know, the ones charged with protecting her “aggregate rights”. And that was the start of a 2 year nightmare. Not one to back down, Martha put the issues on the skyline, got the Martha Boneta Bill signed into law and had a lullaby written for her. You can hear it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKli-sieOi0&sns=em To hear her full story and the unbelievable abuses she endured, you can choose your favorite means of listening to Martha from the options listed below.
On The Commons is broadcast every Saturday from 2-3 PM ET on Radio Fairfax. In the Northern Virginia area, On The Commons can be heard on Cox Cable, Channel 37 and Verizon Channel 37. On Comcast channel 27 in Reston in addition to several more cable channels all across Northern Virginia. To listen LIVE globally on the internet, go to http://www.radiofairfax.com and click on “Stream Radio Fairfax” and if you are on the go, on your mobile devices, http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Fairfax-s24818 The show will be available on http://onthecommons.us/ shortly afterwards. Please also visit our archives at http://onthecommons.net .
Shu Bartholomew — Host and producer