A Stitch in Haste

You know government interference with people's private property is out of control when even the Amish start getting uppity:

The Amish, whose religion dictates that they keep their distance from outsiders and modern conveniences, didn't want to get political. But they say [Huntsburg Township, Ohio's] restrictions on the size of home-based businesses prevent them from opening woodworking shops at a time when small farming is no longer profitable enough.

Such shops allow them to continue to work alongside their children -- one of the tenets of the Amish lifestyle. And now they're campaigning to eliminate the zoning laws on Nov. 8.

"There's never been a campaign like this before amongst our people," said Nathaniel Byler, one of three Amish men who circulated a petition to put the zoning issue on the ballot.

And for those of you think it's the Amish who are the "simple folk" in the township, consider this gem:

The township's trustees told him to file a "friendly lawsuit" against them so it could be resolved in court.

A "friendly lawsuit"? Wouldn't you prefer a good game of chess?

Seriously, though, consider the analogy to the Kelo backlash: If government keeps pushing people around, eventually people start pushing back. Even the most apolitical people. And especially where their homes are concerned.

More thoughts at Out of Control.

POST SCRIPT: The "among the English" quote is from this movie. The "game of chess" quote is of course from this movie.