Major kudos to Vodkapundit, who has scooped the major media and uncovered a tangled web of influence and private dealings whicb explains the very curious reactions of the New York Times, Nancy Pelosi, and other lefties to the Kelo decision. It turns out that self—interest (in the form of screwing little—guy property owners) animates a substantial chunk of Big Left in America.

At the center of the entire matter is politically—connected developer Forest City Properties, a Cleveland outfit with nationwide scope. FC is partenring with the New York Times to force out small property owners in Manhattan, to build a new headqurters building there. So the Times loves Kelo, of course. In San Francisco, Oakland, and elsewhere, the same deals are going down. Read this particularly touching story of small businesses being destroyed in Oakland, so that FC can make more money and Jerry Brown can collect more taxes.

It is very evident that despite all the posturing, the Democrats are the party of big money — whether it is big government money or big coirporate money. FC plays the game very well, salting contributions to bif Dems right before elections, partnering with Soros—funded lefty organizations, and peddling the line that they are the party of the little guy.

Bah, humbug.

Way to go, Vodkapundit!

Hat tip: Clarice Feldman

Thomas Lifson   7 7 05