Property Rights under Democratic System

How demolition of houses is different in the US than in China

Now, almost every day, one hears of houses being demolished by force in China. There are so many cases that they seldom catch anyone’s attention. Even though the Communist regime continues to demolish more houses, tough owners insisting on keeping their houses are very rare. That is because the regime is not afraid of bloodshed or even taking people’s lives. 

In Mainland China, petitioners who want to appeal to the central government in Beijing will be intercepted and physically beaten or detained. In the US, the Chinese petitioners said: “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wanted to take both our money and our lives. It is the CCP forcing us to come here. Fortunately, our voices can be heard by the international community. We are here enjoying democracy and human rights. Thanks a million, America!

Demolition of houses happens in every country. But in America, there is no forced demolition. There is a popular story about an owner who refused to sell her house on the Internet. 

Born in the state of Oregon in 1921, Ms Masefield moved to Seattle, Washington to take care of her mother. Her mother’s house was built in 1900 and was only 800 square feet. After her mother died, she stayed in the house.

In 2006, a developer wanted to build a 5-storey commercial building. The old lady said: “I am already over 80 years old. I am happy here and don’t want to move anywhere else.”

Her old house was assessed at only $8000 dollars, but the land was assessed at $100,000. Even when the developer was willing to give her $1 million, she still refused to move. The developer had to change the building plans and build the 5-storey building around her little house in a concave shape.  

The developer did not give her any trouble for her stubborn decision. His project director Martin, 52, even took care of her. Martin took her to see her doctors, did her laundry and made dinner for her on a certain night with halibut, potatoes and green beans. In addition, he also helped her to get new dentures. 

In the spring of 2008, she was diagnosed with cancer. She died in the summer of that year as she wished – in the same room and the same couch her mother had died on.  In her will, she gave the house to Martin to express her gratitude for Martin’s companionship and caring during the last period of her life. 

Later, Martin sold the house to a real estate company. The owner of the company modified the house and built it as tall as the commercial building surrounding it, but he left the bottom two stories open to the public and called it “Faith Square”. He hoped that “Faith Square” would inspire every American to think about “life and faith”.

Houses being demolished happen everywhere, but this elderly American was very fortunate. Even though she was all alone, she did not have to go to court or petition in front of the Whitehouse or set herself on fire. All she had to do was say “No” to a developer. 

The old lady had no money, but her property was protected under the law. The developer had a lot of money, but he had no power. No matter how much money one has, one cannot win over human rights. The bottom line is that an average citizen in America can enjoy equality, freedom and human rights under a democratic system. 

This story is like a fairytale to people in Mainland China* where houses are demolished without the owner’s consent.