Michigan County Threatens To Demolish Amish Homes If They Don’t Give Up Their Religious Beliefs

[longknife]

Such an outright attack on a religious group right here in the United States of America? How can it be?

Where are the county and state authorities on this? Why hasn’t the county sheriff or state police stepped in to put a stop to this?

Over a dozen Amish families are being threatened by Lenawee County Michigan regarding their water supply and disposal. The threats stem from the county health department condemning their homes, saying they are “unfit for human habitation” and filing lawsuits against 14 families in November.

If the county is successful in its pursuit to demolish the homes, which apparently are fit for human habitation as the families are living there, it would result in the loss of these families’ homes, but it should be noted that it is also an attempt to bend their consciences against what they believe to be right, whether you agree or disagree with them or not.

They hand pump water from wells and use outhouses. They don’t use electricity, cell phones, or cars.

So, who are they hurting?

I have a gut feeling that it has something to do with money. Someone’s standing by to make a killing if the families are forced to leave their homes. Who will get the property?

More @ Michigan: County Threatens To Demolish Amish Homes If They Don't Give Up Their Religious Beliefs » Sons of Liberty Media

 

[Likkmee]

The Nazi party has always been good at that. Smart ones move on.

Quakers, Pacifists & Protection: The History of Monteverde, Costa Rica

 

[Bob Blaylock]

I can see where the County's position is coming from. As technology has advanced, the standards that are expected of a house to be considered suitable for human habitation have advanced, as well, to keep up with technology. Most of us take it as a given that be suitable for human habitation at this time, a house should have indoor plumbing with running water and flush toilets, electrical service and other basic utilities, and meet certain modern construction standards. For the most part, I think most of us would agree that it is reasonable for local authorities to enforce such standards with regard to habitability.

The Amish present an odd challenge. For religious reasons that surely seem reasonable to them, they eschew the use of many modern technologies, including some that are essential to modern housing standards. It seems to me that as long as they don't cause harm to others, or undue harm or danger to themselves, they should be allowed to live in homes that comply with their religious standards. This seems like a case where, any imposition on the part of government that is in conflict with the Amish's religious practices should be held to the “strict scrutiny” standard.

 

[MisterBeale]

That is outrageous.

I have heard about this in other states though.

Folks wanting to live off the grid and Big Broth telling them no.

It is really all part of the Green Agenda. The Green Agenda really has nothing to do with "sustainable development." It has to do with controlling every aspect of people's lives.

If folks can live with out corporations or government, then it goes against the planned one world socialist police state. Eventually, they plan to chip everyone, give them a certain amount of energy usage, and you must buy and sell your food on the market with that energy usage.

These types of folks would show people the way out. Eventually, they will need to crack down on these folks and Native American tribes for Agenda 2030 to be a success.

 

[MisterBeale]

I can see where the County's position is coming from. As technology has advanced, the standards that are expected of a house to be considered suitable for human habitation have advanced, as well, to keep up with technology. Most of us take it as a given that be suitable for human habitation at this time, a house should have indoor plumbing with running water and flush toilets, electrical service and other basic utilities, and meet certain modern construction standards. For the most part, I think most of us would agree that it is reasonable for local authorities to enforce such standards with regard to habitability.

The Amish present an odd challenge. For religious reasons that surely seem reasonable to them, they eschew the use of many modern technologies, including some that are essential to modern housing standards. It seems to me that as long as they don't cause harm to others, or undue harm or danger to themselves, they should be allowed to live in homes that comply with their religious standards. This seems like a case where, any imposition on the part of government that is in conflict with the Amish's religious practices should be held to the “strict scrutiny” standard.

You don't have any idea what this is really about.

Not really.

Folks should be free to live how they want.

Where in the constitution does it give government the right to tell you how you have to live your life?

What to put in your body, how to build your house, what to wear, how to cut your hair, etc?

 

[depotoo]

Another article with a little bit more info. Hopefully they win.

 

[MisterBeale]

Members of the Lenawee County Amish community fight to stay in their homes
Members of the Lenawee County Amish community fight to stay in their homes


". . . Currently, community members get their water from a well, using a hand pump. According to one homeowner, their water has been tested by the state and deemed safe.

Likewise, he claims he has measured the distance from their well to the outhouse and it is within the guidelines laid out by the state. .. . . "


They really aren't getting into the sticking points of both sides.

It seems to me, the County is staying mum on what demands of theirs are not being met, or if they do not accept the evidence of the Amish.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

So, who are they hurting?

First, their own children, who dont have a choice not to live in the unsafe conditions. Second, their livestock. Third, the entire public, by carrying disease outside their own property.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Another article with a little bit more info. Hopefully they win.

Agreed, hopefully reason prevails, and the county wins.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

So, who are they hurting?

First, their own children, who dont have a choice not to live in the unsafe conditions. Second, their livestock. Third, the entire public, by carrying disease outside their own property.

It takes a village. amirght, Komrade?

 

[mdk]

Having solved all of its most pressing issues, Lenawee County officials have decided to help their Amish citizens.

 

[norwegen]

If humans are living in these homes that are unfit for human habitation, then I expect they should drop dead any day now.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

If humans are living in these homes that are unfit for human habitation, then I expect they should drop dead any day now.

Well that's silly. Death is not the only worry. You shouldn't confine your own intellectual faculties with such contrived nonsense.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Having solved all of its most pressing issues, Lenawee County officials have decided to help their Amish citizens.

They are only applying the same standard they apply to everyone. What are they going to do? Pass laws allowing them their own, special legal code?

 

[Mr Natural]

When it comes to being oppressive, the Feds have nothing on the locals.

Which is why it’s so important to vote in your local elections.

 

[norwegen]

Before indoor plumbing, everyone lived in homes that were unfit for human habitation.

City and county officials back then must have thought they were in heaven.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Before indoor plumbing, everyone lived in homes that were unfit for human habitation.

Yeah, thats why we invented and implemented indoor plumbing.

 

[Lysistrata]

County officials are just doing their jobs. But I guess that the Amish should be allowed to live the way that they want, as long has their practices do not pose a risk of harm to others, and the children on the property can be kept safe.

Don't worry. That dreaded left-wing organization, the ACLU, is already on the case:
ACLU of Michigan takes up cases of 14 Amish families under scrutiny in Lenawee County

I do wonder about this "Typar" that seems to be all over their buildings, though. It does seem to be a bit modern.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

as long has their practices do not pose a risk of harm to others, and the children on the property can be kept safe.

Unsafe disposal of human waste violates both of those principles. That's the problem. The Amish can believe whatever magical nonsense they wish, without being penalized for it. But that's the extent of protection of law they or any religious group deserves. Fine, believe that god demands you use horseys and carriages. But they still must follow the rules of the road.

 

[Lysistrata]

as long has their practices do not pose a risk of harm to others, and the children on the property can be kept safe.

Unsafe disposal of human waste violates both of those principles. That's the problem. The Amish can believe whatever magical nonsense they wish, without being penalized for it. But that's the extent of protection of law they or any religious group deserves. Fine, believe that god demands you use horseys and carriages. But they still must follow the rules of the road.

The only thing that keeps me from agreeing with you completely is that this apparently is a rural area in which there is a lot of livestock, which also produces waste, and I don't know how this is disposed of. This would not be acceptable in a more densely populated area. I know very little about issues regarding groundwater, etc.