Stolen Lands (looks like an interesting book by a fascinating woman)

During World War I, the U.S. government contracted with J.P. Morgan's U.S. Steel Corp. to build a munitions plant that would rival the Kaiser's mighty Krupp Works. The government was persuaded by U.S. Steel that this island — the richest farmland in Allegheny County — would be the ideal site for such a factory.

The island was occupied primarily by wealthy farming families, some of whom had worked the land for more than 100 years. In May 1918, the government invoked eminent domain, forcing the farmers out before the last crops could be brought in. Some landowners were paid a fraction of what the land was worth. Some never got paid at all.

Six months later, the Armistice was signed. The war was over. Farmers were ecstatic, believing they could return to their land and their way of life. Uncle Sam informed them they would be welcome to bid on their properties at open auction; however, their primary and unbeatable opponent in the bidding would be Carnegie Steel, by then a division of U.S. Steel.

The Coles, who had owned their land since 1763, were among the last holdouts. Boggio's grandfather threatened the federal agents off with firearms, staying on as their neighbors departed and bulldozers chewed through their front porch.

http://waldo.villagesoup.com/AandE/story.cfm?storyID=117139

paperback @ $12.44 on amazon. Many thanks TSS.

Unfortunately, our government has a long history of not acting in the best interests of it's citizens. Irregardless of administration or political party. It continues today, in many ways through sheer negligence in refusing to deal with major problems. Irregardless of political party. The obvious case in point today is the cost of gasoline. Both parties have utterly failed to develop a long term energy policy of substance over the last 30 or more years.

Might order a copy myself in a few weeks. Looked really good from the article.