Living off the grid is illegal in Iowa

If you want to irritate the heck out of me, send me a link to a story like this.

Dick Thompson, a 72 year-old Iowan man, lives in a trailer on 32 acres of land that he purchased from his parents. He prefers simple living — no plumbing or electricity — and has a few animals. But according to Madison county officials, he’s breaking too many ordinances and laws by living this way. So on November 30, he was served an eviction notice.

“I’m a country boy,” explains Thompson. “I just want to be left alone.”

Orthodox. Faithful. Free.

Sign up to get Crisis articles delivered to your inbox daily

Email subscribe inline (#4)

If government officials can prove his lifestyle is harming the public, fine. Until then, this man’s liberties are being denied him. It’s obvious what the county’s real motivation is: they want his land developed so they can collect more revenues. It’s a combination of government over-reach and greed.

(Hat tip: The Market Ticker)

 

Author

  • Zoe Romanowsky

    Zoe Romanowsky is writer, consultant, and coach. Her articles have appeared in “Catholic Digest,” “Faith & Family,” “National Catholic Register,” “Our Sunday Visitor,” “Urbanite,” “Baltimore Eats,” and Godspy.com. Zo

Join the Conversation

in our Telegram Chat

Or find us on

Editor's picks

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00

Orthodox. Faithful. Free.

Signup to receive new Crisis articles daily

Email subscribe stack
Share to...