The parking lot is full of cars that carry the people who shop at the stores in International Plaza.

But it’s going to be destroyed. The city of Arlington Heights, Illinois is trying to force the businesses out at bulldozer point, so they can demolish the thriving center.

Why on earth would any government do such a thing?

Well, city officials much prefer to have a $19 million SuperTarget there. More tax dollars they figure. So here comes more eminent domain abuse.

Several businesses have taken the city to court, and hopefully will prevail. But why should citizens have to sue their own city to keep their livelihood?

“This is absolutely morally wrong,” says the owner of a pizza parlor there.

Another business owner, Jose Ramirez, points out that International Plaza is “busy enough to keep me in business.” Ramirez says city officials should “respect the freedom to have your business where you like. America is for all Americans, not only for some rich people.”

Businessman Rich Hayhurst traveled from another city to attend a recent rally at the plaza on a frigid day. Hayhurst says he came for the “camaraderie.” He’s worried about being pushed out of his stores in two other cities.

“If we can get together and get ourselves organized,” says Hayhurst, “we have a chance of protecting property rights in this country.”

You know, people like Hayhurst, who stand up, are the answer to what ails our country. Right where you live.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.