Energy company launches land grab in Pennsylvania

This is not a story about government abusing eminent domain - but a corporation abusing it.

Central New York Oil and Gas Company is attempting to condemn land owned by private individuals in northern Pennsylvania. The company wants to build a gas pipeline through the homes and farms of over 150 landowners - even after promising government officials that it would negotiate with owners instead of condemning their property.

Since when can private companies practice eminent domain? This power is supposed to be reserved for government, and even then, it's not supposed to be abused.

If Mitt Romney and other right-wing extremists claim "corporations are people", doesn't that give people the same rights as corporations? Doesn't that mean individuals can use eminent domain too?

I think I'll just go out and condemn a corporation's property. We'll see how long that lasts.

(Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57368667/landowners-fight-eminent-domain-in-pa-gas-field)