City's building industry feeds on human suffering Apparently, it wasn't enough to steal a man's home out from under him. So, drunk with its own unchecked power, the city of Long Branch had to then attack the only thing the man had left, his self-respect. A civil and gracious winner might have wished Bruce MacCloud well after his recent loss in court, with hopes that he might find some peace in his now-shattered life. But instead, the city chose to add salt to his open wound by apparently suggesting that he was used by others, that he is too feeble minded to figure out for himself that $147,000 for property by the ocean is theft by any name. Since the city has raised the issue, maybe it's time to ask, "Who was used by whom?" A review of building industry journals at the time reveals that dozens of years ago, the industry looked ahead and realized it was only a matter of time before buildable lots in New Jersey would become scarce. It lobbied the Legislature to pass redevelopment law, which encouraged the clear-cutting of large tracts of land in cities on which the building industry reaps riches. The law restricted the ability of juries to fairly compensate homeowners so the builders could reap even more profits and - in a little-known provision - prevented voters from using their ballot power to stop it. The only thing missing was willing city government. But that was the easy part. A little wining and dining was all that was necessary for city governments to sell out those that they are elected to serve, and to "talk the talk" of developers like marionettes - the promise of lower taxes that never materialize, for example. Even though it isn't true, I for one would rather be used by people struggling to save their very homes than by a monstrous building industry that feeds on human suffering. Godspeed, Bruce, and thank you for the courage you displayed in your fight! Barbara Gonos West Long Branch