Comment: This is not a simple issue,

This is not a simple issue, and im not sure that guy is 100% wrong. To figure it out, we have to first understand what makes private property.

Private property can only be aquired through original claim, or by purchase from a former owner.

Private property is defined as something that cannot be used in the same way, at the same time by two people.

If you get your water yourself by collecting it in a cistern, digging your own well or whatever, its your private property right?

If you are using the water that another person has managed to draw out of the ground using their own tools and equipment, it is their's and they are free to charge your for it right?

If the well on your land goes dry because some big company sucks all the water out of the aquafur which is partially on your land, does that not equivilate theft?

If water becomes very limited, and a few companies own all the water rights and are not letting others drink it without paying a price, that begs the question: Does a right to property trump a right to life? Do you have any claim on the water they have claimed ownership too just because you'll die if you don't get it? Is that self defense? Are they not justified to defend their property?

Can you own something that is vital for other's right to life, and forbid them from using it unless they give you their private property?

This is a toughy. Im leaning toward saying that no one should be able to monopolize something so basic and essential to life... but then, what about when it becomes tough to get water and we depend upon the capital ventures of companies to draw or clean water for consumption?

Im stumped. Thoughts?