The landowner on the other hand is superfluous in this mode of production. If landed property became people's property the whole basis of capitalist production would go. Ground rents are a species of revenue which the owner, in many cases, enjoys without any care or attention of his own. Ground rents are, therefore, perhaps a species of revenue which can best bear to have a peculiar tax imposed upon them. Every proprietor owes to the community a ground rent for the land which he holds.
Landlords grow richer in their sleep without working, risking, or economizing.
The increase in the value of land, arising as it does from the efforts of an entire community, should belong to the community and not to the individual who might hold title. Every hillside, every valley, every clearing and wood, is holy in the memory and experience of my people. Even those unspeaking stones along the shore are loud with events and memories in the life of my people. The ground beneath your feet responds more lovingly to our steps than yours, because it is the ashes of our grandfathers. Our bare feet know the kindred touch.