70 years later…
“Before we leave this matter, I wish to comment on the theory implied by you, Mr Weems, when you claimed damage to your client. There has grown up in this country the notion that because a man or corporation has made a profit out of the public for a number of years, the government and the courts are charged with the duty of guaranteeing such profit in the future, even in the face of changing circumstances and contrary public interest. This strange doctrine is not supported by statute nor common law. Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit. That is all.”
The above passage is from the short story “Life-Line”, by science-fiction author Robert A. Heinlein. It was first published in Astounding Science-Fiction in 1939 (© Street & Smith Publications). Apparently, the “notion” has continued to grow!
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