The Cowboys Take the Field

Football is considered the unofficial religion of Texas. So it shouldn't be a surprise that when it comes to temple construction, the Dallas Cowboys tend to get their way. Bucking a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain that curtailed private-property rights, the Texas legislature passed a bill in August that would restrict government seizures of private land (thus joining several states in a backlash against the ruling). But two exemptions made it into the bill, one involving the Cowboys' construction plans for a new $650 million stadium. About 50 property owners are refusing to sell their homes to the city of Arlington, blocking the Cowboys' bid to build the stadium on their land. If the bill becomes law, those homeowners may be forced to leave, suggesting that the property-rights movement is alive and well in Texas--so long as football revenues aren't at stake. Says Glen Heath, 84, who has lived in his Arlington home since 1949 and may now have to vacate: "I was a big Cowboys fan before. I don't think I'll go out of my way to watch them now." --By Adam Pitluk/Dallas