Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who campaigned in 2022 as “a different kind of Democrat,” has demonstrated a notably varied stance on several key issues, reflecting a complex political identity that blends progressive beliefs with more centrist or even conservative views at times. In a recent interview with Jon Levine from the New York Post, held in an upscale New York restaurant, Fetterman openly critiqued the notion of squatters’ rights, a topic that resonates with his experiences as the former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania.
During the conversation, Fetterman emphatically stated that “squatters have no rights,” challenging the legality and morality of occupying properties without permission. He expressed frustration with laws that allow individuals to claim ownership of property through adverse possession if they occupy it for an extended period. His blunt dismissal of the idea that someone could gain permanent rights to someone else’s property by merely occupying it likened the situation to theft, drawing a parallel with car theft where the thief might claim ownership after retaining the car for a set duration.
Additionally, Fetterman touched on broader criminal justice issues, advocating for severe and definitive penalties for serious crimes, particularly those against law enforcement officers. He emphasized the importance of attending police funerals to honor fallen officers and argued that anyone convicted of killing police should face life imprisonment.
This interview underscores Fetterman’s recent shift towards a more stringent stance on crime and legal issues, diverging from what many might expect from a progressive platform. His approach suggests a pragmatic, perhaps more traditional view on property rights and criminal justice, aiming to blend a tough stance on crime with his broader political philosophy.
