Commie Christmas?
Dec/26/10 02:53 AM
Each year around Thanksgiving and Christmas my friend Matt questions my libertarianism/conservatism because of my support of some of Massachusetts’ old Blue Laws, which were generally enacted in the olden days by the Pilgrims and still stand today. For example, almost all stores in the state have to be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas to allow employees to celebrate the holidays. The only exceptions are gas stations, pharmacies, and a few other basic necessities. I just drove around the entire South Shore trying to find an open Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks and finally found one open in Cohasset. Coffee counts as basic necessity around here. But, no booze, no last minute gifts, no food. So, is this the state breathing down the necks of business owners and their customers? Or is it acting within its bounds?
Here, I say the state is within its bounds. It’s a decision being made at the local, state level that could be relatively easily altered if enough people in the state actually had a serious problem with it. If it were a national policy, that would be a no-go in my book. But, Massachusetts can do whatever it wants in the spirit of federalism. And those workers at Wal-Mart who would otherwise be stuck stocking shelves today can spend this valuable time with family.
Here’s an article debating the matter that was posted in the Herald on Thanksgiving.
Here, I say the state is within its bounds. It’s a decision being made at the local, state level that could be relatively easily altered if enough people in the state actually had a serious problem with it. If it were a national policy, that would be a no-go in my book. But, Massachusetts can do whatever it wants in the spirit of federalism. And those workers at Wal-Mart who would otherwise be stuck stocking shelves today can spend this valuable time with family.
Here’s an article debating the matter that was posted in the Herald on Thanksgiving.
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